Santa Cruz - Cajatambo Excursion

Arrival in Lima city from the country of origin, same day transfer to Huaraz city and hotel.

Transfer from Huaraz (3,100 masl) by private transport to Cashapampa (2,930 masl). There we meet the muleteer and pack animals to transport the trekking equipment. After paying the entry fee of 10 soles for trail maintenance to the village, we start our hike through the Santa Cruz valley along the banks of the Yuracmayu river until reaching Llamacoral camp (3,760 masl). Hike lasts 4 to 5 hours.

Llamacoral (3,760 masl) to Taullipampa (4,250 masl). We continue through the Santa Cruz valley with an elevation gain of 490 m. On the way, we visit Jatuncocha and Ichiccocha lagoons, then detour to the Alpamayo viewpoint to observe peaks such as Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Potaca, Aguja, Caraz, Artesonraju, Piramide, and Paria. Hike lasts 5 to 6 hours.

Taullipampa (4,250 masl) to Cachinanpampa (3,600 masl). Today we cross the Punta Union pass (4,750 masl), a 500 m climb from camp. From the pass, we observe the entire Santa Cruz valley and the mentioned peaks. Then we descend 1,150 m through the Huaripampa valley to camp. Hike lasts 7 to 8 hours.

Cachinanpampa (3,600 masl) to Yanapaccha (4,260 masl). We continue through the Huaripampa valley to Vaqueria, then head through the Morococha valley to camp. The journey lasts 5 to 6 hours.

Yanapaccha (4,260 masl) to Cebollapampa (3,900 masl). Today we cross the second pass, Portachuelo (4,767 masl), a 507 m climb from camp. The view is spectacular, featuring Llanganuco lagoons and famous peaks like Chacraraju, Pisco, Huandoys, Huascaran North and South, and Chopicalqui. We then descend to camp. Hike lasts 5 to 6 hours.

Cebollapampa (3,900 masl) to Lake 69 (4,650 masl) and return to Huaraz (3,100 masl). Today we detour to Lake 69, then return by the same path to Cebollapampa where our transport awaits to take us back to Huaraz and our hotel.

Rest day in Huaraz. You can visit the Chancos thermal baths, located 27 km north of Huaraz, and relax for the following days.

Transfer from Huaraz - Chiquian - Llamac (3,300 masl). From here we begin walking to Matacancha (4,180 masl), an 880 m climb from Llamac. Hike lasts 5 to 6 hours. We will meet the muleteer and pack animals again.

Matacancha (4,180 masl) to Mitucocha (4,230 masl). Today we cross the Cacanampunta pass (4,700 masl), a 520 m climb from camp. We observe Pucacocha and Yanacocha lagoons. Hike lasts 4 to 5 hours to camp by Mitucocha lagoon with views of Ninashanca, Rondoy, and Jirishanca.

Mitucocha (4,230 masl) to Carhuacocha (4,280 masl). We cross the second pass, Carhuac (4,650 masl). From the pass (420 m climb), we observe the north face of Carnicero, Siula, and Yerupaja. Hike lasts 5 to 6 hours to Carhuacocha camp.

Carhuacocha (4,280 masl) to Huayhuash (4,300 masl). The toughest day of the trek, walking 7 to 8 hours. The path passes four colorful lagoons (Siulacocha, Quesillococha Chico and Grande, Azulcocha) to reach Siula Pass (4,800 masl). Descending, we see Carnicero, Jurao, and Trapecio peaks.

Huayhuash (4,300 masl) to Viconga (4,430 masl). We reach Portachuelo pass (4,750 masl), a 450 m climb. Hike lasts 5 to 6 hours to Viconga thermal springs to enjoy the baths in the afternoon with coca tea.

Viconga (4,430 masl) to Cuyocpampa (4,600 masl). We cross Cuyoc pass (5,000 masl), climbing 570 m. From the pass, the Raura and Huayhuash cordilleras are visible in their entirety. Hike lasts 5 to 6 hours.

Cuyocpampa (4,600 masl) to Huayllapa (3,630 masl). We cross San Antonio pass (5,200 masl), a 600 m climb. The pass offers views of the south face of the peaks mentioned. Hike lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Huayllapa (3,630 masl) to Gashpapampa (4,490 masl). We conquer Tapush pass (4,800 masl), an 1,170 m climb from Huayllapa. Near the pass, we see the famous Diablo Mudo peak (5,350 masl). Hike lasts 6 to 7 hours.

Gashpapampa (4,490 masl) to Jahuacocha lagoon (4,100 masl). Starting at 4:00 AM, we ascend to the summit of Nevado Diablo Mudo (5,350 masl). After the summit, we descend through the Huacrish valley to Jahuacocha camp. Ascent lasts 9 to 10 hours.

Jahuacocha (4,100 masl) to Llamac (3,300 masl). We cross the final pass, Pampa Llamac (4,300 masl), followed by a 1,000 m descent to Llamac. Our transport will be waiting for the transfer to Huaraz. End of our service with hotel to bus terminal transfer as scheduled.