The hike from Quilcayhuanca to Cojup offers a peaceful and spectacular experience through the Cordillera Blanca. Although some sections are steep and narrow, the route passes through the uncrowded Quilcayhuanca Valley, with views of towering snow-capped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes. Despite the physical challenge, it is an excellent alternative for those looking to avoid the crowds of other popular routes such as Huayhuash or Santa Cruz.

Start: 7:30am Huaraz
Finish: Huaraz
Departs: April to October

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Huaraz – Pitec – Quilcayhuanca Valley – Tullpacocha Camp (4,250 m)

The hike begins with a transfer from your hotel to the town of Pitec, the starting point for the Quilcayhuanca Route. The trail is mostly flat and easy. After about 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you reach a beautiful valley with green fields, local wildlife, and views of the Andavite snow-capped mountain (5,518 m). The day ends at the campsite located near the crossing to Tullpacocha Lagoon.

Optional: During this day, you can explore the Cayesh Valley and its distinctive needle-shaped peak (approximately 3 hours), visit Tulpacocha Lagoon, or simply rest at camp and enjoy the scenery, ideal for taking photos. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 2: Tullpacocha – Huapi Pass (5,020 m) – Cojup (4,150 m)

After an early breakfast, the challenging ascent to Huapi Pass (5,020 m) begins. As the mules wind their way around Quilcayhuanca toward Cojup with their gear, the hikers cross the pass, from where they can see the snow-capped Ranrapalca, Palcaraju, and Ishinca peaks. After a 4 to 5-hour ascent and descent, they reach the campsite near Palcacocha Lagoon. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 3: Cojup Gorge – Huaraz

After breakfast, descend through the Cojup Valley following the 1941 avalanche route. After a 4 to 5-hour hike, you’ll reach the valley exit, where your return transportation to Huaraz awaits. Arrival at the hotel is expected around 4 p.m.

INCLUDES

Transportation
Official guide in English/Spanish
Camping and cooking equipment
Pack donkeys: Carry camping equipment and your personal luggage allowance (8 kg for a group and 12 kg for a private group).
Hiking cook: Specialized in mountain cooking, with an assistant (if the group is more than 6 people).
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners (vegetarian option).
Pre-dinner snacks
Snacks along the daily trail
Entrance tickets to Huascarán National Park
Medical kit: includes an oxygen bottle
Return transportation: From Porta Cojup to your hotel in Huaraz (Day 3)

NOT INCLUDED

Accommodation in Huaraz
Sleeping bag
Walking poles
First breakfast and last dinner in the city
Travel, personal, and/or medical insurance
Personal clothing and equipment
Tips for our staff
Additional expenses resulting from leaving the tour early or an emergency rescue or evacuation
Additional costs or delays beyond the company’s control (bad weather, itinerary modification due to a safety precaution, illness, change in government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

Sleeping bag (-10º to -15º C)
2 or more Lycra shirts (not cotton)
2 pairs of hiking pants
2 or more sets of underwear
3 or more sets of wool socks (suitable for hiking)
Fleece or warm jacket
1 rain jacket (depending on the season)
1 pair of rain pants (depending on the season)
1 hat or cap for the sun
1 wool or cotton cap for the cold
Headlamp
1 or 2-liter water bottle
Gloves for the cold (waterproof is best)
Comfortable shoes for the campsite
High-top hiking boots, preferably waterproof
Walking poles (optional)
Sunscreen (lip and skin)
Quick-dry towel
Earplugs (optional)
Power bank: there’s no place to plug in during the trek. Or even better, a portable solar panel.
Toiletries
Sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, personal medication, personal first aid kit
Each day, you will walk alone with your small backpack
Water in your bottle: we provide clean, boiled water every morning starting on day two.
Sun hat, rain gear, a warm jacket, a camera, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and a small waste bag.