Itinerary

1. Day 1: Acclimatization (full day)

   • This day is reserved for acclimatisation.

2. Day 2: Huaraz – Cashapampa

   • Depart from Huaraz to the north side passing several towns such as Carhuaz, and Yungay Caraz.

   • Drive up to Cashapampa village to meet the donkey drivers and donkeys. 

   • Hike for about 4 hours, and set up the campsite at Llamacorral at 3800 MSL.

   Huaraz to Cashapampa 96 km, 2 hr 30 min by car. 

   Cashapampa to Llamacorral 3hs 30 min hiking.

3. Day 3: Llamacorral – Taullipampa

   • After breakfast at the campsite, hike to south base camp Alpamayo with first spectacular views of the white mountains, visit Arhueycocha lake and camp in Taullipampa at 4200 MSL.

   Hiking distance 6 hrs, 10km approx.

4. Day 4: Taullipampa – Punta Union – Tuctu

   • Start hiking for a couple of hours to the highest pass of Punta Union 4800 MSL.

   • Behold the wonderful views of the snowy peak. 

   • Continue to walk down till Tuctupampa 4350 MSL. 

   Walking distance 9 km.

   Estimated time: 7 hours.

5. Day 5: Tuctu – Pucajirca Pass – Quisuar

   • Hike for 3 hours to Alto Pucahirca Pass 4700 MSL, then to Huecroncocha. 

   • Set up camp at Quisuar at 3900 MSL. 

   Walking distance: 12 km. 

   Estimated time: 8 hours.

6. Day 6: Quisuar - Tupatupa Pass – Jancapampa

   • Hike for about two hours to the Tupatupa Pass at 4450 MSL, then to Jancapampa and set up camp overlooking the beautiful mountains at 3800 MSL.  

   Walking distance of about 12km.

   Estimated Time: 8 hours.

7. Day 7: Jancapampa – Yanacon Pass – Huillca

   • Hike up until Yanacon Pass 4850 MSL, considered the most difficult hiking pass in this circuit, then hike down to Huilca campsite at 4300 MSL.

   Walking distance: 14km.

   Estimated time: 8 hours.

8. Day 8: Huillca – Safuna – Mesapata Pass – Tayapampa

   • In the morning, hike to Lake Safuna, and then to Mesapata pass 4500 MSL.  

   Total distance: 10 km.

   Duration: 7 hours.

9. Day 9: Tayapampa – Caracara Pass – Jancarurish

   • Be prepared for an early hike-up to Caracara Windy Pass at 4850 MSL.

   • Savour the majestic views of the stunning Santa Cruz massif and the pyramidal Alpamayo mountains as you walk down to the campsite fixed at the North Base Camp Alpamayo called Jancarurish at 4250 MSL.

   Dinner and overnight stay.

   Hiking distance of about 10km, 8 hours.

10. Day 10: Jancarurish – North Face Base Camp Alpamayo

    • Today will be a rest day and you are free to explore on your own. You can hike to base the camp from Alpamayo to Santa Cruz, or just relax at the campsite and eat and sleep at Alpamayo North Face.

    Dinner and overnight at 4250 MSL.

11. Day 11: Jancarurish – Ruinapampa – Ichic Vientona – Osoruri

    • Scout through the Cedros valley to Ruinapampa.

    • Rest for a while and then trace a zigzag trail for about another 3 hours, to the highest pass - Ichicvientona 4750 MSL.

    • Scout to the campsite from the pass (1 hour). 

    • Spend overnight at Osoruri 4625 MSL approx. 

    • Witness a surreal sunset over the Black Mountain (9 hours). 

12. Day 12: Osoruri – Jatun Vientona – Calamina

    • Hike up to pass of Hatunvientona 4850 MSL for an hour. 

    • Soak in the views of Cullicocha Lake.

    • Walk down to Calamina campsite at about 3800 MSL and feast on your lunch. 

    Walking distance approx 8 hours.

13. Day 13: Calamina – Hualacayan – Huaraz

    • Walk down for about 3 hours to the last village of Hualcayan at 2800 MSL approx. 

    • Proceed to Huaraz after the trial ends at Hualcayan (4 hours drive). 

    • Arrive at Huaraz around 4 pm.