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Laguna Cullicocha - Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse, Peru
Laguna Cullicocha
Views of Alpamayo peak, Cordillera Blanca, Peru - Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse, Peru
Views of Alpamayo peak, Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Awe-inspiring mountain view in Caraz, on the road to the Alpamayo Circuit Peru - Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse, Peru
Awe-inspiring mountain view in Caraz, on the road to the Alpamayo Circuit Peru
Alpamayo trek, Peru - Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse, Peru
Alpamayo trek, Peru
Huaraz city, Ancash, Peru - Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse, Peru
Huaraz city, Ancash, Peru
A campsite beneath the Humantay mountain in the Cordillera Urubamba, Peru - Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse, Peru
A campsite beneath the Humantay mountain in the Cordillera Urubamba, Peru  | Donna Lawrence
Condor flies over the Huayhuash mountains in Peru - Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse, Peru
Condor flies over the Huayhuash mountains in Peru  | Ken Harris
Alpamayo, the iconic peak in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca - Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse, Peru
Alpamayo, the iconic peak in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca
Updated

Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse

Traverse Peru's Cordillera Blanca, trekking remote Andean valleys and high passes beneath Alpamayo.

Peru
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 8 reviews

13 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: HPL
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 13 Days
Activities
  • 10 day trek
  • 2 day walks
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 9 nights camping
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 12 Lunches
  • 12 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

27kg of CO2-e PP per day

(454kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Admire Alpamayo’s striking pyramidal summit from the remote Jancarurish Valley in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca
  • Cross high Andean passes the highest being Toro Pishtanan at 4870 m / 15,977 ft
  • Discover turquoise Hualcacocha and Cullicocha lagoons beneath the snow-covered peaks of Huascarán National Park
  • Camp among the peaks of Taulliraju, Pucajirca, Chacraraju and the Santa Cruz mountains
  • Enjoy two scenic acclimatisation hikes from Huaraz, exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca.

Overview

Explore the Cordillera Blanca of northern Peru on the Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse, a challenging high-altitude trekking adventure through one of South America's most remarkable mountain landscapes. Beginning in Huaraz, the journey includes acclimatisation walks before venturing deep into Huascaran National Park, crossing remote mountain passes, traversing traditional Andean valleys and camping beneath towering snow-capped peaks. Trek through alpine scenery surrounded by mountains including Alpamayo (5,947m / 19,512ft), Huascaran (6,768m / 22,210ft), Taulliraju and Pucajirca, with opportunities to discover turquoise glacial lakes, native quenual forests and traditional highland communities. Crossing passes reaching up to 4,870m / 15,982ft, this rewarding Peru trekking adventure combines challenging mountain trails, wilderness camping and extraordinary mountain scenery in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a remote and immersive mountain journey, the Alpamayo & Cordillera Blanca Traverse showcases the remarkable natural beauty and cultural landscapes of Peru's Cordillera Blanca.

Itinerary

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Join Huaraz, the gateway to Peru's Cordillera Blanca mountain range, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey, explore the town and begin adjusting to the altitude before your trek begins. Accommodation: Hotel Cordillera or similar

Meals: Nil

Today you undertake your first acclimatisation walk to the Pukaventana viewpoint, an excellent introduction to the landscapes and altitude of the Cordillera Blanca. A short drive takes you to the trailhead, where you begin ascending a well-maintained path through the colourful Pukaventana Canyon. The surrounding hillsides display remarkable shades of red, ochre, orange and purple, shaped by centuries of erosion. As you gain height, expansive views open across Huaraz and the surrounding valleys, with the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca rising in the distance. Reaching the viewpoint at approximately 3,675m / 12,057ft, you enjoy panoramic views towards Huascaran, Peru's highest mountain at 6,768m / 22,205ft. After taking time to appreciate the scenery, you descend along the same trail and return to Huaraz. Accommodation: Hotel Cordillera or similar

