Huayhuash 8 days
This 8-day trekking tour through the Cordillera Huayhuash covers the full circuit in fewer days than usual, as it excludes the visit to the Viconga hot springs. The route includes 8 high mountain passes, with the highest being Trapecio Pass at 5,020 meters (16,469 ft). The number of nights spent above 4,000 meters (13,123 ft) and the daily high-altitude crossings make this adventure trek a challenging experience.
We recommend having a strong level of physical fitness and being well-acclimatized before committing to this incredible 8-day Huayhuash full circuit adventure.
Pre-Trek Briefing: Your guide will meet with you the day before departure in Huaraz for a full gear check and final trip details.
Start Time: 4:00 AM
End Time: Approximately 3:00 PM
8 Days
Cordillera Huayhuash
May to October
Moderate to Hard
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Starting from:
- By booking in advance, you give us the opportunity to find additional participants for your selected date. (Group service is considered for 5 to 8 participants.) We launch a new group departure with a minimum of 2 participants.
- To confirm your reservation, a payment of 20% of the total price is required. The remaining 80% is paid upon arrival in Huaraz.
- Dear clients, our company is available to provide you with all the detailed information you may need. We will respond to your message as soon as possible.
- Our trekking rates may vary depending on how far in advance you book or the number of participants.
PRIVATE SERVICE (Exclusive)
01 person USD 1996
02 people USD 1140
04 people USD 935
06 people USD 800
- If you wish to book this PRIVATE SERVICE, reservations can be made up to one week before your selected date.
- If you’re a group of friends or family with 4 or more people, we recommend booking a private departure for a more personalized experience.
Day 01: Huaraz – Cuartelhuain – Cacanan Pass (4,700 m) – Mitucocha (4,220 m)
Duration: 4–5 hours by vehicle, approximately 5 hours hiking
Distance: Approximately 12 km on foot
Our trekking adventure begins in the Cordillera Huayhuash. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and head south from Huaraz, passing through the towns of Chiquián and Llamac. Along the way, we’ll travel through traditional Andean villages with typical Quechua-style homes and fertile agricultural lands. After 4 to 5 hours of travel, we’ll arrive at Cuartelhuain (4,300 m).
The hike begins in Cuartelhuain and after about 2.5 hours, we reach Cacananpunta Pass (4,700 m), which marks the continental divide—where waters flow either toward the Pacific Ocean or the Amazon Basin. If we’re lucky, we might spot an Andean condor soaring overhead.
We then descend into the Jalca plain and continue to our campsite near Mitucocha Lagoon (4,220 m), nestled at the base of the stunning Jirishanka Grande peak, along with its neighboring mountains Rondoy and Ninashanca.
DIA 02: Mitucocha – paso Carhuac (4650 m) – Carhuacocha (4150 m)
Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
We skirt the Jalca floodplain and then ascend southward to Carhuac Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). From here, a stunning panorama suddenly unfolds—a line of Huayhuash giants: Yerupajá Grande, the second-highest mountain in Peru, Yerupajá Chico (6,121 m / 20,082 ft), and Siulá Grande (6,344 m / 20,814 ft), made famous by Touching the Void.
From the pass, we descend to our campsite beside the magnificent Carhuacocha Lagoon (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), with the chance to spot viscachas—Andean rodents—among the rocks and shrubs along the way. From camp, we enjoy direct views of the lagoon and iconic peaks such as Siulá Grande, Yerupajá Grande and Chico, and Jirishanka Chico.
DIA 03: Carhuacocha – paso Siula (4850 m) – Huayhuash (4300 m).
Duration: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Today we begin with a challenging ascent toward Siula Pass at 4,800 meters (15,748 ft).
This is one of the more demanding days, but it’s incredibly rewarding thanks to the sweeping panoramic views that surround us.
On the way to the high pass, we stop at a viewpoint offering stunning vistas of Huayhuash’s three iconic lagoons, with a dramatic backdrop of towering peaks.
We then descend past Carnicero Lagoon and continue to our campsite in Huayhuash at 4,300 meters (14,108 ft).
DIA 04: Huayhuash – paso Trapecio – campo Cuyocpampa (4480 m).
Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 11 km
This will be one of the most challenging days—but definitely not impossible. After a group breakfast, we begin our hike toward the highest point of the trek: Trapecio Pass at 5,040 meters (16,535 ft).
Some sections of the trail are hard to follow as we walk through ichu grass (native Andean grass), and as we approach the pass, the path crosses rocky moraine terrain.
From the top, facing southeast, we’re greeted by a new collection of nearby snow-capped peaks.
At the pass (5,050 m / 16,564 ft), we’ll pause to take in the breathtaking views of Trapecio, Puscanturpa, and Cuyoc mountains, along with the surrounding valleys.
This viewpoint is considered the fourth most beautiful in the entire Huayhuash circuit.
We then begin our descent along an unmarked rocky moraine trail, passing a stunning turquoise glacial lake—Huanacpatay—on the way. The descent continues until we reach our campsite in Cuyoc (4,480 m / 14,698 ft).
DIA 05: Cuyoc pampa – paso San San Antonio (4800m) – Cutatambo - pueblo Huayllapa (3490m)
Duration: Approximately 8–9 hours
Distance: Approximately 18 km
From camp, we ascend to a pass on Cerro San Antonio. This is a demanding day with some steep trails, but by now you should be well acclimatized and feeling strong at altitude. After about 2 hours, we reach the top of the pass at 4,800 meters (15,748 ft), where we’re rewarded with spectacular views of the towering peaks of the Huayhuash Range and the three lakes—Sarapococha, Santa Rosa, and Jurau. We also get a clear view of the Siula Glacier, made famous by Joe Simpson’s epic survival story in Touching the Void, and we can spot the Siula base camp in the distance.
The descent begins steeply but safely, over loose rocky terrain for about 100 meters. We then follow a winding livestock trail down to Jurau Lake, and continue along a long path through the Calinca Ravine until we reach the village of Huayllapa.
Once in Huayllapa, you’ll have the chance to recharge—grab a cold beer, and even rent a spot to enjoy a hot shower.
DIA 06: Huayllapa (3490m) – Paso Tapush (4770m) - campo Gashpapampa (4300m)
Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 15 km
After a hearty breakfast, we begin a long zigzag ascent. Our first stop is the meadow known as Huatiac (4,350 m / 14,271 ft), where we’ll take a short break before continuing the climb to Punta Tapush Pass (4,770 m / 15,651 ft). From the top, we’ll enjoy scenic views of the snow-capped Diablo Mudo peak.
During the descent, we’ll pass by Susococha Lagoon (4,740 m / 15,551 ft) before reaching our next campsite at Gashpapampa (4,300 m / 14,108 ft).
DIA 07: Gashpapampa – paso Yaucha (4850 m) – Jahuacocha (4150 m)
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 13km
Today we’ll cross the high mountain pass known as Punta Yaucha at 4,850 meters (15,912 ft). Reaching the pass is undoubtedly a challenging experience, with rocky sections along the trail. But the effort is well worth it—the spectacular views of the surrounding towering peaks are truly unforgettable.
After a short break, we descend along a trail lined with lupine shrubs (Andean tarwi), following the valley down to our final campsite. Before arriving, we’ll stop at the Huacrish viewpoint for one last look at Huayhuash’s two iconic lagoons—Jahuacocha and Solteracocha—nestled just below the mighty Yerupajá Mountain.
We’ll camp overnight beside Jahuacocha Lagoon (4,050 m / 13,287 ft), surrounded by the majestic peaks that define this breathtaking landscape.
Let me know if you'd like help compiling this into a full trek itinerary or adding tips for preparation—it’s a journey worth celebrating!
DIA 08: Jahuacocha – paso Pampa Llamac (4300m) - Llamac – Huaraz
Duration: 4 hours (hiking), 4 hours (by vehicle)
Distance: Approximately 9 km
After an early start and a gentle one-hour descent, we begin a gradual climb to our final pass—Macrash Punta (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). From here, we enjoy our last sweeping views of the Huayhuash mountain range.
We then begin a long descent to the village of Llamac, where transportation will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz—and that long-awaited hot shower at your hotel!
We arrive in Huaraz at approximately 4:00 PM.
Included
Pre-departure briefing: You’ll meet with your guide and group at our office for an orientation session before your trek. The meeting takes place the afternoon before your journey begins.
