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Day 1: Huaraz - Jatuncocha.
Leaving Huaraz. the trip starts with a bus drive north
to the rich Callejon de Huaylas (narrow river valley)
passing through the towns of Carhuaz, Yungay and Caraz,
if we have time, we can visit Tarica on way, people live
in this village is dedicated to handmade potteries .
This is the route to the trailhead at Cashapampa
(2,900m/9,515ft). Here, the arrieros or mule drivers
will be waiting for us. As they load the gear, we’ll
begin the trek. While in Cashapampa, we’ll see the local
people dressed in traditional garb, this is a great
photo opportunity. The trek starts with a gradual uphill
trail that takes us to the opening of the Santa Cruz
gorge. We might encounter farmers tending their potato
fields in the meadows at wider parts of the canyon.
Campsite is at Ichicocha (small lake). From here, it’s
possible to observe a variety of highland bird species
including ducks, Andean gulls and possibly a pair of
Huallata (Andean geese). Trek length: 14km/8.7m (6½
hours walking). Camp elevation: 3,800m/12,465ft (L,D)
Day 2: Jatuncocha - Quitaraju.
After breakfast, the gradual uphill climb continues,
passing lake Jatuncocha. To the left, is the outstanding
snow-peak of Quitaraju (6,036m/ 19,798ft). Hiking
through scattered forests, we’ll catch a glimpse of the
pyramidal summit of Alpamayo (5,948m/19,510ft), rising
above the Arhuaycocha gorge. Alpamayo has been called
the most beautiful mountain in the world and will be our
view during lunch. In the afternoon, the walk continues
for about an hour before arriving at Taullipampa located
at the foot of the impressive mountain Taulliraju
(5,832m/19,130ft). The summit looks like a rock and ice
cathedral. Campsite is at the end of the valley with
magnificent views of glaciers and peaks surrounding us
on all sides including Artesonraju and Quitaraju. Trek
length: 10km/6.2m (4½ hours walking). Camp elevation:
4,250m/13,940ft. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Quitaraju - Colcabamba.
Today an early breakfast is needed to start a most
strenuous day. We’ll follow an ancient pre-Inca stone-paved
path up to the top of Punta Union pass
(4,750m/15,585ft). This will be our first full view of
the magnificent Cordillera Blanca. After taking a break,
the trail descends into the Huaripampa gorge. There are
beautiful glacial lakes along the way. We’re now heading
toward the greener eastern slopes of the range. The
route passes small alpine lakes, cascading rivers and
small alpine forests of Queñual trees. Campsite is at
the fork of the Paria and Huaripampa gorges. Trek length:
12.5km/7.8m (6½ hours walking). Camp elevation:
3,705m/12,152ft. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Colcabamba - Llanganuco.
An early morning 2-hour walk brings us to Colcabamba,
the only small village we’ll pass along the way. This is
a wonderful opportunity to interact with the local
people, partaking of the local culture. Our route leads
through forests of Queñual and Quisuar: the world’s only
trees growing at this elevation. On arrival to
Colcabamba, the hike continues uphill along a dirt road
until finally leading down into the Morocco gorge toward
Yanama. Campsite will be at Pacchapata. Trek length:
11km/6.8m (6½ hours walking). Camp elevation:
4,215m/13,830ft. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Llanganuco - Huaraz
Today, the hike moves on to the Portachuelo de
Llanganuco pass (4,800m/ 15,750ft). There’re excellent
views of Huascaran’s east face as well as Huandoy
(6,396m/20,980ft), Chopicalqui (6,355m/20,845ft) and
Chacraraju (6,113m/ 20,050ft). Next the trail descends
into Llanganuco gorge where we may spot herds of
vicuñas, South America’s finest cameloid. They have been
reintroduced to this region. We continue descending into
the Llanganuco gorge viewing orchids and other plants
native to this special region. A late afternoon bus ride
takes us back to Huaraz. Dinner is at your expense. Trek
length: 6.3miles (5 hours walking). Driving distance:
85km/52m (3 hours). (B,L)
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