Meals: B,L

Today we continue our acclimatisation with a rewarding walk to Hualcacocha Lake, set among the dramatic peaks of Huascarán National Park. Travelling by private vehicle from Huaraz, we follow the Carhuaz–Chacas road through the villages of Shilla and Catay before entering the Ulta Valley. Our walk begins by crossing the valley floor, where streams and wetlands give way to a gradually ascending trail. We follow a mountain creek through native queñual forests, passing wildflowers and enjoying views of the surrounding high-altitude landscape. After approximately three hours of walking, we reach the turquoise waters of Hualcacocha Lake, nestled beneath the imposing slopes of Hualcán (5,300m / 17,388ft) and Ulta (5,440m / 17,848ft). We enjoy lunch beside the lake before retracing our steps through the valley, where our vehicle meets us for the return journey to Huaraz. Accommodation: Hotel Cordillera or similar

Meals: B,L

Leaving Huaraz this morning, we travel north towards Huascarán National Park and the beginning of our Alpamayo Circuit Trek. Our journey takes us through the agricultural landscapes of the Callejón de Huaylas, stopping in Carhuaz to explore the local market and experience daily life in this traditional Andean town. We also visit Campo Santo, a memorial site commemorating the devastating 1970 earthquake and avalanche that destroyed the former town of Yungay. Continuing into the mountains, we ascend towards Portachuelo de Llanganuco, a high pass at approximately 4,750m / 15,584ft. From here, we enjoy outstanding views across the northern Cordillera Blanca and its towering snow-covered peaks. Crossing the pass by vehicle, we descend towards the eastern side of the mountain range and reach our trekking trailhead, where a short introductory walk takes us downhill to Vaquería (3,700m / 12,136ft). Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Our first full day on the trail takes us into the remote Huaripampa Valley, following traditional paths through a landscape of small Andean farming communities, cultivated fields and mountain streams. As we gradually gain altitude, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with towering peaks rising above the valley. We continue towards Paria Valley at approximately 3,822m / 12,539ft, enjoying views of the impressive Paria (5,510m / 18,077ft) and Pirámide (5,885m / 19,307ft) mountains. The route then climbs steadily through the upper valley towards Tuctu, where the landscape opens to reveal views of Taulliraju, Rinrijirca and the eastern face of Chacraraju. This section provides our first real experience of trekking deep within the Cordillera Blanca, far from the region's more frequently visited trails. We arrive at our campsite at Tuctu (4,100m / 13,451ft), where our support crew prepares dinner and we settle in for the evening. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cross our first major mountain pass, following an ancient trail that climbs steadily towards Pucaraju Pass at 4,625m / 15,173ft. The ascent takes us through increasingly rugged alpine terrain, with views developing across the surrounding valleys and mountain ridges. From the pass, there is a panorama of some of the Cordillera Blanca's most impressive peaks, including Taulliraju, Artesonraju, Chacraraju, Quitaraju and Huascaran. We begin our descent towards Huecrococha Lake, passing through a landscape of open mountain slopes and high-altitude vegetation. Our campsite is located near the lake at approximately 3,837m / 12,588ft. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Huecrococha, we continue through the remote valleys of the Cordillera Blanca, passing the small village of Pishgopampa before beginning our ascent towards Tupa Tupa Pass at approximately 4,351m / 14,275ft. The trail winds through woodland and open grassy slopes, where local families graze sheep and other livestock. From the pass, we enjoy sweeping views towards Taulliraju and Pucahirca before descending into the picturesque Jancapampa Valley. This beautiful valley is characterised by native vegetation, traditional agricultural settlements and stands of hardy queñual trees. As we approach our campsite, the landscape becomes particularly impressive, with a vast horseshoe-shaped wall of cliffs rising above the valley. Hanging glaciers cling to the mountainsides, while waterfalls cascade down the surrounding rock faces. We camp at approximately 3,548m / 11,640ft, surrounded by this impressive mountain scenery. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today's trek takes us through another section of the Cordillera Blanca as we climb from Jancapampa towards Yanajanca Pass. Our route initially follows a beautiful valley lined with native shrubs and queñual forests, passing the picturesque Laguna Sactaycocha. As we gain altitude, the vegetation becomes more sparse and the trail steepens, with a final rocky ascent over loose scree leading to the pass. From this elevated viewpoint, weather permitting, we enjoy views of Pucahirca Norte, which rises to approximately 6,050m / 19,849ft. Crossing the continental divide, we begin our descent towards the Pacific side of the mountain range, negotiating a short section of steep scree before continuing along a gentler valley trail. Our destination is the high plateau of Huillca, one of the few areas of the Cordillera Blanca where alpacas are found in significant numbers, where we establish camp at approximately 4,000m / 13,123ft. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we continue our journey through the remote northern Cordillera Blanca, enjoying increasingly impressive views of the mountains surrounding Alpamayo. From the Tayapampa Valley, the distinctive north-eastern face of Alpamayo (5,947m / 19,511ft) comes into view, together with the towering summits of Pucajirca Norte and Pucajirca Sur. Our trail climbs steadily towards Mesapata Pass at approximately 4,436m / 14,553ft, where we pause to appreciate the sweeping mountain panorama and surrounding valleys. Condors are sometimes seen soaring above the cliffs in this region, adding to the wilderness experience. After crossing the pass, we descend towards the Moyobamba Valley before continuing to our campsite at approximately 4,506m / 14,783ft. This relatively shorter day provides time to rest and prepare for tomorrow's crossing of Caracara Pass and our approach to Alpamayo. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cross Caracara Pass at approximately 4,836m / 15,866ft and enjoy views of Alpamayo. The morning begins with a steady ascent through rugged mountain terrain, with the surrounding peaks becoming increasingly visible as we approach the pass. From the top, we see Alpamayo's distinctive pyramid-shaped summit. Continuing towards Jancarurish Valley, we have the opportunity to undertake an additional walk towards the moraine, where views extend across a turquoise lake towards the mountain's summit. This is a location well suited to photography, taking in the landscape of the Cordillera Blanca. We establish camp in Jancarurish Valley at approximately 4,206m / 13,799ft, with views of Alpamayo and the surrounding peaks. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

