Itinerary

1. Day 1: Huaraz - Transfer to the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) - Trekking to Llamacorral (3800 m)

   • Today we head for the departure point for our trek. 
   • We set off via private transport to the valley of the Santa River, as far down as Caraz and then along a narrow route toward the Santa Cruz Valley. The farmers cultivate the green fields, but agriculture is very difficult here. 
   • We arrive at the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) where our trek begins and our local team is waiting: burro drivers whose pack animals will carry our baggage from now on. 
   • Starting in the lush vegetation of the valley, 
   • We continue deeper into this unique mountain landscape. 
   • After approximately 4½ hours of trekking, we arrive at our campsite in Llamacorral. 

   Overnight Camp (-/L/D)

2. Day 2: Llamacorral - Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)

   • We climb via Santa Cruz Gorge and pass alongside the lakes of Ichiccocha y Jatuncocha. 
   • At the edge of the trees, the lupines enchant us with all colors of blue. This is a paradise for the local ducks! 
   • Next we go to Lake Arhueycocha (4450m), which is also the departure point for climbing Alpamayo. 
   • We enjoy a fantastic view of the peaks of Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Artesonraju (the logo for Paramount Pictures!) 
   • Many people believe that the white pyramid of Alpamayo is the most beautiful mountain in the world! Camp at Taullipampa.

   Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

3. Day 3: Taullipampa - Punta Union Pass (4750 m) - Trekking to Paria - Refugio Huaripampa (3600 m)

   • At first it's an easy climb through meadows, but the trail soon becomes dry, rocky and steep. 
   • This trail was used from pre-Inca times to get to Punta Unión, an imposing mountain; it will take about 2 hours. 
   • The majestic mountains of the Cordillera Blanca you can see today include Taulliraju and Huandoy, Huascarán, the Pucajircas, Artesonraju and many others. 
   • The descent is also steep and passes through the beautiful high mountain landscape of the lakes of Morococha. 
   • We finally get to the valley of Huaripampa where we camp for the night. 

   Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

4. Day 4: Huaripampa - Trekking to the village of Vaquería. Transfer by van over Portachuelo Pass (4650 m) - Transfer to Huaraz (3100 m)

   • After descending through the forests and whitewater rivers of the Huaripampa Valley, we pass through a typical village of the high Andes, Vaquería. The farmers here raise small animals and some crops. 
   • At this elevation there are still flowers, and their colors brighten the landscape. 
   • From the village we climb to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass, 4650 meters, where you will have fantastic views of several mountains covered in snow. 
   • And with a bit of luck, we‘ll be able to see vicuñas! These timid relatives of llamas graze at elevations of 5500 m; it’s not surprising that these animals produce the finest wool in the animal kingdom, tired and happy, we arrive at the hotel. 

   Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
   Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner