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
Advanced
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
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
4.8
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