Santa Cruz to Alpamayo Base Camp SUMMARY: This easy trek does not involve any high pass and will take you deep into the mountains, to the famous Alpamayo Base Camp. From here you will enjoy the sunrise in front of Alpamayo and Artesonraju (Paramount Picture’s live logo), a gorgeous quenoal forest, cascades and lakes will reward every step you make.
AVAILABILITY: All year round BEST TIME: May to October DURATION: 3 days DIFFICULTY: Easy MAX: ALTITUDE: 4300 m ELEVATION: 2900 to 4300 meters WALKING DISTANCE: 48 km r/t 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. Set off Caraz driving along 28 km in about 1:10 hours and climbing +650 m by car to Cashapampa. Meet mule drivers and their pack animals. 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 Arhuaycocha 4300 m, (14 km, 5-6 hours, +550 m climb). Optional visit to Arhuaycocha lake. D3. Return to Cashapampa and Caraz.