Huayhuash Guided Hike, Classic Route
Considered one of the most beautiful treks in the world, this circuit around a spectacular mountain range will charm us by the diversity and beauty of the landscapes encountered. The Huayhuash massive is located south of the Cordillera Blanca, about 4 hours from Huaraz by bus. It offers a set of high passes (9
Andes
12 Days
Apr - Nov
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Trek through one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges.
- Cross scenic high passes, including Siula Pass, Trapecio Pass, San Antonio Viewpoint, Tapush Pass, and Yaucha Pass.
- Enjoy full logistical support with guides, cooks, donkey drivers, meals, camping equipment, and transportation.
Description
Explore one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the Andes on this 8-day Huayhuash adventure, starting and ending in Huaraz.
Considered one of the most beautiful treks in the world, this circuit around a spectacular mountain range will charm us by the diversity and beauty of the landscapes encountered. The Huayhuash massive is located south of the Cordillera Blanca, about 4 hours from Huaraz by bus. It offers a set of high passes (9 are above 4500 meters), vertiginous peaks, colorful glacier lakes and cultivated valleys dotted with isolated hamlets. There we will observe the second summit of Peru, the Yerupajá (6634 m).
This short classic version is ideal for travelers who have limited time but still want to experience the highlights of the Huayhuash Circuit. Along the way, you will admire iconic mountains such as Yerupajá, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Rondoy, and Rasac, as well as stunning lakes including Carhuacocha, Jahuacocha, Siula, Quesillococha, and Solterococha.
The trek is also a great option for those looking to acclimatize before mountaineering in the Cordillera Blanca.
Book your place and explore one of the world’s most beautiful trekking routes in the heart of the Andes.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Clean drinkable water
Price details
- Certified trekking guide, English and Spanish speaking
- Certified cook
- Private transportation from Huaraz to Matacancha
- Private transportation from Pocpa to Huaraz
- Donkey drivers and donkeys for camping equipment
- Baggage transport, up to 10 kg per participant
- 5 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, box lunch, tea time, and dinner
- 4-season shared tent, double occupancy
- Kitchen tent, dining tent, and bathroom tent
- Fully equipped kitchen and dining setup
- First aid kit
- Boiled water to refill bottles each day
- Warm water for personal washing
- Emergency horse for the group
- Pre-trip advice
- Tips on how to get to Huaraz
- Final dinner and typical Andean drink in Pocpa Village
- NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to and from Lima
- Bus transportation between Lima and Huaraz
- Cordillera Huayhuash campsite entrance fees, approximately S/. 280 per person
- Personal tent, available for rent at S/. 30 per day
- Extra costs in case of early departure from the trek
- International medical insurance
- Accident and rescue insurance
- Travel luggage and trip cancellation insurance
- Transfer to Huaraz outside the planned schedule in case of early departure
- First breakfast on Day 1
- Sleeping bag rated for -25°C to -30°C
- Personal expenses
- Hotel accommodation in Huaraz
- Tips for the guide and support staff
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz - Cuartelhuain - Mitucocha Camp
The trip begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Huaraz. From there, private transportation takes you southeast toward Chiquian, with a short stop for breakfast along the way.
The hike starts in Cuartelhuain and climbs toward Cacananpunta Pass at 4,690 meters, a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Huanuco region. Along the route, you will see Pucacocha Lake, known for its reddish waters, as well as views of Ninashanca, Rondoy, and the Huallanca mountain range.
The day ends at Mitucocha Camp, located below impressive Andean peaks.
- Starting altitude: Huaraz, 3,100 m
- Camp altitude: Mitucocha, 4,270 m
- Driving time: 5 hours
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +520 m / -490 m
- Meals: Box lunch, lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 2: Mitucocha Camp - Alcay Pass - Carhuacocha Camp
Today’s route leads to Alcay Pass at 4,780 meters, one of the most scenic viewpoints of the trek. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of Siula Grande, Yerupajá Grande and Chico, Jirishanca, Ninashanca, and other dramatic peaks.
After passing near Alcaycocha Lake, the route descends toward beautiful Carhuacocha Lake, where the group will camp for the night. On clear evenings, this is a wonderful place to enjoy the stars and the reflection of the Milky Way on the lake.
- Camp altitude: Carhuacocha, 4,140 m
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +510 m / -640 m
- Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 3: Carhuacocha Camp - Siula Pass - Huayhuash Camp
This is one of the most memorable days of the Huayhuash Circuit. The morning begins with incredible views of the mountains reflected in Carhuacocha Lake.
The trail passes near several turquoise lakes, including Siula, Quesillococha, and Azulcocha, before reaching Siula Pass at 4,800 meters. From the pass, you will enjoy wide views of the Raura mountain range.
After lunch near the pass, the route descends past Carnicero Lake toward Huayhuash Camp.
