Cedros Alpamayo Circuit / 11 Days

Overview of the Trek
Los Cedros/Alpamayo and the Alpamayo Circuit, which includes a substantial part of the Santa Cruz Trek, typically last from 8 to 11 days, and approximately 96 to 120 kilometers (60 to 75 mi) depending on the route and additional side trips. Both the North and South Face Alpamayo Base Camps can be reached from the circuit. There are a number of unique views of Alpamayo, with its fluted, ice-clad south-western face, as well as several other mountains. The two routes connect on the eastern side of the cordillera, in a truly remote wilderness section of the Cordillera Blanca.

Scenic Highlights
Cedros/Alpamayo offers eleven days of beautiful high-altitude landscapes, turquoise glacial lakes, high passes, and verdant alpine valleys featuring the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region. This trek also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including both the North and South faces of Alpamayo at 5,947 meters (19,511 feet), often regarded as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The route also encircles several other significant peaks, including Quitaraju at 6,036 meters (19,803 feet), Santa Cruz at 6,259 meters (20,535 feet), and Pucajirca Norte at 6,046 (19,835 feet).

Daily Experience
With a number of high mountain passes, a typical day on the circuit involves ascending and descending challenging rocky trails. While a strenuous climb, the Osoruri Pass at 4,860 meters (15,945 feet) offers incredibly rewarding views of the area. Camps are typically set near beautiful lakes or under towering mountains, providing a serene environment to relax in after an epic day of hiking. The route also passes through small Andean villages and isolated farming communities, adding a unique dimension to the journey and allowing for an immersive look into the traditional highland ways of life.

Physical Demands
While the Cedros/Alpamayo Circuit is considered moderately difficult to challenging, this depends on the specific itinerary and route variations. The trek typically involves 5 to 7 hours of physical activity each day, with long ascents to high passes, requiring proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. Overall, the Cedros/Alpamayo Circuit is best suited for trekkers who are well-prepared for high-altitude hiking and challenging terrain.

Despite these challenges, this trek is an incredibly fulfilling mountain experience, and one of Peru’s most stunning natural environments.

We recommend doing a couple of acclimatization hikes at altitude before starting this trek. Your itinerary includes two of the options below.

Quebrada Paron
Sphinx Base Camp
Laguna Paron
Laguna Chacra
Laguna Congelada (Artesonraju Morain)
Laguna 69
Laguna 513