Outbound transportation: We’ll pick you up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private vehicle to Cuartelhuain, the starting point of the trek.
Experienced guide: A certified, bilingual, professional, and courteous trekking guide. Your guide will share insights about the culture and surroundings throughout the route, keeping you safe, healthy, and comfortable so you can enjoy your adventure worry-free.
All camping and kitchen equipment: Sleeping tents, dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking gear—all carried by pack animals.
Pack animals (donkeys): To carry all camping gear and your personal luggage allowance (8 kg for group tours, 12 kg for private tours).
Trekking cook: A mountain-trained cook (with an assistant for groups over 8 people) will prepare delicious meals throughout the trek to keep your energy up. You’ll never go hungry!
- Alimentos: 7 desayunos, 8 almuerzos, 7 cenas (Menús vegetarianos sin costo adicional).
- Wake-up tea: Each morning at camp, you’ll be greeted with a warm cup of coca tea. Our staff will bring it directly to your tent so you can warm up from the inside out before starting your day.
- Pre-dinner snack: Every afternoon before dinner, the cook will serve popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, and more. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a tasty treat!
- Daily trail snacks: Our snacks include local fruits, cookies, chocolate, candies, etc. You’ll receive your snack each morning in a cloth bag.
- Entrance tickets to Huascarán National Park
- Medical kit: Our team carries a first aid kit, including an oxygen bottle (used only in emergencies—this is not an assisted-oxygen trek, as proper acclimatization is required beforehand).
- Return transportation: Private transport from the village of Llamac back to your hotel in Huaraz (on Day 10).
Not included
- Accommodation in Huaraz for the duration of your stay in the city
- Sleeping bag: Considered personal gear. If you don’t have your own, you may rent one from our agency. Our sleeping bags are durable and effective for temperatures as low as -5 to -10°C (23 to 14°F). They are mummy-style and include a sleeping liner. Bags are cleaned after each use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips (subject to availability)
- Trekking poles: Available for rent at our office if needed
- First breakfast and final dinner in the city
- Travel, personal, and/or medical insurance
- Personal clothing and gear
- Tips for our staff: Please note that our team is fairly compensated, so tipping is entirely at your discretion
- Additional expenses resulting from early departure from the tour or emergency rescue/evacuation
- Extra costs or delays beyond the company’s control (e.g., bad weather, itinerary changes due to safety precautions, illness, changes in government policy, political unrest/strikes, etc.
Recommended to Bring
- Sleeping bag rated for -5º to -10ºC (23º to 14ºF). If you don’t have one, we can help you rent one in Huaraz.
- 5 moisture-wicking shirts (preferably Lycra, not cotton)
- 2 to 3 trekking pants
- 5 sets of underwear
- 5 pairs of wool hiking socks
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- 1 rain jacket (season-dependent)
- 1 pair of rain pants (season-dependent)
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 wool or cotton beanie for cold weather
- Headlamp
- 1–2 liter water bottle
- Cold-weather gloves (preferably waterproof)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- High-ankle hiking boots, preferably waterproof
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Sunscreen (for lips and skin)
- Quick-dry towel
- Earplugs (optional)
- Power bank: there are no outlets during the trek. Even better if you have a portable solar panel.
Personal Hygiene Items:
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, personal medication, and a personal first aid kit.
Daily Essentials in Your Daypack:
- Water bottle: We provide clean, boiled water every morning starting from the second day.
- Sun hat, rain gear, warm jacket, camera, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and a small trash bag.
Card Payments
We accept all VISA and MASTERCARD credit or debit cards via a secure link. A 5% surcharge applies for this payment method (SSL secure system).
Bank Transfer
Payment can also be made via bank transfer to our company account:
BCP. Banco de Crédito del Perú
A nombre: Ana Magaly Villanueva Martínez (Sub-Gerencia)
Ahorro SOLES: 375-18360690-0-08 | CCI: 00237511836069000845
Ahorro DOLARES: 375-28861110-1-93 | CCI: 00237512886111019342
BBVA Banco Continental
A nombre: Ana Magaly Villanueva Martínez (Sub-Gerencia)
Ahorro SOLES: 0011-0814-13-0239338238 | CCI: 011 814 000239338238 13