We wake to views of Alpamayo before continuing our journey through the high mountains of the Cordillera Blanca. Leaving Jancarurish Valley behind, our trail begins a long and steady ascent towards Jatun Viento Pass at approximately 4,762m / 15,623ft. The climb follows a series of numerous switchbacks, gradually gaining altitude through rugged alpine terrain. As we ascend, we enjoy changing perspectives across the surrounding valleys and mountain peaks, with expansive views from the upper slopes. Reaching the pass marks a milestone on our circuit, before we begin descending towards Osoruri. Our campsite is located at approximately 4,556m / 14,947ft, making this the highest overnight stop of the trek. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cross the highest pass of our journey, Toro Pishtanan, at approximately 4,870m / 15,977ft. Beginning with a steady ascent of around one and a half hours, we reach the pass and enjoy a final opportunity to take in the high-altitude scenery of the Cordillera Blanca. From here, our route descends towards Cullicocha Lake, an alpine lake in the region. Its striking blue-green waters lie beneath the peaks of the Santa Cruz massif, marking our final full day of trekking. Continuing along the trail, we enjoy expansive views towards the Cordillera Negra, the mountain range running parallel to the Cordillera Blanca on the western side of the valley. We descend to our final wilderness campsite at Huishcash, situated at approximately 3,997m / 13,113ft, where we celebrate our journey through this mountain landscape. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Our final morning on the trail begins with a descent from Huishcash towards the village of Hualcayán, passing through a landscape of traditional farmland and rural Andean communities. Along the way, we encounter the remains of pre-Incan archaeological sites, providing a fascinating reminder of the long history of settlement in this region. As we lose altitude, the rugged mountain scenery gradually gives way to cultivated fields and the broader landscapes of the Huaylas Valley. Reaching the trailhead near Hualcayán, we farewell our trekking support team and board our private vehicle for the scenic return journey to Huaraz. After several memorable days exploring the remote valleys, alpine lakes and high mountain passes of the Cordillera Blanca, we return to Huaraz. We will reach Huaraz late in the afternoon. If you would like to book a post trip night of accommodation, please contact our reservations staff.

