Circuit Cordillera Huayhuash (12 days/11 nights)
The Circuit of the Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the classic trekking circuits of the world. The Huayhuash is a compact, rugged range, and includes the second highest peak in Peru. There are no less than 8 passes to cross, the highest at 5000m.
Description Circuit Cordillera Huayhuash
Day 1: Huaraz - Llamac
Drive to the village of Llamac and set up our first camp (3300m). 4 to 5 hours drive. We camp near the village football field and can spend the afternoon watching the local kids playing football.
Day 2: Llamac - Quartelhuain
Walk up the valley, following the Rio Llamac, passing through the villages of Pocpa and Pallca. After Pallca the way opens up into a wide grassy valley with rolling hills. Camp at Quartelhuain (4200m).
Day 3: Quartelhuain - pass Punta Cacanan - Mitucocha lake
In the morning we cross our first pass Punta Cacanan (4700m) then descend to our camp at the beautiful Mitucocha lake (4220m). From our camp we have close views of the huge peaks Ronday, Jirishanca, Ninashanca.
Day 4: Mitucocha lake - pass Paso de Carhuac - Carhuacocha lake
We cross the pass Paso de Carhuac (4650m) then descend to our camp at the big Carhuacocha lake (4150m). From our camp we look directly up the lake to the peaks and ice fields of Siula and the two peaks of Yerupajá. If the weather is good and you are feeling strong, we can take an alternative and more demanding route via a 4800m pass, with great close views of Jirishanca Chica and passing by a beautiful deep blue high lake.
Day 5: Carhuacocha lake
Rest Day at Carhuacocha lake, take a half day hike around the lake, or visit Siula Lake. Catch trout for dinner!!
Day 6: Carhuacocha lake - pass Carnicero - Carnicero lake
We cross the pass Carnicero (4600m) which is not difficult, an make an easy descent to our camp at isolated Carnicero lake 4300m (also called Juraucocha). Weather permitting, we can take an alternative route which climbs to a 4800m pass, crossing above the glacier fed lakes of Siula and Quesillococha.
Day 7: Carnicero lake - pass Portachuelo - Viconga lake
We climb to the pass Portachuelo de Huayhuash (4750m) from where you look across to the Cordillera Raura and the snow topped peak Leon Huacanan. We skirt around the large Viconga lake before walking up the valley ½ hour to set up camp (4480m) 6½ hours. There are some hot springs near Viconga – maybe have a hot bath!
Day 8: Viconga lake - pass Punta Cuyoc - Quebrada Huanacpatay
We cross our highest pass Punta Cuyoc (5000m) then descend to the valley Quebrada Huanacpatay where we have an easy walk to our camp (4300m).
Day 9: Quebrada Huanacpatay - Huayllapa - pasture of Huatiac
We continue down the Quebrada Huanacpatay before turning off just before the village of Huayllapa. We then climb steadily to our campsite high up in the flat pasture of Huatiac (4350m).
Day 10: pasture of Huatiac - pass Punta Tapush - Jahuacocha lake
A tough day as we cross two passes today. First we climb to the Pass Punta Tapush 4750m, then pass by Susucocha lake before climbing again to Punta Yaucha (4800m). During the descent the peaks of Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupajá, Rasac and Sacra come into view. Camp at the beautiful Jahuacocha lake (4150m).
Day 11: Jahuacocha lake - Cerro Amarrillo - Soltera Cocha Lake
We stay at Jahuacocha. Climb up Cerro Amarrillo peak 5000m for views over the whole Huayhuash range and down into Quartelhuain where we were on day 5 (6 to 7 hours). On the top you walk along an exposed ridge for a short way, but it is worth the effort for the breathtaking views. Or you make like an easier walk to visit Soltera Cocha Lake, or take a rest and try trout fishing.
Day 12: Soltera Cocha Lake - pass Pampa Llamac -Llamac - Huaraz
An early start. We leave early, starting with a gradual climb to our final pass Pampa Llamac (4300m) from where we have our final views of the Huayhuash range. Then it is a long descent back to Llamac. In Llamac the bus will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz for hot showers!!
Explanation
Acclimatisation :
We do recommend that you arrive in Huaraz at least 2 days before the trek departs to help you become acclimatised to the altitude.
Our service Includes :
- Qualified Guide
- Cook
- Donkeys and donkey drivers
- Meals and snacks (breakfast, box lunch, hot drinks, dinner)
- Tents (personal tent, dining tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent)
- Private transport during the trek
Not included:
- Huayhuash Community Fees USD 21
- Entrance to Huascaran National Park (Cordillera Blanca only)
Ask for our price