Trekking

Huayhuash Trek - 10 Days / 9 Nights

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Duration: 10 days – 9 nights
Altitud: 5000 m.a.s.l. (San Antonio Pass).
Route: Circular trek through the Cordillera Huayhuash
Availability: April to October
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
People per Guide: 4

The 10-day Huayhuash Trek is a perfect high-Andean trekking adventure for travelers looking to experience the majestic landscapes of the Cordillera Huayhuash. This accessible circuit offers stunning panoramic views of peaks such as Yerupajá, Siula Grande, and Rasac, combining glacial lakes, high mountain passes, and deep valleys.

The journey begins with a scenic transfer from Huaraz to Llamac, followed by moderate hikes through valleys and along glacial trails to various base camps and lakes. Under the guidance of experienced mountain guides, participants traverse alpine trails safely, crossing rivers, moraines, and high passes while enjoying the spectacular geography of the region.

Along the trek, hikers are rewarded with 360° views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys, making every stage worthwhile.

This trek is ideal for well-acclimatized beginners, adventure lovers, and photographers, offering the chance to experience the Cordillera Huayhuash over 10 days without the need for prolonged technical expeditions.

TIPS:

Discover the most iconic landscapes of the Huayhuash Circuit, including lakes, glaciers, and high passes
Learn about the local geography and culture from expert guides
Walk through picturesque trails and enjoy the tranquility of remote valleys
Enjoy stops for meals and rest, including energy-packed breakfasts and snacks during the hikes

Itinerary

Day 01: Huaraz (3100 Meters Above Sea Level) – Matacancha – Quartelhuain (4180 Meters Above Sea Level)

After breakfast at the hotel, we traveled south by private bus. Passing by Lake Conococha, we enjoyed breathtaking panoramic views of the Huayhuash mountain range, including peaks like Yerupaja, Jirishanca, and Rondoy, among others. We then continued to Chiquian (3400 m.a.s.l.), passing through the villages of Llamac and Pocpa, and finally arriving in Matacancha.

MEALS: BOX LUNCH / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 02: Matacancha (4180 Meters Above Sea Level) – Cacananpunta Pass (4700 Meters Above Sea Level) – Mitucocha (4300 Meters Above Sea Level)

DURATION: 4–5 hours approx.

DISTANCE: 10 KM
On the second day, we will start early for a 2.5-hour hike to the first pass at 4700 m. We will then descend approximately 400 m to reach the second Janca campsite at Laguna Mitucocha.
MEALS: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 03: Mitucocha – Carhua Pass (4650 M.A.S.L.) – Carhuacocha (4150 M.A.S.L.)

DURATION: 4-5 hours approx.

DISTANCE: 12 KM
This day will begin with another uphill hike to Fossil Pass at 4800 m. A short detour can be made to a viewpoint with a spectacular view of Peru's second highest mountain. We will pass by Alcaycocha Lagoon. The campsite at Carhuacocha (4180 m) will be reached after about 6 hours.

FOOD: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 04: Carhuacocha Lagoon - Siula Pass (4800 M.A.S.L.) – Huayhuash Camp (4350 M.A.S.L.)

DURATION: 6-7 hours approx.
DISTANCE: 13 km
The fourth day will also begin early to start the uphill hike to the next pass, at 4800 m. This day you will visit the famous Tres Lagunas viewpoint. In total, it will be approximately 8 hours of hiking to reach the next campsite, Huayhuash.
MEALS: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 05: Huayhuash – Portachuelo Pass (4750 Meters Above Sea Level) – Laguna Viconga (4400 Meters Above Sea Level)

DURATION: 4-5 hours approx.
DISTANCE: 11 km
At the designated time, after breakfast, we depart for the Portachuelo Pass, which we reach after 2 hours. This is the point where the Huayhuash and Raura mountain ranges meet. A large part of the Raura range can be seen. We then descend through the grasslands towards Viconga Lagoon. Along the way, it is possible to see llamas and alpacas. We pass Viconga Lagoon and arrive at our Viconga campsite after a 3-hour hike. A small hot spring pool is located 5 minutes from the campsite where you can take a dip.
MEALS: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 06: Viconga Lagoon – Cuyoc Pass (5000 M.A.S.L.) – Elefante (4400 M.A.S.L.)

DURATION: 5-6 hours approx.

DISTANCE: 10 km
We begin our trek towards the highest pass of the circuit, Paso Cuyoc (5000 m), which we reach after 3 hours. Located between the Cuyoc and Pumarinri peaks, this point offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains of the Raura Range and the Cuyoc and Puscaturpa peaks of the Huayhuash Range. We descend to the Quebrada Elefante (or Cuyoc) and arrive at our next campsite.
MEALS: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 07: Elephant Camp 4400M – San Antonio 5000M Asl Huayllapa (3700 M A.S.L.)

DURATION: 5-6 hours approx.
DISTANCE: 18 km
Today we begin our trek to the San Antonio viewpoint, which we reach after a 2.5-hour hike. This is a unique spot, offering magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of Carnicero, Jurao, Siula Grande, and Yerupaja, as well as the Jurao and Sarapococha lagoons. After a rest, we descend to the Cutatambo ravine (4250 m) and then down to the village of Huayllapa.
MEALS: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 08: Huayllapa - Tapush Pass (4800 M.A.S.L.) – Gashpapampa Or Ancush (4500 M.A.S.L.)

DURATION: 5-6 hours approx.

DISTANCE: 15 km
After breakfast, we begin our hike from the village of Huayllapa towards Tapush Pass, which we reach after 4 hours of walking. From this point, it's possible to appreciate part of the Cordillera Blanca (Tuco Peak). We then descend to Qashpapampa, located below Diablo Mudo Peak, which we reach after 2 hours of walking.
MEALS: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 09: Gashpampa – Yahucha Punta Pass (4800 M.A.S.L.) – Jahuacocha Lagoon (4150 M.A.S.L.)

DURATION: 5-6 hours approx.
DISTANCE: 13 km
At the designated time, we depart towards Yahucha Punta Pass, taking an ascending path which we reach after 2.5 hours. From this point, we have one of the most impressive views of the western part of the Huayhuash mountain range. Among the snow-capped peaks we'll see are: Ninashanca, Hirishanca, Yerupaja Chico, Yerupaja, Rasac, and Wacrish. After a rest and taking photos, we descend to Jahuacocha Lagoon, which we reach after a 3-hour hike. Our camp will be set up on the shores of Jahuacocha Lagoon with a view of the snow-capped peaks.
MEALS: BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER

Day 10: Jahuacocha Lagoon - Llamac - Pacllon - Huaraz

DURATION: 4-5 hours approx.
DISTANCE: 9 KM
At the designated time, we begin our last day of hiking. Our destination is the Pampa Llámac pass (4300m), which we reach after 3 hours. From here, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Huayhuash mountain range up close for the last time. We then descend to Llámac, arriving after another 2 hours of hiking. There, the bus will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz. Arrival in Huaraz, transfer to the hotel.
MEALS: BREAKFAST