Huayhuash Circuit

• Hike Peru’s second highest mountain range, the Cordillera Huayhuash.

• Mountaineer's dream-come-true, comparable to Himalayas & Rockies in scenery & difficulty. 

• Snow-capped peaks, immense glaciers, emerald lakes & mountain vegetation.

• Fully-supported trek with expert guides, equipment & all transport. 

• Standard trek is 10 days, starting & ending in Huaraz, but there are shorter (6 & 9 days) and longer (12 days) options available to fit your timeframe.

Vast landscapes; jagged, glaciated peaks rising to over 6,600 m (21,600 ft); turquoise lakes; and cascading rivers are what make the Cordillera Huayhuash so special.

There is only one way to explore this landscape and that is on foot. And to do justice to the awe-inspiring scenery, one needs to take one’s time.

The Huayhuash Circuit has been described as ‘the best Alpine trek on the planet’ and so PeruNorth is offering a couple of ways to experience all or some of it:

• A 6-day itinerary, departing on Mondays, exploring the northern end of the Huayhuash.

• A 10-day Circuit trek, departing on any day during the trekking season, with a minimum of two people.

• A 12-day trek, with two free days built in for relaxation and/or exploration. Groups depart every other Tuesday, with two person minimum.

• NB. Longer and shorter treks can be arranged.

It is highly recommended to do at least two day hikes prior to embarking on a multi-day Huayhuash trek. It gives you a chance to acclimate and to check the suitability of your equipment … and for us to assess your ability.

6-Day Huayhuash Taster Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Drive to Queropalca, via Huanuco Pampa. Overnight camping.
Day 2: Queropalca - Laguna Carhuaccocha. Overnight camping.
Day 3: Laguna Carhuaccocha - Carhuac Pass - Janca - Mitucocha. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Mitucocha - Cacananpunta Pass - Matacancha. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Matacancha - Sambuya Pass - Jahuacocha. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Jahuacocha - Mancanpunta Pass - Pocpa. Drive to Huaraz.

10-Day Huayhuash Circuit Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Drive from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain. Acclimation hike to Asiac Lookout & back. Overnight camping.
Day 2: Cuartelhuain to Mitucocha. Overnight camping.
Day 3: Mitucocha - Laguna Carhuaccocha. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Laguna Carhuaccocha - Cordillera Huayhuash. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Cordillera Huayhuash - Lake Viconga. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Lake Viconga - Huanacpatay. Overnight camping.
Day 7: Huanacpatay - Huantiac. Overnight camping.
Day 8: Huantiac - Cashpapampa. Overnight camping.
Day 9: Cashpapampa - Laguna Jahuacocha. Overnight camping.
Day 10: Laguna Jahuacocha - Llamac. Drive to Huaraz.

NB. A 9-day version of this is available, that goes from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain to Mitucocha on Day 1.

12-Day Huayhuash Circuit Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Drive Huaraz to Cuartelhuain, via Huallanca & Rondoy Valley. Overnight camping.
Day 2: Cuartelhuain - Cacananpunta Pass - Mitucocha Lake. Overnight camping.
Day 3: Mitucocha - Carhuac Pass - Carhuacocha Lake. Overnight camping.
Day 4: Carhuacocha - Siula Pass - Huayhuash. Overnight camping.
Day 5: Huayhuash - Trapecio Pass - Pampa Cuyoc. Overnight camping.
Day 6: Pampa Cuyoc - Santa Rosa Pass - Cutatambo. Overnight camping.
Day 7: Cutatambo: Cerro Gran Vista Optional. Overnight camping.
Day 8: Cutatambo - Huayllapa Village - Huatiac. Overnight camping.
Day 9: Huatiac - Punta Tapush - Cashpapampa. Overnight camping.
Day 10: Cashpapampa - Yaucha Pass - Jahuacocha. Overnight camping.
Day 11: Jahuacocha: Lake Solteracocha Optional. Overnight camping.
Day 12: Jahuacocha - Mancanpunta Pass - Pocpa – Drive back to Huaraz

10-DAy Huayhuash Circuit: Day-by-day Itinerary:

Day 1: Huaraz - Cuartelhuain - Mirador Asian (L,D)

Today we make the beautiful three-hour journey, by private vehicle, from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain. 

Along the way, there should be a chance to see Puya Raimondi trees, that are related to pineapples, but look more like triffids! 

