Huayhuash trekking, 12 days

Starting from Huaraz, we’ll walk to Cordillera Negra to have a fantastic view of Cordillera Blanca, we get 3600m and we take our way down to Acopampa 2700 m, and back to the hotel. B-L

Drive to Carhuaz and to Shonquil 3700, way up to 513 Lake, great view from Hualcan and Copa. Back to Huaraz. B-L

We drive to our trek starting point via Conococha to the south of Huaraz. From there we turn eastward and then south, and gain our first views of the range. We drive through the village of Chiquián and Lllamac (our finishing point) and arrive at our campsite at Cuartehuain, where our “burros” (donkeys) and “arrieros” (muleteers) will be waiting. B-L-D

From Cuartehuain camp we get to Garagocha Lake (4500m), make a rising diagonal ascent across limestone slabs with good friction to the base of a final 40m rock wall below the col (1h). A broad terrace rises to the left. Follow this until about 150m beyond (north of) the col proper. Climb a steep break with small horizontal ledges for 25m (5.3) to easier but loose slopes above. Aim for the lowest point on the immediate skyline, Garacocha Col (4910m). The ridge itself is narrow and the aspect impressive. Descend to the right (SE) following narrow ledges for 20m to find a rappel station. Make one 30m rappel down a gully to a wide ledge. Scramble off the north end of this ledge to the apex of a large talus fan. Descend to open grassland to the S end of Mitococha Lake (4230m). B-L-D

Walk up grass slopes to the E of the lake to reach a bench. Turn SE and slog toward a pass (4740m). Descend to Alcaycocha Lake (4670m). From the S Descend scree slopes to the creek that flows out of Carhuacocha Lake. B-L-D

We walk through the mini-valley to the E of the moraine wall that circles Gangrajanca Lake. Pass Gangrajanca on its E side, a new lake caused by a rockslide on its W side, and Siula Lake on its E side. Make a rising traverse, following a trail system, up a steep grass slope. Eventually, gain a shoulder and walk into a hanging valley. Walk up a switchbacking trail at the end of the valley to reach Siula Pass (4834m;) then descend the long, gradual valley to Huayhuash camp Lake (4400m). B-L-D

Traverse grass slopes SW then ascend W into a hanging valley. Ascend grass slopes to the S to gain a hanging grassy bench. Walk S for 1km, the descend briefly to a larger cow pasture. Walk for 1km more and camp anywhere above Barrosocoha Lake that works, below the majestic SE face of Trapecio (4700m). B-L-D

From camp, hike uphill to gain the crest of a grassy moraine. A cliff band looms above. A trail system that skirts to the left of the cliff on easy terrain, to reach a beautiful hanging plateau. Pass alpine lakes then follow a trail on scree up to the continental divide at Trapecio Pass (4910m; 2.5h). Instead, turn right (S) and scramble uphill on redish rock, to a notch (5110m; 3h) to incredible views of Carnicero, Sarapo, and Siula Grande. Walk through the notch, then making a scrambling descent to the left to reach the Huayhuashjanca Glacier. The glacier is flat, aerated ice, with real crevasses. Walk the moraine until directly above the outflow of the lake then scramble down to a pristine camp between Jurau Lake (4343m) and a tiny lake to its W. From camp at Jurau Lake (4343m), walk up-valley to Joe Simpson´s Camp. An angular boulder 10m in height marks the spot (1h). B-L-D

As we approach a terminal moraine, gain a trail rising on the left valley wall, which eventually climbs onto a shoulder overlooking Sarapococha. Small cliffs loom above. Once beyond the cliffs, switchback, hiking up steep grass (2.25h). Slog upwards on grass then scree to Velilina Pass (3.5h; 5060m). Hike north along a stunning alpine traverse. The 180-degree views are among the best on
the Alpine Circuit, including the famous Simpson crawl route down to the right. Skirt around rocky outcroppings on the right to reach a peak at 5152m (high point of the entire circuit). Walk straight north toward Rasac (“The Toad”) over a 5097m summit and down into Seria Pass (6h). Descend easily to a magnificent camp at the outflow of Caramarca Lake. B-L-D

We start at camp beside Caramarca Lake. Hike up the crest of a morraine immediately west of the lake to gain a boulder-strewn plateau. Boulder hop to the edge of the Seria Glacier (2h). Hike up the glacier (lightweight crampons and lightweight axe recommended), passing just a few crevasses. Unavoidably, the route crosses an avalanche path coming off Rasac Oeste. The glacier culminates in a 35-degree headwall. Above the headwall, walk up the glacier until about 50m away from Rasac Col (5129m. The final 20m to the minor col is 40-degree loose ground above an exposed gully. A rope may be helpful. Traverse the bench toward the east then descend via a 20m 4th class downclimb (rope may be useful for some parties) to reach the top of a grassy moraine. The rest is walking. Walk along micro-valleys past Barrosococha and then join the cows near Rasacocha. Camp at Jahuacocha 4050m. B-L-D

Way up to Llamac Pampa 4300 a last view from Huayhuash range, it down to main road of the Llamac 3300m and then which we take back then until Huaraz. Arrival and night at Huaraz. B-L