The Circuit of the Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the classic trekking circuits of the world. The Huayhuash is a compact, rugged range, and includes the second highest peak in Peru - Yerupajá Grande - 6634m. Every day on the trek hikers are treated to awesome views of snowcapped peaks, glaciers and blue trout-filled lakes. There are no less than 8 passes to cross, the highest at 5000m.
Our 15 day trek features a visit to the Base Camp of Siula Grande, made famous by the epic Joe Simpson book and film “Touching The Void”. Although not difficult, the length of the trek and the number of high passes warrants a grade of Hard.
* There is an option on the 15 day trek to climb two peaks Diablo Mudo (5250m) and Pumarinri,(5300m). If you do not wish to climb then you can continue on the normal path to the next camp.
For those who do not have time to make a complete Huayhuash circuit trek of 15 days, we have shorter 12 day and an 8 day mini trek options which encompass the most beautiful parts of the Huayhuash.
Program 15 Day Trek: (Contact Us for details of shorter treks and climbing options)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Huaraz (3090m)
Day 2 & 3: Huaraz. Acclimatization day hikes
Day 4: Drive to the village of Llamac and set up our first camp (3300m). 4 to5 hours drive. We camp near the village football field and can spend the afternoon watching the local kids playing football!
Day 5: Walk up the valley, following the Rio Llamac, passing through the villages of Pocpa and Pallca. After Pallca the way opens up into a wide grassy valley with rolling hills. Camp at Quartelhuain (4200m) 6 to 7 hours.
Day 6: In the morning we cross our first pass Punta Cacanan (4700m) then descend to our camp at the beautiful lake Laguna Mitucocha (4220m). 6 hours. From our camp we have close views of the huge peaks Ronday, Jirishanca, Ninashanca.
Day 7: We cross the pass Paso de Carhuac (4650m) then descend to our camp at the big lake Laguna Carhuacocha (4150m) 6 hours. From our camp we look directly up the lake to the peaks and ice fields of Siula and the two peaks of Yerupajá. If the weather is good and you are feeling strong, we can take an alternative and more demanding route via a 4800m pass, with great close views of Jirishanca Chica and passing by a beautiful deep blue high lake.
Day 8: Rest Day at Laguna Carhuacocha, take a half day hike around the lake, or visit Siula Lake. Catch trout for dinner!!
Day 9: We cross the pass Carnicero (4600m) which is not difficult, an make an easy descent to our camp at isolated Laguna Carnicero 4300m (also called Juraucocha). 5 to 6 hours. Weather permitting, we can take an alternative route which climbs to a 4800m pass, crossing above the glacier fed lakes of Siula and Quesillococha. 7 to 8 hours
Day 10: We climb to the pass Portachuelo de Huayhuash (4750m) from where you look across to the Cordillera Raura and the snow topped peak Leon Huacanan. We skirt around the large lake Laguna Viconga before walking up the valley ½ hour to set up camp (4480m) 6½ hours. There are some hot springs near Viconga – maybe have a hot bath!
Day 11: We cross our highest pass Punta Cuyoc (5000m) then descend to the valley Quebrada Huanacpatay where we have an easy walk to our camp (4300m) 4½ hours
Day 12: We climb to a pass on Cerro Antonio. The first ½ hour is quite steep, then it is more easy. In 2 hours we are on the top of the pass at 4800m, with fantastic views of the all Huayhuash giant mountains and the 3 lakes of Sarapococha, Santa Rosa & Juarau. We can see the Siula Glacier quite clearly in the distance. The descent is initially steep but safe on scree for a short distance, then we follow a trail down through the lupins to camp in the Quebrada Calina at Cutatambo (4100m) 5 hours.
Day 13: We can walk past the base camp of Siula Grande (Joe Simpson – "Touching The Void") to visit the glacial lakes of Sarapocha and Santa Rosa, and see where Joe Simpson crawled through the moraine during his incredible survival epic. Then traverse around to Laguna Jurau, before dropping back down to camp for lunch. ½ day
Day 14: We walk back down Quebrada Calinca before turning off just before the village of Huayllapa. We then climb steadily to our campsite high up in the flat pasture of Huatiac (4350m) 7 hours
Day 15: An easier day, We cross the Pass Punta Tapush 4750m, then pass by Laguna Susucocha before reaching our flat campsite at Cashpapampa (4500m) 3 to 4 hours. From the top of the pass there is an option to climb about another 100m and take a different route into camp.
Day 16: We cross another high pass, Punta Yaucha (4800m). During the descent the peaks of Rondoy, Jirishanca,erupajá, Rasac and Sacra come into view. Camp at the beautiful Laguna Jahuacocha (4150m) 4 hours.
Day 17: Climb up Cerro Amarrillo Peak 5000m for views over the whole Huayhuash range and down into Quartelhuain where we were on day 5 (6 to 7 hours). On the top you walk along an exposed ridge for a short way, but it is worth the effort for the breathtaking views. Or you make like an easier walk to visit Soltera Cocha Lake, OR take a rest and try trout fishing.
Day 18: An early start. We leave early, starting with a gradual climb to our final pass Pampa Llamac (4300m) from where we have our final views of the Huayhuash range. Then it is a long descent back to Llamac. 5 ½ hours. In Llamac the bus will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz for hot showers!!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Our Service Includes:
- Qualified Guide
- Cook
- Donkeys and donkey drivers
- Meals and snacks (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, large dinner) during the trek
- Tents (personal tent, dining tent with table and chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent)
- All cooking equipment, plates, cups, utensils etc.
- Private transport during the trek.
Not Included:
- Accommodation (Lima and Huaraz)
- Meals and drinks in the city
- Huayhuash Community Fees
- Entrance to Huascaran National Park (Cordillera Blanca only)
- Sleeping bags and mattresses (available for hire)
- Transfer from Lima / Huaraz / Lima
- Guide & transport for acclimatization walks extra
- Personal Climbing gear (available for hire)
- English speaking guides available.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Hiking & Trekking
Mountain/Rock Climbing
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