We start heading south down the Callejon de Huayllas, and then turn east into the spectacular Huascaran National Park, climbing up to Yanashallash Pass at 4,600 m (15,100 ft). Here we stop to take in the view. 

We will pause in the village of Huallanca (also spelt 'Wayanka') located at 1,840 m (6,040 ft), and then continue to Cuartelhuain (4,200m / 13,780 ft), where we set up our campsite and have lunch.

In the afternoon, we do an acclimatisation hike to Asiac Lookout and back.

This evening is our first night under canvas.

Day 2: Cuartelhuain - Lake Mitucocha (B,L,D)

This morning, after breakfast, we start trekking along the challenging and spectacular Huayhuash Circuit.

We begin with a shorter, five-hour hike over Cacananpunta Pass (4,690 m / 15,387 ft) to our campsite at Janca (4,250 m / 13,944 ft). 

There are spectacular views of the rivers, valleys and mountains throughout, all the way to our campsite at Lake Mitucocha.

Day 3: Lake Mitucocha - Lake Carhuacocha (B,L,D)

We continue trekking beside Lake Mitucocha with Yerupaja, Rondoy and Ninashanca mountains towering in the background as we make the gradual climb to Carhuacocha Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).

We then descend into a hanging valley with superb views of Lake Carhuacocha's turquoise water.

After some seven hours of hiking, covering 11km (7 miles), we reach our picturesque campsite, which is located just below the lake at 4,130 m (13,550 ft) above sea level.

Day 4: Lake Carhuacocha - Huayhuash (B,L,D)

Today's trek covers 13 km (8 miles), beginning with a gradual climb out of the valley with Yerupaja Mountain - at 6,634 m (21,766 ft) the highest peak in the range - as a beautiful backdrop.

This gives way to a rocky ascent to Siula Pass (4,800 m / 15,784 ft).

The effort is rewarded with magnificent views of towering peaks and glacial lakes of turquoise and blue.
Side note: Siula Mountain came to prominence in Joe Simpson's best-selling mountaineering book Touching the Void. 

From here, we descend to Huayhuash Campsite, at 4,400 m (14,436 ft), where we spend the night, after some eight hours' trekking.

Day 5: Huayhuash - Lake Viconga (B,L,D)

Today’s hiking involves a gradual ascent to Portachuelo Pass at 4,795 m (15,732 ft) followed by a gradual descent to Lake Viconga (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), where our campsite is located.

We should arrive at our campsite after roughly five hours, so there is plenty of time in the afternoon to enjoy the nearby hot springs.

Day 6: Lake Viconga - Punta Cuyoc - Huanacpatay (B,L,D)

We start by ascending a switchback trail towards Punta Cuyoc Pass, which at 5,000 m (16,404 ft) is the highest point on the whole trek.

Just before the pass, we cross a flat meadow with three small lakes, that offers welcome protection from the wind.

Once at Punta Cuyoc, on a clear day, we can see various mountain peaks: Pumarinri (5,465 m / 17,930 ft); Cuyoc (5,550 m / 18,209 ft); and Puscanturpa (5,430 m / 17,815).

From here, we should notice a gradual increase in temperature as we walk down into Huanacpatay Valley (4,325 m / 14,190 ft) where our campsite is located.

Day 7: Huanacpatay - San Antonio - Huayllapa - Huatia (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we begin by hiking up to San Antonio Pass (5,020 m / 16,470 ft), where there are incredible views over the Huayhuash range, including lakes Jurau, Sarapacocha, Caramarca; and mounts Trapecio, Jurau, Carnicero and Siula Grande.

From the pass, we return to the Huanacpatay Valley floor and hike towards the village of Huayllapa (3,400 m / 11,155 ft).

At this lower altitude, there is a greater abundance of trees, flora and agricultural activity.

After a stop in the village, we have a tough ascent to reach Huatia Camp, a meadow located at an altitude of 4,350m (14,272 ft) beneath Diablo Mudo Mountain.  

Day 8: Huatia – Punta Tapush – Susucocha - Cashpapampa (B,L,D)

We begin today’s shorter hike by ascending to Punta Tapush (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), from where we get a spectacular view of Sacra Mountain (5,548 m / 18,202 ft) and Diablo Mudo.

After passing Lake Susucocha, we reach Cashpapampa (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), the highest campsite of the whole circuit.

