Cordillera Huayhuash Trek in Peru

This is the most dramatic high altitude trek in the Peruvian Andes with magnificent views of the mountains of the Cordillera Huayhuash such as Yerupaja 6634m being the second highest mountain in Peru, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Carnicero, Trapecio. The dramatic and beautiful glacial lakes and valleys of the range provide memorable campsites and good trout fishing. Andean condors are seen more often in the Huayhuash than on other Peruvian treks, attesting to the area’s remoteness.

Trip Information
Grade: Strenuous
Length: 10 Days Walk
Distance: 132 Km
Maximum Altitude: 5000m/16400ft
Average: 4200m/13779ft
Season: April – September

Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Chiquian – Llamac – Pocpa – Quartelhuain 
You are picked up at your accommodation and begin the journey with a spectacular scenic drive along the Callejon de Huaylas Valley. There are opportunities for photo stops along the way. We drive through many rural villages until we reach our camp at Quartelhuain 4150m/13615ft. 5 hours drive.

Day 2: Quartelhuain – Cacananpunta Pass – Janca 
We slowly climb up to 4690m/15387ft in the morning to cross the Punta Cacanan then, as we descend, we are rewarded with stunning views of the nearby peaks of Rondoy and Jirishanca. Our camp is situated in Janca at 4150m/13615ft. 5  hours walk.

Day 3: Janca – Carhuac Pass – Laguna Carhuacocha
We ascend towards Paso Carhuac 4630m/15190ft pass from where we have splendid views of Nevados Carnicero, Siula, Yerupaja, Jirishanca. We then descend to our camp at the beautiful Laguna Carhuacocha 4150m/13615ft. 5 hours walk.

Day 4: Carhuacocha – Carnicero Pass – Huayhuash
We ascend towards Paso Punta Carnicero 4615m/15141ft pass with nice views of the surrounding mountains and small lakes. From the pass we descend to our camp at Huayhuash 4350m/14271ft passing beautiful lakes and always enjoying views of the great mountains of the range. 7 to 8 hours walk.

Day 5: Huayhuash – Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass – Viconga Hot Springs 
We ascend gradually towards Paso Portachuelo de Huayhuash 4780m/15682ft pass from where we have great views of the Cordillera Raura. We descend to the big lake of Viconga and then to our camp at Baños 4400m/14435ft. 6 hours walk. We can enjoy a nice bath in the hot springs in the afternoon.

Day 6: Viconga – Cuyoc Pass – Cuyoc
We go over Punta Cuyoc Pass with a sustained uphill hike of 3 hours to a breath taking 4950m/16240ft. From here we marvel the spectacular views of the mountains. We then descend to our camp at 4500m/14763ft. 5 hours walk.

Day 7: Cuyoc – Huayllapa 
We descend Quebrada Huanaqpatay valley for 4 to 5 hours to our camp at the little village of Huayllapa 3650m/11972ft. 

Day 8: Huayllapa – Tapush Punta Pass – Gashpapampa 
We slowly climb up to 4770m/15649ft in the morning to cross Punta Tapush Pass, we then descend to Gashpapampa 4500m/14760ft. 7 hours walk.

Day 9: Gashpapampa – Llaucha Punta Pass – Laguna Jahuacocha Lake
We descend before ascending towards Paso Llaucha Punta 4850m/15912ft pass, with fantastic views of the mountains of Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupaja, Rasac and Sacra. We then descend to our last camp at the beautiful Laguna Jahuacocha 4050m/13287ft lake. 4 hours.

Day 10: Jahuacocha – Pampa Llamac – Llamac – Huaraz
Today is our final day of trekking, with one last climb up to Paso Pampa Llamac 4300m/14107ft. We can enjoy our final views over the range before descending steadily down to Llamac. Here we meet our transport and drive back to Huaraz. 5 hours walk and 4 hours drive.

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We have had a great experience in Cordillera Huayhuash with Huaraz Treks and Climbs. Everything was extremely organized, the food was amazing and everybody ready to help. It is a beautiful trek with amazing views. We will sure miss Huayhuash! Alexandre Grande & Marcela Tordin / Brazil