Peru Alpamayo Cordillera Blanca Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Overnight flight from USA to Lima; arrive early morning the next day in Lima. Depending on your flight plans, you may want or need to overnight in Lima.

Day 2
We'll pick most trekkers and climbers up at the airport after their early-morning arrival, and then travel from Lima to Huaraz. There's a modest place for breakfast just out of town if you're hungry for breakfast. After a drive through the pacific desert, we'll stop for lunch or snack along the way. During our 7-8 hour drive, other stops will include a visit to a fresh fruit stand where it's possible to purchase some exotic treats for the day. Our travels will take us over a 13,000'+ pass, and back down again to Huaraz (10,000'), our base of operations for the trip. After a short rest, we'll have dinner and a quick orientation for our next day. Overnight at hotel in Huaraz.

Day 3
An acclimatization and sightseeing day. After breakfast in our hotel, we'll travel by van into the Cordillera Negra, the 'black' mountain range that sits opposite of the Cordillera Blanca, the 'white' mountain range.

From the Negra, there is an awesome overview of the Blanca and all its grandeur. There are a couple of hiking options in the Negra, so we'll decide while in Huaraz what fits best for our group. If we do the longer option, we'll start from the trailhead at Punta Callan (13,100'), where we'll walk down to Huaraz for 3 to 4 hours on an ancient Incan trail. Prior to dinner, we'll organize our gear for the trek, and prepare for our departure in the morning. Overnight at hotel in Huaraz.

Day 4
After breakfast, we'll do some more packing in preparation for the trek, and also pack for another day hike. Like the day before, there are many options. One option is a hike to Lago (Lake) Churup, which starts with transport in cars/van to Pitec, at 12,467', and then hike for 3-4 hours to the lake, an incredibly beautiful area located at 15,091'. There are other worthy options, and we'll decide the night before what's best for our group. After lunch during the trek, our group will descend and return to Huaraz to further help our acclimatization. We'll relax here, have dinner, and then prepare for our Alpamayo trek, which will start the next day. Overnight at hotel in Huaraz.

The two noted acclimatization hikes are two of many hike options. Your trek leader may opt for another choice, depending on weather and other factors.

Day 5: Trek Day 1
After an early rise and breakfast, we will depart around 7a.m., traveling by bus from our hotel, and first travel through the Llanganuco Valley. Spectacular views of incredibly high peaks abound, as the highest ice-clad peak in Peru, Huascaran, looms above all. Other high peaks include Huandoy and Chopicalqui. Our drive will continue through Portachuelo Pass at 15,583'. The drive to here and a bit beyond is simply spectacular. After some photo ops at the pass we'll continue onward to Vaqueria. We will meet our team of mule drivers and mules here and begin our trek towards the Huaripampa Valley. Along the way we have a chance to observe the local Quechan people, their homes, and observe their customs and lifestyle. Terrain will be alpine in nature. In the afternoon we'll arrive at the head of Quebrada Paria at 12,795', our camping site for the night. Quebrada means valley or ravine, and this is a popular camping spot for a couple of different treks. Time on the trail today will be around 5 hours. With the drive, it is somewhat of a long day. You'll be ready for a hearty meal and some good rest!

Once on the trail, we will adjust quickly into a comfortable trekking routine. A full camp will be set up prior to our arrival at camp each day, complete with twin sleeping tents, dining and cook tents, and a private bathroom tent. Tea is commonly served upon arrival at camp. Those that venture out at night will likely be greeted by a sky full of incredible stars and the famed "Southern Cross," a unique celestial feature in the Southern Hemisphere, which is used for navigation, much like the Big Dipper and North Star in the Northern Hemisphere.

We'll awake around 6:30 AM each day with some tea and wash water to get a fresh start prior to our day of trekking. Breakfast will be served in our dining tent, complete with drip coffee, a selection of teas, hot chocolate, and other refreshments. The main breakfast course typically includes toast, hot or cold cereal, eggs, fruit or yogurt to provide good energy for our trekking days.

