Alpamayo Circuit
Alpamayo Circuit (also called Alpamayo Trek) is a remote, multi-day traverse in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca that circles Mount Alpamayo. It’s a long-distance route built to connect the classic Santa Cruz Trek with a farther, less-populated section toward the Cedros area.
At a mapped distance of about 118.65 km, the typical itinerary runs roughly 9 to 13 days. The route is worked around big altitude days: multiple high passes and long stretches between valleys, with elevation commonly staying in the 3,500–4,900 m range during the main traverse.
Most trips anchor logistics through Huaraz and then head to the start towns on the Cordillera Blanca side (commonly Hualcayan or Cashapampa). From there, the circuit links a chain of high camps and valley sections, with navigation becoming harder once you leave the well-traveled Santa Cruz corridor and move deeper into the off-main-trail terrain.
On-route high points include passes such as Paso Los Cedros and Paso Huillca (around 4,610 m). Several versions of the itinerary also feature other named passes/areas (for example Paso Cullicocha around 4,850 m and Paso los Cedros around 4,750 m), with camp areas near lagoons like Laguna Cullicocha.
The circuit includes an Alpamayo base camp side trip. Many itineraries aim to reach the base camp area from the Quebrada Alpamayo valley, then return to the main traverse line to continue looping around Alpamayo.
Route management is constrained by protected-area entry: entry into Huascarán National Park is required for multi-day trekking. Expect this to be part of pre-trip planning (passes/checkpoints), and plan to carry what you need for remote stretches between resupply points.
For planning, treat the trek as serious backcountry travel at altitude, not a day-hike. Most parties go prepared with camping gear and the ability to manage navigation between valleys and over passes; organized guiding is common, but self-guided travel exists.
More information: Conditions, Wikipedia, Hiking Peru's Alpamayo Circuit Trek without a Guide