Peru Huaraz Essence of Huayhuash 6d

The Huayhuash Mountains, located in the Peruvian Andes, are a vast mountain range that generally requires 10 to 12 days to explore completely. However, for those with less time, there is a 6-day program that allows you to visit the most notable sites, such as Carhuacocha Lagoon, the Three Lagoons Viewpoint (Siula), Trapecio Pass, San Antonio Pass, and the Santa Rosa Viewpoint.

Group Departures: April to October

ITINERARY

This popular trek ascends the Santa Cruz Valley and crosses the Punta Union Pass at 4750m and Paso Yanayacu 4850m, below spectacular peaks of the Cordillera Blanca and skirting turquoise glacial lakes. Beautiful Andean wildflowers are prolific during the trekking season.

DAY 01: Huaraz – Cuartelhuain – Cacanan Pass – Mitucocha

The tour begins with hotel pickup and a 4 to 5-hour drive south of Huaraz, passing through Andean villages such as Chiquián and Llamac, until reaching Cuartelhuain (4,300 m). From there, the trek begins toward the Cacananpunta Pass (4,700 m), the continental divide between the Pacific and Amazon basins, where an Andean condor may occasionally be seen. Then, the hike descends to the Jalca Plain and camps near Mitucocha Lagoon (4,220 m), at the foot of Jirishanka Grande, Rondoy, and Ninashanca peaks.

DAY 02: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass – Carhuacocha

The hike crosses the Jalca Plain and ascends to Carhuac Pass (4,650 m), from where you will have spectacular views of the most impressive peaks of the Huayhuash: Yerupajá Grande, Yerupajá Chico, and Siulá Grande. The hike then descends to camp at Carhuacocha Lagoon (4,150 m), with the possibility of observing vizcachas along the way. From the camp, you have a direct view of the lagoon and the peaks of Siulá Grande, Yerupajá, and Jirishanka Chico.

DAY 3: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass – Huayhuash

The day begins with a challenging climb to the Siula Pass (4,800 m), rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Along the way, you visit a viewpoint with spectacular views of the three famous Huayhuash lagoons. You then descend, passing near Carnicero Lagoon, to reach the camp at Huayhuash (4,300 m).

DAY 4: Huayhuash – Trapecio Pass – Cuyocpampa Camp

This is one of the most challenging days of the trek, with the ascent to the Trapecio Pass (5,040 m), crossing Andean pastures and steep rocky moraines. From the pass, you can enjoy spectacular views of mountains such as Trapecio, Puscanturpa, and Cuyoc, at a viewpoint considered the fourth most beautiful in Huayhuash. The descent is over unmarked terrain, passing by a turquoise glacial lake in Huanacpatay.

DAY 5: Cuyoc Pampa – San San Antonio Pass – Cutatambo – Huayllapa Village

You ascend to the Cerro San Antonio Pass (4,800 m) along steep but accessible trails with good acclimatization. From the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views of the main peaks of Huayhuash, Lakes Sarapococha, Santa Rosa, and Jurau, and the Siula Glacier, famous for the Joe Simpson story. The descent is steep but safe, followed by a trail to Lake Jurau and the Calinca Gorge until you reach the village of Huayllapa, where you can rest, drink beer, and enjoy a hot shower.

DAY 6: Huayllapa – Cajatambo – Barranca

The last day begins early with transportation to the Peruvian coast. There is a brief breakfast stop in the town of Cajatambo, and then the journey continues along a long and winding road to Barranca. There, the transportation drops travelers off at the bus terminal for their trip to Lima. At this point, they bid farewell to the team, which returns to Huaraz. End of service.

INCLUDES

Transport
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 larger than 8 people)
Meals: 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners (vegetarian option).
Pre-dinner snacks
Snacks along the daily route
Entrance tickets to local communities
Medical kit: includes an oxygen bottle
Return transportation: From the town of Huayllapa to the city of Barranca (Day 6)

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)
5 or more Lycra t-shirts (not cotton)
3 pairs of hiking pants
Sets of underwear
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 is no place to plug in during the trek. Or even better, if it had a portable solar panel.
Personal hygiene items:
Sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, personal medication, and personal first aid kit.
Each day, you will walk alone with your small backpack, carrying:

Water in your bottle: we provide clean, boiled water every morning starting on day two.
Sun hat, rain gear, warm jacket, camera, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and a small waste bag.

Acclimatization

We highly recommend that you arrive in Huaraz at least 2 days before the trek departs and spend time doing day hikes to higher altitude, this will help with acclimatization to the new altitude. We can help organise day hikes for you.