The Huayhuash trek is one of the most beautiful trekking circuits in the world, through the most spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. One of our local certified guides from our team will take you on this demanding 10-day tour.
Andes
10 Days
Apr - Nov
High
Intermediate
I invite you to join me on one of the most beautiful trek circuits in the world: the classic Huayhuash trek. This 10-day high altitude tour takes us through the entire Cordillera Huayhuash range in the Peruvian Andes, with spectacular views of impressive mountains. The Cordillera Huayuash is a 30-kilometer long mountain range within the Andes of Peru. It includes 7 peaks over 6000 m, including Yerupajá (6617m), the second highest mountain in the country. From Lima, we will head to Huaraz on the first day. From there, we will begin this amazing trek through the entire Huayhuash range, crossing spectacular passages and enjoying the sight of amazing summits and glaciers and beautiful blue lakes. Most of the trek and most of the campsites are above 4000 meter high. Please note in order to join this trek and enjoy it you should be in good physical condition. Bear in mind this is a moderate-difficult trek. We walk for about 5 to 8 hours every day, with many long ascents and descents. So if you want to join me on this unique trek, send me a request. I will happy to guide you through the most spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
Transfer in van via the Santa Valley across the Pachacoto Bridge, then continue on the mountain road in Puja Raimondi National Park (4,780 m) to Huarapasca Pass. Along this road we see giant plants in the form of a candle which flourish only in the south of the Cordillera Blanca. At the top of the pass, you’ll see the Pasto Ruri glacier. Continuing over 2 more passes to the village of Matacancha (4,150 m) in the Huayhuash region, the starting point of the trekking circuit. Meet with the team of guides, the mule drivers (and their burros) and first camp. Overnight Camp (-/L/D)
First day of trekking: Climb the steep slope of Matacancha to Cacanampunta Pass (4,700 m), which forms the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and the spectacular open views of the wild mountains of Huayhuash, in particular the peaks of Rondoy and Jirishanca. Descent over wide fields and a beautiful camp at Laguna Mitococha (4300 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
An inviting climb to Punta Carhuac Pass (4,650 m) and descent over smooth rolling grasslands to Carhuacocha Lake (4,200 m), one of the best campsites on the route. If there is no wind, we’ll see the peaks of rock and ice (Jirishancas and Yerupajá Grande y Chico) reflected on the surface of the calm waters. At the lake live indigenous farmers – with their permission we may get to catch fresh trout for dinner! Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
This part of the route is strenuous and has no obvious road. It passes through remote peaks and glaciers of Huayhuash, with the most magnificent panoramic view of the excursion. We pass Lake Carhuacocha and beyond that is the ice fall and retreating glacier of Sarapo Peak (6127m). We cross Siula Pass (4950 m) with overwhelming panoramic views. The descent into camp at Quesillococha Camp (4450 m), close to the small village of Carnicero, seems effortless after the climb. Alternative: If you prefer an easier day, there is a route that is a little longer but less demanding and less steep: flat along the east edge of Lake Carhuacocha, climb through the Quebrada Acoshpado to the summit of Carnicero Point (4580 m) and the smooth descent to the two lakes of Atocshaiko to Carnicero Camp or Camp Huayhuash at Quesillococha Lake (4450 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
A wide commercial route extends to the south to the small village Portachuelo de Huayhuash, then to the headwaters of the Huayhuash River – the very green Suirococha Lakes (,500 m.) The climb to the south extends past Portachuelo de Huayhuash (4795 m) again dominated by impressive mountain panoramas, this time the ice covered peaks of the southern Huayhuash Range. Descend to the largest lake, and the southernmost point of the trek – Lake Viconga (4,400 m), one of the many water reservoirs for Lima. Viconga Hot Springs Camp (4400 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Today is the highest pass of the Huayhuash Trek over Punto Cuyoc (5020 m). From the lake of Puscanturpa Gorge, we scramble over rocks and sand to the pass. The spectacular view is of the Raura Range to the east. The Puscanturpa Peaks loom very close and “giants” of Huayhuash, Sarapo, Siula and Yerupajá. We drop sharply to Huanacpatay Gorge and camp in fields close to the houses of Huanacpatay (4350 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
