Early transfer from Huaraz to Cashapampa where you will start the 50Km tough trek around Alpamayo. The first day's hike will take you past Conay and the Huancarhuas. Reach the first camp at Hualcayan at 3140m.

Day 2: Hualcayan - Huishcash

Today is a steady day with approxiamately 6 hours of hiking onto Huishcash.

Day 3: Huishcash - Osoruri

A tough day starts after breakfast, heading further up until you are rewarded with stunning views of the Cullicocha Lake at 4600m. There is a spectacular backdrop of Santa Cruz 6259m with its impressive ice wall rising above the lake. From here you will cross the Paso dos Cedros at 4850m following with a steep descent to Osoruri. Then a short climb to a second pass at 4,750 m. After lunch on the pass, you will descend to the camp in Ruina Pampa totalling about 7 hours of hiking today.

Day 4: Osoruri - Jancarurish

An easier day today as you will trek along the valley floor to Jancarurish 4300m. This beautiful turquoise glacial lake nestles beneath Alpamayo and the adjacent peaks of Jancarurish 5780m, Tayapampa 5860m and Quitaraju 6254m. Camp by the lake shore.

Day 5: Jancarurish - Huillca

Today, the expedition travels to Safuna lagoon, which should be reached after a 4 hour hike. You will then climb up to a rocky pass to 4830m which is known as Cara Cara before descending to a rocky ground and arrive at a grassy valley called Mesa Pampa. There will be a high chance of seeing condors today. Once at the camp, there will be opportunities to explore the surrounding lagoons of Low Safuna and High Safuna.

Day 6: Huillca - Jancapampa

After breakfast you will follow the pass to Salctaycocha at 4600m. You then continue more easily into a rocky valley with a scattering of quenual trees. Follow the valley down to the still waters of Salctaycocha Lagoon and continue along into the broad Jancapampa valley.

Day 7: Jancapampa - Pomabamba

Today is the last day and you will pass several small villages before reaching Pomabamba. From here you will be met and picked up by private bus for the transfer back to Huaraz.

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Difficulty

A combination of long days with steep paths and some mountain scrambling. The route follows reasonable paths through thick vegetation, up hillsides, slippery shale surfaces. Snow and or ice may be encountered along the route. There is no need for technical climbing equipment. Altitude levels up to and around to 4200m. Medium risk of altitude sickness.

Good cardio vascular fitness is needed with weight and circuit training and running. Lots of hill walking. Backpacks will weight about 4-5kg and contain water, camera and essentials.

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