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

7 scheduled departures between 28 Dec 2026 and 5 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 28 Dec 2026 – ends 9 Jan 2027 (13 days)
  • Departs 12 Jan 2027 – ends 24 Jan 2027 (13 days)
  • Departs 2 May 2027 – ends 14 May 2027 (13 days)
  • Departs 6 Jun 2027 – ends 18 Jun 2027 (13 days)
  • Departs 4 Jul 2027 – ends 16 Jul 2027 (13 days)
  • Departs 1 Aug 2027 – ends 13 Aug 2027 (13 days)
  • … and 1 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • All meals during the trek
  • Double occupancy tents
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Comfortable central hotel in Huaraz
  • All internal transportation
  • Use of a gear pack including duffle bag, sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket and sleeping mat
  • Pack horses and horse handlers
  • Fully serviced campsites on trek
  • Acclimatisation hikes to Pukaventana and Hualcacocha Lagoon
  • All park entry fees
  • Group medical kit including a portable altitude chamber, emergency oxygen and satellite phone
  • Arrival transfer to hotel

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Any items not listed as included

Reviews (8)

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Fantastic walk, amazing scenery. Superb food and support. Some things got lost in translation. Would highly recommend it.

Peter Smith-Allen|Glen Creek, VIC Australia
13 Aug 2024
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An amazing, awesome, challenging experience. Eli and his team surpassed all expectations.

Lorraine Tawse|NSW
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Best food I have ever had on a trek. Fantastic crew and team. Performance of the Guide Javier was beyond excellent.

Carole Davis|NSW
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It was a really well done trek, where every person's individual needs were catered for.

Pauline Guest|WA
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Edmund|Minnesota, United States
14 Oct 2025
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Candice Murphy|Dawes Point, NSW Australia
21 Aug 2024
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Michelle Mulligan|Sydney, NSW Australia
13 Aug 2024
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Leah Apgar|Highland Park, New Jersey United States
11 Jun 2024

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?FAQsWhy Book With Us

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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This is a challenging high-altitude trek requiring excellent fitness, stamina and previous multi-day trekking experience.

The Alpamayo is one of Peru's most scenic trekking routes, offering close views of Alpamayo, turquoise glacial lakes, remote valleys, high mountain passes and fewer trekkers than many other classic Andean hikes.

Most trekking days involve approximately 5–8 hours of walking, with some shorter acclimatisation and transfer days.

Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and grip are recommended, along with lightweight shoes for use around camp.

The itinerary includes two acclimatisation day hikes from Huaraz before beginning the main trek.

The highest point is Toro Pishtanan Pass at approximately 4,870 metres (15,977 ft).

The Cordillera Blanca is home to Andean condors, alpacas, llamas and a variety of high-altitude birdlife. Condors are sometimes seen soaring above the mountain passes, while alpacas are commonly encountered grazing on the high puna grasslands.

The route crosses several high-altitude passes, including Pucaraju, Yanajanca, Mesapata, Caracara, Jatun Viento and Toro Pishtanan.

In Huaraz we stay in 3-star hotel located in a quiet neighborhood and during the trek, accommodation is in twin-share tents at remote wilderness campsites.

Your complimentary trekking pack includes a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and warm jacket for use during the trek.

No, pack horses transport the main expedition equipment and luggage, while you carry a daypack containing daily essentials.

Yes, all meals during the trek are included and freshly prepared by the expedition cook and kitchen team.

Please advise us of any dietary requirements well in advance so we can confirm what can be accommodated in this remote environment.

Non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Private toilet tents with portable sit-down toilets are provided exclusively for our group at each campsite, while washing facilities are basic, with no hot showers available during the trek.

The recommended trekking season is May to September, during the generally drier Andean winter.

Expect sunny days, cold nights and rapidly changing mountain weather, with freezing temperatures possible at higher camps.

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for this trip.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and current Peruvian entry regulations, so travellers should check the latest requirements before departure.

  • Carefully designed Cordillera Blanca trekking itinerary with dedicated acclimatisation walks around Huaraz
  • Experienced bilingual local trekking guides with extensive knowledge of the Peruvian Andes
  • Fully supported wilderness camping with quality tents, sleeping mats, kitchen facilities and freshly prepared meals
  • Small group experience with opportunities to visit remote Andean communities and experience local culture
  • Dedicated local trekking crew, including cooks, muleteers and pack horses to support the journey
  • Comprehensive trekking support with first aid equipment, supplementary oxygen and responsible waste management practices

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