Day 9: Cashpapampa - Lake Jahuacocha; Optional Ascent of Diablo Mudo (B,L,D)

Today, there is the option of ascending Diablo Mudo, 5,350 m (17,552 ft). This requires climbing equipment, such as ropes and crampons, and so has an additional cost.

Those that choose to climb will have to depart very early in order to reach the summit, as this takes approximately six hours. This is followed by a descent into the Huacrish Valley.

We all camp overnight at Lake Jahuacocha, located at 4,050 m (13,827 ft) and considered one of the Huayhuash's scenic highlights.

Day 10: Lake Jahuacocha - Llamac - Huaraz (B)

Today is the last day of the Huayhuash loop, and we cross our final pass, Punta Llamac (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). Having crossed many higher passes already, this shouldn’t present too much difficulty.

We descend to the village of Llamac where our transport is waiting for us. After bidding farewell to the trek crew, we start our drive back to Huaraz.

Tonight we can enjoy our first bed for a week, in the hotel of your choice ... and revel in the sense of achievement of having completed this challenging trek! 

NB. The above Huayhuash trek can be shortened to 9 days by going from Huaraz - Cuartelhuain - Lake Mitucocha on Day 1 (NB. a long day) …. or extended to 11 or 12 days with the addition of rest days / side hikes.
Just ask us how.

12-DAy Huayhuash Circuit: Day-by-day Itinerary:

Day 1: Tuesday: Huaraz - Rondoy Valley - Cuartelhuain (L,D)

Today we make the beautiful five-hour, 100-mile journey, by private vehicle, from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain. 

Along the way, there should be a chance to see Puya Raimondi trees, that are related to pineapples, but look more like triffids! 

We start heading south down the Callejon de Huayllas, and then turn east into the spectacular Huascaran National Park, climbing up to Yanashallash Pass at 4,600 m (15,100 ft). Here we stop to take in the view. 

We will pause in the village of Huallanca (also spelt 'Wayanka') located at 1,840 m (6,040 ft), and then continue to our campsite at Cuartelhuain (4,200m / 13,780 ft), where we have free time to relax and take in the views, before spending our first night in a tent.  

Day 2: Wednesday: Cuartelhuain - Cacananpunta Pass - Lake Mitucocha (B,L,D)

Today is the first of the seven days of trekking along the challenging and spectacular Huayhuash Circuit.

We begin with a shorter, five-hour hike from Cuartelhuain, over Cacananpunta Pass (4,690 m / 15,387 ft) to our campsite at Janca (4,250 m / 13,944 ft). 

There are spectacular views of the rivers, valleys and mountains throughout.

We should arrive at the campsite at lunchtime, and the afternoon is free for rest or a visit to the nearby Lake Mitucocha.

Day 3: Thursday: Lake Mitucocha - Lake Carhuacocha (B,L,D)

We continue trekking beside Lake Mitucocha with Yerupaja, Rondoy and Ninashanca mountains towering in the background as we make the gradual climb to Carhuacocha Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).

We then descend into a hanging valley with superb views of Lake Carhuacocha's turquoise water.

After some seven hours of hiking, covering 11km (7 miles), we reach our picturesque campsite, which is located just below the lake at 4,130 m (13,550 ft) above sea level.

Day 4: Friday: Lake Carhuacocha - Huayhuash (B,L,D)

Today's trek covers 13 km (8 miles), beginning with a gradual climb out of the valley with Yerupaja Mountain - at 6,634 m (21,766 ft) the highest peak in the range - as a beautiful backdrop.

This gives way to a rocky ascent to Siula Pass (4,800 m / 15,784 ft).

The effort is rewarded with magnificent views of towering peaks and glacial lakes of turquoise and blue.
NB. Siula Mountain came to prominence in Joe Simpson's best-selling mountaineering book Touching the Void. 

From here, we descend to Huayhuash Campsite, at 4,400 m (14,436 ft), where we spend the night, after some eight hours' trekking.

Day 5: Saturday: Cordillera Huayhuash - Trapecio Pass - Pampa Cuyoc (B,L,D)

Today, we reach the highest point of the trek, Trapecio Punta Pass which is at 5,020 m (16,470 ft) and has breathtaking views of Trapecio Mountain to the north, and Puscanturpa Mountain to the south.

From here we go down to Quebrada Cuyoc, situated in the shadow of Puscanturpa at 4,600 m (15,092 ft), reaching our campsite after about 8 hours' walking, and having covered 15 km (9 miles).

