Santa Cruz and Alpamayo Valley Trek

Hike the complete circuit around Alpamayo Mountain. Ascend through Andean environment with panoramic views 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, the most beautiful mountain in the world.

Trip Information
Grade: Strenuous
Length: 10 Days Hike
Distance: 132 Km
Maximum Altitude: 4860m
Average: 4100m
Season: May – September

Itinerary
Day 1: We begin the journey with a spectacular scenic drive along the Callejon de Huaylas Valley to the village of Cashapampa 2900m which is the starting point of the trek. There are opportunities for photo stops along the way. From Cashapampa we start to ascend steeply for about 2 hours and then the track levels out, we climb steadily along the Quebrada Santa Cruz to camp at Llamacorral 3750m. 5 hours walk.

Day 2: We continue our hike along the wide Santa Cruz Valley, passing Laguna Jatuncocha lake below towering peaks of the Cordillera Blanca that sit in commanding positions above the valley. We camp at Taullipampa 4250m. 5 hours walk.

Day 3: We ascend towards Paso Punta Union 4750m Pass. From the pass there are amazing views down the Santa Cruz Valley and the surrounding mountains. We descend to Huaripampa Valley passing two small lakes to camp at Tuctubamba 4100m. 7 hours walk.

Day 4: We ascend towards Alto de Pucaraju Pass 4640m with amazing views of Taulliraju Mountain and many other peaks. We descend to camp at the end of Laguna Huecrococha Lake 4000m. 7 to 8 hours walk.

Day 5: We ascend towards Paso Tupatupa Pass 4360m. We have great views of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca. We descend to camp at the top of the Jancapampa Valley at 3700m. 7 to 8 hours walk.

Day 6: We ascend towards Paso Yanacon Pass 4610m. We have great views of the surrounding mountains as we climb up to the pass. We descend to camp at Huillca 4100m. 7 to 8 hours walk.

Day 7: We have to cross two passes today. We ascend towards the first Pass of Mesapata 4460m, and then we ascend towards the second Pass Paso Gara Gara 4830m. From the pass we have spectacular views of the unique pyramid shaped Alpamayo Mountain 5947m, Jancarurish, Quitaraju and Laguna Jancarurish Lake. We descend to camp at Jancarurish 4250m at the foot of the majestic Alpamayo. 7 to 8 hours walk.

Day 8: 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 9: 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 10: We descend a long zig zag path to the village of Hualcayan 2900m and drive back to Huaraz. 3 hours walk and 3 hours drive.

For more information and prices contact us.

It has been a great experience in a breathtaking area of the Cordillera Blanca. Rodolfo is an excellent mountain guide. He and his team (cooks and donkey drivers) have provided a first class service to us. Summer family, Austria