Huayhuash Classic Trek

from
$ 450

The Huayhuash Classic Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the world. With this route you can discover the most impressive areas of the Cordillera Huayhuash in just 8 days. We camp by the most beautiful lakes with impressive views of the largest mountains in the range, including the second highest peak in Peru, Yerupaja, the famous Siula Grande and many more. We hike up 7 passes, including the highest with over 5000m altitude.

Trip Duration     8 Days

  • Reviews 0 Reviews
    0/5
  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
    • Camping
    • Mountain
    Guided Tours, Tailor-Made
  • Activity Level Challenging
    5/8
  • Group Size Large Group
    9-15
All about the Huayhuash Classic Trek.

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 7 high altitude passes
  • Views to Yerupaja Grande (6634 m)

 

Character
The circuit of the Cordillera Huayhuash lasts 8 days, almost always moves at altitudes over 4000m and overcomes at 170 km distance 7 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
We offer this trip also as 10 days challenging trek or combined with the climb of Diablo Mudo mountain. Tailor-made programs are available upon request. Contact us!

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
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 not 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)
  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Day 4 Huayhuash - Portachuelo Pass - Viconga

    The ascent to Portachuelo Pass (4750 m) is again dominated by magnificent mountain panoramas, this time on the ice-covered peaks of the southern Cordillera Huayhuash. Descent to the largest lake and the southernmost point of the trek, Laguna Viconga (4400 m). Here we have the opportunity to relax and swim in the hot springs right at the campsite.

    Hiking time: 7 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner

  5. Day 5 Viconga - Cuyoc Pass - San Antonio Viewpoint - Huanacpatay

    Today starts a long and challenging day, we hike to the highest pass of the trek, Cuyoc Pass (5000m). We climb the steep path to reach the pass and finally enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding high mountains. Two mountains are very close to us on both sides, Pumarinri (5’465m) and Cuyoc (5’550). We slide down a sandstone slope and then continue our descend over a section of rock until the Huanacpatay and Cuyoc Valleys meet. From here, it’s a 525m climb to the San Antonio viewpoint at 5’000m that proves its worth with stunning views of numerous peaks and a pair of lakes of the eastern Cordillera Huayhuash. We descend to our campsite at Huanacpatay (4’300m) with its views of the snow-capped Puscanturpa (5’447m) and Sueroraju (5’442m).

    Hiking time: 9 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner

  6. Day 6 Huanacpatay - Huatiac

    Today we descend with a zig-zag trail where the river transforms into a waterfall that cascades down in giant steps into a green picturesque valley. From here we enjoy a pleasant hike to the village of Huayllapa (3600m). Then we hike up a steep path of 4 hours to reach our next campsite Huatiac (4’350m) with beautiful views of the mountains around us.

    Hiking time: 8 Hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner

  7. Day 7 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

  8. Day 8 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

Everything you need to know about this trip

Camping
During the 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.

Group Size
Should we not reach the minimum group size of 9 trekkers, we charge an extra fee to guarantee the departure. If you by then not agree to trek in a smaller group, we can still give you back the full deposit payment.

  • 5-8 pax: +300 USD per person
  • 2-4 pax: +500 USD per person

Private Group Service
All our trips can also be booked as private group service with tailor-made itineraries and trip inclusions. Contact us!

Packing listOur 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

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

Yes, there are very basic toilet facilities at the campsites of the trek.

No, there are no showers at campsites. The only option is at the Viconga hot springs where you can swim and relax.

Overall Rating
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