Day 6: Trek Day 2
Our trek will continue today from Quebrada Paria to Alto Pucahirca Pass, at 15,354', where we will have spectacular views of many Cordilleran high summits, including Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, Taulliraju, and more. We'll see Huascaran again, the highest peak in Peru, standing at 22,205'. From the pass, the route descents to our camp in Huecrococha, at 13,100'. Like our other days, this day will be around 6-7 hours of hiking. We'll relax in the afternoon, take in the views, visit, do a little wash, and enjoy life. If there's interest, trekkers can take a bath alongside the lake. A snack and tea will be served in the dining tent before dinner.

Day 7: Trek Day 3
From the lake near Huecrococha, our group will pass through the small village of Quisuar, where we can observe the locals and see the diverse ecosystem of this part of the Cordillera de Los Andes. They have a fascinating fish-farm near the village. By mid-day, we reach the Pass of Tupa Tupa (14,530'), admire the views from this grassy-pass, and have lunch complete with hot drinks.

During the trek, lunches are varied, and include small sandwiches, some cheese, chocolate, hard-boiled eggs, and other treats. We encourage trekkers to bring along a small bag of their favorite lunch snacks to supplement what we provide to round out their lunchtime meal selection.

From the pass, we'll descend and finish our 6-hour trekking day. Camp will be near Jancapampa, at 11,483', where we will find beautiful farmlands and inquisitive locals who will welcome us. Beverages are available to purchase for those looking to quench their thirst. At the head of the valley, the impressive face of Pucajirca can be seen, complete with massive glaciers, ice cliff, and waterfalls. There are simply no words to truly express the beauty and complexity of Pucajirca as we encircle a good part of the mountain during our trek.

Day 8: Trek Day 4
A shorter day of 4-5 hours of trekking will reward our past efforts. From Jancapampa, we'll ascend Yanajanca Valley, a very diverse area in terms of vegetation. We'll camp at Sactaycocha (sactay = rest, cocha = lagoon), at 13,450'. This is an active rest day, with a modest walk to camp, rest, and recovery in preparation for the trek over our highest pass the next day.

There is an optional short walk from camp to an overlook where we can get an incredible overview of the lake and a view of the huge glacier carved valley that holds our camp. With all the green grass and smooth granite walls around camp, the word 'spectacular' will likely permeate conversations.

Dinners usually start with a nice selection of hot and cold drinks, followed by soup, and then a main dish of pastas, fresh local trout, or one of Peru's specialty dishes, like lomo saltado, a hearty beef meal complete with vegetables and rice. More hot drinks follow the main meal, leading to pleasant conversation or perhaps a game of cards into the evening.

Day 9: Trek Day 5
Another modest day of trekking (5-6 hours). From our camp above Laguna Sactaycocha, we'll climb through Yanayacu Pass (Yana=Black, yacu=water), at 15,680', the second highest pass of our trip. The pass is very alpine in nature, with incredible views of Pucajirca. After climbing over Yanayacu Pass, we will descend to Willcapampa, where are there are more surprises in store for the group. We'll take a long break here — at the confluence of serval valleys, then ascend for a short distance to our camp at Huillcapampa (13,123'). From this camp we will see the North faces of the Alpamayo and Pucahirca group, some of the most spectacular peaks in the range.

Afternoons on our shorter days allow us to recharge for the remaining part of the trek, and provide time to soak in this wonderful trekking experience. Some trekkers may want to wash a few clothes, or take the opportunity to clean up a bit with the extra time. There's a natural rock garden around this camp, so it's common to take a short walk taking in the views. Some trekkers may also want to stray out into the darkness to take in sunset pictures of Alpamayo and the incredible star laden sky.

