The Huayhuash Mountain Range is considered one of the most beautiful treks in the world. It is not an easy route, as it crosses high passes, but all the effort is rewarded with spectacular views.
It is the second highest mountain range in the world in the tropical region after the Cordillera Blanca. Its waters flow into the Marañón River, the main tributary of the Amazon.
In its 30 km extension from north to south, there are 7 mountains over 6000m and 7 mountains over 5000m.
Itinerary
Day 1. Huaraz – Queropalca (3800m) – Carhuacocha (4100m)
Pickup from the hotel with private transportation and transfer to the town of Queropalca (8 hours). Breakfast is taken along the way. During the journey, we will pass through many Andean towns such as Recuay, Catac, Huanzalá, La Unión, Huanucopampa, Baños, and then we will reach our destination. Here, our muleteer with the mules awaits to transfer us to the Carhuacocha Camp, located at the foot of the Yerupajá and Siula glaciers. Approximate walking time: 4 hours.
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 2. Carhuacocha – Siula Pass (4830m) – Carhuacocha (4100m)
After our first breakfast at the camp, we begin walking along the edge of Carhuacocha Lagoon, then reach a viewpoint from where we can see the 3 famous lagoons of the Huayhuash Range (approximately 3 hours of hiking). After taking great landscape photos, we return to our camp to spend another night there.
+730m. / -730m.
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3. Carhuacocha – Carhuac Pass (4650m) – Mitucocha – Qaqanan Pass (4750m) – Cuartelhuayin (4100m)
It is a long day. We will leave a bit earlier than usual. The hike begins with a trail ascending to Carhuac Pass, then descending to Mitucocha Camp, a place with great views of Jirishanca and Rondoy mountains. We continue our hike to the next pass called Qaqanan Peak. From here, it is usually possible to see condors flying very close. After enjoying the views and resting for a while, we begin the descent to our camp called Cuartelhuayin. Total walking time: approximately 10 hours.
+650m. / -500m.
19 km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 4. Cuartelhuayin – Sambuya Pass (4800m) – Jahuacocha (4100m)
Once again, we start early, and breakfast is even earlier. We begin walking downhill towards a place called Matacancha. From here, we gradually ascend to Sambuya Pass, which offers excellent views of the Rondoy, Jirishanca, and Yerupajá peaks. After enjoying the views and taking great photos, we start descending towards our camp called Jahuacocha, located on the edge of Jahuacocha Lagoon. Total walking time: approximately 8 hours.
+700m
10 km
Breakfast – Snack – Lunch – Dinner
Day 5. Jahuacocha – Paso Pampa LLamac (4300m) – Llamac (3250m) – Huaraz
After our last breakfast at the camp, we head to the picturesque town of Llamac. Here, our private transportation awaits to transfer us back to the city of Huaraz. Walking time: approximately 6 hours + transfer by car: approximately 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 of hotel accommodation in Huaraz
- Private transport to the town of Queropalca
- Private transport for pickup from Llamac to Huaraz
- Certified trekking guide (English, Spanish)
- Cook for the entire circuit
- Full meals in the field (breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner)
- Wake-up tea before breakfast
- Muleteers and pack animals (mules)
- Emergency horse in case of altitude sickness
- 2-person tent
- Sleeping mat or mattress
- Kitchen tent
- Tables, chairs
- Kitchen utensils
- Boiled water to fill bottles daily
- Warm water for personal hygiene
- First aid kit
NOT INCLUDED
- Air ticket to Lima and return
- Transfers from the airport to the hotel in Lima
- Bus transportation Huaraz – Lima – Huaraz
- Hotel accommodation in Lima and Huaraz
- Extra costs for abandoning the expedition
- Meals and drinks in the city
- Sleeping bag required (-15°C). Rental available
- Cold weather clothing such as hats, gloves, down jackets
- Emergency transport in case of accidents
- International Medical Insurance
- Accident and Rescue Insurance
- Personal tents (rental available)
- Tips for the staff
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT TO BRING
- Trekking shoes
- Polar or wool gloves
- Sun hat
- Cold weather hat (polar or wool)
- UV protection sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- 30 or 40-liter backpack
- Trekking poles
- Down jacket
- Goretex windbreaker jacket
- Goretex windbreaker 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.
Optional
- 1-liter thermos
- Solar charger for batteries
