The Most Spectacular Trekking Route in the Andes
This hike is a shorter version of the renowned Alpamayo Circuit in the Cordillera Blanca. It’s perfect for those with limited vacation time who still want to trek to Alpamayo Base Camp via the Cedros Valley.
Along this route, you’ll witness the stunning peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, including the iconic Alpamayo—considered by mountaineers to be the most beautiful mountain in the world due to its perfect pyramid shape.
The trek features vibrant glacial lakes, breathtaking mountain views from high passes, farmland, and traditional Andean villages—offering a unique opportunity to meet and interact with local Quechua people dressed in colorful native clothing.
9 Days
Cordillera Blanca
May to October
Moderate
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Starting from:
- By booking in advance, you give us the opportunity to find additional participants for your selected date. (Group service is considered for 5 to 8 participants.) We launch a new group departure with a minimum of 2 participants.
- To confirm your reservation, a payment of 20% of the total price is required. The remaining 80% is paid upon arrival in Huaraz.
- Dear clients, our company is available to provide you with all the detailed information you may need. We will respond to your message as soon as possible.
- Our trekking rates may vary depending on how far in advance you book or the number of participants.
PRIVATE SERVICE (Exclusive)
01 person US 2380
02 people US 1350
04 people US 1145
06 people US 965
- If you wish to book this PRIVATE SERVICE, reservations can be made up to one week before your selected date.
- If you’re a group of friends or family with 4 or more people, we recommend booking a private departure for a more personalized experience.
Day 01: Huaraz (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) – Vaquería + Hike to Paria (3,650 m / 11,975 ft)
Duration: 4 hours (transport) + approximately 4.5 hours (hiking)
We’ll pick you up from your hotel in the morning with our private transport. The drive heads north from Huaraz through the Callejón de Huaylas, passing traditional villages in the valley with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.
We’ll arrive in Yungay, the town from which we ascend via a scenic road through the beautiful Llanganuco Valley—one of the main gateways to Huascarán National Park. Continuing up the valley, we pass the two Llanganuco lakes: Chinancocha and Orconcocha.
We’ll make a brief stop at the Portachuelo Pass viewpoint (15,617 ft / 4,760 m), where we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca. At the top of the pass, we’ll pause to take photos of the majestic peaks of Huascarán, Huandoy, Pisco, and Chacraraju.
Then we drive to Vaquería (11,811 ft / 3,600 m), where our mule drivers and pack animals will be waiting to load our gear.
From Vaquería, we begin a relaxing hike through farmland dotted with small homes and herds of livestock. We continue along a gentle, gradual trail until we reach our first campsite in Paria (11,975 ft / 3,650 m).
Day 02: Paria – Alto Pucaraju Pass (4,640 m / 15,223 ft) – Quisuar (3,900 m / 12,792 ft)
Duration: 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 11 km
From Paria campsite, we begin a steep ascent along a rocky trail to the top of Alto Pucaraju Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). At the pass, we’re rewarded with magnificent views of several peaks, including the striking Nevado Taulliraju (5,830 m / 19,127 ft).
We then descend for an extended stretch—initially through switchbacks, then along a sweeping trail that winds through slopes covered in shrubs and native polylepis trees. We’ll stop for lunch near Huecroncocha Lake (3,950 m / 12,959 ft).
Tonight’s campsite is located on the left side of a small village called Quisuar (3,900 m / 12,792 ft).
Day 03: Quisuar – Tupatupa Pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) – Jancapampa (3,600 m / 11,811 ft)
Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
After breakfast, we begin a gradual ascent that becomes steeper as we approach Tupatupa Pass (4,400 m / 14,436 ft). From the pass, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of several major snow-capped peaks in the Cordillera Blanca, including Pucajirca to the north (6,050 m / 19,849 ft).
We then descend to our next campsite, located at the head of a wide valley called Jancapampa (3,600 m / 11,811 ft).
Directly behind the camp, we’ll see a massive hanging glacier spilling waterfalls down a horseshoe-shaped granite wall that rises hundreds of meters high.
The valley is home to many farming families, and during our stay, we’ll likely be visited by friendly locals—including curious and cheerful children.
Day 04: Jancapampa – Yanacon Pass – Safuna or Huillca Camp
Duration: Approximately 7–8 hours
Distance: Approximately 14 km
We begin with a long ascent—gradual in some sections, steeper in others—through a forested valley with occasional clearings, until we reach the beautiful Sactaycocha Lake. From there, surrounded by grassy shrubs, we climb sharply to the rocky summit of Yanacon Pass (4,600 m / 15,092 ft).
On a clear day, you’ll see the dramatic Pucajirca Norte rising steeply to the southwest. We then descend to our campsite in Safuna, located in the Tayapmapa Valley (4,200 m / 13,780 ft).
Our camp is set near a large herd of alpacas—marking the end of a long but rewarding day.
