11-Day Alpamayo Trek from Huaraz with Lake 69 and Hot Springs

• This day is reserved for acclimatization.

• Depart from Huaraz at around 6 am.

• Arrive at Cebollapampa, passing by the Llanganuco Lakes at 3850 masl.

• Stop at the Cebollapampa trailhead and begin the hike up to Lake 69, following both simple and tricky trails.

• Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and the lake.

• Walk down for about 2 hours to the vehicle, then continue up to Portachuelo de Llanganuco for about 1 hour.

• Experience the sunset behind the mountains.

• Hike down from the pass to the Vaqueria mountain hostel.

Dinner and overnight at the hostel at 3750 masl.

• After breakfast at the hostel in Vaqueria at around 8 am, prepare for your transfer to Pomabamba province and enjoy the gorgeous spectacle of villages, typical Andean towns, lush landscapes, and white-peaked mountains along the way.

• Arrive in Pomabamba at around 2 pm for lunch and explore the town.

• Rest and relax at the hot springs.

Dinner and overnight in a basic hostel in Pomabamba at 2948 masl.

• After breakfast at the hotel in Pomabamba, drive to Jancapampa for about 2 hours. Along the way, enjoy the wonderful landscape, typical houses, and villages.

• Arrive at Jancapampa, where donkey carriers will help with the logistics.

• Walk for around 2 hours to the campsite and set up camp next to the river, overlooking wonderful panoramic mountain views.

• Lunch is served at around 2 pm, and you can then spend the afternoon at ease.

• Walk to the base of Pucajirca Mountain.

Dinner and overnight in Jancapampa.

• Hike up to Yanacon Pass at 4850 masl, considered the most difficult hiking pass on this circuit, and then descend to the Huilca campsite at 4300 masl.

Walking distance: 14 km

Estimated time: 8 hours

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

Total distance: 10 km

Duration: 7 hours

• Be prepared for an early hike up to Caracara Windy Pass at 4850 masl.

• Savour the stunning Santa Cruz massif and the pyramidal Alpamayo mountains as you descend to the campsite at the North Base Camp of Alpamayo, called Jancarurish, at 4250 masl.

Dinner and overnight.

Hiking distance: about 10 km

Estimated time: 8 hours.

• Today is 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 simply relax at the campsite, eat, and rest at Alpamayo North Face.

Dinner and overnight at 4250 masl.

• After breakfast, walk down along the Cedros Valley for a couple of hours to reach Ruinapampa.

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

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

• Spend the night at Osoruri at approximately 4625 masl.

• Witness a surreal sunset over the Black Mountain.

• Walk up from the campsite for about 1 hour to Hatun Vientona Pass at 4850 masl and admire the beautiful blue waters of Lake Cullicocha.

• Have lunch, then walk down to Calamina campsite at about 3800 masl.

Estimated walking time: 8 hours.

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

• Continue to Huaraz after the trail ends at Hualcayan, with a drive of about 4 hours.

• Arrive in Huaraz at around 4 pm.