Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit

Comparable to the Himalayas and the Rockies in terms of snow-capped alpine beauty, Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash is a mountain climber's dream come true. Located in one of the most remote sections of the Andes, our abbreviated version of the circuit asks a lot from those who trek it. Rest assured that your mountain guide has all the expertise, equipment, and encouragement needed to get the most out of these majestic peaks. Great on its own, this trip gets even better when paired with a Machu Picchu trek or any other Peru-based adventure.

Day 1 Lima
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Lima/Huaraz
Travel north by bus to the alpine city of Huaraz, surrounded by the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.

Day 3 Huaraz
Enjoy a free day to acclimatize to the altitude. There are ample opportunities for optional activities like exploring the city, biking in the mountains, or heading into Huascaran National Park. Relax in the evening at a café and soak in the natural scenery.

Day 4 Huaraz/Cuartelhuain
Travel by private vehicle into Huascaran National Park, gaze out the window and enjoy the Andean scenery passing by. Arrive at Cuartelhuain, the camp for the night (4,200m/13,780 ft).

Day 5 Cuartelhuain/Loma Ollocuyoc
Begin seven days of trekking with an expert mountain guide along the challenging and spectacular Huayhuash circuit. Hike in the alpine wilderness to make your way to Cacananpunta Pass to see a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, rivers and mountains.

Day 6 Loma Ollocuyoc/Laguna Carhuacocha
Continue the trek along Laguna Mitucocha with Mt Yerupaja, Mt Rondoy and Mt Ninashanca towering in the background as you pass through Carhuacocha Pass.

Day 7 Laguna Carhuacocha/Cordillera Huayhuash
Trek through Siula Pass, with its towering peaks and glacial lagoons of varying shades of turquoise and blue, you'll be hard-pressed to find a place more beautiful.

Day 8 Cordillera Huayhuash/Huanacpatay
Continue the trek upwards to the highest point of the trek, Trapecio Punta Pass. Continue on to the camp for the night below Mt Puscanturpa.

Day 9 Huanacpatay/Huantiac
Descend into the Huanacpatay valley, enjoy views of waterfalls in the distance en route to Huantiac camp, a high altitude meadow in the shadows of Mt Diablo Mudo.

Day 10 Huantiac/Laguna Jahuacocha
Descend into Angoshcancha valley passing through quenoal forest before climbing up to Yaucha pass. Enjoy beautiful views and keep an eye out for condors on the way to Laguna Jahuacocha.

Day 11 Laguna Jahuacocha/Chiquian
Ascend to the last pass of the trip, Shullca Pass (4550m/14928 ft), take in one last view of the stunning Andean ranges before descending to Pocpa to meet the transfer to Chiquian.

Day 12 Chiquian/Lima
After breakfast, transfer by private vehicle back to Lima for the night and for some well-deserved rest and a hot shower.

Day 13 Lima
Depart at any time.