This trek is distinguished by its unique and captivating geography. Along its route, you will be able to admire numerous waterfalls descending from the glaciers, alongside unique rock formations sculpted by nature.
This wonderful hike hosts a rich diversity of high Andean flora such as Quenuales, Ichu, Taulli, among other species. In addition, the valley is home to a variety of fauna, including wild ducks and different birds that add life and color to this impressive Andean landscape. During the trek, we will be very close to the most beautiful mountain in the world, “Alpamayo,” and also very close to Huascarán (6768m), the highest mountain in Peru and known as the highest tropical mountain in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1. Huaraz – Cashapampa (2990m) – Llamacorral (3760m).
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer by private transport to the town of Cashapampa (approximately 3 hours). During the trip, we will pass through many Andean towns in the Callejón de Huaylas. We will observe many snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, such as Huascarán, the highest tropical mountain in the world. In the town, our muleteer will be waiting to start the hike through the Santa Cruz Valley to our first camp, Llamacorral (approximately 5 hours).
11 km
+770m.
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 2. Llamacorral – Taullipampa (4200m).
Continuing our journey, today we will observe beautiful lagoons such as Laguna Ichiccocha and Laguna Jatuncocha, which in Spanish translate to “small lagoon” and “big lagoon,” as well as mountains like Alpamayo, considered the most beautiful mountain in the world. The hiking time is approximately 6 hours.
+440m.
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
13 km
Day 3. Taullipampa – Punta Unión Pass (4750m) – Paria Valley (3800m)
After breakfast, we will head to the highest point of our trek, the Punta Unión Pass (approximately 4 hours). From here, we will enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks such as Taulliraju, Quitaraju, Rinrijirca, and Artesonraju. After taking photos, we will descend through the Huaripampa Valley to our camp (approximately 3 hours).
+550m. / -950m
14 km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 4. Paria Valley – Colcabamba (3300m) – Molinopampa (3650m)
This day is easy. At the beginning, we walk through a wide meadow and a flat, green valley with some sections of Quenual and Quisuar trees until reaching the small, picturesque town of Colcabamba. Then we pass through the town of Chalhua. Along the way, we will meet local Andean people, a great opportunity to take photos of their daily activities. Afterwards, we will gradually start ascending until reaching the Molinopampa camp (approximately 4 hours).
+350m. / -400m.
10 km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 5. Molinopampa – Avalancha (4600m)
After a good breakfast, we will begin hiking along a gradually ascending trail, offering magnificent views of Contrahierbas mountain and spectacular waterfalls. The trail ends through the incredible Andean vegetation until reaching the small glacial lakes, shining amidst the greenery of the valley. The hiking time is approximately 5 hours.
+1000m.
8.00 km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 6. Avalancha – Yanayacu Pass (4850m) – Ulta Valley (4250m) – Huaraz
After our last breakfast, we will begin ascending a zigzag rocky trail up to the pass, where we can take the most amazing photos of the highest peaks such as Huascarán and Chopicalqui. Then we will descend to the Ulta Valley, where our private transport will be waiting to transfer us back to the city of Huaraz. Hiking time is approximately 5 hours. Transfer time to Huaraz is 2 hours.
+250m. / -600m
7.00 km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch
Services
INCLUDES
- Transfer from the bus terminal to the hotel in Huaraz.
- Transfer from the hotel to the terminal in Huaraz.
- Private transportation to the town of Cashapampa
- Private transportation for pickup from Ulta Valley
- Certified Trekking Guide (English, Spanish)
- Cook for the entire circuit
- Full meals in the field (breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner)
- Wake-up tea before breakfast
- Packers and pack animals (mules)
- Emergency horse in case of altitude sickness
- Two-person tents
- Kitchen tent
- Dining tent
- Tables, chairs
- Kitchen utensils
- Boiled water to fill bottles every day
- Warm water for personal hygiene
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
NOT INCLUDED
- Air ticket to Lima and return
- Transfers from the Airport to the Hotel in Lima
- Bus transportation Huaraz – Lima – Huaraz
- Hotel in Lima and Huaraz
- Does not include the first breakfast on the day the expedition starts.
- Extra costs for leaving the expedition
- Meals and drinks in the city
- Personal equipment such as sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Cold weather clothing such as hats, gloves, down jackets
- Emergency transportation in case of accidents
- International Medical Insurance
- Accident and Rescue Insurance
- Personal tents (can be rented, cost is S/. 40 per day)
- Tips for the staff
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO BRING
- Trekking shoes
- Fleece or wool gloves
- Sun hat
- Cold weather hat (fleece or wool)
- UV protection sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- 30 or 40-liter backpack
- Trekking poles
- Down jacket
- Gore-Tex windbreaker jacket
- Gore-Tex windbreaker pants
- Socks (minimum 3 pairs)
- Personal first aid kit
- Sleeping bag – 18°C
- Sleeping pad
- Headlamp
- Personal hygiene items such as towel, face soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
Optional
- 1-liter thermos
- Solar charger for batteries
