This is one of the famous treks in the Cordillera Blanca. It has two high passes with fabulous views that allow us to observe more than 12 peaks like (Alpamayo, Huascaran, Chopicalqui, Taulliraju and others). There are incredible trails and indescribable landscapes. The passes reach an altitude of 4750 m. from where you can appreciate the imposing snow-capped mountains with a great variety of flora and fauna. There are also a large number of lagoons, w nd wonderful valleys.
- We recommend 2 to 3 days of acclimatization. ¡This will allow you to fully Discover and Enjoy this beautiful trek!
- The direction of the itinerary can be reversed according to the availability of the mountain assistants.
- On this route we have options for less than four or more days of trekking, please consult.
Itinerary:
We leave Huaraz after breakfast heading to the city of Yungay, north of the Callejón de Huaylas. We will visit traditional towns on the way, such as Marcará, Carhuaz, Mancos and Yungay. After 1 hour and a half we will arrive in Yungay where we will head to the east of the Cordillera Blanca. After having enjoyed a panoramic view of the Cordillera Negra we will arrive to the office of the Huascaran National Park. Once registered, all members of the group will enter the aforementioned park, in our modern vehicles.
Within the Huascaran National Park, we will have two hiking options:
First option:
María Josefa Trail – Chinancocha And Orconcocha Lagoons – Yuraq Corral.
This trek begins a few minutes after entering Huascaran National Park, where a very old path is used that connects Yungay with the towns of the Callejón de Cochucos, called “María Josefa”. We start walking at approximately 3,550 meters, along the Llanganuco River and between the forests of Quenuales, Alisos, Quishuar and other typical trees of this area; It is a slow and PERFECT ascent for the acclimatization of the hikers who have just arrived in this area and who have not been able to acclimatize properly. After 2 hours approx. we will receive a prize for our effort ,a wonderful view of the Chinancocha turquoise green colored lagoon , full of trout and flanked by two spectacular snowcapped mountains of Prince Huascaran 6768m. and Princess Huandy; Once we have taken a walk next to this beautiful lagoon, observed the Andean ducks, enjoyed a boat ride and a delicious lunch, we will continue our trek towards the second lagoon “Orconcocha” where we will be able to observe an infinite variety of birds, such as the Andean Goose, wild ducks and many others.
This is a place that will allow us to see other snow-capped mountains that surround this beautiful valley, such as Chopicalqui 6354 m, Yanapaccha 5460m, the famous and impressive Chacraraju 6112m and Pisco. After taking photos, we will continue to the camp called Yuraq Corral 3950m, where our cook will be waiting with some delicious hot chocolate.
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours approx.
Approximate difference in altitude: 400 meters.
Second option:
Cebollapampa – Quebrada Demanda – Laguna 69 – Yuraq Corral.
From the Huascaran National Park office, we will continue by vehicle, passing the Llanganuco valley, and the Chinancocha and Orconcocha lagoons. After an hour or so of travel we will arrive at the Cebollapampa camp site, located at a height of 3950 m.
This hike is intended for trekkers with some acclimatization.
From the Pisco Crossing we will descend along a bridle path, surrounded by Quenual trees, next to a crystal-clear river that comes directly from the desglaciation of the Huascaran and Chopicalqui mountains. Crossing one of the bridges we will enter the Demanda gorge and then begin our ascent to Laguna 69, bordered by several rivers, and varied vegetation. One of our expert guides will always be leading you. After 2 hours we will take a light rest and a coca tea to help regain your strength. A few minutes later we will be at the foot of Chacraraju, where we will begin the last ascent towards our goal.
During this walk you will be able to enjoy vizcachas, ducks, huachua and condors, which are native animals of the Andes of Peru. Finally, we will find delight in the blue color that characterizes this lagoon and the snow-capped mountains that surround it, such as Pisco and Chacraraju. We will stay the necessary time there taking photos from all angles and after lunch we will return by the same route to Yuraq Corral where we will spend the night.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours round trip.
Approximate difference in altitude: 700 m, uphill.
After a delicious breakfast we will board the vehicle in the direction of Vaqueria. On the way we will reach the first pass of Portachuelo 4767m, a place that will allow us to have a panoramic view of all the snow-capped mountains that surround the Llanganuco ravine, such as Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, Yanapaccha, Chopicalqui and Huascaran. After taking photos we will descend towards the eastern side of the Cordillera Blanca and towards the Callejón de los Conchucos; on the route we will enjoy the high Andean landscape, lagoons, rivers and forests. After 2 and a half hours by car we will arrive at a dairy village, where we will meet our muleteer and his donkeys who are going to carry all our luggage. Our clients only carry a small backpack with water, a camera, a jacket and some personal items.
Vaqueria is a small town dedicated to agriculture, livestock and tourism; In this picturesque town we will start our walk on a well-preserved path towards the Huaripampa Gorge ,visiting typical, traditional towns. After 2 hours of walking we will once again enter the Huascaran National Park and in 2 or 3 hours more we will arrive at the camp called Paria 3825m, where we will camp at the junction of two rivers Paria and Huaripampa.
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours approximately.
