Highlights
- Trekking around the Cordillera Huayhuash – one of the most beautiful treks in the world
- Untouched mountain landscapes, intensely glaciated
- Dreamlike campsites you will remember forever
- Crossing 8 high altitude passes
- Sidetrip to famous Siula Basecamp
- Views to Yerupaja Grande (6634 m)
Character
The big circuit of the Cordillera Huayhuash lasts 10 days, almost always moves at altitudes over 4000m and overcomes at 170 km distance 8 passes between 4300 and 5000m.
Requirements
Surefootedness, a head for heights, a good physical condition, team spirit and willingness to leave your comfort zone. You should have hiked in the mountains already. In preparation for this trip, we recommend conditioning and extensive walks. There are many high passes, some over 5’000 m. The hiking times per day are between 4 to 9 hours and can vary depending on the condition of the group and weather. The height differences to be overcome in the climb are a maximum of 900 m, in the descent maximum 1150 m per day.
Best Season
The best trekking season in the Andes is from April to October, with rainy season in between. It is usually sunny and warm during this time. Due to the altitude, the nights can be quite cold (to minus 5 ° C).
Extra Time
Individual connection programs with Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon and much more are possible. Contact us!
What is included in this tour?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
- Transports according to itinerary
- Qualified and experienced guide (Spanish/English)
- Cook and assistant
- Donkeys and donkey driver
- All meals during the trek
- Good quality high mountain tent (2 or 3 person)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Dining tent, table and chairs
- Cooking utensils
- First aid kit and oxygen
What is included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
- Meals in Lima and Huaraz
- Entrance fees to the Cordillera Huayhuash
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal equipment
- Medical care or insurance
- Emergency rescue or evacuation
- Additional expenses as a result of leaving the trek early
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Tips (optional)
Day 1: Huaraz - Matacancha
Our trekking adventure in the Cordillera Huayhuash begins. You are picked up from your hotel and we head south of Huaraz crossing the villages of Chiquian and Llamac. During our drive we pass traditional Andean towns with typical Quechua homes and rich farm land. After 6.5 hours of driving we arrive to our first campsite Matacancha (4150m). Before dinner you have some time to explore the area around the campsite and get ready for the next day.
- Driving time: 6.5 hours
- Meals included: Packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 2: Matacancha - Cacananpunta Pass - Carhuac Pass - Carhuacocha
Today we start hiking early and we reach Cacananpunta pass (4700m) after 2.5 hours. We hike back down to 4500m always enjoying views over Jirishanca (6126m) and Rondoy (5883m). Then we hike 2.5 hours up to Carhuac pass (4650m) from where we have good views of the beautifully stunning peaks of Yerupaja, Siula Grande and Jirishanca. From this vantage point, we descend to our next campsite at Carhuacocha Lake (4100m). On this campsite we have mountains all around us: Yerupaja Grande (6634m), Yerupaja Chico (6515m), Siula (6356m), Jirishanca (6126m).
- Hiking time: 9 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 3: Carhuacocha - Siula Pass - Huayhuash
This route takes you close to the most bizarre peaks and glaciers of the Cordillera Huayhuash and is the most scenic stage of the trek. From the western shore of the Carhuacocha lake, a gentle ascent to Lake Siula (4290 m), past the ice break of the glacier that descends from the Nevado Sarapo (6143 m) to the next lake (4650 m) and finally Siula pass (4950 m), a fantastic outlook with overwhelming summit panorama. We descent to the next campsite called Huayhuash.
- Hiking time: 8 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 4: Huayhuash - Portachuelo Pass - Viconga
Today we cross the highest pass of the tour, the 5020 m high Punta Cuyoc. The view is terrific – east to the Cordillera Raura with the huge plateau glacier, to the Nevados Puscanturpa just above the pass and – now from the south – to the highest peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash, Sarapo, Siula and Yerupajá. After a short break, we hike the partly steep trail down to the campsite of Pampacuyoc (4500m).
