Lake Cullicocha with reflection of glaciated peaks on Cedros Alpamayo trek

Cedros Alpamayo Trek 7 Days

6-day northern circuit: Lake Cullicocha, Cara Cara Pass, and Jancarurish camp facing the iconic north face of Mount Alpamayo.

Non-technicalDemand: High

Duration

7 days

Max altitude

4,850 m

Season

May-Sep

Duration

7 days

Max altitude

4,850 m

Season

May-Sep

From Huaraz

3.5 h

You don't need to be an expert, you need the will. We bring the route; you bring the spirit.

The 6-day Cedros Alpamayo trek is one of the most secluded and rewarding high-altitude wilderness routes in the Cordillera Blanca. Tailored for seasoned trekkers, it departs from the Andean village of Hualcayan into the pristine, untamed valleys of northern Ancash.

Over six demanding days, you will hike past the stunning sapphire waters of Lake Cullicocha (4,620 m) reflecting the glaciated peaks of Mount Santa Cruz, and conquer passes above 4,800 m including Osoruri and Cara Cara. The crowning highlight is pitching camp at Jancarurish, gazing directly at the flawless ice pyramid of Mount Alpamayo's north face.

The expedition features full professional support: certified mountain guides, local muleteers with pack animals, a dedicated camp chef, and 4-season tents to ensure comfort and safety in this remote wilderness.

Jancarurish camp facing Mount Alpamayo's north wall

Lake Cullicocha at 4,620 m below Mount Santa Cruz

Osoruri Pass at 4,850 m and Cara Cara Pass at 4,830 m

Remote 6-day northern circuit in Cordillera Blanca

Itinerary

7 days · 39h hiking · 6 nights overnight at camp

Day 1

Huaraz (3,052 m) – Hualcayan (3,140 m) – Huishcash (4,300 m)

Private transfer to Hualcayan in the northern Huaylas Valley. Meet muleteers and begin steep zigzag climb to Huishcash campsite.

3,140 → 4,300 m6 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 2

Huishcash – Lake Cullicocha (4,620 m) – Osoruri Pass (4,850 m) – Osoruri (4,400 m)

Ascent to breathtaking Lake Cullicocha reflecting Mount Santa Cruz Norte. Cross Osoruri Pass at 4,850 m and descend into Osoruri valley.

4,300 → 4,850 → 4,400 m6 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 3

Osoruri – Vientunan Pass (4,770 m) – Los Cedros Valley – Jancarurish (4,250 m)

Cross Vientunan Pass into Los Cedros watershed. Descend to Jancarurish camp beneath the awe-inspiring north face of Mount Alpamayo.

4,400 → 4,770 → 4,250 m6 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 4

Jancarurish – Lake Jancarurish & Alpamayo North Face Viewpoint (4,450 m)

Exploration and photography day. Moderate hike to the glacial moraine and Lake Jancarurish to admire Alpamayo's perfect ice pyramid.

4,250 → 4,450 → 4,250 m4 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 5

Jancarurish – Cara Cara Pass (4,830 m) – Mesapata Pass (4,460 m) – Huillca (4,000 m)

Challenging crossing of Cara Cara Pass (4,830 m) with vistas of Pucahirca and Quitaraju. Continue over Mesapata Pass and descend to Huillca pastures.

4,250 → 4,830 → 4,000 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 6

Huillca – Yanacon Pass (4,610 m) – Jancapampa Valley (3,600 m) – Huaraz

Final climb to Yanacon Pass (4,610 m), taking in waterfalls and rocky cliffs. Descent into the wide Jancapampa Valley to spend the night.

4,000 → 4,610 → 3,056 m5 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 7 · Summit

Day 7

Sunrise over the Jancapampa Valley and private transfer back to Huaraz.

3,056 → 3,052 m5 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Private round-trip transport from Huaraz (Huaraz – Hualcayan / Jancapampa – Huaraz).

Certified official trekking / mountain guide (bilingual Spanish/English).

Professional high-altitude mountain cook and full kitchen setup.

Full meals during all 6 expedition days (breakfast, trail box lunch, snack, and warm dinner).

Muleteers and pack mules to transport all heavy group and personal gear.

Emergency horse with saddle for group safety.

4-season mountain tents (2 people per tent) and dining tent with furniture.

First aid kit and medical oxygen cylinder for emergencies.

Heavy-duty 4-season mountain tents.

Insulating sleeping mats.

Dining tent with tables, chairs and lantern.

Kitchen tent with cookware.

Portable toilet tent.

Heavy-duty duffel bags for luggage transport.

Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures (-10 °C to -15 °C).

Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent).

Not included

Huascaran National Park entrance ticket (S/ 65 Peruvian / S/ 150 foreigner).

First breakfast (day 1) and final dinner in Huaraz (day 6).

Travel and mountain rescue insurance.

Voluntary tips and personal expenses.

Daypack (25 to 35 L) for water, warm layers, sunscreen and snacks.

Broken-in trekking boots with ankle support and sturdy soles.

Telescopic trekking poles.

Layered clothing: thermal base layer, fleece mid layer, and waterproof windbreaker jacket.

Thick down or synthetic insulated jacket for camp.

Waterproof thermal gloves, warm beanie, and category 3 or 4 UV sunglasses.

Headlamp with spare batteries.

Water bottle or hydration reservoir of at least 2 liters.

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).