Day 10: Trek Day 6
A longer day of hiking, around 7-8 hours, will lead us from our camp at Huillcapampa, with a climb over Paso Moyobamba (14,435'). There is a long walk to the head of the Cedros Valley, a slow ascent to the base of the pass where we'll take a short but well-earned break. The ascent to the pass above is on rock scree, and feels more alpine with each step.

More views as we climb through Paso Cara Cara (15,912'), the highest pass of our trip. Each of our passes will provide a nice challenge and resulting rewards. The views of Alpamayo and the surrounding peaks is simply indescribable. It's usually windy here, and there is time to enjoy the pass and the views, take pictures, and rest a bit before heading down into the next valley.

A descent down a softer trail at times will lead us past some high alpine tarns (lakes), then down through huge grassy slopes to our camp at Jancarurish (Alpamayo Valley; 13,780'). The views of Alpamayo and the other mountains around this camp are spectacular. This is one of the classic views of Alpamayo; an unforgettable camp placed on pampa, a grassy-like pasture, with a stream nearby for bathing and clothes washing.

Day 11: Trek Day 7
Another longer day of trekking today (6-7 hours), will start from our camp at Jancarurish with a descent to Ruinapampa in Alpamyo Valley. Pre-Incan ruins can be seen here, and we'll take a quick break and rest in preparation for the climb to our next pass. We will then zig-zag up scree switchbacks and over Paso Vientuna (15,584'). More stunning views here of other 5,000 and 6,000 meter peaks. From the pass, we will descend down to a very pleasant but compact camp at 14,763' called Osorui, or Bear Camp, the highest camp of our trek.

Day 12: Trek Day 8
From Osoruri, our group will trek over a couple of smaller passes, and then over Paso Cullicocha, at 15,748', our last high pass of the 100 mile'ish trek. From this pass, there are incredible views of the Santa Cruz group, peaks ranging in height from 5-6,000 meters. Another simply stunning day. A steep descent through rock will take us down to Cullicocha Lake and a control dam; we'll take a break on the comfortable glacier-smoothed slabs for lunch and take in the views. The trail from the dam then contours along the slope, at times with breath-taking views below. Eventually we'll round a corner, and begin our descent to camp, about an hour below. We will appreciate another stellar camp with lots of opportunities for photos and mountain enjoyment here, known as Wishcash (13,123'), our last camp of the trip. From this camp we will see spectacular views of the Cordillera Negra which we visited at the beginning of our trip. Trekking time will be around 5-6 hours.

Day 13: Trek Day 9
Leaving Wishcash early, we will descend for around 4 hours to the small village of Hualcayan (10,368'). The lower altitude will feel like thick air after our days of travel in the higher reaches of the Cordillera Blanca. Here, we say farewell to our helpful mule drivers and then pack-up our bus and drive for 5 hours to Huaraz, where we will return to our hotel. We will enjoy well-earned showers and a nice meal in Huaraz. Of course, time to connect with family again via the Internet, then a good night's rest in a real bed. While visions of 'home' will be on our minds, the reality of an incredible dream-like trek and achievement will continue to buoy the team's spirit.

Day 14: Huaraz (or trek backup day)
Today, is our last day in Huaraz, and will be used by most participants as a day of clean-up, shopping in town, and relaxation on the hotel terrace. We'll have a final group meal and celebrate our trekking fun! Overnight in our Huaraz hotel.

Note: We will likely take this extra day on our trek, and it can be used to accommodate acclimatization, take an extra rest day, or work around some poor weather so we can appreciate the views. This day can add a bit of cushion and flexibility.

Day 15: Drive from Huaraz to Lima, and flights home
There may be some time in the early morning before our departure for Lima for some shopping, then our 8-hour drive to the coast for flights home. There is lots of time to sit back and remember our time trekking through the Cordillera Blanca during the drive, listen to music, read, and sleep. We'll make our way to the airport for late flights home with enough time to spare.

Day 16: Trekkers return home!
Our trekkers will arrive home, and celebrate their reunion with friends and family.