Huayhuash Classic Trek

10 Day Trek

Fully Supported

Small Groups Only

Hike one of the most beautiful trekking circuits in the world. This is the most dramatic high altitude trek in the Peruvian Andes with magnificent views of mountains of the Cordillera Huayhuash such as Yerupaja 6634m being the second highest mountain in Peru, Siula Grande made famous by Joe Simpson in his book and film “Touching the Void”, Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, Rasac, Carnicero, Trapecio, Sarapo and beautiful glacial lakes. The dramatic and beautiful glacial lakes and valleys of the range provide memorable campsites and good trout fishing. Andean condors are seen more often in the Huayhuash than on other Peruvian treks, attesting to the area’s remoteness.

Our Huayhuash Classic Trek navigates some old trails that once was used by the first trekkers in the range and also includes the most scenic views like Siula Lakes viewpoint, Santa Rosa Viewpoint/Pass, view towards Siula Base Camp and a deep soak in the hot springs of Guñoc – Viconga. You won’t miss anything!.

Trip Highlights

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

Departure Dates

May
June
July
August
September
October

Trekking Details

Grade:	Strenuous
Distance:	140 Km
Maximum altitude:	5100m
Price:	Contact us for prices.
Season:	May to October
Pickup and Drop-off:	We will collect and return you to any hotel located within Huaraz City.
Price Includes:	Click here for further details. Professional English Speaking Mountain Guide Professional Cook Donkeys and donkey drivers Rescue horse Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner during the trek Tents: 4 season tent (3 person tent for 2 people), dining tent with tables and chairs and kitchen tent Foam & air mattress First Aid Kit All cooking equipment, plates, cups, utensils etc. Private transport Each participant is allowed to bring 10kg to be loaded on the donkeys
Not Included:	Click here for further details.
What to Bring:	We will provide a full gear list info upon booking the trek.

TREKKING ITINERARY

Lets Go! Vamos!

Day 1: Huaraz 3090m – Chiquian – Llamac – Pocpa – Pallca – Quartelhuain 4170m – Cacananpunta Pass 4690m – Janca 4200m

You are picked up at your accommodation early in the morning at 4am and begin the journey along the Callejon de Huaylas Valley. We drive through many rural villages until we reach Quartelhuain 4170m. 4/5 hours drive. Here we have our breakfast (included in the trip price) while the donkeys are loaded.

After breakfast, we slowly climb up to 4690m to cross the Punta Cacanan Pass then, as we descend, we are rewarded with stunning views of the nearby peaks of Rondoy and Jirishanca. Our camp is situated at Janca Valley 4200m. 5 hours walk.

Day 2: Janca – Carhuac Pass 4630m – Laguna Carhuacocha 4050m

We ascend towards Paso Carhuac 4630m pass from where we have splendid views of Nevados Carnicero, Siula Grande, Yerupaja, Jirishanca. We then descend to our camp at the beautiful Laguna Carhuacocha 4150m. 5 to 6 hours walk.

Day 3: Carhuacocha – Siula Punta Pass 4800m – Huayhuash 4350m

We ascend towards Paso Siula Punta 4850m pass with nice views of the surrounding mountains and crossing above the glacier fed lakes of Siula and Quesillococha. From the pass we descend to our camp at Huayhuash 4350m passing a beautiful lake and always enjoying views of the great mountains of the range. 8 hours walk.

Day 4: Huayhuash – Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass 4780m – Viconga Hot Springs 4350m

We ascend gradually towards Paso Portachuelo de Huayhuash 4780m pass from where we have great views of the Cordillera Raura. We then descend to the big lake of Viconga and then to our camp at 4350m near by the Viconga Hot springs. 5 to 6 hours walk.

Day 5: Viconga – Cuyoc Pass 4900m – Cuyoc 4500m

We go over Punta Cuyoc Pass with a sustained uphill hike of 3 hours to a breathtaking 4900m pass. From here we marvel the spectacular views of the mountains. We then descend to our camp at 4500m. 5 hours walk.

Day 6: Cuyoc – Santa Rosa Pass 5100m – Cutatambo 4265m

We ascend towards the highest pass on the trek Paso Santa Rosa 5100m pass from where there are fantastic views of mountains and lakes. We can see the Siula Glacier where Joe Simpson crawled down in his epic battle for survival, and also Siula Base Camp. We then descend to our camp Cutatambo in Callinca Valley 4265m. 5 to 6 hours total walk.

Day 7: Cutatambo – Huayllapa Village 3600m

Today we come down to Peruvian sea level, following Calinca valley for 4 hours. The community of Huayllapa is one of the highland villages of Lima Region located at 3600m. Villagers are mainly farmers and shepherds and few of them work in tourism sector as cooks and donkey drivers.

Day 8: Huayllapa – Tapush Pass 4770m – Gashpapampa 4600m

We slowly climb up to 4770m in the morning to cross Punta Tapush Pass, we then descend to Gashpapampa 4600m. 7 to 8 hours walk.

Day 9: Gashpapampa – Llaucha Punta Pass – Huacrish Lookout – Laguna Jahuacocha Lake 4050m

We descend before ascending towards Paso Llaucha Punta 4850m pass, with fantastic views of the mountains of Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupaja, Rasac and Sacra. From the pass, we hike up to a ridge which takes us to Huacrish Lookout to have an unique views of the Huayhuash Mountain Range. We then descend to our last camp at the beautiful Laguna Jahuacocha 4050m lake. 4 to 5 hours walk.

Day 10: Jahuacocha – Llamac – Huaraz

Today is our final day of trekking, we follow the river down the valley and then a water channel that brings water to the community of Llamac. We can enjoy our final views over the range before descending steadily down to Llamac. Here we meet our transport and drive back to Huaraz. 5 hours walk and 4 hours drive.

Altitude and Acclimatization

This is a major factor on this trek and we strongly recommend that you arrive in Huaraz at least 4 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 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 strenuous. We trek approximately six to eight hours per day with several long ascents and descents.

Trip Highlights

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

Departure Dates

May
June
July
August
September
October

TRIP REVIEWS

Rodolfo, I really appreciated your easy going nature. Thank you for a great trip and great service. Hayden, Australia

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