The 10 days trek through the Huayhuash Mountains is a complete circuit and considered one of the most classic in the world. The route traverses one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on the planet and includes eight mountain passes, the highest at 5,000 meters above sea level. Overnight camps are held above 4,000 meters above sea level.
ITINERARY
DAY 01: Huaraz – Llamac – Cuartelhuain
We drive from Huaraz to Chiquián, enjoying distant views of the Huayhuash Mountains. From Chiquián, we descend into a landscape of cacti and scrubland to the village of Llamac (3,300 meters). We then continue through a wide, grassy valley surrounded by quenual forests and camp in Quartelhuain (4,200 meters).
DAY 2: Cuartelhuain – Cacanan Pass (4,700 m/15,416 ft) – Mitucocha (4,200 m)
We begin the day crossing the first pass, Cacanan Punta (4,700 m), from where Andean condors can sometimes be seen. We descend to the Jalca plain and then camp at Mitucocha Lagoon (4,220 m), at the foot of Jirishanka Grande, Rondoy, and Ninashanca peaks. In the afternoon, you can explore the lake or nearby valleys if you have the energy.
DAY 3: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass (4,650 m/15,255 ft) – Carhuacocha
We cross the Jalca Plain and ascend to Carhuac Pass (4,650 m), offering a breathtaking panorama of the Yerupajá Grande, Yerupajá Chico (6,121 m), and Siulá Grande (6,344 m) peaks. We descend to camp at Carhuacocha Lagoon (4,150 m), with direct views of the snow-capped mountains and the chance to spot vizcachas among the rocks and bushes.
DAY 4: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass (4,850 m/15,908 ft) – Huayhuash (4,300 m)
Today, there are two possible routes to the camp at Huayhuash (4,300 m): one via the more direct Carnicero Pass (4,600 m), and a more challenging route via the Siula Pass (4,800 m), which offers spectacular panoramic views. After the descent, we pass near Carnicero Lake before reaching the camp.
DAY 5: Huayhuash – Portachuelo Pass (4,750 m/15,584 ft) – Viconga
We ascend to the Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass (4,750 m) with views of the Raura Mountains and the León Huacanan snow-capped mountain. We then descend along the edge of Viconga Lagoon, where alpacas are often seen, and walk through the valley to reach the camp (4,480 m). Nearby, there are open-air hot springs, ideal for taking a hot bath.
DAY 6: Viconga – Cuyoc Pass – Cuyoc Pampa
Today we cross the highest pass of the trek: Punta Cuyoc (5,000 m), after a demanding 2- to 3-hour climb. From the summit, we enjoy panoramic views of the Raura Mountains, the Huayhuash peaks, and Sarapo Mountain (6,127 m). The initial descent is steep and easy, but then eases as we continue through the Cuyoc Gorge to the campsite at Cuyoc Pampa, near the beginning of the Huanacpatay Gorge.
DAY 7: Cuyoc Pampa – San San Antonio Pass – Cutatambo – Huayllapa Village
From the camp, we ascend to the Cerro San Antonio Pass (4,800 m), a challenging day with spectacular views of the Huayhuash Mountains, Lakes Sarapococha, Santa Rosa, and Jurau, as well as the Siula Glacier and base camp. The steep but safe descent takes us to Lake Jurau, and then we continue through the Calinca Gorge to the village of Huayllapa. There, you can rest, have a drink, or even take a hot shower.
DAY 8: Huayllapa – Tapush Pass – Gashpapampa Camp
After a hearty breakfast, we begin a long zigzag ascent to the Huatiac Meadow (4,350 m), where we rest briefly. We then continue up to Punta Tapush Pass (4,770 m), with views of Nevado Diablo Mudo. On the descent, we pass Susococha Lagoon (4,740 m) and finally arrive at the campsite at Gashpapampa (4,300 m).
DAY 9: Gashpapampa – Yaucha Pass (4,850 m) – Jahuacocha (4,150 m)
Today we cross Punta Yaucha Pass (4,850 m), a challenging climb over rocky terrain that offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. We then descend through a valley covered in lupine bushes and stop at the Huacrish viewpoint to admire Jahuacocha and Solteracocha lagoons, below Yerupajá Mountain. Finally, we camp next to Jahuacocha Lagoon (4,050 m), surrounded by towering mountains.
DAY 10: Jahuacocha – Pampa Llamac Pass – Llamac – Huaraz
After a gentle one-hour descent, we begin the ascent to the Macrash Punta Pass (4,300 m), from where we get the last views of the Huayhuash mountain range. We then descend to the village of Llamac, where our return transportation to Huaraz picks us up. Arrival at the hotel in Huaraz is around 4:00 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).
- Specialized mountain cook and assistant (groups of more than 8 people)
- Meals: 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners (vegetarian option).
- Pre-dinner snacks
- Daily snacks along the way
- Entrance tickets to Huascarán National Park
- Medical kit: includes an oxygen cylinder
- Return transportation: Private transportation from the village of Llamac to your hotel in Huaraz (Day 10).
NOT INCLUDED
- Accommodation in Huaraz
- Sleeping bag
- Walking poles
- First breakfast and last dinner in town
- Travel, personal, and/or medical insurance
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Gratuities 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.)
We recommend bringing:
- 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.
- Tall 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.
- Sun hat, rain gear, warm jacket, camera, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and a small trash bag.
PRICES (PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS)
SHARED SERVICE
- Price per person: US$ 885
PRIVATE SERVICE
- 2 people: US$ 1,295
- 4 people: US$ 1,105
- 6 or more people: US$ 975
*Reference prices subject to availability and season.
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