Llanganuco to Alpamayo Base Camp Trek
Our Alpamayo Base Camp Trek is a challenging trekking circuit that ascends through Andean environment with panoramic views of the highest mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, crossing several passes, spectacular valleys with abundant flora and fauna and the opportunity to see the famous Nevado Alpamayo Mountain 5947m/19511ft, the most beautiful mountain in the world.
This trek provides access to the remote inner sanctum of peaks, glaciers and lakes in this range.
Trip Information
Grade: Strenuous
Length: 9 Days Walk
Distance: 102 Km
Maximum Altitude: 4860m/15944ft
Average: 4100m/13451ft
Season: May – September
Itinerary
Day 1: You are picked up at your accommodation and begin the journey with a spectacular scenic drive along the Callejon de Huaylas Valley and then into the Huascaran National Park, past the turquoise Llanganuco Lakes and over the Paso Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass 4785m/15698ft and then down to Vaqueria (3700m/12139ft) which is the starting point of the trek 5 hours drive. There are opportunities for photo stops along the way. From Vaqueria our equipment is loaded onto the donkeys and we have a 5 hours hike on a gradually rising path to our campsite in the Paria Valley 3890m/12762ft.
Day 2: A short hike today. We walk up the valley for 2 hours to camp at Tuctubamba 4100m/13451ft. We can make a side trip on the way and climb up to the top of the pass Punta Union 4750m/15583ft to have fantastic views down into the Santa Cruz Valley. 5 hours extra.
Day 3: We ascend steeply on a rocky path to the top of Paso Alto de Pucaraju Pass 4640m/15223ft. From the top of the pass there are lovely views of many mountains such as Taulliraju, Chacraraju, Paria and many others. We then walk down through lupin covered hillside to camp at Laguna Huecrococha Lake. 4000m/13123ft. 7 to 8 hours walk.
Day 4: We ascend towards Paso Tupatupa Pass 4360m/14304ft with views of the massive snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and then we have a long descent to camp at the head of the Jancapampa Valley at 3700m/12139ft. 7 to 8 hours hike. We will see many local people and kids wondering around the campsite.
Day 5: We ascend a long gradual valley for 3 hours and then we climb steeply to reach the rocky Pass Paso Yanacon 4610m/15124ft for another 2 hours. We go down to our camp at Huillca 4100m/13451ft. 7 to 8 hours hike.
Day 6: We have to cross two passes today. The first pass is a gradual climb to the lower pass of Mesapata 4460m/14632ft, we then traverse and continue climbing to the higher pass Paso Gara Gara 4830m/15846ft from where we have great views of the big mountains Jancarurish, Quitaraju, Alpamayo and Laguna Jancarurish lake. We descend to camp at Jancarurish 4250m/13943ft at the foot of the majestic Alpamayo. 7 to 8 hours
Day 7: We descend a flat valley for about 2 hours before hiking up on a well-used trail towards Paso Vientunan Pass 4770m and then descend to our camp at Osoruri 4550m. 6 to 7 hours walk.
Day 8: We start with an easy climb up to Paso Cullicocha 4860m pass from where we have lovely views of the surrounding mountains. We then descend to the fabulous lake Laguna Cullicocha 4650m from where we can admire the majestic peaks of Nevados Santa Cruz before descending to our last camp at Wishcash 4350m. 6 – 7 hours walk.
Day 9: We descend a long zigzag trail to the village of Hualcayan 2900m/9514ft and then drive back to Huaraz. 4 hours walk and 3 hours drive.
For more information and prices contact us.
The trek and the service provided exceeded my expectations. In particular I was very impressed with the attention given to my dietary needs. I really enjoyed the cheerful nature of the team and the insights into Peruvian life provided by Rodolfo. Many thanks, will recommend to everyone I know. Heather Mates Group, Australia