Cedros - Alpamayo Trek - 9 Days

The iconic circuit around Alpamayo, the “Most Beautiful Mountain in the World.”

The Cedros–Alpamayo Trek – 9 Days is one of the most complete routes in the Cordillera Blanca, circling the valleys around the legendary Alpamayo (5,947 m / 19,511 ft).

Over nine days you’ll cross multiple high passes above 4,600 m, visit turquoise lakes, and camp in remote Andean valleys dotted with quenual forests and traditional highland communities. This itinerary is ideal for trekkers with previous hiking experience and 2–3 days of prior acclimatization.

Quick Facts Huayhuash Trek – Trapecio Pass

Location: Cordillera Blanca, Huascarán National Park
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Distance: ~96 km / 60 mi total
Highest Point: 4,860 m / 15,944 ft (Osoruri Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Season: May – October (dry season)
Start / End: Huaraz → Hualcayán / Vaquería → Huaraz
Group Size: Small groups (max 8) or private treks

👉 Recommended for well-acclimatized hikers in good physical condition.

📩 Ready to trek around Alpamayo?

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Highlights Huayhuash Trek – Trapecio Pass

Circle the valleys beneath Alpamayo, voted the “Most Beautiful Mountain in the World” (Munich, 1966)
Cross four+ high passes: Osoruri, Vientunan, Gara Gara, Yanacón, Tupa Tupa, and Pucaraju (views to Huascarán & Chacraraju)
Turquoise lakes, glaciers and classic Andean scenery with few crowds
Authentic encounter with Andean villages like Hualcayán, Colcabamba, Huaripampa
Operated by Inkaland Treks with expert guides and full expedition support

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Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Route	Distance	Max Elevation	Hiking Time	Highlights
1	Huaraz → Hualcayán → Huishcash	8 km / 5 mi	4,200 m / 13,779 ft	5–6 h	First ascent & wide valley views
2	Huishcash → Osoruri	10 km / 6.2 mi	4,860 m / 15,944 ft	6–7 h	Osoruri Pass, Cullicocha shore
3	Osoruri → Vientunan Pass → Jancarurish	11 km / 6.8 mi	4,770 m / 15,650 ft	6–7 h	Enter Alpamayo valley
4	Jancarurish → Alpamayo Viewpoint → Jancarurish	5 km / 3.1 mi	4,450 m / 14,600 ft	~3 h	Rest day + iconic viewpoint
5	Jancarurish → Gara Gara & Mesapampa → Huillca	14 km / 8.7 mi	4,830 m / 15,846 ft	~7 h	Double-pass panorama
6	Huillca → Yanacón Pass → Jancapampa	13 km / 8.1 mi	4,600 m / 15,092 ft	~7 h	Descent to lush valley
7	Jancapampa → Tupa Tupa Pass → Quishuar	12 km / 7.4 mi	4,400 m / 14,436 ft	~7 h	Villages & alpine meadows
8	Quishuar → Pucaraju Pass → Tuctu	13 km / 8.1 mi	4,650 m / 15,256 ft	~7 h	Views of Huascarán & Chacraraju
9	Tuctu → Vaquería → Huaraz	6–8 km / 3.7–5 mi	3,800 m / 12,467 ft	3–4 h + 5 h drive	Trail out via Huaripampa

Distances and approximate times may vary depending on weather and group pace.

Day 1 – Huaraz → Hualcayán → Huishcash

Max Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft | Distance: 8 km / 5 mi | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Drive from Huaraz (3,050 m) to Hualcayán (3,140 m). Begin the zigzag ascent on an old mule path to Huishcash Camp, overlooking broad valleys.
Overnight: Huishcash (4,200 m).

Day 2 – Huishcash → Osoruri (via Osoruri Pass 4,860 m)

Max Altitude: 4,860 m / 15,944 ft | Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Climb to Osoruri Pass for grand views of Azulcocha, Yanacocha and the shore of Cullicocha (4,620 m). Short descent to camp.
Overnight: Osoruri Camp (~4,550 m).

Day 3 – Osoruri → Vientunan Pass → Jancarurish

Max Altitude: 4,770 m / 15,650 ft | Distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Cross Vientunan Pass, then contour into Los Cedros and the Alpamayo valley. First dramatic views of Alpamayo’s NW face.
Overnight: Jancarurish (3,800 m).

Day 4 – Jancarurish → Alpamayo Viewpoint → Jancarurish (Active Rest)

Max Altitude: 4,450 m / 14,600 ft | Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi | Hiking Time: ~3 hours

Optional hike to the classic Alpamayo Viewpoint (site of the famous photo). Afternoon at leisure to rest and enjoy the valley.
Overnight: Jancarurish (3,800 m).

Day 5 – Jancarurish → Gara Gara & Mesapampa → Huillca

Max Altitude: 4,830 m / 15,846 ft | Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi | Hiking Time: ~7 hours

A big Andean day across Gara Gara Pass (4,830 m) and Mesapampa (4,500 m), then descend to Huillca.
Overnight: Huillca Valley (~4,300 m).

Day 6 – Huillca → Yanacón Pass → Jancapampa

Max Altitude: 4,600 m / 15,092 ft | Distance: 13 km / 8.1 mi | Hiking Time: ~7 hours

Ascend Yanacón Pass and descend into Jancapampa — meadows, waterfalls and traditional herding families.
Overnight: Jancapampa (3,600 m).

Day 7 – Jancapampa → Tupa Tupa Pass → Quishuar

Max Altitude: 4,400 m / 14,436 ft | Distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi | Hiking Time: ~7 hours

Pass by Pishgopampa and climb to Tupa Tupa Pass; descend to Quishuar with sweeping mountain views.
Overnight: Quishuar (3,800 m).

Day 8 – Quishuar → Pucaraju Pass → Tuctu

Max Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,256 ft | Distance: 13 km / 8.1 mi | Hiking Time: ~7 hours

Climb to Pucaraju Pass for vistas of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Chacraraju, Taulliraju; descend through quenual forests into Huaripampa.
Overnight: Tuctu (4,200 m).

Day 9 – Tuctu → Vaquería → Huaraza

Max Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft | Distance: 6–8 km / 3.7–5 mi + ~5 h drive | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Short valley walk past Huaripampa and traditional hamlets to Vaquería (3,800 m). Private transport back to Huaraz (approx. 5 h).
Finish: Arrival mid/late afternoon.

Departure

Suggested 2026 Departures

June: 08–16 • July: 12–20 • August/September: On request

📩 Ask us to join a confirmed group or open a private trek on your preferred dates.

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