Day 6: Sunday: Pampa Cuyoc - Santa Rosa Pass - Cutatambo (B,L,D)

We start today’s trek with a steep ascent to Santa Rosa Pass, located at 5,057 m (16,591 ft). Here, there is a panoramic view of Yerupaja, Siula Grande, Sarapo, Rasac, Jurau mountains … and more!

We then descend into the Calinca Valley, arriving at our campsite at Cutatambo, (4,250 m / 13,943 ft) after some 5 or 6 hours’ walking and having covered 5 km (3 miles). We are a stone’s throw from Joe Simpson’s basecamp before his climb of Siula Grande Mountain.

Day 7: Monday: Cutatambo: Free Day (B,L,D)

Optional hike or rest at the campsite. A relaxing day to explore this dramatic terrain of icy glaciers and crystalline lakes.

There is the chance to climb the Cerro Gran Vista, from where there are magnificent views of many of the peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash.

Day 8: Tuesday: Cutatambo - Huayllapa - Huantiac (B,L,D)

Today, we should notice an increase in temperature as we walk down first the Calinca and then the Huanacpatay Valley. 

Walking through cultivated fields, with distant views of waterfalls, we reach the isolated village of Huayllapa. 

After lunch, we have a tough ascent to reach Huantiac Camp, a meadow located at an altitude of 4,350m (14,272 ft) beneath Diablo Mudo Mountain. 

This evening, we should sleep well, having hiked for eight hours, covering 16 km (10 miles), in what can often be warm and sunny conditions.  

Day 9: Wednesday: Huantiac - Punta Tapush Pass - Gashpapampa (B,L,D)

Today is a gentle day as we cover 6.5 km (4 miles), ascending to Punta Tapush Pass (4,770 m / 15,650 ft), and then descending for approximately an hour to our next camp located in Gashpapampa at 4,520 m (14,829 ft).

Most of the afternoon is free to relax and explore … and, if we are lucky, we can enjoy a glorious sunset behind the surrounding mountains.

Day 10: Thursday: Qashpapampa - Yaucha Pass - Lake Jahuacocha (B,L,D)

We begin today's fiver-hour trek by descending into Angoshcancha Valley, passing through forests of gnarled queñua, a tree of the Polylepis genus that is endemic to the tropical Andes.

We then start climbing again to reach Yaucha Pass at 4,800 m (15,748 ft). From here, not only can the mountains of the Huayhuash range be seen in all their glory, but on a clear day, the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca are also visible. It is also a good place to spot Andean condors. 

We now head down to Lake Jahuacocha, located at 4,050 m (13,827 ft) and considered one of the Huayhuash's scenic highlights beneath the glacier-covered west faces of Yerupaja, Jirishanca, Rasac, Rondoy and El Toro mountains.

We camp overnight here, having walked some 9 km (6 miles). 

Day 11: Friday : Lake Jahuacocha: Free Day (B,L,D)

Today is free to explore Lake Jahuacocha, its birdlife and surroundings.

The lake contains plenty of trout and we can have a go at catching some for dinner.

There are also great hiking options to Rondoy Pass or to Lake Solteracocha, for example.

Day 12: Saturday: Lake Jahuacocha - Mancanpunta Pass - Pocpa - Huaraz (B,L)

Today is the last 11.5 km (7 miles) of the trek, taking about six hours. It begins with one final ascent, up to Mancanpunta Pass (4,550 m / 14,928 ft), offering a last high viewpoint over the stunning Andean ranges. 

We then hike down a gravel path to Pocpa (3,500 m / 11,483 ft), from where we meet the vehicle to drive us to Huaraz. 

Below prices are per person, when sharing a double room and/or tent. 

NB. Single room in hotels / tent - available, at additional cost.

The trekking season in the Cordillera Huayhuash is from June to September. 

The 10-Day Huayhuash Circuit can be booked for any day during the trekking season, with a minimum of 2 people.

If you would like the company of fellow trekkers - and/or you are travelling alone - there are group departures planned for the following dates in the 2025 season:

• 6-day Huayhuash Taster:

  • Mon, 14th - Sat, Apr 19th

• 12-day Huayhuash Circuit:

  • Tue, Jun 10th - Sat, Jun 21st

NB. Please note that we can organise private Huayhuash treks outside of these dates, or if you are a group.