Classic Huayhuash Trek in 11 days with a guide

In the morning we will drive south in direction to Chiquian and then continue to the mountain village of Pocpa, the gateway of the Cordillera Huayhuash.

We will then approach to the Rondoy valley, where the view start opening up into a rolling grassy area. Overnight camp at Cuartelhuain.

Today we will cross the Cacanampunta pass, in the northern extreme of the Huayhuash range. After a rest up there, we will descend to the Quebrada Caliente Valley and then turn into a valley that leads to Laguna Mitacocha. Overnight camp at Janca.

On this day we will climb up to the next pass, the Carhuac. Once we are there we must descend towards the Laguna Carhuacocha. We will set up our camp above the lake at 4200 meters of height. This campsite is the best on the east side of the mountain range, lying beneath the stunning peaks of Yerupaja and Jirishanca.

For this day we have 2 routes options: the first one follows a demanding and challenging trail in direction to the Punta Suila Pass, via some lakes surrounded by stunning peaks.

On the other hand, we can follow the normal route crossing via Punta Carnicero (4600m), which is suitable for people who do not have a good physical shape.

We will finally camp at the small hamlet of Huayhuash.

We will start the day walking in the valley heading south towards the spectacular pass of Portachuelo de Huayhuash. We will spend a short time up there, enjoying the views of the Cordillera Raura, which has amazing snow-capped peaks. Then, we’ll descend towards the Lake Viconga until we get to the Viconga campsite bellow the Cuscanturpa and the Cuyoc Mountain. In the afternoon we will be able to enjoy a shower, swimming in the hot springs close to our campsite.

We will hike the second highest pass of our trek. After seven days trekking above 4000m, your body is now well acclimatized to cross the Punta Cuyoc pass, from where we will have the most impressive mountain views of Siula Grande, Sarapao Yerupja and Rasac. After that we will descend the scree slope which leads us to the green valley and the Jatun Cuyoc campsite in the Quebrada Huanacpatay.

Today we must cross another pass at 5000 meters of height: the San Antonio Pass. The ascent to the pass is really steep but the effort is well worth it. We usually see vicunas and condors flying overhead. Then we will descend to the Calinca Valley until we reach the Huayllapa Village, where we will set up our camp.

After our breakfast we will start the hike into a narrow valley to get to Huatiac. From here, we can take nice pictures of all the mountains around us. Then, we will continue walking up to the Punta Tapush Pass. Descent to our campsite, which lies close to some quenual trees in Cashpapampa.

This day we will hike towards the Punta Yaucha Pass, taking a zig-zag trail until we are in Punta Jahuacocha. Above the pass an optional route takes us to a small peak with magical views of the Huayhuash’s summits. A steep descent takes us to the Quebrada Whacrish. Finally, we’ll arrive to our campsite in Jahuacocha, which is a beautiful camping spot to enjoy the mountains views and rest.

The first option is to simply rest at our campsite or go fishing to a surrounding lake.

The second option is to make a half day hike to a great viewpoint, where we will have the most breathtaking view  of the huge Andean peaks. Last night camp at Lake Jahuacocha.

After an early breakfast we will cross the final pass of the route, the Punta Llamac. We will the do our final descent to reach Llamac, where our private transfer will take us back to Huaraz.