Location: Cordillera Huayhuash
Duration: 8 days / 7 night
Distance: 114 km
Maximum elevation: 5100 M Above Sea Level (Trapecio Pass)
Difficulty: Challenging.
Best season: May – September.
The Huayhuash Mountain Range offers a unique trekking experience that is considered among the most beautiful and famous in the world. During this trek, you will have the opportunity to explore pristine and unexplored mountain landscapes, gaze upon intense glacial scenery, and enjoy dream-like camping sites that you will remember forever.
This trek will take you across multiple high-altitude passes, where you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views such as those of the three lakes, the San Antonio viewpoint, and many other magnificent peaks in the area.
Day 1: Huaraz-Cuartelhuain (4,180m) to Mitucocha (4,200m).
Our exciting hiking adventure begins early in the morning as we venture deep into the heart of the majestic Huayhuash Mountain Range. After three hours of hiking, we arrive at the impressive Cacananpunta, located at 4,750 meters above sea level, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains. Continuing our trek through the majestic range, we arrive at the breathtaking Carhuac Pass, located at 4,700 meters. Finally, we make our way to our Carhuacocha campsite, located at 4,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by majestic mountains.
Day 2: Carhuacocha (4,200m) to Huayhuash (4,320m).
This route is perfect for those seeking a unique experience in the Huayhuash Mountain Range, getting up close to the impressive mountains and glaciers of the region. From the western shore of Lake Carhuacocha, we begin a gentle ascent towards Lake Siula (4320m), passing through the meltwater of the glacier descending from the Nevado Sarapo (6160m) until we reach the next lake (4700m). Finally, we reach the spectacular Siula Pass (5990m), where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The descent takes us to the next campsite in Huayhuash, where we can rest and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Day 3: Huayhuash (4,320m) – Viconga (4,420m).
The next stage of our adventure in the Huayhuash Mountain Range takes us through incredible mountain panoramas towards the impressive Portachuelo Pass (4760m), where we can enjoy spectacular views of the ice-covered peaks. Then, we begin our descent, finally reaching the beautiful Lake Viconga (4420m), the largest in the area. After a long hike, we’ll have the opportunity to relax and immerse ourselves in the hot springs located right next to our campsite, enjoying a relaxing and revitalizing afternoon.
Day 4: Viconga (4420m) to Huanacpatay (4500m).
Today is a challenging day of hiking towards the Cuyoc Pass, the highest point on the route. We’ll ascend a steep trail to enjoy views of nearby mountains. After descending, we’ll climb to the San Antonio lookout for more breathtaking views before descending to the campsite at Huanacpatay. It will be an unforgettable day that tests our endurance, but rewards us with spectacular views.
Day 5: Huanacpatay (4500m) – Huatiac (4390m).
On this journey, we hike along a winding trail that takes us through a green valley with a stunning waterfall. We visit the village of Huayllapa and then climb a steep trail for 4 hours until we reach the campsite with impressive panoramic views. This experience offers us the opportunity to enjoy nature, test our physical and mental endurance, and live unforgettable moments.
Day 6: Huatiac (3590m) – Gashpapampa (4500m).
On this day, we will embark on an approximately 8-hour hike from Huatiac to our campsite after breakfast. During the hike, we can enjoy impressive views of the mountains, including the majestic Monte Diablo Mudo and other peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. We will descend through small mountains and trails until we reach our campsite, where we will spend the night. This will be an exciting day, full of adventures and discoveries in the midst of the Andean nature. Here, we can feel free, connected to the land, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Andean landscapes.
Day 7: Gashpapampa (4500m) – Jahuacocha (4070m).
This is another beautiful day, considered one of the highlights of the trek. After breakfast, we will start walking towards Punta Yaucha pass. During and from the pass, we can enjoy the most spectacular views of the mountains, such as the majestic Yerupajá mountain, and if we are lucky, we may even observe some of the wildlife in the area. Then, the descent, enjoying the spectacular view of Jahuacocha Lake and Jirishanca mountain, until we reach our final campsite.
Day 8: Jahuacocha (4070m) – Huaraz (3100m).
After breakfast, we depart from the campsite towards Llamac, following the Jahuacocha valley trail. After a long descent, we will arrive at the town where our return transportation to Huaraz awaits us.
Camping equipment.
Kitchen equipment.
Food: (Breakfast, Snack, Dinner).
Cooker
Certified trekking guide.
Donkeys and Donkey Driver.
First aid kit.
Private round-trip transportation.
Unlimited potable water.
DON’T INCLUDE.
Entrance fees.
Medical and emergency insurance.
Sleeping bag (if you don’t have we can help you to rent).
The first breakfast and the last dinner.
Personal expenses.
Essential items to pack!
- Day backpack and (06 Kilos personal Luggage for the Donkeys).
- Hiking poles
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Well-worn hiking shoes or boots
- Comfortable clothing (quick-drying), hiking pants, fleece
- Thermal underwear for the night
- Warm fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Extra water and snacks
- Water purification tablets.