Santa cruz – Pisco

We will leave the city of Huaraz, traveling through the Huaylas Alley reaching the town of Cashapampa (2900m). From there we will begin our trek towards the Corral Creek up to Santa Cruz where we set our first camp.

We will begin this day early walking to Taullipampa through Jatuncocha and Ichiccochay seeing views of Mount Quitaraju (6036m). We will arrive at the crossing of Arhuycocha which goes to the base camp of Alpamayo (5947m), Taullipampa, our second camp.

We begin early for the first pass, Punta Union (4750m), which is the highest point. From here we will have beautiful views of the lagoons and Taullicocha and Jatuncocha. Then we begin the descent to Cachinapampa (3800m).

After passing through several villages (with rustic homes of local people) we will reach Vaquería (3.400 m.) where we can find transportation to the city of Huaraz. After a good rest, we will continue walking down the road and bridle paths to reach Pacchapampa (4,250 m.). There we will set up camp.

This day we will cross the second step Portachuelo (4700 m.), from where we will have a privileged view of the snowy Chopicalqui (6.354 m), Huascaran Norte (6.655 m.) and Huascaran Sur (6.768 m.). We will also see the three peaks of Huandoy (6.395 m – 6.356 m – 6.160 m.) Chacraraju (6.112 m.), Yanapaccha (5.347 m.), Pisco (5.752 m.). We will then descend to Pampa.

Free day at the lake or visit 69 (optional)

After three or four hours of walking we arrive to the base camp located near the shelter Peru (4.750 m.). Optionally you can advance to the moraine camp.

We leave at dawn to take advantage of better snow conditions, on the road towards the hill southwest to Huandoy East-Pisco. From here we reach the top and then descend to base camp.

It takes 2 hours to reach Cebollapampa, where a bus will be waiting to return to Huaraz.