Huayhuash Circuit

• Hike Peru’s second highest mountain range, the Cordillera Huayhuash.

• Mountaineer's dream come true, comparable to Himalayas & Rockies in scenery & difficulty. 

• Snow-capped peaks, immense glaciers, emerald lakes & mountain vegetation.

• Fully-supported trek with expert guides & equipment & all transport. 

• Choice of treks, either starting & ending in Lima (13 or 17 days) or Huaraz (9 days).

Vast landscapes; jagged, glaciated peaks rising to over 6,600 m (21,600 ft); turquoise lakes; and cascading rivers are what make the Cordillera Huayhuash so special.

There is only one way to explore this landscape and that is on foot. And to do justice to the awe-inspiring scenery, one needs to take one’s time.

The Huayhuash Circuit has been described as ‘the best Alpine trek on the planet’ and so PeruNorth is offering a couple of ways to experience it:

• A 9-day trek, starting & ending in Huaraz, and departing on any day during the dry season, with just two people.

• A 13-day package, starting & ending in Lima, with 2 nights’ acclimatisation in Huaraz, prior to the 8-day Huayhuash trek.

• NB. Longer and shorter treks can be arranged.

9-Day Huayhuash Circuit Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Drive from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain. Hike to Mitucocha. Overnight camping.
Day 2: Mitucocha - Laguna Carhuaccocha. Overnight camping.
Day 3: Laguna Carhuaccocha - Cordillera Huayhuash. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Cordillera Huayhuash - Lake Viconga. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Lake Viconga - Huanacpatay. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Huanacpatay - Huantiac. Overnight camping.
Day 7: Huantiac - Cashpapampa. Overnight camping.
Day 8: Cashpapampa - Laguna Jahuacocha. Overnight camping.
Day 9: Laguna Jahuacocha - Llamac. Drive to Huaraz.

13-Day Huayhuash Circuit Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Arrive Lima; transfer to hotel. Overnight at Hotel Britania.
Day 2: Bus to Huaraz. Overnight at Hotel Residencial.
Day 3: Free Day in Huaraz. Overnight at Hotel Residencial.
Day 4: Private vehicle to Cuartelhuain. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Hike Cuartelhuain to Loma Ollocuyoc. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Loma Ollocuyoc - Laguna Carhuaccocha. Overnight camping.
Day 7: Laguna Carhuaccocha - Cordillera Huayhuash. Overnight camping.
Day 8: Cordillera Huayhuash - Huanacpatay. Overnight camping.
Day 9: Huanacpatay - Huantiac. Overnight camping.
Day 10: Huantiac - Laguna Jahuacocha. Overnight camping.
Day 11: Laguna Jahuacocha - Pocpa - Chiquian. Overnight at Hotel Los Nogales.
Day 12: Private vehicle to Lima. Overnight at Hotel Britania.
Day 13: Depart Lima.

17-Day Huaraz & Huayhuash Circuit Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Arrival in Lima. Overnight at Casa Andina Classic Miraflores.
Day 2: Lima – Huaraz (3,005 m). Overnight at Hostel Olaza.
Day 3: Huaraz – Rest/Acclimatisation day (3,005 m). Overnight at Hostel Olaza.
Day 4: Churup Lake (4,485 m). Overnight at Hostel Olaza.
Day 5: Lake 69 (4,397 m). Overnight at Hostel Olaza.
Day 6: Huaraz – Huallanca – Cuartelhuain (4,100 m). Overnight camping.
Day 7: Mitucocha Lake (4,130 m). Overnight camping.
Day 8: Carhuacocha Lake (4,080 m). Overnight camping.
Day 9: Huayhuash (4,230 m). Overnight camping.
Day 10: Viconga (4,400 m). Overnight camping.
Day 11: Huanacpatay camp (4,500 m). Overnight camping.
Day 12: Huayllapa Village (3,500 m). Overnight camping.
Day 13: Cashpapampa camp (4,530 m). Overnight camping.
Day 14: Jahuacocha camp (4,100 m). Overnight camping.
Day 15: Llamac (3,240 m) – End of trek – Return to Huaraz. Overnight at Hostel Olaza.
Day 16: Huaraz – Lima. Overnight at Casa Andina Miraflores.
Day 17: Lima – Departure

9-DAy Huayhuash Circuit: Day-by-day Itinerary:

Day 1: Huaraz - Cuartelhuain - Lake Mitucocha (L,D)

Today we make the beautiful three-hour journey, by private vehicle, from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain. 

