The circuit follows a trail at the northern end of the Cordillera Blanca linking together the different valleys of Los Cedros, Alpamayo and Santa Cruz on the western side of the range, and the valleys of Moyabamba, Tayapampa, Joncopampa, Tuctubamba and Hauripampa on the eastern side. It is a trek that involves the crossing of many high passes between 4400m and 4850m, which offer splendid panoramic views of ice-capped peaks, including those of Alpamayo (5947m), Santa Cruz (6259m), Quitaraju (6036m), Jancururish (5578m), Artesonraju (6025m), Paria (5510m), and Taulliraju (5830m). The highlight of the trek is the viewpoint in the Jancarurish Valley, which gives tremendous views of Mount Alpamayo, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountains on the planet.
The trek is the longest, most beautiful and most challenging in the Cordillera Blanca and takes 12 days to complete. Prior acclimatization is required before undertaking this trek.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Huaraz (3100m) to Hualcallan (3140m), via Caraz. Trek to Huishcash (4050m). Duration: 5 hours
Day 2: Trek from Huishcash to Osoruri (4400m), via Toropishtanan Pass (4850m). Duration: 6 hours
Day 3: Trek from Osoruri to Jancarurish (3800m), via Alpamayo Pass (4750m). Duration: 7 hours
Day 4: Rest day at Jancarurish. Hike to the Alpamayo Viewpoint and return to camp.
Day 5: Trek from Jancarurish to Huillca (4000m), via two high passes (Cara Cara 4830m and 4500m). Duration: 7 hours
Day 6: Trek from Huillca to Jancapampa (3700m), via Yanacon Pass (4600m). Duration: 8 hours
Day 7: Rest day at Jancapampa.
Day 8: Trek from Jancapampa to Quishuar (3850m), via Tupa Tupa Pass (4450m). Duration: 6 hours
Day 9: Trek from Quishuar to Tuctu (4200m), via Pucaraju Pass (4650m). Duration: 6 hours
Day 10: Trek from Tuctu to Taullipampa (4250m), via Punta Union Pass (4750m). Duration: 6 hours
Day 11: Trek from Taullipampa to Llamacorral (3760m). Side trip up to the Alpamayo Base Camp (4250m) and Lake Arhuaycocha. Duration: 7 hours
Day 12: Trek from Llamacorral to Cashapampa (2900m). Drive back to Huaraz. Duration: 5 hours.
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