Paso del Zorro and view of Ranrapalca glaciers

Paso del Zorro Private Trek

High-demand private trek crossing Paso del Zorro at 4,980 m in Llaca valley, featuring colossal close-up views of Ranrapalca and Vallunaraju.

Non-technicalDemand: Very high
Duration
1 day
Max altitude
4,980 m
Season
May-Oct

The mountain doesn't ask if you're ready: it invites you to discover what you're made of. Will you take on the Paso del Zorro challenge?

Paso del Zorro is one of the most awe-inspiring and demanding high-alpine passes in the Cordillera Blanca. Soaring to 4,980 m elevation, it connects the Llaca and Cojup valleys across rugged moraines and rocky ridges that exude pure mountaineering atmosphere.

Crossing of the challenging Paso del Zorro pass at 4,980 m
Towering faces of Mount Ranrapalca (6,162 m) and Vallunaraju
Specialized private high-mountain guide and exclusive 4x4 transport
Rugged alpine adventure tailored for experienced trekkers

Itinerary

1 day · 7h hiking · no overnight
1
Day 1

Huaraz - Llaca Valley - Paso del Zorro (4,980 m) - Huaraz

Private 4x4 departure at 5:00 AM from Huaraz driving up to Quebrada Llaca refuge (4,400 m). We start a steep, demanding ascent over loose scree and glacial moraine to the mountain saddle. Thrilling crossing of Paso del Zorro (4,980 m) revealing mind-blowing 360-degree vistas of Mount Ranrapalca, Ocshapalca, and Vallunaraju. High-altitude lunch, photos, and careful descent back to our vehicle, returning to Huaraz around 5:30 PM.

3,052 → 4,980 → 3,052 m7 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Round-trip private 4x4 transportation from Huaraz.
Specialized certified UIAGM / AGMP high-mountain guide.
High-mountain reinforced box lunch and isotonic beverages.
Comprehensive first aid kit and rescue medical oxygen.
Medical oxygen canister and pulse oximeter.
Technical mountain first aid kit.

Not included

Huascarán National Park entrance fee.
Mountain accident or evacuation insurance.
Trekking poles and tips.
High-cut trekking boots with rigid or semi-rigid soles.
Technical daypack (25 to 35 L).
Windproof alpine gloves and warm beanie.
Glacier / mountain sunglasses category 3 or 4 with total UV protection.
Trekking poles with baskets (essential).
Water or thermos with hot beverage (at least 2 liters).
Thermal alpine layers: base layer, heavy fleece, and waterproof Gore-Tex jacket.

Recommendations

  • Acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Huaraz (3,050 m) before tours that ascend above 4,500 m.
  • Get a good night's sleep before and eat light meals: easily digestible foods the day before and the day of the tour.
  • Altitude sickness medication: consult your doctor before your trip. Acetazolamide requires a prescription, should be started the day before, and is ineffective if you already have symptoms.
  • Travel with insurance that covers mountain activities and rescue.
  • Do not drink alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude.
  • Drink water constantly, without forcing yourself: drinking too much does not prevent altitude sickness.
  • Inform your guide if you experience a severe headache, nausea, or dizziness. The rule is not to continue ascending if you have these symptoms.
  • Bring water (2 liters) and water purification tablets if you plan to drink from streams. There is livestock in the area, and these tablets are sold in pharmacies in Huaraz.
  • Bring energy snacks.
  • Bring sunscreen with SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat: the radiation at high altitude is very strong.
  • Bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear, even during the dry season.
  • Bring a personal first-aid kit with your usual medications.
  • Bring your passport (there is a checkpoint at Huascarán National Park).

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USD 120S/ 400