Huayhuash trekking and climbing with a guide

In the morning we will drive heading south of Huaraz. Crossing the low point of the route, at the Cora Bridge, we continue driving passing by the mountain villages of Llamac– Pocpa. The last one is the gateway of the Cordillera Huayhuash. We will then start walking and approaching to the entrance of Rondoy valley, where the view starts opening up into a rolling grassy area where we will have the first views of the snow-capped peaks of Rondoy and Ninashanca. Overnight camp at Cuartelhuain.

Today we will cross the Cacanampunta Pass, which is in the northernmost point of the Huayhuash mountain range. After a rest we will descend to the broad Quebrada Caliente Valley and then turn into a valley that leads to Laguna Mitacocha. Overnight camp at Janca.

This day we will climb the next pass: the Carhuac (4650m). From there we can appreciate the views of the summits of Yerupaja (6634m) and the Carhuac. On our descent towards the Laguna Carhuacocha, there are excellent panoramic views as well. We will set up the camp above the Carhuacocha Lake at 4200 meters. It is one of the most spectacular camps of the region.

We will take an extra day here, where we can take some dramatic pictures from the camping spot or enjoy an optional hike and visit the three spectacular lakes of Ganrajanca, Siula and Quesilojanca.

We can also take an easy walk around the Carhuacocha Lake and go fishing trouts.

For this day we have 2 options. The first option is a demanding and challenging route up to Punta Suila (4800m) via some lakes with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

The other option is to follow the normal route via Punta Carnicero (4600m), which is suitable for people without a strong fitness level. Both routes are long but they will give us an unforgettable trekking day. We will set up camp at the small hamlet of Huayhuash.

We will start the day walking across the valley, heading south towards the spectacular pass of Portachuelo de Huayhuash. We will spend a short time here to enjoy the landscape. Then we will descend towards the Viconga Lake until we get to the Viconga campsite, below the Puscanturpa and Cuyoc mountains. In the afternoon we can have a relaxing bath in the hot springs nearby.

Climbing day! We will leave the camping spot early to climb the southeast face of the Pumarinri mountain. The climb is easy but occasionally quite steep, with icy slopes. Once in the summit the view is impressive. We will return by the same route until we reach the Punta Cuyoc Pass, from where we will continue descending to our next campsite in Quebrada Huanacpatay.

Today we will cross the San Antonio pass, with some of the most fantastic views of Laguna Sarapo and Laguna Jurau. Then we will descend to the Calinca valley until we get to the Cutatambo campsite.

This day is a good time to catch up on laundry or to simply relax in the camping lot.

For those with some extra energy there is the option of trekking up to the Siula Grande Base Camp. Overnight camp at Cutatambo again.

We will walk down along the Calinca valley in order to reach the small and isolated mountain village of Huayllapa. In the afternoon we will climb to a high camp in the pastures of Huatiac, which is under the shadows of the Diablo mudo peak.

After our breakfast we will walk towards the Tapush Pass. After that, we will descend to our next campsite in Cashpapampa.

Climb to the Diablo Mudo! We leave the campsite early in the morning to climb the northern ridge of the Diablo Mudo peak. Once we reach the first rocky top we usually descend to the glacier plateau and then continue to the north glacier ridge or change the route according to the glacier conditions. The descent is by a different route, across the Huacrish Valley so we can join later the main trail that descends from the Yaucha Pass. Finally, we will arrive to the Jahuacocha campsite, a beautiful camping spot to rest and enjoy the pace of the mountains.

The first option is to simply rest in the campsite or go fishing to the lake. The second option is to make a half day hike to a viewpoint, where we will have the most breathtaking view of the surrounding Andean peaks. Last night camp at Jahuacocha Lake.

After an early breakfast we will cross the final pass of the trail, the Punta Llamac. We make our final descent to the Llamac village. From here a transfer will take us back Huaraz.