Cedros – Alpamayo Trek
A spectacular journey to the world’s most beautiful mountain
The Cedros – Alpamayo Trek is one of the most scenic trekking adventures in the Cordillera Blanca. This route takes hikers through remote valleys, ancient quenual forests, breathtaking mountain passes, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the iconic Alpamayo Peak, often considered the most beautiful mountain in the world. During this unforgettable journey, trekkers experience pristine landscapes, crystal-clear streams, alpine meadows, and impressive glacier-covered summits deep within Huascarán National Park.
Duration:
10 Days / 9 Nights
Difficulty:
Moderate to Challenging
Maximum Altitude:
4,650 m / 15,256 ft
Best Season:
May – September
Itinerary Cedros – Alpamayo Trek – 10 Days / 9 Nights
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-6 hours | Approx. 11 km | 3,700 m (Vaquería) | 4,200 m |
Your adventure begins with an early morning drive from Huaraz through the scenic Callejón de Huaylas Valley. Along the route, you’ll pass traditional Andean villages before reaching the beautiful Llanganuco Valley inside Huascarán National Park.
After registering at the park entrance, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the famous Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes before continuing to Portachuelo Pass (4,750 m), one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the Cordillera Blanca. From here, admire iconic peaks such as Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Huandoy, Pisco, and Chacraraju.
The vehicle then descends to the mountain village of Vaquería, where the trekking team and pack animals will be waiting. After organizing the equipment, the hike begins with a steady ascent through high Andean landscapes toward Tuctu Camp.
Upon arrival in the afternoon, you’ll settle into camp surrounded by alpine scenery while enjoying your first night in the mountains.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 6–7 hours | Approx. 12 km | 4,200 m | 4,200 m |
Today’s excursion leads to Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Cordillera Blanca. The trail climbs steadily through rugged alpine landscapes, passing crystal-clear streams and offering ever-changing views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Chacraraju, Contrahierbas, and surrounding glaciers.
Upon reaching the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramas stretching across both the Huaripampa and Santa Cruz valleys. After spending time at the pass, return along the same trail to Tuctu Camp for a relaxing afternoon.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 6–7 hours | Approx. 13 km | 4,200 m | 3,900 m |
Leaving Tuctu behind, today’s trail climbs toward Pucajirca Pass (4,650 m). Along the ascent, expansive mountain landscapes unfold before descending through grassy slopes and native highland vegetation.
A stop near Huegroncocha Lake provides a peaceful setting for lunch before continuing downhill to the traditional community of Quisuar. Camp is set near the village, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Andean life.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 6 hours | Approx. 11 km | 3,900 m | 3,600 m |
The morning begins with a moderate ascent through open pastures where local shepherds often graze sheep and cattle. Reaching Tupa Tupa Pass (4,400 m), you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Taulliraju, the Pucajirca massif, Contrahierbas, and Chopicalqui.
From the pass, descend into the remote Jancapampa Valley, surrounded by forests and traditional farmland. Camp is established near the small settlement of Jancapampa.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 7–8 hours | Approx. 15 km | 3,600 m | 4,100 m |
Today’s hike crosses beautiful mountain forests filled with native vegetation before climbing to Yanacón Pass (4,600 m). The route rewards hikers with stunning alpine scenery and changing mountain vistas.
Descending from the pass, you’ll pass isolated family homes where alpacas and llamas graze freely before reaching Tayapampa Camp, a peaceful campsite surrounded by dramatic peaks.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 8 hours | Approx. 16 km | 4,100 m | 4,200 m |
One of the most rewarding days of the expedition begins with a gradual ascent to Mesapata Pass (4,460 m), followed by a traverse toward Cara Cara Pass (4,800 m).
From the highest point of the day, the legendary west face of Alpamayo comes into view alongside Santa Cruz, Quitaraju, and numerous snow-capped summits. A final descent leads to Jancarurish Camp, considered one of the finest campsites in the Cordillera Blanca.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 7 hours | Approx. 14 km | 4,200 m | 4,025 m |
This morning features an unforgettable excursion toward Alpamayo Base Camp. Walking alongside glacial moraines and pristine alpine terrain, you’ll reach one of the world’s most photographed mountains.
After enjoying the magnificent views of Alpamayo’s famous pyramid-shaped west face, return to Jancarurish before continuing to Ruinapampa, where ancient pre-Inca agricultural terraces can still be seen.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 5–6 hours | Approx. 10 km | 4,025 m | 4,500 m |
Today’s climb follows a series of switchbacks toward Jatun Vientona Pass (4,750 m). Throughout the ascent, enjoy sweeping views over Santa Cruz Mountain, Milluaraju, and the contrasting Cordillera Negra.
After lunch near the pass, descend gently to Osoruri Camp, arriving early enough to relax and photograph the beautiful afternoon light.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 6–7 hours | Approx. 13 km | 4,500 m | 3,650 m |
A short ascent leads to Cullicocha Pass (4,900 m), where one of the most beautiful lakes in the Cordillera Blanca comes into view. The brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Cullicocha, framed by the Santa Cruz Massif, create one of the trek’s most memorable landscapes.
After lunch beside the lake, descend through scenic valleys to Calamina Camp, where you’ll enjoy impressive sunset views over the Cordillera Negra.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Finish Altitude |
| 3 hours | Approx. 8 km | 3,650 m | 3,100 m |
The final day follows an easy downhill trail toward the traditional village of Hualcayán. Along the way, enjoy the last panoramic views of the surrounding mountains before reaching the park exit.
Your private transportation will be waiting for the drive back to Huaraz, where the expedition concludes with unforgettable memories of one of the most scenic trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca.