Trekking

Huayhuash Trek - 8 Days

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Altitud: 5,000 m / 16,076 ft (San Antonio Pass)
Route: Circular trek through the Cordillera Huayhuash
Availability: April to October
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
People per Guide: 4

The 8 Day Huayhuash Trek is a shorter yet unforgettable adventure through one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world — the Cordillera Huayhuash. This route is perfect for trekkers who want to experience the highlights of this Andean paradise in less time, without missing its most iconic landscapes.

Over eight incredible days, you’ll explore turquoise lakes like Carhuacocha, Mitucocha, and Jahuacocha, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks such as Yerupajá (6,634 m), Siula Grande (6,344 m), and Rondoy (5,870 m). Every step immerses you in pristine nature, high passes, and traditional Andean communities that preserve centuries-old mountain culture.

Accompanied by professional mountain guides and full camping service, this trek offers a perfect balance of challenge, comfort, and breathtaking beauty. The Huayhuash 8-Day Trek is ideal for those seeking a compact, authentic, and deeply rewarding trekking experience in the Peruvian Andes.

TIPS:

Make sure you are well-acclimatized before starting the trek, as altitudes reach up to 4,900 m at high passes.
Pack lightweight gear and clothing, as you will be carrying your personal items for several days.
Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy trekking boots to handle variable weather and rocky terrain.
Stay hydrated and maintain energy with snacks, especially on long trekking days.
Follow your mountain guide’s instructions for safety on high passes and glacial or unstable sections.
This trek is suitable for fit and well-prepared hikers, offering spectacular views of glaciers, lakes, and remote Andean valleys.
Allow for flexibility in your schedule in case of weather changes or slower pace at high altitude.

Itinerary

Day 01: Huaraz – Cuartelhuain (4180M) – Cacanan Punta Pass (4700M) – Mitucocha (4300M).

Duration: 4-5 hours by transport, approximately 5 hours of hiking.

Distance: 10 km
Departing from Huaraz at 4:00 a.m., we will arrive at the first campsite at 1:00 p.m. after a stop for breakfast in Chiquián. We will hike to the Cacanan Punta pass, then descend to the Janca or Mitucocha campsite.
Meals: Lunch/Dinner

Day 02: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass (4650 M) – Carhuacocha (4150 M)

Duration: 5-6 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 and the Carhuacocha campsite.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 03: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass (4850 M) – Huayhuash (4300 M).

Duration: 5-6 hours approx.
Distance: 13 km

Today we begin ascending the challenging trail to the Siula Pass at 4800m.
This day is more demanding, but truly rewarding for the panoramic views that surround us.
On the way to the high pass, we stop at a viewpoint from where we get breathtaking views of the famous three Huayhuash lagoons with an overwhelming panorama of the summit.
Then we descend, passing near Carnicero Lagoon, and then reach our campsite in Huayhuash.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 04: Huayhuash – Trapecio Pass 5000M – Cuyoc Or Elephant Field (4400 M).

Duration: 6-7 hours approx.
Distance: 11 km

This day will be one of the most challenging, but not impossible. After breakfast, we begin our trek to the highest point, called Trapecio Pass.
Some sections of the trail are difficult to find as we walk through ichu grass (Andean grass), and as we approach the pass, the trail traverses moraine rock.
From here, looking southeast, we see a new collection of nearby snow-capped peaks.
We will stop to enjoy breathtaking views of Trapecio, Puscanturpa, and Cuyoc mountains and the surrounding valleys.
This viewpoint is considered the fourth most beautiful viewpoint in Huayhuash.

Then we begin the descent from the pass along an unmarked moraine trail, passing a beautiful turquoise glacial lake along the way. We continue the descent to our campsite at Cuyoc (Elephant).

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 05: Cuyoc Pampa – San San Antonio Pass (5000M) – Cutatambo – Huayllapa Town (3490M)

Duration: 6-7 hours approx.
Distance: 18 km

From the campsite, we ascend to a pass on Cerro San Antonio. This is a challenging day with some steep trails, but by this point, you should be well acclimatized and feeling strong at altitude. After 2 hours, we reach the summit with fantastic views of all the giants of the Huayhuash mountain range and the three lakes of Sarapococha and Jurau. We can also see the Siula Glacier, which Joe Simpson famously touched.
Finally, in the village of Huayllapa, we have the option to recharge our batteries, rent a place to shower, and optional hotel accommodations.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 06: Huayllapa (3490M) – Tapush Pass (4800M) – Gashpapampa Field (4400M)

Duration: 5-6 hours approx.
Distance: 15 km

The day will begin early with a hike to Tapush Pass at 4800 m. There will be a lunch stop at the pass or before reaching it, before continuing to the campsite at 4400 m. In total, it is about 13 km (6 hours) of hiking.

Day 07: Gashpapampa – Yaucha Pass (4850 M) – Jahuacocha (4150 M)

Duration: 5-6 hours approx.
Distance: 13 km

At the designated time, we depart towards Yahucha Punta Pass. We take an ascending path, reaching the pass 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, and Rasac los Wacrish. After a rest and taking photos, we descend to Jahuacocha Lagoon, arriving 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 08: Jahuacocha - Llamac – or Pacllon Huaraz

Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: 9 km

At the designated time, we begin our final day of hiking. Our destination is the Pampa Llámac pass (4300m), which we reach after 3 hours. From here, we can enjoy one last close-up view of the snow-capped peaks of the Huayhuash mountain range. We then descend to Llámac, arriving after another 2 hours of hiking. There, the bus will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz. Upon arrival in Huaraz, transfer to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Snack