Approximate altitude difference: 250 meters
Very early, after a rich and refreshing breakfast, we begin our walk and on to conquer the highest point on this entire route “Punta Unión” 4750m. To achieve this goal, we continue on a well-marked and preserved path; a place of incredible natural beauty, you will not get tired of taking photos since we will always walk sheltered by several snowy peaks such as Paria 5600m, Pyramid 5700m and you will also be able to see the east face of the majestic Chacraraju.
You will be amazed to see the Collcacocha Lagoon at 4400m and reach the highest point of this route “Punta Unión pass”, where we will stay long enough to take photos, rest, enjoy the view of the different mountains such as Taulliraju 5830m, Rinrijirca 5810m, Quitaraju 6036m. Artesonraju 6025m (this is the snow-capped mountain that appears in the company logo “Paramount Picture” Caraz 6020m and many more. After having satisfied our hunger with a delicious lunch we will descend towards the Santa Cruz Valley, where we will stay part of day 3, the fourth and fifth of our expedition. We will camp at Taullipampa at 4200 m, The highest point of all the camps.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Approximate difference in altitude: 800 m uphill 500 m downhill.
After enjoying the Andean sunrise and a delicious breakfast, we will leave for an easy and thin path. After 30 minutes we will leave the main path to take an alternative route (A place where not all groups go) towards the base camp of the snowy Alpamayo 5947m, considered the “most beautiful mountain in the world” and a challenge for millions of climbers. About 15 minutes above we will visit a lagoon with ice blocks that have different shapes. This lagoon is located next to the Pucahirka and Rinrihirka Mountains. It is an excellent place to take photos of various snow-capped mountains such as Quitaraju and Alpamayo. After lunch we will descend towards the main path, visiting Jatuncocha and Ichiccocha Lagoons on the way. Then we will head to the “Llamacorral” camp, where our cook awaits us with a delicious dinner and his mulled wine.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours approximately.
Approximate difference in altitude: 450 m of descent.
After a rest and a yummy breakfast, we will continue with the descent in this beautiful gorge, next to the Santa Cruz River, enjoying the last views of the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Blanca such as Pumapampa 5582m, Santa Cruz Grande 6259m, Aguja 5888m, and Putaca 5585m. Also, on the way you can see and take photos of the typical plants of this area such as Qaramati, Weqlla, Tsacpa and many others, mainly San Pedro, a plant that was used by our ancestors as an hallucinogen, specifically in the Chavin Culture; We will be able to see a rock mill moved by the force of the waters of the Cordillera Blanca, a trout farm and then finally arrive at the town of Cashapampa where our transportation awaits us to move to the city of Caraz and then to Huaraz arriving at 4 p.m. approx.
Walking time: 4 hours approximately.
Approximate difference in altitude: 850 m. down.
In the evening ,after a hot shower we will meet once more to share one of the typical drinks of Peru “Pisco Sour” and exchange our memories.
Services:
Our programs included:
- Transfer from the bus terminal to your hotel.
- Acclimatization hike. (optional)
- Transport.
- Trekking guide.
- Chef.
- Donkeys and muleteer.
- Complete feeding:
Breakfast, Scrambled eggs, quinoa, pancakes, cheese omelet etc. Bread, tea, coffee, milk or mate are always offered,
Snack, Fresh fruit, biscuits, chocolate and, candies.
Lunch, Pickled chicken, avocado salad, Russian salad, causa and coca tea.
Tea, Hot chocolate, canchitas, fried sweet potato, avocado with vegetables etc.
Dinner, Starters: creamed tomato soup, beans, quinoa, etc. Main course: fried trout, orange chicken, lomo saltado, etc. “HOT WINE ” for the last dinner.
- Camp Equipment: Kitchen tent, dining tent, 3-season sleeping tent (03 passenger tent for 02 Eureka brand customers, Sierra design and others), bathroom tent, 02 mattresses per person, table, chairs, kitchen, gas and all kitchen utensils.
- Warm water in the morning to wash.
Our program does not include:
- Entrance fees to tourist sites.
- Sleeping bags.
- Breakfast the first day and dinner the last night.
- Tips.
- Taxes.
- Personal insurance.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Copy of passport or original.
- Sleeping bag. (If you do not have one, we have a savannah included for rent for $ 6.00)
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Water bottle (01 bottle of 02 liters or 02 bottles of 1 liter each).
- One-liter water purifier (Micropur or other). Please bring from your country because in Huaraz they are not to be found.
- Insect repellent.
- Walking sticks (if you did not bring one, we have for rent, 10 soles per day, per pair)
- Flashlight: front or handheld plus extra battery.
- Sunglasses.
- The entrance to the park, per person: S /. soles per person Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera Blanca. S /. soles for the complete 10-day circuit in HUAYHUASH.
- Personal clothing: Waterproof jacket and pants, Wool sweater and pants, Gloves, wool hat, Warm socks
- Small towel, soap, toothpaste, brush and others.
- Down and fleece jacket.
- Toilet paper,
- Hat / cap for the cold.
- Waterproof hiking shoes.
- Large suitcase to share (to be transported by donkeys, if You do not have one, do not worry we will provide one for you).
- Personal backpack.
- Personal kit, on each expedition we will carry one, but we suggest you bring a personal medical kit, with, Medications, prescribed by your doctor, and knee pads, For blisters, bandages and other medicines for general discomfort.