Huayhuash trek and Diablo Mudo climb in 10 days

From Huaraz a van will take us via the Santa Valley and to the Huarapasca Pass. After 2 more passes we will get to the village of Matacancha (4,150 m) in the Huayhuash region, the starting point of the circuit. Meeting with the team of guides, the donkeys and donkey drivers. Overnight stay in the Matacancha Camp (-/L/D)

Today we will continue climbing towards the Cacanan Pass in direction to the Laguna Mitucocha, which is located 400 meters further down. On that spot we are going to build up our camp. In total it will take about 5 hours to reach the camp. If you have enough energy left, you can continue climbing 200 meters until reaching the Laguna Ninacocha, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes of the Cordillera. Mount Rondoy and mount Jirishanca will be possible to observe above us. (B/L/D)

We will cross an amazing high valley which appears on the right hand. After 3 hours of walking we will reach the Punta Carhuac, where we will see the Yerupaja for the first time. Yerupaja is the second highest mountain of Peru with 6634 meters. Next to it, we will be able to observe other summits, such as Siula Grande or Jirishanca. After that, we will descend to the deep blue lagoon Carhuacocha, the perfect place to build up our camp, at 4200 meters. After 5 hours of activity, we will relax on a comfortable and warm area with amazing views. (B/L/D)

From the Carhuacocha lake we will follow the route through the Siula Pass. We will climb 200 meters up to the Laguna Quesillococha, located near the eastern side of the Siula Grande. From that point we will ascend until we reach at 4900 meters. A very clear mountain creek lies on the way. From that point we will walk directly to the Camp Huayhuash. In total, this tour takes between 5 and 6 hours (B/L/D).

Today we will walk further into a high valley. In the middle of the route that leads from Huayhuash to Portachuelo, a nice pass is located. To go through it, we usually need special ice equipment. We will have the opportunity to observe some mounts such as the Trapecio and the Puscanturpa. We will camp on Laguna Viconga at 4400 m or Cajatambo village at 3400 m (B/L/D).

We will go to the northeast crossing dense grass. The path will get more and more stony while passing Punta Cuyoc, the highest spot of the trip, crossing the 5000 m barrier for the first time. Eventually it will be possible to include another hike to another 5000-meter mount. After 7-8 hours walking, we will look for a place to camp and overnight (B/L/D).

Our objective for this day is the Huatic Campsite. To achieve it, we will ascend passing through the Huayllapa village (B/L/D).

This day we will ascend again to reach a high Pass called Punta Tapush. It’s a steep ascent. From that point we will descend to reach the Laguna Susococha and a little farther, the Cashpapampa Camp (4500 m) where we will place our camp (B/L/D).

This is an optional day to ascent Diablo Mudo at 5350 m. From the last point we will ascend the Diablo Mudo towards one of the easiest trails of the Huayhuash region. Although there will probably be some snow on this height, the ascent is not very complex. If you want to take it easy this day, you can choose to take the Pass Yaucha way, which is at 4800 meters and has also beautiful views. In any case, our last destination for this day is the Laguna Jahuacocha at 4066 meters, so we will have to descend some meters. After 8-10 hours of walking, we will finally build up our camp, surrounded by landscapes that you had never imagined (B/L/D).

This is not a very long day. First, we will descend some distance to a small river and then we will walk to the Pampa Llamac at 4300 meters. This is how we finish today’s tour in about 4 hours. Therefore we will have time to enjoy the incredible mountain views. From Llamac we will return to Huaraz to relax and enjoy some luxury.