Santa Cruz to Llanganuco SUMMARY: An extended version of the classic 4-day trek, this option covers the entire trail, including the pre Inca section over Portachuelo Llanganuco Pass. There’s a fourth higher camp at the feet of mount Yanapaccha that rewards with awesome views of sunrise from the Amazon basin.
AVAILABILITY: All year round BEST TIME: Mid-April to late October DURATION: 5 days DIFFICULTY: Moderate - Difficult MAX: ALTITUDE: 4767 m ELEVATION: 2900 to 4767 meters WALKING DISTANCE: 52km o/w INCLUDES: Ground transportation to/from trail heads, Guide, Cook, Mule driver and pack animals, your tent, group tent, toilet tent, full-board meals while hiking, table, chairs, sleeping pads. NOT INCLUDED: Park entry fee S/65.00
ITINERARY (suggested): D1. Leave Caraz riding 28 km in about 1:10 hours and climbing +650 m by car to Cashapampa. Hike to camp at Llamacorral 3750 m (10 km, 4-5 hours, +900 m climb). D2. Visit the two lakes, climb to the Alpamayo Mirador and camp at Taullipampa 4250 m, (14 km, 5-6 hours, +500 m climb). D3. Climb Punta Union Pass at 4750 m (Continental water divide), descend to camp at Cachinapampa 3750 m, (3 km, +500m, 2-3 hours / 7 km, -1000 m, 4-5 hours) D4. Hike along the village of Huaripampa to Vaqueria (5 km, 1:30 hours, -350 m; 3 km, 2 hours, +250 m), and then follow the dirt road for a while until we found the trail towards camp Pacchapata 4150 m (4 km, 3 hours, +400 m). D5. Climb to Portachuelo LLanganuco Pass 4767 m (4 km, 3 hours, +667 m), then descend to the bridge near Cebollapampa 4030 m (3 km, 2 hours, -737 m). Our transport will take us to the Llanganuco lakes for lunch. Final ride back to Caraz (2hours).