The Alpamayo or Los Cedros trek is one of the most scenically spectacular walking routes of the Andes. This tough trek takes you through the heart of the stunning Cordillera Blanca.
It provides endless
panoramic views of snow-capped peaks from the high passes, and an
insight into the traditional Indian way of life as you pass through
small, isolated farming communities in remote and beautiful valleys.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Private pick-up at the Lima Airport. Transfer to hotel in Lima for a a good night of sleep
Day 2
Private transfer in the morning to the bus station. Take a comfortable first class ride to Huaraz (approximately 8 hour journey). Move into your hotel and relax.
Day 3
Meet at the office to review your itinerary, answer questions, finalize trip. Spend the rest of the day visiting nearby ruins and touring the city (acclimatize!). Spend the night in your Huaraz hotel.
Day 4
Day hike to the turquoise waters of Laguna Churup (4500 meters). Approximately 6 hours round trip. Return to Huaraz.
Day 5
The drive along the fertile, agricultural valley of Callejón de
Huaylas provides tantalizing, awe-inspiring views of some of the
Cordillera Blanca's highest, most impressive peaks. Copa (6188m;
20,303ft), Hualcán (6122m; 20,086ft), the towering form of Huascarán
(6768m; 22,206ft), the three jagged peaks of Huandoy (the highest is
6359m; 20,864ft) and soaring Santa Cruz (6259m; 20,536ft).
At Hualcayán (3000m; 9,843ft) donkeys are loaded up with kit and food
for the trek days. The path leads upwards, zig-zagging steeply
and offering superb views back over the Callejón. The deep gorge of
Quebrada de Los Cedros plunges away to the west, peeling red barked
quenual forests lining the valley sides, deep blue lagoons below.
The first taste of the beauty and remoteness of this memorable trek
is experienced as camp is set up high on the mountainside at Huishca
(4000m; 13,100ft).
Day 6
On the second day, passing Laguna Cullicocha (dammed for
hydro-electric power) the trail cuts close beneath the three sharp
and spectacular peaks of Santa Cruz. Rabbit-like viscacha scurry
about amongst the boulders. The first pass, (Paso de Los Cedros) is
a challenging 4850m (15,910ft), the highest on the trek. Following
this there is a welcome descent to the camp at Osoruri (4600m;
15,100ft).
Day 7
A short climb the next morning takes you over the second pass (Osoruri
Pass 4750m; 15,580ft) and onto a long descent into the Quebrada de
Los Cedros Valley below.
There is a traditional farming community
here with scattered adobe houses nestled on the valley floor,
terraced potato fields perched precariously high up on the valley
sides and goats tended by remarkably young children, who love to
stare and giggle at passing strangers.
Strolling up the valley, with
the hard walking done for the day, there is time to appreciate the
surroundings. The trail follows the banks of the bubbling Los Cedros
river waterfalls tumbling off the glaciers of Milluacocha to the
west, a superb panorama of snow-capped peaks appearing ahead.
This
gentle walk culminates at Jancarurish camp (4200m; 13,780ft) just
beneath the famous peak of Alpamayo (5947m; 19,512ft). Alpamayo
rises spectacularly from its surroundings, a steep, perfectly shaped
pyramid of ice, smaller than its neighbours but unique and
unmistakable in form, two sharp summits separated by a corniced
razor ridge.
Day 8
Rest day.
Day 9
Today begins with a tough climb to the pass of Jancarurish
(4830m; 15,847ft), affording excellent views back over rocky
morraines and jewel-like lakes to the immense glaciers and peaks of
Alpamayo, Jancarurish (5578m; 18,301ft), Quitaraju (6036m;
19,804ft), Pumapampa (5785m; 18,980ft) and Santa Cruz. From the
pass, the trail diverts northeast and Pucajirca (6050m; 19,850ft)
can be seen in the distance.
A gentle descent takes you through
rolling landscapes reminiscent of the Scottish highlands, with views
towards the Callejón de Conchucos, a productive farming area lying
between the high peaks of the Andes and the lowlands of the Amazon
Basin. A short, 400m (1312ft) ascent leads over into Quebrada
Tayapampa and the hamlet of Huillca (4000m; 13,124ft), where camp is
set up for the night.
Day 10
From Huillca the trail climbs steadily through high altitude puna
grassland to the next pass at 4600m (15,100ft). A surprising vista
opens up below of the enchanting Laguna Sactaycocha, its wooded
slopes of quenual forests home to the spectacled bear and timid
mountain deer. Pucajirca towers above the pass.
The trail continues,
descending through this wonderland to the vast flat valley of Jancapampa (3500m; 11,483 ft) at the foot of Taulliraju (5830m;
19,128ft) and Rinrijirca (5810m; 19,060ft).
Tonight is spent
camping in this dramatic spot; glaciers overhead, waterfalls
cascading to the valley and farming communities dotted around the
slopes below.
Day 11
A gentle climb starts the day toward the pass of Tupatupa, from where you’ll see a panorama of the northern peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Drop down the other side of the pass and set camp near the village of Quisuar.
Day 12
Today is a walk up and over the Alto de Pucaraju pass and down a steep rocky track leading into the fertile Huaripampa valley. Set camp in an open field and enjoy your second to last night in the mountains!
Day 13
Hike up and over the Punta Union pass, 4750 meters, and down the other side to a gorgeous camp in Taullipampa. This is the final night of your trek so ask your cook to open up the wine and celebrate!
Day 14
Continue down the Santa Cruz valley to the town of Cashapampa where your transport awaits to take you back to Huaraz for a hot shower, a good meal, and a well-deserved night in your hotel! Celebration banquet dinner with your group and whatever festivities may follow.
Day 15
The tour ends today with a bus journey back to Lima.
You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
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