We hike along the river to the Calinca Valley (Rio Huayllapa) and continue to the village of Huayllapa (3,600 m). In the relatively low elevation, the trail takes us through dense vegetation with many colors of flowers – especially the shrubs called huishllac, named for their yellow color and open purple flowers, one of the sacred flowers of the Incas. We then have steep 3-hour climb to the north to camp in Huatiac (4290 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
*Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
At times the climb is steep and strenuous, under the steep glaciated cliffs of the high massif of Raju Collota to Punta Tapush Pass. Once again, magnificent views, including Nevado Diablo Mudo (Silent Devil) (5,350 m), tomorrow’s destination for the ambitious and physically strong climbers among us. Short descent from the pass north to Susococha Lake (4,600 m) and a little farther to Cashgapampa Camp (4500 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Those climbing Diablo Mudo (5223 m) begin very early and will have a long day. From the north side on the last steepest slopes, some with “penitentes“, we’ll use crampons, ice axe and harness. The feeling of success at reaching 5000 meters, and awesome views in the true sense of the word, Diablo Mudo is a well-deserved reward for the effort. The huge wild mountains of Huayhuash are laid out in front of you. Descent to the camp still follows the long route to Jahuacocha Lake. Option: Trekking without climbing Diablo Mudo. Short descent from Cashgapampa, turning into Angocancha Gorge (4350 m) and ascent to Yaucha Pass (4750 m), where we again stop and enjoy the impressive view. Steep descent toward the northeast in Huacrish Gorge (4,066 m), leading to Jahuacocha Lake (4066 m). Camp on the edge of the lake, with a view dominated by Rondoy, Jirishanca and Yerupajá. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Last day of this trek. Climb the last pass – Jahua Punta – and a long descent to the camp in the village of Pocpa. In this village we finish our great adventure filled with so many experiences. Here we leave our team of mule drivers and burros. Our private transport is waiting to return to the capital of Andes mountaineering, Huaraz. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
More info
The price per person for bigger groups is the following: Group of 12: 850 USD Group of 14: 750 USD Group of 15: 650 USD
Meeting point
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Guide Agency
Peru Expeditions is a Guide Agency and Tour Operator based in Huaraz, Peru.
It's a family-owned travel agency, which was founded more than 35 years ago, and is now managed by IFMGA-guide Juventino and his son, Eric.
We organize trekkings and mountain expeditions in Cordillera Blanca, and all around Peru.
Languages
| English
Certificates
AGMP | IFMGA
He was very kind, patient and helped me to reach my goal the citadel of Machupicchu. One day I wanted to quit but he encouraged me to continue and waited for my step.
We did the MTB-Huarascan-Circuit (Crossing Punta Olimpica Pass and Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass) with Eric Albinos „Peru Expedition“. All, the transfers, the hotel stays, the acclimatization tours and the circuit itself, was well organized. Eric and his staff were flexible to our wishes and very helpful. Our Guide Joni is an excellent mountain bike-guide and good tailor too if something is torn. The cook prepared delicious meals during the circuit. The camping equipment was in very good condition. We (Karin, Franz. Wolfgang) can fully recommend „Eric´s Peru Expeditions“.
Alexey
Marcela
The agency gave me a guide Darwin, not Juventino. Climb was good, easy just walking. There is one dangerous section near the moraine area with very loose gravel. So make sure you don't slip there or you are dead. I stayed in refugio at the base camp which was much more comfy than camping. Darwin was good but give clients some breaks once in a while, not rush too much. It's a high altitude climbing after all.
5 star guide. Nothing but the best.
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