There is no doubt that the trekking circuit in the Huayhuash Range is one of the best in the world. Located in the Andes Mountains south of the Cordillera Blanca and spanning 30 km, the Huayhuash Range is a compact group of enormous ice towers surrounded by dozens of rivers, turquoise lagoons, and a great diversity of flora and fauna. Here lies the impressive Yerupajá (6634m), the second highest mountain in Peru, and the even more legendary Siula Grande (6336m), a mountain famous for being the setting of Joe Simpson’s epic survival story in the film “Touching the Void.”
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Queropalca (3800m) – Carhuacocha (4100m)
Pickup from the hotel with private transportation and transfer to the town of Queropalca (8 hours). We have breakfast along the way. On the journey, we will pass through many Andean villages such as Recuay, Catac, Huanzalá, La Unión, Huanucopampa, Baños, and then reach our destination. Here, our muleteer with the donkeys will be waiting to transfer us to Carhuacocha Camp, located at the foot of the Yerupajá and Siula peaks. Approximate walking time: 4 hours.
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 2: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass (4830m) – Carhuacocha (4100m)
After our first breakfast in the field, we begin walking along the edge of Carhuacocha Lagoon, then reach a place called the Viewpoint, from where we will observe the 3 famous lagoons of the Huayhuash Range (3 hours of walking). After taking great photos of the landscape, we will return to our camp to spend another night there.
+730m. / -730m.
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3: Carhuacocha – Carhuac Pass (4650m) – Mitucocha (4100m)
After breakfast, we will begin our hike observing the previously mentioned snow-capped peaks, as well as the Siula Grande and Yerupajá peaks, known as the second highest mountain in Peru after Huascarán. Approximate walking time: 6 hours.
+500m. / -500m.
10 km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 4: Mitucocha – Qaqanan Pass (4750m) – Cuartelhuayin (4100m)
After breakfast, we start our hike towards Qaqanan Pass. We will observe the Jirishanca and Rondoy mountains, and of course, on this day, we will see condors flying around us. From the pass, we will have great panoramic views before descending to our camp. Approximate total walking time: 6 hours.
+650m. / -650m.
9 km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 5: Cuartelhuayin – Sambuya Pass (4800m) – Jahuacocha (4100m)
Again, we start early, and of course, breakfast is even earlier. We begin walking downhill towards a place called Matacancha. From here, we gradually ascend to Sambuya Pass, which offers great views of the Rondoy, Jirishanca, and Yerupajá peaks. After enjoying the views and taking good photos, we descend to our camp called Jahuacocha, located on the edge of Jahuacocha Lagoon. Approximate total walking time: 8 hours.
+700m. / -700m.
14km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 6: Jahuacocha – Pampa Llamac Pass (4300m) – Llamac (3250m) – Huaraz
After our last breakfast in the field, we head to the picturesque village of Llamac. Here, our private transportation awaits to transfer us back to the city of Huaraz. Approximate walking time: 6 hours + transfer by car: 4 hours to Huaraz.
+200 / -1050m.
12.700 km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch
Services
INCLUDES
- Transfer from the bus terminal to the hotel in Huaraz.
- Transfer from the hotel to the bus terminal in Huaraz (last day)
- Transfer from Anta Airport to Huaraz / round trip
- 2 nights at a hotel in Huaraz
- Private transportation to the town of Queropalca
- Private transportation for pickup from Llamac to Huaraz
- Certified trekking guide (English, Spanish)
- Cook for the entire trek
- Full meals in the field (breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner)
- Wake-up tea before breakfast
- Porters and pack animals (mules)
- Emergency horse in case of altitude sickness
- Two-person tent
- Sleeping mat or mattress
- Kitchen tent
- Tables, chairs
- Cooking utensils
- Boiled water to refill bottles every day
- Warm water for personal hygiene
- First aid kit
NOT INCLUDE
- Air ticket to Lima and return
- Transfers from the airport to the hotel in Lima
- Bus transportation Huaraz – Lima – Huaraz
- Hotel in Lima and Huaraz
- Extra costs for abandoning the expedition
- Meals and drinks in the city
- Sleeping bag required –15°C. Can be rented.
- Cold-weather clothing such as hats, gloves, down jackets
- Emergency transport in case of accidents
- International Medical Insurance
- Accident and Rescue Insurance
- Personal tents (can be rented)
- Tips for staff
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO BRING
- Trekking shoes
- Fleece or wool gloves
- Sun hat
- Cold-weather hat (fleece or wool)
- UV protection sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- 30 or 40-liter backpack
- Trekking poles
- Down jacket
- Gore-Tex windbreaker jacket
- Gore-Tex windproof pants
- Socks (minimum 3 pairs)
- Personal first aid kit
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Personal hygiene items such as towel, facial soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
- 1-liter thermos
- Sandals
