Huayhuash Trek
Huayhuash Trek
$750 USD / 1 person
- Moderate / Hard
- 8 Days
- 8
- All Year
The Huayhuash Trek is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the whole world and the ones who do it say it’s the highlight of Peru ahead of Machu Picchu! From the world famous Tres Lagunas and the 360° panoramas of Siula Pass, to the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of Trapecio, the marvel of San Antonio Hill and the Yaucha Pass’ display of peaks lined up next to each other, this trek will never stop to amaze you!
The mountain range is 30 km long and includes seven peaks over 6,000 m, including Yerupajá which, at 6,617 m (21,709 ft), is the second highest peak in Peru. Another notable peak, Siula (6,344 m) was made famous by mountaineer Joe Simpson in his book Touching the Void.
In this spellbinding 8-day adventure, you’ll circle around Cordillera Huayhuash to get stunning views from all sides of the mountain range!
Itinerary
Here we start a climb up to Cacananpunta Pass (4,700 m), where we can eat some snacks and take our pictures with gorgeous views of valleys, hills and snow-capped peaks. We then descend to have our brought box lunch on the peaceful trail which leads us to our first camp. We pass by vast, open landscapes until we reach camp Mitucocha where we have dinner and spend the night.
You have the option to take the 45 minute hike to Lake Mitucocha and enjoy the serene lagoon with the cows surrounding it if you’re not too tired after all the travel and hiking!
Meals: Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Large Tent (4) for every 2 people
Altitude Climb: 520 m
Distance: ~4 hours bus, ~5-6 hours walk
After this almost spiritual experience, we start descending until we get to Lake Carhuacocha, which is a truly gorgeous campsite with astonishing mountain views behind the lake giving it stunning reflections to enjoy while have our meals and enjoy the rest of the day at camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Large Tent (4) for every 2 people
Altitude Climb: 420 m
Distance: ~5-6 hours
After we’ve had our famous postcard pictures taken in front of the triplet lagoons, we continue uphill towards the panoramic marvel of Siula Pass, where you’ll feel obliged to take many more photos! We feast on our lunch at the pass before we head downhill until we reach Camp Huayhuash (4,330 m).
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Large Tent (4) for every 2 people
Altitude Climb: 690 m
Distance: ~7-8 hours
Once we are content, we descend a couple of hours through rocky valleys to reach Lake Cuyoc and finally the ‘Elephant Camp’ where we enjoy our meals and rest in the huge valley surrounding us.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Large Tent (4) for every 2 people
Altitude Climb: 650 m
Distance: ~6-7 hours
We descend impressive waterfalls, as flora and fauna we couldn’t expect on previous days tingle each of our senses. The birds twitter and the butterflies greet us as we’re reaching greener pastures on our way to Huayllapa village.
Here you can stock up on things such as drinks, batteries, toilet paper etc. From this village we walk up a narrow valley until reach the grass valley of Hepatica, where our next camp is located!
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Large Tent (4) for every 2 people
Altitude Climb: 500 m
Distance: ~8-9 hours
After having a rest at the top, feasting on our snacks, we enjoy every breath we take as stroll down the valley past lagoons mirroring the peaks making picturesque paintings of our surroundings. We reach camp where the silence is serene and we can meditate or read in between meals and prepare ourselves for the spectacular Day 7!
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Large Tent (4) for every 2 people
Altitude Climb: 450 m
Distance: ~6-7 hours
Once we reach the pass we can enjoy the most spectacular mountain views of the majestic Yerupajá and its neighboring peaks all lining up for a panoramic wonder of nature. We have high probabilities of also encountering condors who like to inhabit the valleys that we pass.
We continue by walking on top of a steep hill, parallel to the the spectacular wonders on display until we reach Lake Jahuacocha and Jirishanca mountain. Here we have another break seeing the mountain range from another stunning viewpoint. After having ingested some more snacks, we take the steep and challenging descent down to the valley until we reach the idyllic Jahuacocha Camp.
Here we enjoy our well-deserved lunch before spending the full afternoon with the stunning views and short hikes around Lake Jahuacocha. We can also take a refreshing plunge to energize ourselves or relax by helping our chef catch fish that they’ll later cook.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Large Tent (4) for every 2 people
Altitude Climb: 380 m
Distance: ~6 hours
After the break before start descending on the slope trail until we return to civilization and Llamac Village, where our private transport is waiting for us to safely drive us back to Huaraz once again. Soaring like condors high in spirit, we are changed forever.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks
Accommodation: Large Tent (4) for every 2 people
Altitude Climb: 250 m
Distance: ~4 hours walk, ~4 hours bus
Included:
- Pre-tour briefing at our office
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transport to the trek and back
- 7 breakfasts, 8 snacks, 7 lunches, 7 teas and 7 dinners (vegetarian available)
- 7 nights accommodation in large tents (4) for every 2 people
- Certified guide
- Certified chef
- Donkeys carrying 5kg extra equipment
- Mattress
- Hot water every afternoon for washing hands
- Boiled water every morning for water bottle
Not Included:
- Breakfast on the first day
- Sleeping bag, hiking poles (rental optional)
- Entrance fees to the national park (260 Soles ~ $70)
1. Rental Equipment
A sleeping bag is essential for camping. Our bags are mummy-style, with liners, and protect down to -20°C (-0°F). Hiking Poles (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended.
- Sleeping bag US$ 15
- Hiking poles (pair) US$ 15
2. Breakfast Day 1
You can buy breakfast in a restaurant we pass the first morning.
- Valid passport
- Trekking clothes (pants, socks, shorts, t-shirts, jacket)
- Hiking boots (waterproof)
- Waterproof jacket or raincoat
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent
- Flashlight, camera, batteries, chargers, power bank
- Extra cash (soles)
- Water bottle (we fill it every morning for you)
- Medium trekking backpack (25L)
- Toothbrush, toilet paper, medication
Briefing (Informative Meeting)
Join us for a 30-45 minute briefing the evening before your tour at our Huaraz office or your hotel. If you can’t make it, please coordinate a different time via email, phone, or in person.
Can I store my luggage with you?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our offices or your hotel free of charge. For items you won’t need on the trek, check with your hotel—they usually offer storage. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and get a receipt for insurance purposes. For extra security, put valuables in a sealed, signed envelope.
How long should I acclimatize in Huaraz before the Trek?
To avoid altitude sickness, we suggest arriving in Huaraz 2-3 days before your trek. Even if you’ve been at high altitude elsewhere in Peru, it’s best to spend at least a full day in Huaraz to rest and explore before your trek.
Tour Consultant
Swedish travel and drone operator who has traveled over 55 countries!
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