Itinerary
- Day 1
Huaraz to Laguna Churup
You'll drive from Huaraz to Pitec through farming settlements, then start trekking steadily up a mountain ridge toward Laguna Churup. The turquoise lake sits at 14,600 feet, and you'll take in views from there. This is a hard day covering 2.2 miles over 5-6 hours, so pace yourself accordingly.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Trek from Pitec to Laguna Churup (2.2 miles, 5-6 hours, Hard difficulty)
Landmarks/POIs Laguna Churup - Day 2
Yungay to Valle Quebrada Paria
After driving through Callej\u00f3n de Huaylas valley, you'll head toward the Cordillera Blanca, passing through Yungay and into Parque Nacional Huascar\u00e1n. The turquoise Llanganuco Lakes come into view, then you'll reach Portachuelo de Paso Llanganuco pass at 15,640 feet for views of high Andean peaks. From there, descend to Vaquer\u00edas where donkeys will carry your equipment, then hike through Huaripampa Ravine Valley to your campsite.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive through Callejón de Huaylas valley and Parque Nacional Huascarán
- Visit Llanganuco Lakes
- Hike through Valle Quebrada Huaripampa to campsite in Valle Quebrada Paria (4.3 miles, 4-5 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Llanganuco Lakes Parque Nacional Huascarán Huascarán Huandoy Chopicalqui - Day 3
Valle Quebrada Paria to Tuctubamba
Today you choose based on how you're feeling. Go up Quebrada Huaripampa Valley to Tuctubamba camp at 13,779.5 feet, or take the longer route to Paso Punta Union pass at 15,584 feet for views of Valle Santa Cruz, then continue to Tuctubamba. The standard hike runs 2.5 miles in 3 hours, while the optional pass adds another 3-4 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike up Quebrada Huaripampa Valley to Tuctubamba (2.5 miles, 3 hours)
Optional Activities
- Climb to Paso Punta Union (Union Point Pass) at 15,584 feet (additional 3-4 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Paso Punta Union - Day 4
Tuctubamba to Laguna Huecrococha
Start with a steep climb on rocky trail to Paso Alto de Pacaraju at 15,255 feet, where you'll see towering peaks like Nevado Taulliraju, Chacraraju, and Paria. Then descend steeply on switchbacks through lupin-covered hillsides and quenual forests down to camp by Laguna Huecrococha. This is a hard day covering 4.7 miles in 6-7 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Climb to Paso Alto de Pacaraju at 15,255 feet
- Descend through lupin and quenual forests to Laguna Huecrococha (4.7 miles, 6-7 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Paso Alto de Pacaraju Nevado Taulliraju Chacraraju Paria Laguna Huecrococha - Day 5
Laguna Huecrococha to Jancapampa
Begin with a brief descent and stream crossing, either by jumping or horseback depending on conditions. Then gradually incline before ascending steeply to Paso Tupatupa at 14,436 feet. You'll pass large snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, then continue to Jancapampa camp at 11,811 feet where a massive hanging glacier with waterfalls comes into view. This long day covers 7.5 miles in 7-8 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Laguna Huecrococha over Paso Tupatupa to Jancapampa (7.5 miles, 7-8 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Paso Tupatupa Pucajirca Norte - Day 6
Jancapampa to Safuna
Start with a long climb through forested valley with occasional clearings up to Laguna Sactaycocha. Continue through grassy shrubland with a steep climb to Paso Pucajirca at 15,092 feet, where Pucajirca Norte appears on clear days. After descending to Willcapampa, you'll see local farmhouses and alpaca herds, then gently climb into Quebrada Tayapampa toward Safuna camp. This strenuous day covers 8.7 miles in 8-9 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Jancapampa through forested valley to Laguna Sactaycocha
- Climb to Paso Pucajirca at 15,092 feet
- Descend through Willcapampa and climb to Safuna camp (8.7 miles, 8-9 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Laguna Sactaycocha Paso Pucajirca Pucajirca Norte - Day 7
Safuna to Cruce Alpamayo Base Camp
Cross two passes today. Start with a gradual grassy ascent to Paso Mesapata at 14,764 feet, then trek around swamplands before tackling the challenging climb to Paso Cara Cara at 15,846.5 feet. From there, you'll spot the triple summits of Santa Cruz, then descend and see Alpamayo and its neighboring peaks with Laguna Jancarurish below. Continue down to Cruce Alpamayo Base Camp. This demanding day covers 6.2 miles in 9-10 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cross Paso Mesapata at 14,764 feet
- Climb to Paso Cara Cara at 15,846.5 feet
- Trek to Cruce Alpamayo Base Camp (6.2 miles, 9-10 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Paso Mesapata Paso Cara Cara Santa Cruz Alpamayo Jancarurish Quitaraju Laguna Jancarurish - Day 8
Cruce Alpamayo Base Camp to Moraine Camp
Leave Alpamayo Base Camp and trek over moraine ridge on sandy slopes and rock slabs to reach a small tent platform area at Moraine Camp at 16,010 feet. Set up for the night at this acclimatization spot. This shorter day takes 4-5 hours of hiking.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek over moraine ridge to Moraine Camp at 16,010 feet (4-5 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Moraine Camp - Day 9
Moraine Camp to High Camp
Start early and follow the rocky route above Moraine Camp for a couple hours to reach ice and moraine terrain. Then make your way through a snowy couloir toward the col between Alpamayo and Quitaraju at 19,816 feet, which can be the most technical section of the route. After the col, climb up to High Camp at 17,388 feet.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Moraine Camp through snowy couloir to col between Alpamayo and Quitaraju
- Climb to High Camp at 17,388 feet
Landmarks/POIs High Camp - Day 10
Alpamayo Summit Attempt
You'll choose between two options today. Option 1: Take photos of Alpamayo from High Camp, then descend back to Alpamayo Base Camp in Valle Santa Cruz. Option 2: Start very early climbing soft snowy slopes, reach the bergschrund at the southwest face, then tackle the steep technical mixed snow and ice climb with about 5 hours of climbing and 7-8 pitches. Descend via the same route with 7-8 rappels and return to High Camp. Total time for Option 2: 8-9 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Alpamayo summit climb attempt or viewing option (8-9 hours climbing if attempting summit)
Optional Activities
- Descend to Alpamayo Base Camp instead of summit attempt
Landmarks/POIs Alpamayo - Day 11
High Camp to Alpamayo Base Camp
Head back to Alpamayo Base Camp by rappelling 492-656 feet down an ice cliff, with the last hour and a half spent on steep and slippery rock. Once you reach camp, relax and celebrate your mountaineering accomplishment with a celebration dinner waiting for you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Celebration dinner at Base Camp)
Included Activities
- Rappel down ice cliff to Alpamayo Base Camp (492-656 feet, 5-6 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Alpamayo - Day 12
Alpamayo Base Camp to Huaraz
Continue down Quebrada Santa Cruz in a long but easy trek to reach Cashapampa. A private van will be waiting there to drive you back to your hotel in Huaraz. This final hiking day covers approximately 6-7 hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek down Quebrada Santa Cruz to Cashapampa (6-7 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Quebrada Santa Cruz - Day 13
Huaraz Departure
This day is optional for climbing Quitaraju or acts as a weather backup if needed. Spend the day at your leisure in Huaraz, then head to the airport for your return journey home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Climb Quitaraju (optional extra day)
- Explore Huaraz
