Alpamayo Trek

We leave Huaraz in the morning by private transport and travel north through the Callejon de Huaylas toward the Llanganuco Valley. The road passes the turquoise Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes before climbing toward Portachuelo, one of the finest road-access viewpoints in the Cordillera Blanca.

After crossing Portachuelo, we descend toward Vaqueria, where the trekking section begins. From here, we hike through rural Andean landscapes and enter the Huaripampa Valley before continuing to our first camp in the Paria area.

This first day combines an impressive scenic drive with a moderate introductory hike and helps the group settle into the rhythm of the expedition.

• Huaraz altitude: Approximately 10,171 ft
• Llanganuco Lakes: Approximately 12,795 ft
• Portachuelo: Approximately 15,617 ft
• Paria camp: Approximately 12,467-13,058 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we begin the ascent toward Punta Union Pass, one of the classic high points of the Cordillera Blanca trekking network. The trail climbs steadily through increasingly alpine terrain as the surrounding mountains and valleys open below us.

At approximately 15,584 ft, Punta Union provides a dramatic panorama of the surrounding peaks, glacial terrain and high mountain lakes. After a break at the pass, we descend toward the Tuctubamba sector and our campsite.

This is a demanding but highly rewarding mountain day and an important transition toward the more remote stages of the Alpamayo circuit.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,584 ft at Punta Union Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 13,780 ft at Tuctubamba
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-7 hour

We continue deeper into the Cordillera Blanca with a steady climb toward Pucajirca Pass. The route gains altitude through high-Andean grasslands and increasingly open mountain terrain.

From the pass, the landscape expands toward the Pucajirca and surrounding mountain groups. After enjoying the high-altitude views, we begin the descent toward Quisuar, passing through quieter valleys with native vegetation and small alpine lakes along the way.

We reach camp at Quisuar in the afternoon, completing another demanding crossing in a remote section of the range.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,223 ft at Pucajirca Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 12,795 ft at Quisuar
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Today we climb from Quisuar toward Tupatupa Pass. The ascent leads through a broad Andean landscape where the route feels increasingly isolated from the better-known trekking corridors of the Cordillera Blanca.

At approximately 14,436 ft, Tupatupa Pass offers a wide view over the surrounding valleys before we begin a long descent toward Jancapampa.

As we lose altitude, the scenery becomes greener and more pastoral. The Jancapampa area provides an opportunity to experience the human side of the Andes, with traditional settlements and agricultural landscapes appearing again after the high mountain crossing.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 14,436 ft at Tupatupa Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 11,811 ft at Jancapampa
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-7 hours

We leave Jancapampa and begin another sustained climb toward Yanacon Pass. The route gradually leaves the inhabited valley behind and returns to high-altitude terrain.

At approximately 15,092 ft, the pass opens views toward remote valleys and the snow-covered peaks of the northern Cordillera Blanca. The crossing requires a steady pace and good acclimatization.

From Yanacon, we descend toward Huillca, where we spend the night in a quiet mountain camp surrounded by open Andean scenery.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,092 ft at Yanacon Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 13,123 ft at Huillca
• Hiking time: Approximately 7 hours

This is one of the strongest mountain days of the trek, with two significant passes to cross before reaching the Alpamayo sector.

We first climb toward Mesapata Pass and continue through rugged high-altitude terrain toward Caracara Pass. At approximately 15,846 ft, Caracara is one of the highest points of the entire itinerary and rewards the effort with extensive mountain views.

After the pass, we descend toward Jancarurish. As we approach camp, Alpamayo becomes the dominant landmark and the surrounding valley offers one of the most memorable settings of the trek.

• Mesapata Pass: Approximately 14,633 ft
• Caracara Pass: Approximately 15,846 ft
• Jancarurish camp: Approximately 13,780 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 7-8 hours

Waking up in Jancarurish is one of the highlights of the expedition, with the Alpamayo massif rising above the surrounding valley. After breakfast, we continue across the remote Cedros sector toward Vientunan Pass.

The trail climbs through high mountain terrain to approximately 15,650 ft before descending toward Osoruri. Throughout the day, the changing perspective reveals remote valleys, glacial landscapes and impressive views across the northern Cordillera Blanca.

We camp at Osoruri at approximately 14,928 ft. An additional hike to the Alpamayo viewpoint can be arranged, but it requires adding an extra day to the standard 9-day program.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,650 ft at Vientunan Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 14,928 ft at Osoruri
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-7 hours

From Osoruri, we begin a demanding high-altitude day toward Cullicocha Pass, the highest point of the trek at approximately 15,945 ft.

The crossing offers outstanding views of the northern Cordillera Blanca. We then descend toward the striking turquoise waters of Cullicocha Lake, located at approximately 15,157 ft and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

After spending time near the lake, we continue descending toward Huishcash, where we establish our final camp and enjoy the changing landscape as the expedition approaches its conclusion.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,945 ft at Cullicocha Pass
• Cullicocha Lake: Approximately 15,157 ft
• Camp altitude: Approximately 13,780 ft at Huishcash
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Our final trekking day begins with a descent from Huishcash toward Hualcayan. After days of high passes, glacial landscapes and remote camps, the terrain becomes progressively greener and signs of everyday Andean life reappear.

Reaching Hualcayan marks the end of the walking section of the Alpamayo Trek. Our private vehicle will be waiting for the return journey to Huaraz.

The drive back offers time to reflect on the major crossings, remote camps, turquoise lakes and views of Alpamayo that make this one of the great trekking journeys of the Cordillera Blanca.

• Hualcayan altitude: Approximately 10,335 ft
• Huaraz altitude: Approximately 10,171 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 3-4 hours
• Return: Private transfer to Huaraz