A short three-day trek to Lake Jahuacocha (4,050 m), one of the jewels of the Cordillera Huayhuash.
From Huaraz, the route crosses the Santa River valley to Cuartel Huain (4,100 m) and climbs the Sanbunya pass (4,750 m), with views of the Rondoy (5,870 m), Jirishanca (6,094 m), Yerupajá (6,634 m) and Rasac (6,017 m) snow peaks. It camps beside the turquoise Lake Jahuacocha, with a day to explore its surroundings and the Yaucha viewpoint. The return descends through queñual forests to the village of Llamac (3,300 m). Both nights are spent camping.
Highlights
Lake Jahuacocha (4,050 m), a jewel of the Cordillera Huayhuash
The Sanbunya pass (4,750 m)
The Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupajá (6,634 m) and Rasac snow peaks
The Yaucha viewpoint
Andean wildlife: Andean ducks and the Andean ibis
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Huaraz / Cuartel Huain – Rondoy – Sanbunya Pass – Lake Jahuacocha
Cross the Santa River valley, with views of the Cordillera Blanca, through Recuay, Ticapampa and Catac. At Lake Conococha, migratory birds such as flamingos can be seen and the Cordillera Huayhuash comes into view. Continue to Chiquián (3,400 m) and to Cuartel Huain (4,100 m), the start of the trek. Climb the Sanbunya pass (4,750 m), with views of Rondoy (5,870 m), Jirishanca (6,094 m), Yerupajá (6,634 m) and Rasac (6,017 m), and descend to Lake Jahuacocha, where camp is set up (4,050 m), with wildlife such as Andean ducks and the Andean ibis. Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day2
Day 2: Lake Jahuacocha – Yaucha Viewpoint – Jahuacocha
A day around Lake Jahuacocha, with a hike up to the Yaucha viewpoint to enjoy views of the Cordillera Huayhuash peaks. Return to the campsite beside Lake Jahuacocha (4,050 m). Overnight in campsite. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day3
Day 3: Lake Jahuacocha – Llamac / Huaraz
Cross small queñual forests and make a long descent, with views of the Cordillera Huayhuash and the Cordillera Blanca, to the village of Llamac (3,300 m). There the vehicle transfers the group back to Huaraz. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
What's included
Included: Camping equipment: two-person sleeping tents and inflatable mattress
Included: Dining tent, kitchen tent, kitchen and dining utensils
Included: Private-vehicle transfer to the start of the trek and return to Huaraz
Included: Muleteer and pack animals (donkeys)
Included: Full board during the trek (breakfast, refreshment and dinner)
Included: Entrances to the communal campsites
Included: Trekking guide in Spanish / English and cook
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: Emergency horse
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