Along the way, there should be a chance to see Puya Raimondi trees, that are related to pineapples, but look more like triffids! 

We start heading south down the Callejon de Huayllas, and then turn east into the spectacular Huascaran National Park, climbing up to Yanashallash Pass at 4,600 m (15,100 ft). Here we stop to take in the view. 

We will pause in the village of Huallanca (also spelt 'Wayanka') located at 1,840 m (6,040 ft), and then continue to Cuartelhuain (4,200m / 13,780 ft), where we start trekking along the challenging and spectacular Huayhuash Circuit.

We begin with a shorter, five-hour hike over Cacananpunta Pass (4,690 m / 15,387 ft) to our campsite at Janca (4,250 m / 13,944 ft). 

There are spectacular views of the rivers, valleys and mountains throughout, all the way to our campsite at Lake Mitucocha.

Day 2: Lake Mitucocha - Lake Carhuacocha (B,L,D)

We continue trekking beside Lake Mitucocha with Yerupaja, Rondoy and Ninashanca mountains towering in the background as we make the gradual climb to Carhuacocha Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).

We then descend into a hanging valley with superb views of Lake Carhuacocha's turquoise water.

After some seven hours of hiking, covering 11km (7 miles), we reach our picturesque campsite, which is located just below the lake at 4,130 m (13,550 ft) above sea level.

Day 3: Lake Carhuacocha - Huayhuash (B,L,D)

Today's trek covers 13 km (8 miles), beginning with a gradual climb out of the valley with Yerupaja Mountain - at 6,634 m (21,766 ft) the highest peak in the range - as a beautiful backdrop.

This gives way to a rocky ascent to Siula Pass (4,800 m / 15,784 ft).

The effort is rewarded with magnificent views of towering peaks and glacial lakes of turquoise and blue.
NB. Siula Mountain came to prominence in Joe Simpson's best-selling mountaineering book Touching the Void. 

From here, we descend to Huayhuash Campsite, at 4,400 m (14,436 ft), where we spend the night, after some eight hours' trekking.

Day 4: Huayhuash - Lake Viconga (B,L,D)

Today’s hiking involves a gradual ascent to Portachuelo Pass at 4,795 m (15,732 ft) followed by a gradual descent to Lake Viconga (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), where our campsite is located.

We should arrive at our campsite after roughly five hours, so there is plenty of time in the afternoon to enjoy the nearby hot springs.

Day 5: Lake Viconga - Punta Cuyoc - Huanacpatay (B,L,D)

We start by ascending a switchback trail towards Punta Cuyoc Pass, which at 5,000 m (16,404 ft) is the highest point on the whole trek.

Just before the pass, we cross a flat meadow with three small lakes, that offers welcome protection from the wind.

Once at Punta Cuyoc, on a clear day, we can see various mountain peaks: Pumarinri (5,465 m / 17,930 ft); Cuyoc (5,550 m / 18,209 ft); and Puscanturpa (5,430 m / 17,815).

From here, we should notice a gradual increase in temperature as we walk down into Huanacpatay Valley (4,325 m / 14,190 ft) where our campsite is located.

Day 6: Huanacpatay - San Antonio - Huayllapa - Huatia (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we begin by hiking downhill to San Antonio Pass, where there are incredible views over the Huayhuash range, including lakes Jurau, Sarapacocha, Caramarca; and mounts Trapecio, Jurau, Carnicero and Siula Grande.

From the pass, we return to the Huanacpatay Valley floor and hike towards the village of Huayllapa (3,400 m / 11,155 ft).

At this lower altitude, there is a greater abundance of trees, flora and agricultural activity.

After a stop in the village, we have a tough ascent to reach Huatia Camp, a meadow located at an altitude of 4,350m (14,272 ft) beneath Diablo Mudo Mountain.  

Day 7: Huatia – Punta Tapush – Susucocha - Cashpapampa (B,L,D)

We begin today’s shorter hike by ascending to Punta Tapush (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), from where we get a spectacular view of Sacra Mountain (5,548 m / 18,202 ft) and Diablo Mudo.

