An eight-day trek through the Cordillera Huayhuash, one of Peru's most spectacular mountain ranges.
From Huaraz, the route crosses the Santa River valley to Cuartel Huain (4,100 m) and links a series of high passes — Kakanan Punta (4,700 m), Carhua (4,650 m), Siula (4,800 m), Cuyoc (5,000 m), San Antonio (5,000 m), Tapush (4,800 m) and Yaucha (4,800 m) — among the peaks of Yerupajá (6,634 m), Jirishanca, Siula Grande and Rasac. It camps beside lakes such as Carhuacocha (4,138 m) and the emblematic Jahuacocha (4,050 m), with Andean wildlife including flamingos, the Andean ibis and the huallata. The return descends to Llamac (3,300 m) and Chiquián (3,400 m) towards Huaraz. All seven nights are spent camping.
Highlights
The Cordillera Huayhuash and the peaks of Yerupajá (6,634 m) and Siula Grande
Lake Carhuacocha (4,138 m) and the seven lakes
The Siula pass (4,800 m) and the Cuyoc pass (5,000 m)
The emblematic Lake Jahuacocha (4,050 m)
Andean wildlife: flamingos, the Andean ibis and the huallata
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Huaraz / Lake Conococha / Chiquián / Cuartel Huain
Drive up the Santa River valley, with views of the Cordillera Blanca, through Recuay, Ticapampa and Catac. At Lake Conococha, migratory birds such as flamingos (parihuana) can be seen and the Cordillera Huayhuash comes into view. Descend to Chiquián (3,400 m) and continue to Cuartel Huain; after a short walk, set up camp (4,100 m). Overnight in campsite. Meals: lunch, coffee break and dinner.
Day2
Day 2: Cuartel Huain – Kakanan Punta – Lake Mitucocha – Carhua Pass – Lake Carhuacocha
Climb the Kakanan Punta pass (4,700 m), with views of Jirishanca (6,126 m), Ninashanca (5,446 m) and Yerupajá (6,634 m). Walk to Lake Mitucocha (4,250 m) and, via the Janca ravine, climb the Carhua pass (4,650 m). Descend to Lake Carhuacocha, where camp is set up (4,138 m), with views of Jirishanca Chico (5,446 m), Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico (6,121 m) and Siula Grande (6,344 m). Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day3
Day 3: Lake Carhuacocha – Siula Pass – Huayhuash
Walk among seven beautiful lakes — Siula, Gangrajanca and Quesillococha — and climb the Siula pass (4,800 m), with views of Yerupajá, Siula Grande, Carnicero (5,960 m) and Trapecio (5,644 m). Descend towards Huayhuash to set up camp (4,350 m). Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day4
Day 4: Huayhuash – Cuyoc Pass – Huanacpatay
Climb the Cuyoc pass (5,000 m), with a striking view of the Cordillera Huayhuash and the Cordillera Raura. Descend to the Huanacpatay ravine, where camp is set up (4,350 m). Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day5
Day 5: Huanacpatay – San Antonio Pass – Huayllapa
Climb the San Antonio pass (5,000 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the route, with views of Jurau (5,599 m), Cuyoc (5,549 m), Siula, Yerupajá and Sarapo, and of the Jurao and Sarapococha lakes, in intense turquoise tones. Descend along the Huayllapa River through the Calinca ravine, cross the village of Huayllapa and climb towards Inkahuai, where camp is set up (4,200 m). Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day6
Day 6: Huayllapa – Tapush Pass – Gashpapampa
Climb the Tapush pass (4,800 m), with the shifting snow faces of Juituhuarco (5,448 m), Auxilio (5,560 m) and Diablo Mudo (5,220 m). Descend to the Gashpapampa campsite (4,400 m). Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day7
Day 7: Gashpapampa – Yaucha Pass – Jahuacocha
Climb the Yaucha pass (4,800 m), with magnificent views of the Huacrish (5,622 m), Tzacra (5,548 m), Rasac (6,017 m), Siula Grande and Yerupajá peaks. Descend through the Huacrish ravine to the striking Lake Jahuacocha, one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Cordillera Huayhuash, where camp is set up (4,050 m). Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day8
Day 8: Lake Jahuacocha – Llamac / Huaraz
Cross queñual forests to the Pampa de Llamac (4,300 m), with views of the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Huayhuash. Descend to the village of Llamac (3,300 m), where the vehicle transfers the group to Chiquián (3,400 m) and then to Huaraz. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
What's included
Included: Full camping equipment: two-person sleeping tents, inflatable mattress, hot-water bottles and rug
Included: Dining tent, kitchen tent, dining and kitchen utensils, and lighting
Included: Private-vehicle transfer to the start of the trek and return to Huaraz
Included: Waterproof duffel bag for luggage transport
Included: Pack animals (donkeys) and an emergency saddle horse
Included: Full board during the trek as per itinerary (breakfast, refreshment, coffee break and dinner)
Included: Entrances to the communal campsite and bath areas
Included: Trekking guide in Spanish and English, cook, muleteers and auxiliary staff
Included: First-aid kit, permanent assistance and advice
What's not included
Not included: Lima – Huaraz – Lima transport
Not included: Bus terminal / hotel transfer and vice versa
Not included: Sleeping bag
Not included: Hotel in Huaraz
Not included: Domestic and international airfare
Not included: Domestic and international airport taxes and visa fees
Not included: Excess baggage fees
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks not included with meals
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses and optional excursions
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included