Huayhuash trek + Vallunaraju climb in 20 days

Arrival in Lima. Rest or explore the city on your own. Overnight stay in a hotel (-/-/-).

This ride follows the Pan American highway, passing through the Cordillera Negra at Conococha Pass (4020 m) into the Santa Valley and finally, Huaraz. You can also take a domestic flight. Overnight stay in a hotel of Huaraz (B/-/-).

Our trail winds through picturesque forests and a marshy area, always alongside a steep and daunting ridge, until we are at Laguna 69. It is flanked by glacial moraines. After rest and some pictures in the lake we will return to Huaraz. Overnight stay in the hotel (B/L/-).

Transfer via the Santa Valley across the Pachacoto Bridge, then continue to the Puja Raimondi National Park till the Huarapasca Pass. Continuing over 2 more passes to the village of Matacancha in the Huayhuash region, our starting point. Meet the team of guides, assistants and donkeys. Overnight Camp (B/L/D).

First day of trekking: we will climb a steep slope of Matacancha towards the Cacanampunta Pass (4,700 m), which forms the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Descent on a wide field and a beautiful camp at Laguna Mitococha (4300 m). We’ll set up the camp there (B/L/D).

We’ll climb the Punta Carhuac Pass and descend to the Carhuacocha Lake, one of the best campsites on the route. Some indigenous farmers live around the lake. With their permission we may catch some fresh trout for dinner! Overnight Camp (B/L/D).

The route passes through remote peaks and some incredible glaciers of Huayhuash, with the most magnificent panoramic view of the tour. We’ll pass the Lake Carhuacocha and the Siula Pass. Then, we’ll descend into the campsite in the Quesillococha Camp (4450 m).

Optional: If you prefer an easier day, there is a route that is a little longer but less demanding. It goes along the east edge of the Lake Carhuacocha. Then we must climb the Quebrada Acoshpado to the summit of the Carnicero Point (4580 m) and finally, descend to the two lakes of Atocshaiko to Carnicero Camp or Huayhuash Camp at Quesillococha Lake (4450 m). Overnight stay in the campsite (B/L/D).

A wide commercial route leads us to the small village of Portachuelo de Huayhuash, then to the headwaters of the Huayhuash River and the green Suirococha Lakes. We will then descend to the largest lake, and the southernmost point of the trek: Lake Viconga, a huge water reservoir. We’ll set up our camp close to the Viconga Hot Springs (B/L/D).

Today we’ll reach the highest pass of the Huayhuash Trek over Punto Cuyoc (5020 m). We climb some rocky and sandy paths and drop sharply to the Huanacpatay Gorge. Camp in fields close to the houses of Huanacpatay (B/L/D).

We will hike along the river to the Calinca Valley and continue to the village of Huayllapa (3,600 m). The trail takes us through dense vegetation with many Inca flowers. We will then have a 3-hour climb to the north to set up our camp in Huatiac (B/L/D).

Today the climb turns into a steeper and more demanding one, under the glaciated cliffs of the Raju Collota massif towards the Punta Tapush Pass. Once up there, magnificent views of the Nevado Diablo Mudo (Silent Devil), our tomorrow’s destination for the ambitious and physically strong climbers among us. Short descent to the Susococha Lake (4,600 m) and finally to Cashgapampa, where will spend the night in tents (B/L/D).

We’ll do a trek which consists in a short descent from Cashgapampa, turning into the Angocancha Gorge (4350 m) and ascending to the Yaucha Pass (4750 m). Then, a final descent towards the Huacrish Gorge which leads us to the Jahuacocha Lake. Camp on the shore of the lake (B/L/D). 

Optional: Those who want to climb the Diablo Mudo (5223 m) must start very early since it will be a long day. From the north side on the last steepest slopes, we’ll use crampons, ice axe and harness. The feeling of success at reaching 5000 meters and the awesome views are a well-deserved reward for the effort. Descent to the camp following the long route to the Jahuacocha Lake.

Rest day or 3 possible activities: a hike to the Solteracocha Lake or a mountaineering tour with a non technical ascent of the Cerro Berlin (5094 m). The third option is to ascend to the Sambuya / Rondoy Pass (4,750 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D).

Last day of this trek. We’ll climb the last pass, Jahua Punta. Then, a long descent to the village of Pocpa. In this village we finish our great adventure filled with so many experiences. Here we leave our team of donkey drivers. Our private transport is waiting to return to Huaraz. Overnight stay in a hotel (B/L/-).

Relaxing day in Huaraz.

Optional: rock climbing in Chancos, a classic location for those who like rock climbing. This area is 40 minutes north of Huaraz. It has 8 routes of different difficulties. This is a good place to spend a quiet day in nature and visit the hot springs to relax the muscles. Overnight stay in the hotel (B/-/-).

We leave Huaraz in our private bus to the Llaca Valley (3850 m). From here we begin our 2-hour ascent on foot to Moraine Camp (4,900 m). This climb is relatively long and steep, so we have to proceed quite slowly in order to save our energy for the summit day (B/L/D).

We’ll leave the Moraine Camp at approximately 2 AM in order to reach the summit at about 8 AM. This section of the moraine, at the upper part of the glacier, will take us 5-6 hours. After arriving at the summit, we will return to our starting point in the Llaca Valley where the bus awaits to take us back to Huaraz. Overnight stay in a hotel (B/L/-).

Transfer to the Anta Airport and a 50-minute flight to Lima. You can also take a bus. Transfer to the hotel (B/-/-).

Free day, depending on your departure schedule. Return to your country of origin (B/-/-).

Arrival home.