Dates:
May /June
What to expect
An impressive 11-day trek in the Cordillera Blanca in Peru with incredible mountain scenery including snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes and beautiful meadows.
- A fine trek in glorious landscape in this high, glaciated range around the most beautiful mountain in the world
- Cross high passes between deep valleys with their remote Quechua farming communities.
- Revel in snowy peaks, bright lakes and areas of grassland.
The Cordillera Blanca boasts an unspoiled landscape that is literally dotted with 5,700 to 6,000 metre peaks including Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru at 6,768 metres (22,205 feet). Every day we trek past head-turning glacial lakes sporting an otherworldly colour of blue – always with a backdrop of rugged mountains. During this trek in the Cordillera Blanca we cross 11 passes and can be awestruck by the sheer number of glaciers. We’ll keep an eye out for the remains of pre-Incan ruins along the trail and will be treated to spectacular wildflower filled meadows. We sleep in tents in beautiful camp sites and enjoy the luxury of walking only with a daypack. Donkeys and local “arrieros”and cooks assist us to make the loop around the prettiest mountain in the world an unforgettable trek of a lifetime.
You will learn about the Quechua culture and language that we encounter, both through daily interactions with the porters and in the few small villages you visit along the way
“The incredible landscape on this trip will stir your soul.”
Where we hike to day by day:
- Altitude: Between 2900m and 4860m
- Length: 140km in 11-Days & 2 acclimation days with day hikes in Huaraz
Day 1: 29th of May: Meet in Huaraz, Peru: (3000m)
Meet and greet with the group and guide and talk about the last details
Night and dinner at Hotel Zarela in Huaraz
Day 2: Trekking near Huaraz
Acclimatization hike to a view point above Huaraz
Night and dinner at Hotel in Huaraz
Day 3: Trekking Laguna Churup, 4485m
This beautiful Laguna is perfect to acclimatize even better.
Night and dinner at Hotel in Huaraz
Day 4: Start of Alpamayo circuit
Transport from Huaraz to Cashapampa, Trekking to Llamacorral (3750m)
Night at Camp
Day 5: Llamacorral to Taullipampa (4250m)
Night at Camp
Day 6: Taullipampa to Tuctu Pampa (4500m) via Punta Union pass (4760m)
Night at Camp
Day 7: Tuctu Pampa 4200m – Alto Pukahirka pass 4650m – Laguna Huecrucocha (3950m)
Night at Camp
Day 8: Laguna Huecrucocha to Janka Pampa (3600m) via Tupatupa Pass (4400m)
Night at Camp
Day 9: Janka Pampa to Huilcca (4200m) via Janajanka Pass (4610m)
Night at Camp
Day 10: Huilcca to Mesapampa (4600m) via Kara Kara pass (4830) and Jancarurish (4200m)
Night at Camp
Day 11: Jancarurish, day off or exploring Alpamayo base camp (4500m)
Night at Camp
Day 12: Jancarurish(4200m) to Osoruri (4500m) via Ventura (4770m)
Night at Camp
Day 13: Osoruri to Wishcash (4350m) via Llampapashillun (4850m)
Night at Camp
Day 14, 11th of June: Whiscash to Hualcayan (3250m) and transport back to Huaraz
Night at Hotel in Huaraz
Fees for trekking in Peru:
- 3 hikers: 5736.00 USD each
- 4 hikers: 4474.00 USD each
- 6-12 hikers: 3109.00 USD each
Included in the fee:
Organisation, 2 certified English speaking guides, 4 nights at Hotel in Huaraz (double rooms with ensuite bathroom), 10 camp nights, full board with snacks and non alcoholic drinks, camp service & cook (tents, kitchen), dunkies for your luggage during the trekking, park entrance fees, all ground transportation from Huaraz back to Huaraz as defined in the program, Satellite phone,
Not included in the fee:
Flights, bus/taxi to Huaraz, personal insurances, personal equipment, alcoholic drinks
How to prepare for trekking in Peru
This trek is rated as moderate to challenging. Well before the trek starts you should be working on your fitness. There are several back to back seven to eight hour hiking days. It is important that you are well acclimatized by spending at least 3 nights in Huaraz (or above 3500m) and do easy hikes during those days before starting the trek. We’re happy to recommend hikes and take you there.
A typical day on the Alpamayo loop trek
Once we leave the town of Huaraz we’ll be camping in the mountains. We have a daily daily routine that goes like this:
Every morning starting at around 7.00 we bring you hot tea or coffee to the tent. Then as you pack your day pack and the duffel for the donkeys back we prepare your breakfast. By 8:30/9:00 we’ll start walking on the trails. After a picnic lunch we hike several more hours to reach the camp for the next night. Now you’ll have some time to get cleaned up and for relaxation. After a delicious dinner, chances are you’ll be scurrying to the warmth of your sleeping bag shortly after dinner. Nights come early close to the equator and the temperature drops quickly once the sun goes down.
How to get to the Cordillera Blanca / Huaraz
Take a flight to Lima, the capitol of Peru and a taxi to the bus terminal.
The easiest way to reach the Cordillera Blanca from Lima is by bus from the new bus terminal, it’s a seven- to ten-hour ride from Lima (420km).
Alpamayo mountain 5947 m
Voted as the most beautiful mountain in the world. The picture was taken at the high camp for climbers that climb up to the peak.
Maps for trekking in Peru:
Above: Peru and Alpamayo
Above: The loop we will do
Packing list for trekking in Peru
It can get pretty cold at night (-10°C) and than pleasant and warm during the day. Usually the mornings are still cold and as soon as the sun sets it’s cool again. I’ts important to bring layers.
- Backpack: 30L (you only carry your day pack)
- Shufflebag: This bag goes on the dunkies bag and has your items that you need for the trekking
- Boots: Good trekking boots with ankle support, Teva’s or running shoes for the camps and town
- 2 Trekking poles
- Down sleeping bag (800g down)
- Sleeping mat (Thermarest or similar)
- Down Jacket with hood
- Gore-tex Jacket and Pants
- Long underwear to sleep in the tent and for cold days
- Trekking pants, 1 pair of Shorts if you prefer to walk in Shorts
- 2-3 Merino T-shirts or similar
- 1 warm Pullover
- Thin gloves
- Socks Merino preferred
- Warm hat
- Buff, neck warmer
- Sunglasses, hat, sun protection face and lips
- Head lamps with extra batteries
- Thermos bottle 1L
- Drink bottle or camel bag 1L
- Personal toiletteries
- pocket knife
- personal Travel documents, passport
- Camera
- 1 lightweight camping plate/bowl
- personal medicaments
Which Vaccines Do I Need for trekking in Peru?
- Yellow Fever
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Routine Vaccines
