• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Duration: Eight to 12 days
• Distance: 80km
• Max elevation: 4,750m
• Start/end point: Hualcayán to Cashapampa

The Alpamayo Trek takes hikers to the base of Alpamayo (5,947m), considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the world. You will trek by numerous glacial lakes and have fabulous views of some of the most famous peaks: Alpamayo (5,947m), Santa Cruz (6,259m) and Pucajirca (6,050m). Even though this is a popular trek, you will see more wildlife than people, especially condors, vizcachas and vicuñas.

The trek can take between eight and 12 days, depending on the route. The shortest route is to start in Cashapampa, closest to the foot of Alpamayo, then exit at the end of the Santa Cruz trek to Vaquería. The full loop starts in Hualcayán and finishes in Cashapampa, though you can also do the trail in reverse. Either way, you’ll go to the town of Caraz from Huaraz to access the trailhead.