Hiking around Alpamayo and Huascaran

An unforgettable trekking experience in the Peruvian Cordillera Blanca: 8 days walking around the peaks of Alpamayo and Huascaran. Do it with the professional guidance of one of our certified guides from Peru Expeditions.

Not specified

Cordillera Blanca

8 Days

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Description

I am happy to invite you to live a unique 8-day trek in the Cordillera Blanca. Come with me and discover the Peruvian natural wonders through the Alpamayo and Huascaran trail.

The Cordillera Blanca is one of the best places for the enjoyment of climbing and trekking adventures. In addition, there are more than 50 mountains over 5000 meters. The Alpamayo and Huascaran are some of them, being the last one the highest mountain of the country, with 6768 meters of altitude.

This trekking circuit around the peaks of Alpamayo and Huascaran, is the dream of any high mountain trekker. I think it is an amazing hiking adventure thanks to its altitude and the many high passes along the way.

A 8-day trip of fascinating landscapes, including deep blue mountain lakes, high passes among stunning snow-capped peaks and native flora lying on high plateaus.

The Alpamayo and Huascaran circuit has everything you need to live an unforgettable experience. The best period to come is from May till November, during the dry season.

It is also a good season to try a summit attack in the Alpamayo. If you would like to enjoy a mountaineering experience in the Cordillera Blanca, let me share with you my 6-day expedition to the Alpamayo summit.

I can lead a group between 2 and 15 participants. All of them must have a good fitness level (is the only requirement since it is not a technically difficult trail). I have some open groups you can join if you are on your own. On the contrary, I will open a new one specially for you and your friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with me so we can discuss and plan you next adventure in the Cordillera Blanca!!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Transport during the trip

- Group porters

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

Itinerary

Day 1: Hualcayan (3150 m) - Trekking to Wishcash Camp (4520 m)

The first day of this adventure starts by climbing the steep trail to the Wishcash Campsite. In the afternoon we can watch the beautiful sunset over the Cordillera Negra. Overnight Camp (-/L/D).

Day 2: Wishcash - Trekking to Ruina Pampa (4000 m)

This will be a long and difficult day. We will pass by the large Cullicocha lake, with fantastic views of the Santa Cruz peak and the glaciers. Then, we will continue up to the Osoruri Pass (4,860 m.). After a descent of 400 meters, we will climb the Vientunan Pass (4,770 m) and finally we’ll drop sharply into the Cedros Alpamayo Valley. 8 or 9 hours later, we will be finally in the Ruina Pampa Camp (4000 m) (B/L/D).

Day 3: Ruina Pampa - Trekking to Cruze Alpamayo (4250 m)

The day starts with a short but scenic hike leading us to a beautiful view of the Cruze Alpamayo, at 4,250 m. Those who wish can climb the Alpamayo North Base Camp (4,500 m) and do an optional summit hike to the Jatunjirca Peak (5030 m). The other option is to spend a half day resting in the Cruze Alpamayo Camp, with a beautiful view of Alpamayo. Overnight Camp (B/L/D).

Day 4: Cruze Alpamayo - Trekking to Caracara Pass (4830 m) and Tayapama Valley (4150)

Today we will hike over two mountain passes: the Caracara (4,830 m) and the Mesapata (4,460 m). We’ll set up camp in the vast flatness of the Tayapampa Valley and then we’ll continue to the Laguna Safuna (4,200 m) for an afternoon visit. Overnight Camp (B/L/D).

Day 5: Tayapama - Trekking over Pucajircas Pass (4615 m) to Jancapampa (3600 m)

Continuing our trek, a few kilometers from the valley in a wide open grassland we will pass by two houses of local farmers. Then, we’ll continue through a steep slope to the Pucahirca Pass (4,610 m) followed by a long descent to a lake on the far side of the Yanajanca Valley. Camp at Jancapampa, directly below the ice walls of the Pucahirca and Taulliraju peaks (B/L/D).

Day 6: Tupatupa Pass (4400m) - Trekking to Laguna Huecrucocha (4050 m)

We will continue the trek crossing the Tupatupa Pass and descending to the forested Tuctubamba Valley. We will stay in large tents with a magnificent view of the Laguna Huercrucocha (B/L/D).

Day 7: Laguna Huecrucocha - Yanagrahirca Pass (4300 m) to Colcabamba (3,300 m)

It will be a long day. However, our hike will be a bit easier up to the Yanagrahirca Pass (4,300 m) with more panoramic views of the mountains of Chopicalqui, Taulliraju, Huascarán, and Tocllaraju. Then, we will have a long downhill way through increasingly populated areas and indigenous villages to the city of Colcabamba (3,300 m) where we’ll set up our camp (B/L/D).

Day 8: Colcabamba - Transfer to Huaraz: Over Portachuelo Pass (4650 m)

Last day of the trek. From the town of Colcabamba we will leave our team of donkeys and a private vehicle will pick us up. We’ll cross the Portachuelo Pass (4,650 m) with impressive views of the peaks of Chopicalqui, North and South Huascarán, Huandoy‘s 4 summits, Nevado Pisco, Chacraraju and Yanapaccha, among others. We’ll stop to take photos in several places. Farther along we can see the Chinancocha and the Orconcocha lakes in the Llanganuco Valley, where the bus is waiting to take us back Huaraz. End of the program and overnight stay in a hotel in the city (B/L/-).

Details

More info

Not included in the price:

International flights to Lima / Peru round trip
Transfer from the airport for bookings of individual flights with different times of arrival / departure
Exit tax at the airport in Lima
Travel accident and health insurance
Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
Meals in restaurants in Lima and Huaraz
Pick up at the airport in Lima to the Hotel
Transfer from the Hotel to the airport and bus station
Transport public bus or Domestic flight Airline LC-Peru
Hotel Casa Andina 2 nights in Lima or other hotel
Hotel San Sebastián 4 nights in Huaraz or other hotel
Entrance fees to the Huascaran National Park
Personal expenses
Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc.)
Tips

Meeting point

Huaraz

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join a group?

What happens in the event of bad weather?

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

About the guide

Peru

4.78

(27)

Guide Agency

Peru Expeditions is a Guide Agency and Tour Operator based in Huaraz, Peru.

It's a family-owned travel agency, which was founded more than 35 years ago, and is now managed by IFMGA-guide Juventino and his son, Eric.

We organize trekkings and mountain expeditions in Cordillera Blanca, and all around Peru.

Languages

| English

Certificates

AGMP | IFMGA

What people are saying about this trip

Tony Hoffman

5.00

September, 2020

The hike was canceled. We didn’t go anywhere. Didn’t even get into the country.

Nicole et Catherine

5.00

April, 2017

A very, very sympathic guide, who knows all the secrets of the places and itinerarys the most beautiful ; organization top ; food excellent too ; marvellous souvenirs.