Itinerary:
Acclimatization Churup lake or Wilcacocha 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 1: Huaraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral
We will go North from Huaraz by private transportation, passing by Callejon Huayalas. On the way, we will obser some towns – Carhuaz, Yungay, Caraz, and we will arrive to Cashapampa (2900 m). There, our carrier will be waiting for us with the mules for transporting our luggage. We will start our trail towards Llamacorral, where we’ll spend the night.
Duration: approx. 5 hrs of walking.
Day 2: Llamacorral – Taullipampa
We will start our trail early morning, passing by the beautiful lagoons Ichiccocha (3850 m) and Hatuncocha (3900 m). The path will go in a zigzag until Alpamayo Base Camp, where we will enjoy amazing panoramic views on Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Aguja, and Caraz mountains. From there, we will descent to Taullipampa Camping (4250 m).
Day 3: Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass – Tuctupampa
After an early breakfast, we will start our 4 hours trail to Punta Union Pass (4750 m). It offers magnificent views on Taulliraju, Artesonraju, Pukajircas, Quitaraju, Alpamayo mountains and on some lagoons. We will descent to Tuctupampa (4200 m), where we will spend the night.
Day 4: Tuctupampa – Pucajirca Pass – Quisuar
After breakfast, we will start an approximately 3 hours ascent to Pucajirca Pass (4640 m). We will enjoy the spectacular views on some mountains: Chacraraju, Taulliraju, Chopicalqui, and others. We will descent on a zigzag trail to the Quisuar Camping (3950 m), passing by the Huescroncocha lagoon.
Day 5: Quisuar – Tupatupa – Jancapampa
We will walk for approximately 3 hours to Tupatup Pass (4400 m). We will descent to Pucajirca Base Camp, then to Jancapampa Camping (3600 m), where we’ll spend the night.
Day 6: Jancapampa – Yanacón – Huillca
Early breakfast. We will walk to Yanacon Pass (4610 m), enjoying the amazing landscapes. From the pass, we will descent to Huillca Camping (4000 m).
Day 7: Huillca – Tayapampa)
We will have a light walk of approx. 2 hours to Mesapata Pass (4460 m). From there, we will go on along Moyobamba Valley to the camping of Caracara Pass (4400 m).
Day 8: Tayapampa – Jancarurish – Ruinapampa
After breakfast, we will ascent to Caracara Pass (4830 m), enjoying the landscapes. From the pass, we will spot the North side of some mountains like Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Santa Cruz, and others. After a two hours descent, we will get to our next camping – Ruinapampa (4100 m).
Day 9: Ruinapampa – Osoruri
We will continue going for approx. 4 hours on a zigzag trail until Ichicvientona Pass (4770 m). It offers spectacular views on Milluaraju and Santa Cruz mountains. We will keep on walking for one hour to the next camping – Osoruri (4560).
Day 10: Osoruri – Cullicocha – Calamina
We will start the day with a light one hour walk to Jatunvientona (4860 m). Later, we will descent to Cullicocha Lagoon. From there, we will observ the base camp of Santa Cruz Mountain. We will arrive to the last camping of our trekking – Calamina (3900 m).
Day 11: Calamina – Hualcayan – Huaraz
After having our last breakfast, we will be descenting for 3 hours, until Hualcayan (3000 m). Our private transport will be waiting for us at Huascaran National Park checking point. Transffer to Huaraz.
