This is one of the classic circuits that circles the highest mountain in the National Park: Huascaran 6768m.
Easy access and comfortable campsites make this hike attractive for all trekkers. We cross passes between 4500m and 4850m. Hiking through the "Quenual" (typical Andean shrub) while in deep canyons, green and turquoise lagoons reflect the sparkling glaciers. We pass through villages, where the peasants attempt to harvest their crops and kids enjoy playing with their animals.
Pick up from your hotel for a 3-hour drive along the Callejon de Huaylas, passing through Carhuas, Yungay and Caraz. When we arrive at Cashapampa (2900m), we join our donkey drivers and their animals to begin our trek through the Santa Cruz Valley. (3 hr trek - Camp at 3800m)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - L, D
We continue along the Santa Cruz Valley, passing Lake Jatuncocha to our camp at
Taullipampa overlooked by Mount Taulliraju. (5 hr trek - Camp at 4200m)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - B, L, D
We climb to the Punta Union Pass (4750m), from where we have good views of the Taulliraju, Rinrihirca, Quitaraju, Artesonraju and Alpamayo mountains. Then we descend towards the Huaripampa Valley traversing forests of "Quenual" trees (typical Andean vegetation). (6 hr trek - Camp at 3500m)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - B, L, D
Continuing through the Huaripampa Valley we reach the town of Colcabamba. From here we continue on our trail through the town of Chalhua where we can stop for the local drink “Chicha”. Then we follow the path to the entrance of the Quebrada Ichic Ulta. (6 hr trek - Camp at 3600m)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - B, L, D
We ascend to the Yanayacu Pass (4850m) - the highest of our trek. From this point we can see the highest mountains in the Cordillera Blanca - Chopicalqui (6354m) and Huascaran (6768m). We descend towards the Yanayacu lagoon where we set our last camp. (6 hr trek - Camp at 4500m)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals -B, L, D
We descend to the road in the Ulta Valley, where our bus awaits to return to Huaraz.
(2 hr trek / 3 hr transfer)
Meals -B, L
Huaraz Office:
