Itinerary:
Day 1: Acclimatization Churup lake
This is a very good hike for acclimatizing. From Huaraz we go by car to the village of Pitec. On the way we pass several picturesque villages, such as Unchus and Llupa.
At 3850 meter we start our easy hike up to Lake Churup with its blue colors sitting at an altitude of 4440 m underneath snow-capped Churup mountain (5495). The last 100 meter before arriving to the lake involves some scrambling over steep rocks. And then come back to Huaraz for the same way.
Day 2: Huaraz - Matacancha/Quarterhuain (4200 m)
Starting from Huaraz, we drive through Huaylas alley to Conococha, which offers impressive panoramic views over Huayhuash mountain range. We observe many snow peaked mountains, such as Yerupaja, Jirishanca, Rondóy and others. We then drive through villages Llamac and Pocpa. Finally, we set up our camp. 5 hours of driving aprox.
Day 3: Quarterhuain - Lake Mitucocha (4220 m)
We start our trek with a zig-zag track that leads up to Cacananpunta pass at 4750 m. We descend through a large picturesque valley that opens to a beautiful lake Mitucocha (4200 m), where we set our camp right at the lake banks. We then do a lateral trek on the moraine. 5 hours aprox.
Day 4: Lake Mitucocha - Lake Carhuacocha (4150 m)
We start the third day walking through Mitucocha valley, ascending up to Carhuac pass (4650 m) which offers an excellent panoramic view of Siula and Yerupaja mountains. We descend down to a beautiful lake Carhuacocha to set up our camp on an idilic spot with a splendorous view over Siula mountain, complemented with Yerupaja and Jirishancas mountains. 5 hours aprox.
Day 5: Lake Carhuacocha - Huayhuash (4350 m)
This is a long day of walking, starting at the beginning of Queropalca valley. We ascend up to Siula pass (4800 m) with excellent views over the surrounding mountains. Yerupaja (6634 m) is the second highest peak in Peru and Siula (6356 m) is an impressive mountain that was made famous by Joe Simpson’s book Touching the Void in which he recounts his successful but disastrous and nearly fatal climb to this mountain. We also get excellent views over Carnicero and Trapecio. We descend to Huayhuash to set our camp. 7-8 hours aprox.
Day 6: Huayhuash - Lake Viconga (4400 m)
This day we reach the most southern point of Huayhuash mountain range, ascending to Huayhuash pass at 4700 m. We get excellent views over Cordillera Raura mountain range at one side and southeastern face of Trapecio at the other. We descend south and walk along lake Viconga until we reach thermal baths. This is a great opportunity to rest and take a relaxing hot bath. 4-5 hours aprox.
Day 7: Lake Viconga – ascent to Pumarinri (5485 m)- Elefante
We start hiking at 3:00 am to reach Pumarinri peak with its excellent views over Cordillera Huayhuash, including Rasac, Yerupaja and Sarapo mountains. We ascent on a glacier to reach the top. We descend in direction of Cuyoc pass where we are once again rewarded with beautiful views. We walk down to Elefante camp base, where we spend the night. 7-8 aprox.
Day 8: Elefante - Cutatambo
We continue our trek passing San Antonio pass at 5080 m. Beautiful views over Yerupaja, Sarapo, Jurao and Huacrish open in front of us. We descend to Cutatambo valley, where we spend the night. 5-6 hours aprox.
Day 9: Cutatambo – Huayllapa (3350m)
We start walking up through Huanacpatay valley (river Calinca) until we reach Huayllapa. Huayllapa is a village located right at the middle of Huayhuash trek and many hikers fill up their food supplies here. 5 hours aprox.
Day 10: Huayllapa - Gashpampa (4500 m)
We start ascending through Tapush valley until we reach Tapush pass at 4750 m. We then descend, passing lake Susucocha and continuing until our camp at Cashapampa (4600 m). 6 hours aprox.
Day 11: Gashpampa - Jahuacocha (4150 m)
We ascend to Gaucha pass at 4800 m, where we get to admire magnificent views over Yerupaja, Rasac and other mountains. We then descend to Jahuacocha, a beautiful lake where we set our camp in Andean meadows. We spend 2 nights here, in wonderful nature close to the lake.
Day 12: Rest day (hike to lake Soltercocha)
This is a rest day. We take our time in the morning to relax, then we do a short walk to lake Soltercocha. We prepare a delicious lunch called pachamanca, which is a typical Peruvian dish, prepared in a natural way.
Day 13: Laguna Jahuacocha - Llamac – Huaraz
The last day we descend through Jahuacocha valley and then walk up to reach Pampa Llamac at 4250 m. Crossing the pass, we descend to Llamac village where we take a bus to Huaraz. 6 hours.
Day 14: Rest in Huaraz
Free in Huaraz
Day 15: Huaraz – Cashapampa (2800m) – Llamacoral (3750m)
From Huaraz we will drive to a village called Cashapampa with our shuttle vehicle. The donkeys and Donkey Driver will be waiting for us there. From there, we will begin our trail through the Santa Cruz valley until reaching Llamacoral, where we will set up camp. Approx. 4 to 5 hours.
Day 16:Llamacoral – Base Camp (4250m)
On day 2 we will start our trail in the same valley where the views of two beautiful lakes, Chinacocha and Orconcocha can be enjoyed. Then we will take a Zigzag trail to Base Camp. Approx. 5 hours.
Day 17:Base Camp – High Camp (5450m)
We will hike up to High Camp, first via a rocky trail until arriving at the glacier, then we will trek through ice and snow with some steep parts until we get to 5450m where we will set up camp.
Day 18:High Camp – Summit Alpamayo Mountain(5947m)
The hike will start at 1 am, trekking until we surpass a bergschrund where the technical part in the ice begins until we reach the summit. Then we will abseil down to High Camp. Approx. 6 to 7 hours. (optional: can go down to base camp)
Day 19:High Camp – Base Camp
Relaxed descent to base camp. Approx. 4 to 5 hours.
Day 20:Base Camp – Cashapampa – Huaraz
Walk back through Santa Cruz Valley to Cashapampa, where our vehicle will be waiting for us. Approx. 4 to 5 hours.
