Quilcayhuanca to Cojup Valley Trek

  • 3 Day Trek
  • Fully Supported
  • Small Groups Only
quebrada quilcayhuanca

Our Quilcayhuanca to Cojup Valley Trek takes in some of the most scenically dramatic and little-walked valleys of the Cordillera Blanca Mountain range. The trek route takes us past two jewel-like glacial lakes and also provides excellent opportunities for watching Condors. There are superb mountain views throughout. 

Natural History
The valleys are great places to observe native Andean alpine flora, especially the many wildflowers that bloom during the trekking season, including buttercups, ranunculus, lupines and several species of orchids. Many encrustations of deep-red bromeliads can be seen along the track, sprouting from boulders and on rock faces. Fauna includes mountain caracaras, falcons, Andean geese and ducks, hawks, hummingbirds, American kestrels, puna ibis, Andean swifts, Andean foxes and mountain vizcachas. Sightings of the mighty condor are possible.

Trip Highlights

  • Unique Mountain Views
  • U–Shaped Valleys
  • Deep Glacial Lakes
  • World Class Trek

Departure Dates

All year round.

Trekking Details

Grade: Moderate
Distance: 30 Km
Maximum altitude: 5100m
Price: Contact us for prices.
Season: All year round
Pickup and Drop-off: We will collect and return you to any hotel located within Huaraz City.
Price Includes:
Not Included:
What to Bring: We will provide a full gear list info upon booking the trek.

TREKKING ITINERARY

Lets Go! Vamos!

You are picked up at your accommodation and begin the journey with a spectacular scenic drive, passing small villages of Unchus and Llupa to Portada 3900m (1 hour drive). There are opportunities for photo stops along the way. An easy walk up the Quebrada Quilcayhuanca Valley to camp at the head of the valley at Cruce de Cayesh 4100m at the foot of Andavite mountain (4 hours hike). In the afternoon, we can hike into the Quebrada Cayesh valley, which offers very close views of the snow-capped mountains of San Juan, Cayesh and Chopiraju.

We ascend gradually to our high campsite on a plateau at 4750m just at the foot of Nevado Huapi. 5 to 6 hours walk.

We ascend to Chocu Pass at 5100m with great views of some of the big mountains of the Cordillera Blanca such as Chinchey, Pucaranra, Huantsan, Ranrapalca, Palcaraju and many other mountains. From the pass, we have a long descent down into the Cojup Valley and then an easy flat walk down the valley to the road. 8 hours walk and 1 hour drive.

quilcayhuanca to cojup valley trek

Altitude and Acclimatization

This is a major factor on this trek and we strongly recommend that you arrive in Huaraz at least 3 days before the trek departs and spend time doing day hikes to higher altitude, this will help with acclimatization to the new altitude. 

Grading & Fitness

In order to get the most out of the trek you should be in reasonably good physical condition. It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for the trek, since it is a subjective matter. However, we have classified this trek as moderate. We trek approximately five to eight hours per day with an ascent to 5100m and a very long descent.

Trip Highlights

  • Unique Mountain Views
  • U–Shaped Valleys
  • Deep Glacial Lakes
  • World Class Trek

Departure Dates

All year round. 

TRIP REVIEWS

Rodolfo and his crew were totally professional, knowledgeable and energetic, always willing to help. They could not have made the trip any better. Evans, USA

I had a really great time in Peru! Thank you again for being a great guide. Illiana, USA

A trek with a 10 out of 10 Wow factor! From start to finish Rodolfo and our trekking team were amazing. Sonia, Australia

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