Alpamayo Circuit Trek

The bus ride over 400 km into the Cordillera Blanca is varied and promising. First we drive along the Panamericana north through the impressive desert on the Pacific coast, then up into the highlands and over the 4020m high Conococha pass in the Cordillera Negra and descend to Huaraz (3060 m). When we cross the pass, the view to the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca is clear – one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in the world. Arrival in Huaraz and check-in at the hotel. On request, dinner together in the group and first briefing.

Driving time: 8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

We pick you up at the hotel and drive south to the Santa Cruz bridge. Here begins our hike through the picturesque highlands and small Andean villages. We slowly ascend to the Laguna Wilcacocha (3’700m), where we enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the whole Cordillera Blanca. We walk the same way back to the bridge, where our transport waits and brings us back to Huaraz.

Driving time: 20 minutes
Hiking time: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

We drive from Huaraz to Pitec (3’850m) passing through the traditional villages of Unchus and Llupa. After entering the national park we start ascending by following the path over a long ridge. The final 100m to the lake scrambling up a steep rock gully which some people may find difficult. We enjoy the silence and peace at Laguna Churup at 4’450m and return back to Huaraz.

Driving time: 2 hours
Hiking time: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

Drive over Carhuaz, Yungay and Caras and up to the ruins of Hualcayan, remnants of Inca time. We meet our team and stay overnight in the first campsite.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Tent

The first trekking day begins with the many hairpin bends of the steep climb to Camp Wishcash at 4250 m.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Tent

Up to the magnificent Laguna Cullicocha with fantastic views and on to the Osoruri Pass (4860 m). A 400-meter descent is followed by the ascent to the Vientunan Pass (4770 m) and finally the steep descent into the Alpamayo Valley. After the long day (about 8 to 9 hours) the campsite is finally reached on a small river level (4000 m).

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Tent

Short trekking day to Cruz Alpamayo. Breathtaking scenic stage to the later camp Cruz Alpamayo at 4150 m. If you want, you can ascend to the Campo Base Norte (4500 m) of the Alpamayo, from where you may even reach a small five-thousand-meter peak (Jatunjirca, 5030 m, only for ambitious ones!). Fantastic views to the Alpamayo (5947 m) and Quitaraju (6036 m). Easy alternative we can also spend half a rest day at Camp Cruze Alpamayo.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Tent

Crossing of the Caracara Pass (4830 m) and Mesapata (4460 m) with great views of the Alpamayo north side and the Nevados Pucahirca, the northernmost six thousand meter peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Camp (4150 m) in the wide plain of the Quebrada Tayapampa below the Laguna Safuna.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Tent

A few kilometers down the valley to a wide pampa (Huillca, 3950 m), then a steep ascent to the Yanacon / Pucahirca pass (4610 m) and long descent past some Lagunas in the Yanajanca valley with denser vegetation. Camp (3600 m) on the huge grassy plains of Jancapampa in the wild valley just below the bizarre ice and rock walls of Nevados Pucahirca and Taulliraju.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Tent

On the right edge of the Jancapampa valley outward, then up to the Tupatupa Pass (4360 m) and long descent into the vegetation and wooded Quebrada Tuctubamba to about 3900 m altitude. Meadow tent camp or another short ascent to Laguna Huecrucocha (4050 m).

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Tent

Long, slightly more comfortable stage on the Yanagrahirca pass (4300 m, panoramic view from Taulliraju to Chopicalqui and Huascarán, with good visibility to Tocllaraju), then mostly downhill through increasingly populated regions and villages out to the village of Colcabamba (3300 m).

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Tent

From Colcabamba on a dirt road up to Llanganuco road near the village of Machco. Turn southwest into the wild and romantic Quebrada Ichic Ulta and climb steeply to the higher of the two tiny lakes (4250 m) at the foot of the Yanayacu Pass.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Tent

From Punta Yanayacu (4850 m) with breathtaking panoramic views from the Huascarán to the Nevados Contrahierbas, it’s just downhill, past the Laguna Yanayacu to the road in the Ulta Valley (4000 m). Return to Huaraz.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

Today serves as extra day. Free day in Huaraz. On request farewell dinner with the group.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Bus drive back to Lima. Overnight in the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Free day depending on departure times – return flight. 

Meals included: Breakfast