Depart from Huaraz and travel north through the Callejón de Huaylas, descending to Caraz (2,300 m) before heading toward the small town of Cashapampa (2,900 m). Here, you will meet your mountain team—guides, cooks, and muleteers—and begin your trek.
The route follows the Santa Cruz valley, gradually ascending to Llamacorral (3,650 m), where you set up your first camp.

Duration: 3 h drive, 4 h trek

Continue along the wide Santa Cruz valley, passing the lakes of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha before reaching Quisuar. Here, you can take a detour toward Alpamayo base camp in the Arhuaycocha valley for views of Quitaraju (6,040 m), Alpamayo (5,947 m), Artezonraju (6,025 m), and other peaks. Camp overnight at Taullipampa (4,000 m), directly beneath the dramatic Taulliraju (5,830 m).

Duration: 5 h trek

Today’s ascent takes you up a steep zigzag path at the foot of Taulliraju, overlooking the turquoise waters of Taullicocha lake. Reach Punta Unión pass (4,750 m) after about 3 hours, where spectacular views open up to peaks including Chacraraju, Artezonraju, Pyramid, Huandoy, Alpamayo, Santa Cruz, Rinrihirca, and Taulliraju.
From here, descend past Morococha lake into the wide Huaripampa valley, walking through quenual forests and open grasslands before reaching camp in Huaripampa (3,600 m).

Duration: 7 h trek

Descend to the small village of Colcabamba (3,350 m), then ascend to Vaquería (3,700 m) to meet your transport. Drive up to Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4,765 m) for panoramic views of Huascarán Norte, Huascarán Sur, Chopicalqui, Huandoy, and Pisco.
Descend through the Llanganuco valley, visiting the lakes of Orkoncocha and Chinancocha, before returning to Huaraz.

Duration: 3 h trek, 4 h drive