13-Day Alpamayo Circuit Trek in Peru with Cordillera Blanca Passes

• This day is reserved for acclimatization.

• Depart from Huaraz to the north side, passing several towns such as Carhuaz, Yungay, and 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: 3 hr 30 min hiking.

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

Hiking distance: 6 hours, 10 km approx.

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

• Behold the wonderful views of the snowy peaks.

• Continue walking down to Tuctupampa at 4350 MSL.

Walking distance: 9 km.

Estimated time: 7 hours.

• Hike for 3 hours to Alto Pucajirca Pass at 4700 MSL, then continue to Huecroncocha.

• Set up camp at Quisuar at 3900 MSL.

Walking distance: 12 km.

Estimated time: 8 hours.

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

Walking distance: about 12 km.

Estimated time: 8 hours.

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

Walking distance: 14 km.

Estimated time: 8 hours.

• In the morning, hike to Lake Safuna and then continue to Mesapata Pass at 4500 MSL.

Total distance: 10 km.

Duration: 7 hours.

• 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: about 10 km, 8 hours.

• Today will be a rest day, and you are free to explore on your own. You can hike to the base 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.

• Scout through the Cedros Valley to Ruinapampa.

• Rest for a while and then follow a zigzag trail for about another 3 hours to the highest pass, Ichic Vientona, at 4750 MSL.

• Continue from the pass to the campsite in about 1 hour.

• Spend the night at Osoruri at approximately 4625 MSL.

• Witness a surreal sunset over the Black Mountain.

Estimated time: 9 hours.

• Hike up for an hour to the pass of Hatun Vientona at 4850 MSL.

• Soak in the views of Cullicocha Lake.

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

Walking time: approximately 8 hours.

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

• Proceed to Huaraz after the trail ends at Hualcayan with a 4-hour drive.

• Arrive in Huaraz around 4 pm.