Valle de los Cedros Alpamayo Trek
The Cedros–Alpamayo Trek is an extended high-altitude circuit that showcases the wildest and most pristine landscapes in the northern Cordillera Blanca. This route leads through deep Andean valleys, turquoise glacial lakes, remote villages, and passes beneath giants like Alpamayo, Santa Cruz, and Taulliraju. It’s ideal for experienced trekkers looking to escape crowds and immerse themselves in both cultural and alpine scenery.
- Certified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide
- All meals during the expedition
- Camping equipment (tents, kitchen gear, etc.)
- Pack animals (donkeys) and arrieros (muleteers) for gear transport
- Private transport from Huaraz to Hualcayán and back
- Group climbing gear (ropes, ice screws, snow stakes, etc.)
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PREPARATION
Fitness
Technical
Altitude
Itinerary
Day 1 – Lima to Huaraz (3,100 m)
Travel by bus along Peru’s northern coast before ascending the Conococha Pass (4,100 m) and descending into the Callejón de Huaylas. Arrive in Huaraz in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel.
⏱️ 8–9 hours travel
Day 2 – Acclimatization Hike to Laguna Churup (4,450 m)
After a short drive to Pitec (3,885 m), begin a moderate but steady ascent to the stunning turquoise waters of Laguna Churup. Surrounded by quenual forest and granite cliffs, this hike is perfect for acclimatization.
⏱️ 5–6 hours hike
Day 3 – Huaraz – Hualcayán (3,100 m) – Wishcash Camp (4,400 m)
Drive through the Callejón de Huaylas to Caraz, then take a mountain road to Hualcayán, where the trek begins. A steep ascent brings us to Wishcash, with open views over the valley.
⏱️ 6 hours hike
Day 4 – Wishcash – Laguna Cullicocha – Paso Cullicocha (4,860 m) – Osoruri (4,500 m)
Climb along a canyon overlooking Yanacocha and Azulcocha, then reach the stunning Laguna Cullicocha beneath Nevado Santa Cruz (6,259 m). After crossing Paso Cullicocha, descend through moraine to the alpine meadows of Osoruri.
⏱️ 6–7 hours hike
Day 5 – Osoruri – Paso Vientunan (4,750 m) – Ruinapampa – Jancarurish (4,200 m)
Cross Paso Vientunan and descend into the Cedros Valley, eventually reaching the stunning basin of Jancarurish, facing the impressive Alpamayo pyramid.
⏱️ 7–8 hours hike
Day 6 – Rest and Exploration: Alpamayo Base Camp and Mirador (4,800 m)
A rewarding day hike to the Alpamayo Viewpoint, with incredible views of its classic northeast face. Optional extension to Laguna Jancarurish. Return to camp.
⏱️ 4–5 hours hike
Day 7 – Jancarurish – Paso Cara Cara (4,850 m) – Mesapata – Huillca (4,100 m)
Ascend steeply to Paso Cara Cara, then cross the Mesapata saddle and descend into the open high valley of Huillca, one of the most remote campsites on the route.
⏱️ 7–8 hours hike
Day 8 – Huillca – Paso Yanacón (4,600 m) – Jancapampa (3,500 m)
Cross cultivated fields and pass Paso Yanacón, before descending into Jancapampa, a lush valley inhabited by farming families.
⏱️ 7–8 hours hike
Day 9 – Jancapampa – Paso Tupa Tupa (4,400 m) – Huecrococha (4,000 m)
Climb through the Tingopampa Valley to Paso Tupa Tupa, then descend through high-altitude meadows to Laguna Huecrococha, a peaceful lakeside campsite.
⏱️ 6–7 hours hike
Day 10 – Huecrococha – Paso Alto de Pucaraju (4,650 m) – Tuctubamba (4,200 m)
A challenging but scenic day as we ascend Paso Alto de Pucaraju, with epic views of Taulliraju, Pucajirca, and the Huaripampa Valley. Camp at Tuctubamba surrounded by Andean giants.
⏱️ 6–7 hours hike
Day 11 – Tuctubamba – Vaquería (3,400 m) – Return to Huaraz
Descend through pasture and queñual forest to the road at Vaquería, where private transport takes us back to Huaraz.
⏱️ 4 hours hike + 4–5 hours drive
Day 12 – Huaraz to Lima
Return to Lima via comfortable tourist bus or private transfer. End of expedition.
⏱️ 8–9 hours travel
