Huayhuash Trek
The Huayhuash Circuit is considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude treks in the world. This 8–12 day journey winds through the dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and remote valleys of the Cordillera Huayhuash in central Peru. Along the way, trekkers experience unmatched alpine scenery, local Quechua culture, and daily high passes reaching over 4,700 m.
- Certified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide
- All meals during the expedition
- Camping equipment (tents, kitchen gear, etc.)
- Pack animals (donkeys) and arrieros (muleteers) for gear transport
- Private transportation
- Emergency horse for altitude support
Trek through the spine of the Andes — where silence, snow, and spirit converge…
PREPARATION
Fitness
Technical
Altitude
Itinerary
Day 1 – Acclimatization: Laguna Parón (4,155 m)
🚌 We begin the journey with a scenic drive from Huaraz to Laguna Parón, nestled deep in the northern Cordillera Blanca.
🥾 After reaching the lake, we hike up to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the turquoise waters, flanked by giants like Artesonraju (the “Paramount” mountain), Pisco, and Pyramide de Garcilaso.
🏕 Return to Huaraz to rest and prepare for the expedition.
🕒 3–4 hours hike
Day 2 – Huaraz – Chiquián – Cuartelhuain (4,200 m)
🚌 Depart early, driving south through the Callejón de Huaylas, with views of both the Cordillera Blanca and Negra.
🏞 Stop at Chiquián, known as the “Balcony of Huayhuash,” and continue past Llamac and Pocpa, traditional Andean towns.
🌄 Arrive at Cuartelhuain, a grassy valley framed by dramatic hills — our first campsite.
🏕 Camp near the valley river.
🕒 6–7 hours total travel, light walk
Day 3 – Cuartelhuain – Cacananpunta Pass (4,690 m) – Mitucocha (4,250 m)
⛰️ The trek officially begins with a steady climb up to Cacananpunta Pass, crossing the continental divide where waters flow toward either the Pacific or the Amazon.
🌿 Descend through open highlands with stunning views of Rondoy, Jirishanca Grande, and Jirishanca Chico.
🏞 Camp is set beside Laguna Mitucocha, a peaceful spot with reflections of glaciers in the water.
🕒 5–6 hours hike
Day 4 – Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass (4,650 m) – Carhuacocha (4,138 m)
🥾 We follow an ascending trail to Carhuac Pass, offering one of the best panoramic vistas of Yerupajá, Peru’s second highest mountain.
🏞 The descent brings us to Laguna Carhuacocha, a jewel-toned lake surrounded by snowy giants.
🌄 This is one of the most photogenic campsites of the entire Cordillera.
🏕 Camp by the lake, under a star-filled sky.
🕒 5–6 hours hike
Day 5 – Carhuacocha – Siulá Pass (4,800 m) – Huayhuash (4,400 m)
🌊 Today is among the most scenic of the trek. We pass the famous three glacial lagoons (Gangrajanca, Siula, Quesillococha), shimmering beneath the mighty Siula Grande (6,344 m).
⛰️ Climb to Siulá Pass, where we look back over the full panorama of the lakes and vertical walls.
🏞 Descend into a wide, golden valley to the remote shepherding community of Huayhuash.
🏕 Camp surrounded by silence and wild beauty.
🕒 7–8 hours hike
Day 6 – Huayhuash – Portachuelo Pass (4,750 m) – Viconga (4,407 m)
🥾 Climb gently to Portachuelo de Huayhuash, transitioning from the Huayhuash range toward the Raura mountains.
🌁 View the impressive León Dormido glacier, a white fang standing over the pass.
🛁 A welcome reward: natural hot springs near Laguna Viconga where you can soak at over 4,400 m.
🏕 Camp near the shore and hot pools.
🕒 5–6 hours hike
Day 7 – Viconga – Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m) – Yanapampa (4,400 m)
⛰️ The ascent to Cuyoc Pass is steep but offers mind-blowing views of the southern Huayhuash peaks.
🧗♂️ This is one of the wildest and least visited parts of the trek — raw, quiet, and elemental.
🏞 Descend into the windswept valley of Yanapampa, surrounded by ice and sky.
🏕 Camp in a glacial basin.
🕒 6–7 hours hike
Day 8 – Yanapampa – San Antonio Pass (5,050 m) – Cutatambo – Huayllapa (3,750 m)
🥾 A big day, with a climb to San Antonio Pass, the highest point of the entire trek.
📸 From the top, marvel at the full panorama of the eastern faces of Siula Grande, Yerupajá, Sarapo, and Rasac — a true highlight of the expedition.
🌿 Descend through the Cutatambo Valley and continue to Huayllapa, a small agricultural village.
🏕 Camp near the town.
🕒 7–8 hours hike
Day 9 – Huayllapa – Tapush Pass (4,800 m) – Gashpapampa (4,300 m)
🌄 Return to highlands after a restful night.
🌽 Hike through cultivated fields and gain elevation steadily.
🏔️ Views of Diablo Mudo, one of the few climbable peaks in the region.
🏕 Camp in the open, green meadow of Gashpapampa.
🕒 6–7 hours hike
Day 10 – Gashpapampa – Llaucha Pass (4,800 m) – Laguna Jahuacocha (4,050 m)
🏔️ Final major climb to Llaucha Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with one of the most sublime alpine vistas of the Huayhuash: Yerupajá, Jirishanca, Rondoy, Rasac.
🌿 The descent weaves through Andean shrubland to the magical Laguna Jahuacocha, our final base camp.
🏕 Camp by the lake, ideal for reflection, photography, or birdwatching.
🕒 5–6 hours hike
Day 11 – Rest Day at Laguna Jahuacocha
🧘♀️ Enjoy a peaceful day at Jahuacocha, surrounded by silence and soaring peaks.
🥾 Optional short hike to Laguna Solteracocha, or relax lakeside.
🦅 Perfect for fishing, photography, and birdwatching.
🏕 Final night in the Andes under the stars.
🕒 Optional short hike: 2–3 hours
Day 12 – Jahuacocha – Llamac Pass (4,300 m) – Llamac – Return to Huaraz
🎒 We climb gently to Llamac Pass one last time, with panoramic views for a proper goodbye.
🌾 The descent to Llamac village is filled with changing landscapes.
🚌 From Llamac, private transport takes us back to Huaraz.
🏨 End of the adventure — return to hotel.
🕒 5–6 hours hike + 4 hours drive