After passing Lake Susucocha, we reach Cashpapampa (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), the highest campsite of the whole circuit.

Day 8: Cashpapampa - Lake Jahuacocha; Optional Ascent of Diablo Mudo (B,L,D)

Today, there is the option of ascending Diablo Mudo, 5,350 m (17,552 ft). This requires climbing equipment, such as ropes and crampons, and so has an additional cost.

Those that choose to climb will have to depart very early in order to reach the summit, as this takes approximately six hours. This is followed by a descent into the Huacrish Valley.

We all camp overnight at Lake Jahuacocha, located at 4,050 m (13,827 ft) and considered one of the Huayhuash's scenic highlights.

Day 9: Lake Jahuacocha - Llamac - Huaraz (B)

Today is the last day of the Huayhuash loop, and we cross our final pass, Punta Llamac (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). Having crossed many higher passes already, this shouldn’t present too much difficulty.

We descend to the village of Llamac where our transport is waiting for us. After bidding farewell to the trek crew, we start our drive back to Huaraz.

Tonight we can enjoy our first bed for a week, in the hotel of your choice ... and revel in the sense of achievement of having completed this challenging trek! 

NB. The above Huayhuash trek can be extended to 10 or 11 days with the addition of rest days / side hikes. Just ask us how.

13-DAy Huayhuash Circuit: Day-by-day Itinerary:

7 nights' camping; 5 nights' hotels (in Lima, Huaraz & Chiquian) 

Day 1: Saturday: Lima

Arrive at any time at Lima Airport. You will be met by a representative and transferred in a private vehicle to the hotel, a journey of about an hour.

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you are back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your tour leader will review the details of your tour.

Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day, if you arrive early.

Day 2: Sunday: Lima - Huaraz (B)

Today we travel north-east, by comfortable local bus, to the Andean city of Huaraz, surrounded by the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.

The journey takes approximately eight hours, crossing from Lima Province into Ancash, and the views along the way are spectacular.

On arrival in Huaraz, we transfer to our accommodation

Day 3: Monday: Huaraz: Acclimatisation Day

Today is free in order to acclimatise to the altitude.

There are ample opportunities for optional activities like horse-riding, biking or hiking in the surrounding mountains.

You could spend the evening relaxing at a café and soaking up the natural scenery.

Day 4: Tuesday: Huaraz - Cuartelhuain (L,D)

Today we make the beautiful three-hour journey, by private vehicle, from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain. 

Along the way, there should be a chance to see Puya Raimondi trees, that are related to pineapples, but look more like triffids! 

We start heading south down the Callejon de Huayllas, and then turn east into the spectacular Huascaran National Park, climbing up to Yanashallash Pass at 4,600 m (15,100 ft). Here we stop to take in the view. 

We will pause in the village of Huallanca (also spelt 'Wayanka') located at 1,840 m (6,040 ft), and then continue to our campsite at Cuartelhuain (4,200m / 13,780 ft), where we have free time to relax and take in the views, before spending our first night in a tent.  

Day 5: Wednesday: Cuartelhuain - Loma Ollocuyoc (B,L,D)

Today is the first of the seven days of trekking along the challenging and spectacular Huayhuash Circuit.

We begin with a shorter, five-hour hike from Cuartelhuain, over Cacananpunta Pass (4,690 m / 15,387 ft) to our campsite at Janca (4,250 m / 13,944 ft). 

There are spectacular views of the rivers, valleys and mountains throughout.

We should arrive at the campsite at lunchtime, and the afternoon is free for rest or a visit to the nearby Lake Mitucocha.

Day 6: Thursday: Loma Ollocuyoc - Lake Carhuacocha (B,L,D)

We continue trekking beside Lake Mitucocha with Yerupaja, Rondoy and Ninashanca mountains towering in the background as we make the gradual climb to Carhuacocha Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).

We then descend into a hanging valley with superb views of Lake Carhuacocha's turquoise water.

After some seven hours of hiking, covering 11km (7 miles), we reach our picturesque campsite, which is located just below the lake at 4,130 m (13,550 ft) above sea level.

