10-day Cordillera Huayhuash guided trek

First, we will drive from Huaraz to Chiquián, enjoying distant views of the awesome Huayhuash range. Then we will descend to a cactus and scrub environment and continue to the village of Llamac (3,300m). Finally, we will hike into a wide u-shaped valley flanked by broad expanses of quenual forest. Camp at QuartelHuain (4,200m)

Duration: 4 hours (by car) 4 – 5 hours (hiking)

We cross our first pass, Cacanan Punta (4,700m). Here, at the Continental Divide, we might observe the Andean Condor flying overhead. Descent to the Jalca plain and on to our camp at the beautiful Mitucocha lake (4,220m), located at the foot of the stunning Jirishanka Grande peak. If you have energy, there’s the option of walking around the lake or to one of the nearby valleys.

Duration: 5 hours aprox / Distance: 12 km aprox

We flank the Jalca floodplain and ascend south to the Paso de Carhuac pass (4,650m). From here we appreciate an awesome panorama: Yerupajá Grande, the second highest mountain in Peru, Yerupajá Chico(6,121m) and Siulá Grande (6,344m). Descent to our camp at the Carhuacocha lake (4,150m).

There are two optional approaches to our next camp at Huayhuash. We can take the normal trail to ascend the Carnicero Pass (4,600m) or the more challenging alternative by ascending the Siula Pass (4,800m).

Duration: 6 hours aprox / Distance: 13 km aprox

We climb to the Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass (4,750m) on a steady gradient. From here we can see the Cordillera Raura range and the nearby snow peak of Leon Huacanan. We descend to the large Viconga lake and set up our camp (4,480m). There are some open air hot springs near Viconga, so a hot bath could certainly be enjoyed!

Duration: 6 hours aprox / Distance: 11 km aprox

Today we cross our highest pass, Punta Cuyoc, with a sustained 3-hour uphill hike. The panoramas here is breathtaking: the sharply serrated ridge of the Cordillera Raura and several of the giants of the Huayhuash range from a new perspective. Sarapo (6,127m) is also seen for the first time. The initial 50m of the descent is quite steep and loose, becoming easier as we continue descending to the Quebrada Huanacpatay valley, where we stop for lunch. Easy hike back to our camp

Duration: 5 – 6 hours / Distance: 10 km aprox.

This is a demanding day with some steep hiking, but by now we should be well acclimatised. We climb to a pass on Cerro San Antonio (4,800m). Fantastic views of all the giants of the Cordillera Huayhuash and the lakes of Sarapococha, Santa Rosa and Jurau. We can also see the Siula Glacier. Descent to Lake Jaurau and finally to our camp in the Quebrada Calinca at Cutatambo (4,100m).

Duration: 5 – 6 hours / Distance: 10 km aprox.

Hike up to Punta Tapush Pass at (4,750m) and Punta Yaucha Pass (4,800m). It is certainly a challenging experience with a reward of magnificent views of the surrounding high peaks. We descend down through the valley to our final camp at Jahuacocha Lake (4,150m).

Duration: 7 -8 hours aprox / Distance: 16 km aprox.

Gentle descent and gradual climb to the final pass, Pampa Llamac (4,300m), from where we have our final views of much of the Huayhuash range. Long descent back to the village of Llamac. The bus will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz.

Duration: 4 hours (hiking) + 4 hours (by transport)