10-Day Trekking Tour in the Cordillera Huayhuash
The full circuit is one of the world’s classic trekking routes. We offer this complete program around one of the most breathtaking mountain ranges on Earth. The route includes 8 high passes, with the highest reaching 5,000 meters (16,404 ft). Campsites are located above 4,000 meters (13,123 ft), and the number of high-altitude crossings makes this adventure trek a challenging experience. We recommend having a good level of physical fitness and being well-acclimatized before committing to this incredible journey through the Peruvian Andes.
10 Day
Cordillera Huayhuash
May to October
Moderate
---
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 US 2390
02 people US 1365
04 people US 1160
06 people US 910
- 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 (3,100 m) – Llamac (3,300 m) – Cuartelhuain (4,200 m)
Duration: 4.5 hours by vehicle, 2–3 hours of hiking around the campsite
We drive from Huaraz to Chiquián, enjoying distant views of the stunning Huayhuash mountain range. From Chiquián, we descend into a landscape of cacti and shrubs and continue to the village of Llamac (3,300 m). From there, we enter a wide U-shaped grassy valley with rolling hills, flanked by expansive forests of native queñual trees (Polylepis sp.). We’ll camp at Cuartelhuain (4,200 m).
DIA 02: Cuartelhuain – paso Cacanan (4700m/15416ft) – Mitucocha (4200 m)
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
This morning, we cross our first mountain pass—Cacanan Punta (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). Located along the continental divide, this area occasionally offers sightings of the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead. We then descend into the Jalca plain and continue to our campsite at the stunning Mitucocha Lagoon (4,220 m / 13,845 ft), nestled at the base of the impressive Jirishanka Grande peak, alongside its neighboring mountains Rondoy and Ninashanca.
If you still have energy in the afternoon, you’ll have the option to hike around the lagoon or explore one of the nearby hanging valleys.
DIA 03: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass (4650m/15255ft) – Carhuacocha (4150 m)
Duration: 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
We skirt the Jalca floodplain and then ascend southward to the Carhuac Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). From here, a breathtaking panorama suddenly unfolds—a lineup 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), famously featured in 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 our camp, we enjoy direct views of the lagoon and iconic peaks like Siulá Grande, Yerupajá Grande and Chico, and Jirishanka Chico.
DIA 04: Carhuacocha – paso Siula (4850m/15908ft) – Huayhuash (4300 m)
Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 13 km
Today, there are two routes to reach our next campsite in Huayhuash. We can take the standard trail that ascends Carnicero Pass at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft, or opt for the more challenging alternative via Siula Pass at 4,800 m / 15,748 ft. While the second option is more demanding, it offers truly rewarding panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
We descend past the scenic Carnicero Lake and then set up camp in Huayhuash at 4,300 m / 14,108 ft.
DIA 05: Huayhuash – paso Portachuelo (4750m/15584ft) – Viconga
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 11 km
We ascend steadily to the Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). From the top, looking southeast, we’re greeted by a new panorama of snow-capped peaks—this is the Raura Range, including the nearby León Huacanan summit.
We then descend and skirt the large Viconga Lagoon—keep an eye out for alpacas grazing nearby—before hiking through the valley for about half an hour to reach our campsite at 4,480 m / 14,698 ft.
There are natural outdoor hot springs near the camp, so you’ll definitely have the chance to enjoy a relaxing soak.
DIA 06: Viconga – paso Cuyoc (5000m/16405ft) - Cuyoc pampa (4450 m.)
Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Today we’ll cross the highest pass of the trek—Punta Cuyoc—with a steady uphill hike of 2 to 3 hours, reaching an impressive altitude of 5,000 meters (16,404 ft). The views from the top are breathtaking: to the southeast, we see the jagged peaks of the Raura Range, and to the north, several of the towering giants of the Huayhuash Range come into view from a fresh perspective. The Sarapo Mountain (6,127 m / 20,102 ft) also makes its first appearance.
After the pass, the initial 50 meters of descent are steep and loose, but the trail becomes easier as we continue descending quickly through the Cuyoc Ravine. Our campsite is at Cuyoc Pampa, near the beginning of the Huanacpatay Ravine.
DIA 07: Cuyoc pampa – paso San San Antonio (4800m) – Cutatambo - Huayllapa Village (3490m)
Duration: Approximately 8 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 m (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 08: 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 09: Gashpapampa – paso Yaucha (4850 m) – Jahuacocha (4150 m)
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 13 km
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, as the trail includes rocky sections that require steady effort. But the reward is well worth it—the panoramic views of the surrounding towering peaks are truly breathtaking.
After a short break at the top, 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 unforgettable landscape
DIA 10: 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 majestic Huayhuash mountain range.
We then begin a long descent to the village of Llamac, where our 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 your guide and group at our office for an orientation session the afternoon before your trek begins.
- Outbound transportation: Morning hotel pickup and private transport to Cuartelhuain, the starting point of the trek.
- Experienced guide: A certified, bilingual, professional trekking guide. Your guide will share insights about the culture and surroundings throughout the journey, 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!
- Meals: 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners (vegetarian options available at no extra cost).
- Wake-up tea: Each morning at camp, you’ll be greeted with a warm cup of coca tea delivered to your tent to help you start the day from the inside out.
- Pre-dinner snacks: Every afternoon before dinner, the cook will serve popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, and more—so you can relax, warm up, and enjoy a treat after a long day of hiking.
- Daily trail snacks: Our snacks include local fruits, cookies, chocolate, candies, etc., packed in a cloth bag and handed out each morning.
- 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 (check 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, government policy changes, political unrest/strikes, etc.)
Recommended Gear List
- Sleeping bag (-5º to -10º C / 23º to 14º F): If you don’t have one, we can help you rent one in Huaraz.
- 5 moisture-wicking shirts (preferably lycra; avoid cotton)
- 2 or 3 hiking pants
- 5 sets of underwear
- 5 pairs of wool socks (suitable for trekking)
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- 1 rain jacket (seasonal)
- 1 pair of rain pants (seasonal)
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 warm hat (wool or cotton)
- Headlamp
- Water bottle (1–2 liters)
- Cold-weather gloves (preferably waterproof)
- Comfortable camp shoes
- High 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