Day 05: Safuna – Mesapata Pass – Cara Cara Pass – Alpamayo Base Camp
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10km
Today we cross two mountain passes. The first is a gradual, grassy ascent to Mesapata Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). We then traverse a long stretch skirting marshy terrain, followed by a steep climb to the high and often windy Cara Cara Pass (4,830 m / 15,846 ft).
From here, we get our first spectacular views of the pyramid-shaped Alpamayo (5,947 m / 19,511 ft) and the Jancarurish Lagoon directly below.
We descend to our campsite beneath the majestic Alpamayo, at a site known as Alpamayo Base Camp (4,150 m / 13,615 ft).
Day 06: Extra Day at Alpamayo Camp – Hike to the Viewpoint
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 km
We spend an additional night at Alpamayo Base Camp to fully appreciate the beauty of Alpamayo. You can hike up the nearby moraine overlooking the glacial lake Laguna Jancarurish for close-up views of the Alpamayo and Jancarurish peaks (5,601 m / 18,379 ft). This round-trip hike takes about 3 hours from camp.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can continue further up to the Alpamayo Base Camp (4,500 m / 14,764 ft).
Or, if you prefer, simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at camp.
Day 07: Alpamayo Camp – Ruinapampa – Osoruri Camp
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Today we take it easy with a relaxing hike. We begin by descending through the Quebrada Los Cedros valley for about 2 hours until we reach Ruinapampa. From there, we ascend via a zigzagging trail to our secluded campsite at Osoruri, a plateau tucked away from the main trail (4,400 m / 14,436 ft).
From camp, we can admire the jagged peaks of Milluacocha and Tayapampa.
Day 08: Osoruri Camp – Vientunan and Osoruri Passes – Cullicocha Lagoon
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km
This is a challenging day with two major passes to cross.
We begin with a long ascent heading south along a well-traveled trail to Vientunan Pass (4,770 m / 15,650 ft).
After descending about 150 meters, we climb again to a second pass—Osoruri Pass, also known as Cullicocha Pass (4,860 m / 15,945 ft).
As we begin our descent, we’re treated to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, especially the magnificent triple summit of Santa Cruz (6,259 m / 20,535 ft).
We camp beside the crystal-blue Cullicocha Lagoon (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), with phenomenal views of Santa Cruz rising above the lake.
Day 09: Descent to Hualcayan Village – Transport to Huaraz
Duration: 5 hours (hiking), 3 hours (transport)
Distance: Approximately 11 km
Today features a long descent from Cullicocha Lagoon, winding through switchbacks and crossings along the trail. We follow a long zigzagging path down to the village of Hualcayan (2,900 m / 9,514 ft).
In Hualcayan, our private transport will be waiting to take us on a 116 km drive—approximately 4 hours—back to Huaraz.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing: You’ll meet with your guide and group at our office for an orientation before your trek. This meeting will take place the afternoon before your journey begins.
- Outbound transportation: We’ll pick you up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transport to Vaquería, the starting point of the trek.
- Experienced guide: A certified, bilingual, professional, and courteous trekking guide. Your guide will share insights about the culture and surroundings throughout the route and ensure your safety, health, and comfort so you can enjoy your adventure worry-free.
- All camping and kitchen equipment: Sleeping tents, dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking gear—all carried by pack animals.
- Pack animals (donkeys): To carry all camping gear and your personal luggage allowance (8 kg for group service, 12 kg for private service).
- Trekking cook: A mountain-trained cook (with an assistant for groups larger than 8 people) will prepare delicious meals throughout the trek to keep your energy up. You’ll never go hungry!
Not included
- Accommodation in Huaraz for the duration of your stay in the city
- Sleeping bag: Considered personal gear. If you don’t have your own, you may rent one from our agency. Our sleeping bags are durable and effective for temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). They are mummy-style and include a sleeping liner. Bags are cleaned after each use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips (subject to availability)
- Trekking poles: Available for rent at our office if needed
- First breakfast and final dinner in Huaraz
- Travel, personal, and/or medical insurance
- Personal clothing and gear
- Tips for our staff: Please note that our team is fairly compensated, so tipping is entirely at your discretion
- Additional expenses resulting from early departure from the tour or emergency rescue/evacuation
- Extra costs or delays beyond the company’s control (e.g., bad weather, itinerary changes due to safety precautions, illness, changes in government policy, political unrest/strikes, etc.)
Card Payments
We accept all VISA and MASTERCARD credit or debit cards via a secure link. A 5% surcharge applies for this payment method (SSL secure system).
Bank Transfer
Payment can also be made via bank transfer to our company account:
BCP. Banco de Crédito del Perú
A nombre: Ana Magaly Villanueva Martínez (Sub-Gerencia)
Ahorro SOLES: 375-18360690-0-08 | CCI: 00237511836069000845
Ahorro DOLARES: 375-28861110-1-93 | CCI: 00237512886111019342
BBVA Banco Continental
A nombre: Ana Magaly Villanueva Martínez (Sub-Gerencia)
Ahorro SOLES: 0011-0814-13-0239338238 | CCI: 011 814 000239338238 13