- Hiking time:4 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 5 Viconga - Cuyoc Pass - Pampacuyoc
Today we cross the highest pass of the tour, the 5020 m high Punta Cuyoc. The view is terrific – east to the Cordillera Raura with the huge plateau glacier, to the Nevados Puscanturpa just above the pass and – now from the south – to the highest peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash, Sarapo, Siula and Yerupajá. After a short break, we hike the partly steep trail down to the campsite of Pampacuyoc (4500m).
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 6 Pampacuyoc - San Antonio Pass - Cutatambo
We are going up to San Antonio pass for about 2 hours. A steep and long ascent in difficult terrain. Arriving at the viewpoint of the San Antonio pass (5000m) you see the whole Huayhuash range all around. After enjoying the beautiful views we start descending the most difficult downhill part of the trek for around 3 hours. We reach the next camp Cutatambo (4300m).
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 7 Cutatambo - Siula Basecamp - Cutatambo
After breakfast we start walking straight up to the viewpoint of the famous movie scene “Touching the Void”. We see where Joe Simpson tried to climb Siula Grande mountain. Then we return back to Cutatambo camp and relax for the rest of the day.
- Hiking time: 7.5 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 8 Cutatambo - Huatiac
We pass by an impressive waterfall this morning before hiking down the Calinca Valley to the village of Huayllapa (3’700m). Then we hike up 4 hours to reach our next campsite Huatiac (4’290m) with beautiful views of the mountains around us.
- Hiking time: 8 Hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 9 Huatiac - Tapush Pass - Yaucha Pass - Jahuacocha
A long day with two challenging passes. First a rocky trail to Punta Tapush (4800 m). Again magnificent views, even on the slightly recessed Nevado Diablo Mudo (5’223m). We descend via the Gaspapampa Valley and Susucocha Lake (4’470m) with its diverse bird species. The final and partly steep and difficult ascent for the day is to Yaucha Pass at 4’850m. Finally descending to Jahuacocha lake (4150m). We camp next to the lake and enjoy the majestic mountains surrounding us.
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 10 Jahuacocha - Llamac - Huaraz
Our final day in the Huayhuash and we leave the campsite trekking east via the Jahuacocha Valley trail that continues along a water pipeline. Then it is a long descent back to the Llamac valley and the village of Llamac. From there we drive back to Huaraz.
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Driving time: 4 hours
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Huayhuash trek
Steep descent from San Antonio Pass to Cutatambo
Camping
During the Huayhuash Challenging Trek, you spend the night in two-person tents. The selection of camp sites depends on the reachable water points and takes into account – as far as possible – scenic spots. In the Cordillera Huayhuash there are countless dream camps on highland lakes at the feet of snow-capped peaks.
Meals
During the trek we pay attention to a healthy and high-calorie diet. Breakfast and dinner are cooked warm. For lunch, a box lunch is served. We can prepare vegetarian dishes on request.
Transport
We use minivans or comfortable 4×4 off-road vehicles, depending on the group size.
Luggage
Donkeys carry your luggage during the trek, you only carry your daypack.
Packing list
Our recommendation
- Backpack
- Bag to load on the donkeys
- Head torch (with spare batteries)
- Sandals
- Well-worn in hiking boots
- Down jacket
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Fleece or warm pullover
- Comfortable clothes (quick dry, merino)
- Trekking trousers
- Long thermal underwear (merino)
- Warm socks
- Cap, gloves
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen (min factor 40)
- Hiking poles
- Sleeping bag -10° comfort
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Personal medication travel kit
- Water bottle and water purification pills
- Extra Snacks (your favorite chocolate)
- Extra money
Frequenly asked questions
How do I prevent altitude sickness?
Some basic rules:
- Do not climb too fast, allow several days for a gradual acclimatization
- It can be very useful to take a break at around 3,000 m for a few days
- Drink more than enough water
- Do not drink any alcohol
- Cure infections and other diseases beforehand
- Do not take sleeping pills
- Carbohydrate-containing foods, as they consume less oxygen than fats and proteins
- Drink coca tea or chew coca leaves
Are there any toilet facilities during the Huayhuash trek?
Yes, there are very basic toilet facilities at the campsites of the trek.
Are there any showers at the campsites?
No, there are no showers at campsites. The only option is at the Viconga hot springs where you can swim and relax.
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