9-day Huayhuash circuit trek in Peru via the Viconga hot springs and Cuyoc Pass

Join Hisao, a local mountain guide to go on an incredible trek through the towering peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru. Cross many high passes and take a dip in the hot springs of Viconga on this amazing journey.

Cordillera Huayhuash, Cordillera Huayhuash

9 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

Very high

Highlights

* Cross many high passes including the daunting Cuyoc Pass.

* Relax yourself by taking a dip in the hot springs at Viconga.

* Witness stunning vistas of the Cordillera Huayhuash range as you hike.

Description

I will accompany you on this daunting Huayhuash circuit trek in Peru. For 9 days, you will hike through the impressive peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash and cross many high passes including the formidable Cuyoc pass. You will also get to relax in the warm healing waters of Viconga, so it is definitely not worth missing!

Keep in mind that the trek is for the daredevils who are in extremely good shape and have a high level of endurance. Since we’ll be crossing a high pass each day without any rest, it is highly recommended that you spend at least 3 days in Huaraz prior to the trek to be well acclimatized.

We’ll begin in the city of Huaraz (3090m). From there, we’ll drive through scenic country roads to reach Quartelhuain (4200m ), and you will experience an altitude gain of 1110m in a single day!

The following days will be spent crossing many high passes including Punta Cacanan (4700m), Paso de Carhuac (4650m), Carnicero (4600m) and the highest pass of the trip, Punta Cuyoc (5000m). You will hike on an arid, rocky terrain, which will test your skills alongside offering jaw-dropping views of the towering peaks and pristine lakes.

The trek also features a relaxing dip in the thermal bath at Laguna Viconga on the fifth day, which will be an excellent way to ward off at least some of the tiredness from the previous hike.

Passing via the passes of Punta Tapush and Punta Yaucha we’ll finally make our way across Pampa Llamac (4300m) to return to Llamac and complete this unbelievable circuit.

So, if you have what it takes to go on this trip, send a message right now. I’ll reserve your seat and ensure that you take back unforgettable memories with you. Also, check out this longer Cordillera Huayhuash trek if looking for more adventures in Peru.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 0: Arrive in Huaraz (3090m)

Day A, B, C:

Spend 3 days acclimatizing in Huaraz.

Day 1: Drive from Huaraz to Quartelhuain (4200m)

Drive from Huaraz to the village of Llamac and then head onto Quartelhuain (4200m). Set up the camp in a wide grassy valley surrounded by beautiful hills.

Drive: 6 hours drive

Day 2: Head towards Laguna Mitucocha (4220m)

In the morning we’ll cross the first pass of Punta Cacanan (4700m) then descend to our camp beside the beautiful lake of Laguna Mitucocha (4220m).

Duration: 6 hours

Day 3: Trek towards Laguna Carhuacocha (4150m)

Cross the Paso de Carhuac pass(4650m) and descend to the camp at the beautiful lake Laguna Carhuacocha (4150m).

Duration: 6 hours

Day 4: Cross Carnicero pass (4600m) and descend to the Huayhuash enclave 4330m

We’ll cross the Carnicero pass (4600m), and make an easy descent to the camp either at the isolated Laguna Carnicero (4300m) or near the enclave of Huayhuash (4330m).

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Day 5: Relax at the thermal bath of Laguna Viconga

Crossing the Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass(4750m), we skirt around the beautiful lake Laguna Viconga before walking up the valley for about half-an-hour to set up camp (4480m)

Enjoy a relaxing hot soak in the outdoor thermal baths!

Duration: 6½ hours.

Day 6: Cross the highest Punta Cuyoc pass (5000m)

Cross the highest pass of the trip, Punta Cuyoc (5000m) and then descend to the valley of Quebrada Huanacpatay to reach the campsite.

Day 7: head towards the pasture of Huatiac

Continue down the Quebrada Huanacpatay and climb steadily to get to our campsite in the flat pasture of Huatiac (4350m).

Duration: 7 hours

Day 8: Pass Punta Tapush 4750m

Today, we’ll cross two passes – Pass Punta Tapush (4750m) and Punta Yaucha (4800m). before we descend to our camp near the beautiful Laguna Jahuacocha (4150m).

Duration: 8 hours

Day 9: Descend to Llamac to end this trip!

Starting early, after crossing the last Pampa Llamac (4300m) pass, we’ll descend to Llamac. From Llamac, we’ll drive you back to Huaraz for a hot shower!

Duration: 5 ½ hours.

Details

More info

The trip involves a walk of 6 to 8 hours every day.

Meeting point

About the guide

Hisao

Mountain Guide

Hisao is the third of the Morales brothers, and like his eldest brother Eli, Hisao began working with trekking and climbing groups from a young age while still at school. He soon developed a passion for climbing and climbed extensively with porters & guides while receiving ongoing instruction from Peruvian and international guide instructors with the House of Guides in Huaraz.

Hisao took a break from guiding to attend university in Lima and graduated with double degrees in psychology & philosophy, and in education. He then spent 3 months in New Zealand in 2003 on a working holiday and improving his English, before returning to Huaraz to found Peruvian Andes Adventures with Eli.

Hisao speaks fluent English and good German which he is continuing to study. Hisao has considerable experience in the education sector, business and in organising trekking & climbing groups and is our business general manager

Languages

German | English

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

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