8
Days / 7 Nights
Huaraz - Hamana - Osoruri - Jancarurish - Safuna - Jancapampa - Huecrococha - Paria -Vaqueria- Huaraz.
Trip profile
This is one of the more strenuous treks in our programme, which should only be attempted by those who have had some experience of long distance walking, preferably some high altitude experience, and who are in good physical condition.
The trek is very high and the nights will be cold and frequently below freezing at higher altitudes. Prolonged rain or heavy cloud cover is not a strong possibility on either departure. Underfoot conditions are moderate to rough, with some screed and tailless walking, and the possibility of some snow on passes.
The Cordillera Blanca is one of the earth's treasured natural heritages. Over 20 snow-capped peaks rise above 6,000 mt-19,680ft. It's highest peak: Huascaran (6,768mt-22,205ft), is also the world's highest mountain in a tropical zone. Perched high above a wide wall of glaciers, at the upper end of Quebrada de los Cedros, stands the glorious pyramid of Alpamayo. The trek includes PANORAMIC spectacular peaks and valleys, 5 passes above 4,500mt-14,760ft, views of small, traditional communities and ecologically diverse flora and fauna.
CATEGORY: C-D
SEASON: MAY TO OCTOBER
CODE: TAP
PRICE PER PERSON: USD 619.00 S.SUPP USD 89.00
DAY 01: HUARAZ - HAMANA
We will drive 4 hours to the north of Callejon de Huaylas, passing through the typical towns of Carhuaz, Yungay, and Caraz. We will turn off to the mountains and arrive at Hualcayán. After sorting our gear, we will walk alongside pre-Inca ruins and over the immense and beautiful Hualcayán plateau to Hamana, where we will camp after a 3-hour walk. (3,100mt-10,165ft). (CB, L, D)
DAY 02: HAMANA - OSORURI
We continue in zigzag fashion to Huishcash. During the walk, we see Yanacocha Lake at the bottom of the canyon. Later, there is a point where we can see Azulcocha Lake and further on, the three imposing peaks of Mt. Santa Cruz (6,259mt-20, 529ft). We continue ascending to a lookout point, where we will have lunch overlooking beautiful Cullicocha lake bottom of the canyon. Later, there is a point where we can see Azulcocha Lake and further on, the three imposing peaks of Mt. Santa Cruz (6,259mt-20, 529ft). We continue ascending to a lookout point, where we will have lunch overlooking beautiful Cullicocha lake (4,600mt-15,088ft). After lunch, we continue to the pass known as Toropishtanan ("Bull-killing Place"- 4,850mt-15, 908ft): the highest part of the whole trip. Then we cross two smaller passes: Gallohuacran( "Crest of the Rooster") and Queso Carpunan("Cheese-pressing place"). From here, there is a beautiful view of Mt. Milluacocha (5,817mt-19,055ft). Then we will descend to the camp at Osoruri (4,200mt-13,775ft).
8 hour walk. (B, L, D)
DAY 03: OSORURI - JANCARURISH
We take a left turn to arrive at Jatun Vientona ("Great wind") pass (4,750mt-15,580ft). It's worth making a stop here to contemplate Milluacocha (5,490mt-18,007 ft) and Pilanco (5,278mt-17,311ft). We descend to another small pass: Ichic Vientona ("Little Wind") and then continue downwards, until we reach the shore of the Los Cedros canyon river. We then have a long walk to some circular pre-Inca ruins. Here we can view the exhilarating Alpamayo (5,947mt-19,505ft); considered to be the most beautiful pyramid-shaped mountain in the world. Other mountains we see on our walk are: Tayapampa (5,637mt-18,489ft) and Jancarurish (5,578mt-18,295ft). We´ll arrive at camp after a 7-hour walk. From camp, we can visit Jancarurish lake (4,250mt-13,940ft).(B, L, D)
DAY 04: JANCARURISH - SAFUNA.
We cross the river, which comes from Jancarurish Lake, using the stones in the riverbed. Then, we take the path upward, while viewing the mountains behind us and Jancarurish Lake at the foot of Alpamayo. We climb in zigzag fashion to Caracara pass (4,830mt-15,842ft). We descend the other side with the Moyobamba valley to our left. We can see Safuna Lake on the right. We descend to a bridge, which we cross, and to reach camp (4,000mt-13,200ft). 7 hour walk (B, L, D)
DAY 05: SAFUNA - JANCAPAMPA
We continue upwards, walking between huge rocks, where we may see vizcachas. We will walk through areas of Taulli shrubs (Lupins) to reach Remate Punta or Yanacon pass (4,600mt-15,080ft.) Here we can see imposing Mt. Pucahirca (6,050mt-19,840ft) to our right and two small lakes in the valley below. We descend, veering right and left, directly to Tzactaycocha Lake, which you have already seen from the pass. After lunching there, we descend through shrubs to a flat area, which connects with the path coming down from Jancapampa camp (3,600mt-11,800ft). Here we can see Mt. Pucahirca. 7 hour walk (B, L, D).
DAY 06: JANCAPAMPA - HUECROCOCHA
We walk to Pishgopampa and after a long ascent, arrive at Tupatupa pass (4,400 mt-14,430ft). We have a great view of Contrahiervas, Chopicalqui, and Ulta. We descend until we can see a small lake. We will see imposing Taulliraju and Pucahirca. After a long walk along the left side of the canyon, we cross a bridge to reach Huecrococha lake (3,950mt-12,950ft), where we make camp. 7 hour walk (B, L, D)
DAY 07: HUECROCOCHA - PARIA
We ascend taking the right-hand path, observing the beauty of the lake. We have a long walk to an area where we can see 2 species of Lupins (Taulli). We continue to the high pass of Pucaraju (4,650mt-15,250ft). Here we will have a spectacular view of various mountain: Contrahiervas, Chopicalqui, Huascarán, Huandoy Pucajircas and Taulliraju. We then descend through small forests of Quenuales (an underground stream keeps this path moist). We continue to the Huaripampa valley, walking through shrubs and forests of Quisuar and Quenuales, before arriving at Paria camp (3,800mt-12,460ft). From here we have a beautiful view of Chacraraju and Paria. 7 hour walk (B, L, D).
DAY 08: PARIA - VAQUERIA - HUARAZ
We have a long descent through the Huaripampa valley, traversing areas of shrubs and forests of native trees. We pass very close to small Torococha Lake in an area called Cachenapampa. Lower down, we take the right-hand descent, pass over a bridge in the small village of Yanatzac. We then ascend to the right to Vaqueria (3,700mt-12,135ft). Here, we await vehicle, which will take us to Huaraz. 5 hour walk, 3 bus ride. Dinner at your expense. (B, L)
INCLUDED:
Camping equipment, cooking gear, English-speaking guide, porter and donkeys, full board, land transportation from Huaráz to the trailhead and back to Huaráz. Entrances fees to the National Park.
TRAVEL TIP:
- If you request guides in other languages please consult.
- Camps in magnificent surroundings.
- Transport in private bus.
- Max. 16 people per group.
NOT
INCLUDED
Personal equipment backpacks, sleeping bags and all personal expenses, mattresses.
See
the complet route map click
here
See the departures of Alpamayo Trek click here