Day 7: Friday: Lake Carhuacocha - Huayhuash (B,L,D)

Today's trek covers 13 km (8 miles), beginning with a gradual climb out of the valley with Yerupaja Mountain - at 6,634 m (21,766 ft) the highest peak in the range - as a beautiful backdrop.

This gives way to a rocky ascent to Siula Pass (4,800 m / 15,784 ft).

The effort is rewarded with magnificent views of towering peaks and glacial lakes of turquoise and blue.
NB. Siula Mountain came to prominence in Joe Simpson's best-selling mountaineering book Touching the Void. 

From here, we descend to Huayhuash Campsite, at 4,400 m (14,436 ft), where we spend the night, after some eight hours' trekking.

Day 8: Saturday: Cordillera Huayhuash - Huanacpatay (B,L,D)

Today, we reach the highest point of the trek, Trapecio Punta Pass which is at 5,000 m (16,404 ft) and has breathtaking views of Trapecio Mountain to the north, and Puscanturpa Mountain to the south.

From here we go down to Quebrada Cuyoc, situated in the shadow of Puscanturpa at 4,600 m (15,092 ft), reaching our campsite after about 8 hours' walking, and having covered 15 km (9 miles).

Day 9: Sunday: Huanacpatay - Huantiac (B,L,D)

Today, we should notice an increase in temperature as we walk down into Huanacpatay Valley. 

Walking through cultivated fields, with distant views of waterfalls, we reach the isolated village of Huayllapa. 

After lunch, we have a tough ascent to reach Huantiac Camp, a meadow located at an altitude of 4,350m (14,272 ft) beneath Diablo Mudo Mountain. 

This evening, we should sleep well, having hiked for eight hours, covering 13 km (8 miles), in what can often be warm and sunny conditions.  

Day 10: Monday: Huantiac - Lake Jahuacocha (B,L,D)

We begin today's eight-hour trek by descending into Angoshcancha Valley, passing through forests of gnarled queñua, a tree of the Polylepis genus that is endemic to the tropical Andes.

We then start climbing again to reach Yaucha Pass at 4,800 m (15,748 ft). From here, not only can the mountains of the Huayhuash range be seen in all their glory, but on a clear day, the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca are also visible. It is also a good place to spot Andean condors. 

We now head down to Lake Jahuacocha, located at 4,050 m (13,827 ft) and considered one of the Huayhuash's scenic highlights.

We camp overnight here, having walked 15 km (9 miles). 

Day 11: Tuesday: Lake Jahuacocha - Chiquian (B,L,D)

Today is the last 10 km (6 miles) of the trek, taking about six hours. It begins with one final ascent, up to Shullca Pass (4,550 m / 14,928 ft), offering a last high viewpoint over the stunning Andean ranges. 

We then hike down a gravel path to Pocpa (3,500 m / 11,483 ft), from where we meet the vehicle to drive us to Chiquian. 

Tonight we can enjoy our first bed for a week, albeit in a basic hotel ... and revel in the sense of achievement of having completed this challenging trek! 

Day 12: Wednesday: Chiquian - Lima (B)

After breakfast, we take a private vehicle back to Lima. The journey takes roughly six hours. 

Once back in Lima, we can reacquaint ourselves with the modern conveniences we have been without for several days.

It is also a chance to sample more of the seafood for which Lima is famous. 

Day 13: Thursday: Lima (B)

Depart at any time.

If you wish to spend longer in Lima or elsewhere in Peru, we can certainly help with arrangements.

Below prices are per person, when sharing a double room and/or tent. 

NB. Single room in hotels / tent - available, at additional cost.

The trekking season in the Cordillera Huayhuash is from June to September. 

The 9-Day Huayhuash Circuit can be booked for any day during the trekking season, with a minimum of 2 people.

If you would like the company of fellow trekkers - and/or you are travelling alone - there are group departures planned for the following dates in the 2023 season:

• Sun, Oct 15 - Tue, Oct 24

13-Day Huayhuash Circuit: 2023 Departure Dates:

Please contact us for the latest departures.

Group Size: Maximum: 16; Average: 8

17-Day Huayhuash Circuit: 2023 Departure Dates:

• July 8th - 24th

• Aug 19th - Sep 4th

Group Size: Minimum: 2; Maximum: 14

NB. Please note that we can organise private Huayhuash treks outside of these dates, or if you are a group.