Santa Cruz - Pumarinri - Cajatambo trekking expedition

Arrival in Lima city from the country of origin, transfer to Huaraz city and then to a 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 10 soles entry fee for trail maintenance, we begin walking 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, climbing 490 m. On the way, we visit Jatuncocha and Ichiccocha lagoons, then detour to the Alpamayo viewpoint to observe peaks like 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 Vaqueria (3,900 masl). At this location, transport awaits us for the transfer to Huaraz city and hotel.

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

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

Matacancha (4,180 masl) to Mitucocha (4,230 masl). Today we cross the first pass of the Huayhuash Cordillera, Cacanampunta (4,700 masl), climbing 520 m from camp. After the pass, we observe Pucacocha and Yanacocha lagoons. Hike lasts 4 to 5 hours to the camp next to Mitucocha lagoon with views of Ninashanca (5,607 masl), Rondoy (5,870 masl), and Jirishanca (6,094 masl).

Mitucocha (4,230 masl) to Carhuacocha (4,280 masl). We cross the second pass, Carhuac (4,650 masl). From camp, it's a 420 m climb. From the pass, we observe the north face of Carnicero (5,960 masl), Siula (6,344 masl), Yerupaja (6,634 masl), and El Toro. Hike lasts 5 to 6 hours to Carhuacocha camp.

Carhuacocha (4,280 masl) to Huayhuash (4,300 masl). This is the toughest day of the trek, walking 7 to 8 hours. The path leads between four lagoons to a viewpoint where we see Siulacocha, Quesillococha Chico, Quesillococha Grande, and Azulcocha. From the viewpoint, a 1.5-hour climb takes us to Siula Pass (4,800 masl) to observe the peaks. Descending, we see Carnicero (5,960 masl), Jurao (5,600 masl), and Trapecio (5,644 masl).

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

Nevado Pumarinri Ascension (5,465 masl). Starting early at 3:30 AM, we ascend to reach the summit of Pumarinri (5,465 masl) led by a mountain guide. After the summit, return to the same camp. The ascension lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours.

Viconga (4,430 masl) to Cajatambo (3,380 masl). The path leads through the Pumarinri valley to San Cristobal Pass (4,150 masl). After the pass, we descend for 1 hour and 20 minutes, feeling the climate change of Peru's 'norte chico'. We arrive at a guesthouse in Cajatambo.

Cajatambo (3,380 masl) to Pativilca (50 masl). At 5:30 AM, we transfer from Cajatambo by public bus to Pativilca, then take a taxi to Huaraz city and hotel. On the scheduled return date/time to Lima, we transfer you from the hotel to the bus terminal. End of our service.