- Camp altitude: Huayhuash, 4,300 m
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +660 m / -500 m
- Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 4: Huayhuash Camp - Trapecio Pass - Elephant Valley Camp
The day begins with a climb toward Trapecio Pass at 5,000 meters. After approximately 4 hours of hiking, you will reach the pass and enjoy views of Trapecio Mountain, the lakes below Puscanturpa, and peaks such as Cuyoc and Milpo.
The descent passes scenic lakes and unique rock formations, including one shaped like an elephant, before reaching Elephant Valley Camp.
- Camp altitude: Elephant Valley, 3,900 m
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / -1,100 m
- Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 5: Elephant Valley Camp - San Antonio Viewpoint - Huayllapa Village
This spectacular day reaches San Antonio Viewpoint at 5,040 meters, the highest viewpoint of the Huayhuash Trek. From here, you will have one of the best panoramic views of the circuit, including Jurao Lake, Sarapo, Siula Grande, Siula Chico, Yerupajá, and Rasac.
After descending from the pass, the route continues through the Huanacpatay Valley to Huayllapa Village. In the village, participants can charge devices, connect to the internet, and buy snacks.
- Camp altitude: Huayllapa, 3,500 m
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,140 m / -1,540 m
- Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 6: Huayllapa Village - Tapush Pass - Gashpapampa Camp
The hike starts with a steady climb from Huayllapa toward Tapush Pass at 4,750 meters. The trail is surrounded by Andean vegetation and opens up to views of Diablo Mudo Mountain and Susococha Lake.
After lunch near the pass, the route descends toward Gashpapampa Camp, the highest campsite of the trek.
- Camp altitude: Gashpapampa, 4,600 m
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +1,250 m / -150 m
- Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 7: Gashpapampa Camp - Yaucha Pass - Jahuacocha Camp
Today’s route offers some of the most impressive views of the entire Huayhuash range. The trail climbs toward Yaucha Pass at 4,850 meters, then follows the edge of Huacrish Canyon.
Along the way, you will enjoy views of Yerupajá, Jirishanca, Rondoy, Siula, Tsacra, and Rasac. From the Huacrish viewpoint, the turquoise lakes of Jahuacocha and Solterococha create one of the most iconic panoramas of the trek.
The day ends at camp near Jahuacocha Lake.
- Camp altitude: Jahuacocha, 4,050 m
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +230 m / -700 m
- Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time, dinner
Day 8: Jahuacocha Camp - Pocpa Village - Huaraz
On the final day, the trek climbs to Mancan Punta Pass at 4,550 meters, where you will have one last view of the northern Huayhuash range.
The route then descends to Pocpa Village, where private transportation will be waiting for the return drive to Huaraz.
- Ending altitude: Huaraz, 3,100 m
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Driving time: 5 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -1,090 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Details
Accommodation
Mountain tents
More info
Participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for several consecutive days of hiking at high altitude. Previous trekking experience is strongly recommended.
A regular training plan before the trip is advised, including hikes with gradual elevation gain and endurance work. The guiding team can provide training recommendations after evaluating your hiking background and fitness level.
Proper acclimatization is very important before starting the Huayhuash Trek. Participants should spend at least 2 to 3 days above 3,000 meters before the trip begins.
Recommended acclimatization hikes near Huaraz include Wilcacocha Lake and Churup Lake.
About the guide
-Andean Raju
4.6
(22)
Tour Operator
We are a team of young IFMGA and UIMLA-certified mountain guides and leaders, with extensive experience. We offer hiking and mountain expeditions in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash in Perú, our main adventure destinations. We also offer ascent expeditions to the most emblematic mountains of Argentina, Ecuador and Bolivia.
In Andean Raju Expeditions we are proud of our work. Our priority is always the satisfaction and safety of our customers, always taking care of the conservation and protection of the environment. Our mission goes beyond adventure, we offer our clients a personalized experience and our friendship, sharing our culture, knowledge and love for nature and mountains to ensure every visitor an unforgettable experience.
Languages
English
Certificates
IFMGA
What people are saying about -Andean Raju
Francois
Maria
The guide and staff team during huayhuash treck run by andean raju expeditions were very good and this make diferrence. We recommend. Joined group were also good. Cordilhera Real was a amasing place with wonderful views but this treck is not for biginners. This treck should book by experiences trecks because it is done under dificult conditions (sleeping in a tent, carry daily backpack, dificult path trail and altitude between 4000m and 5000m which means less oxigen)
Cranford
Pablo at Andean Raju is a master at logistics. I booked a last minute trip and everything ran perfectly. My IFMGA guide Dario was A++
George
I enjoyed very much both the main guide Alex Salazar and the additional guide Juan Cruz, whom we hired for additional support during the climb. They have been both very supportive and made the entire experience really worthwhile. I totally recommend the people from Pared Sur and Andean Raju Experience for any climb on Aconcagua or any other mountain for that matter.
A very well organised and conducted tour. Pablo was extremely knowledgeable, capable, supportive and relaxed.
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