Pearl of Huayhuash Trek

Pearl of Huayhuash 4 days

Discover one of the Andes’ most breathtaking treasures on this immersive 4‑day adventure through the Cordillera Huayhuash.

Perfect for trekkers seeking a shorter yet unforgettable mountain experience, this program combines dramatic landscapes, turquoise lakes, and authentic Andean culture into a compact, exhilarating journey.

Highlights of the route include:

  • Laguna Mitucocha – a serene lake framed by towering peaks.
  • Carhuacocha – famous for its mirror-like waters reflecting the surrounding mountains.
  • Siula Viewpoint – offering a spectacular panorama of three dazzling lagoons

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

Duration

4 Days

Location

Cordillera Huayhuash

Season

May to October

Difficulty

Moderate to Hard

Max altitude

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Salida desde

Maximum: 8 participants
Price per person: USD 450

Servicio Privado Exclusivo

Precio en dólares por persona

01 persona USD 1450
02 personas USD 770
04 personas USD 580
06 personas USD 480

Day 01: Huaraz - Cuartelhuain (4300 m) - hike to Cacanan Pass (4700m/15416ft) – Mitucocha

Duration: 4–5 hours by vehicle, approximately 5 hours hiking
Distance: Approximately 12 km on foot

We begin with a scenic drive from Huaraz to Chiquián, where distant views of the majestic Huayhuash range unfold. From Chiquián, the route descends into a cactus‑ and scrub‑covered environment before continuing to the village of Llamac (3300 m).
The trail then opens into a wide, U‑shaped grassy valley with rolling hills, flanked by broad expanses of quenual (Polylepis sp.) forest. Here we start our hike, crossing the first pass: Cacanan Punta (4700 m). At this continental divide, it is sometimes possible to spot the Andean Condor soaring overhead.
From the pass, we descend to the Jalca plain and continue toward our camp at the stunning Laguna Mitucocha (4220 m), nestled at the foot of the impressive Jirishanka Grande peak, alongside its neighbors Rondoy and Ninashanca.
For those with extra energy, there is an optional afternoon walk around the lake or up into one of the nearby hanging valleys, offering even more breathtaking views

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.

Day 03: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass (4850m/15908ft) – return to Carhuacocha

Duration: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
Distance: Approximately 14 km

This third day will not move the camping place.
This third day is truly unforgettable. After an invigorating three‑hour hike, we’ll arrive at one of the most breathtaking highlights of the entire Huayhuash circuit: The legendary trio of turquoise lagoons—Gangrajanca, Siula, and Quesillococha—set against the dramatic backdrop of the mighty Siula and Yerupajá peaks.
Our journey continues to the iconic viewpoint where the three lagoons align in a perfect chain, creating a panorama so stunning that it has become the source of Huayhuash’s most famous postcards.
Here, surrounded by towering glaciers and pristine Andean beauty, we’ll take time to unwind, soak in the scenery, and capture photographs worthy of any travel magazine. It’s a moment designed not just to be seen, but to be remembered.
We return by the same way the campsite Carhuacocha.

Day 04: Hike down to Queropalca village - transport to Huaraz.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours hiking, 8 hours by transport
Today we’ll hike downhill to the village of Queropalca.
Our transport will be waiting there to take us back to Huaraz on a long journey that will take approximately 8 hours.

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 (4 kg for group tours, 6 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: 3 breakfast, 4 lunch, 3 dinners (Vegetarian menus at no extra costl).
  • 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 Local Community
  • 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 Queropalca back to your hotel in Huaraz (on Day 4).
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 trekking pants
  • 3 sets of underwear
  • 3 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

USD 760.00 USD 745.00 per person
Total: --

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