The 6-day Huayhuash Trek is the fastest way to explore the entire Huayhuash Mountain Range from the jungle and coast side of Peru. This trekking crosses the heart of the mountain range, where you will enjoy the Alcay viewpoint, Carhuacocha Lake, the 3 Lakes viewpoint, the Siula Pass, Trapecio Pass, and finally the iconic Santa Rosa Pass. During this adventure, you will be amazed by the different geographical landscapes with the flora and fauna that stand out on the eastern side of the mountain range, and you will appreciate each of the mountains that compose this magical and wild mountain range. The circuit begins in the city of Huaraz, heading to the Cuartelhuain camp, and ends in the small town of Huayllapa (near the city of Lima).
Huaraz (Google Map)
4:00 am (pick up at your hotel)
Participants must be in good physical condition to join this trek. Andean Raju Expeditions recommends previous and constant preparation as a crucial factor to take on this challenge, then, the physical stress caused by the trekking days will be minimized.
We strongly advise all participants to have an adequate outdoor training plan and short hikes with gradual demands.
If you would like our advice, we can provide you a training plan after evaluation of your experience in hiking and sporting activity.
Participants should have experience in altitude the last 2 to 3 days prior to the start of this trek, which ensures adequate acclimatization and conditioning of the body to the altitude. It is recommended to stay above 3,000 meters above sea level.
We suggest acclimatizing in Wilcacocha or Churup lakes before starting the trek.
This adventure will start in Huaraz, we will pick you up at your hotel with private transportation. After pick up we head southeast towards the town of Chiquian, where we will stop for approximately 30 minutes for breakfast.
The transport will leave us in Cuartelhuain, from here we will begin the first day’s hike. This day you will reach the Cacananpunta pass (4.690m), an excellent viewpoint east towards the Huanuco region. Near this pass lunch time is waiting for us, the chef will prepare the picnic on the edge of the road.
The views are the following: Pucacocha Lake with its reddish waters due to the iron mineral in its water.
The peaks Ninashanca, Rondoy and the Huallanca mountain range; the Mitucocha camp is the final destination at the foot of the mentioned peaks.
Lodging: Mountain tents.
Meals: Box lunch, lunch, tea time and dinner.
Transfer by car: 5 hours.
Estimated hiking time: 4 hours.
Elevation: +520 /-490 m.
On the second day the hike reaches the Alcay Pass which is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the circuit for its spectacular view of Siulá Grande, Yerupajá Grande and Chico, Jirishanca, Ninashanca, all by their wild and steep east faces. Then we head towards the Alcaycocha lake, very close to this place we will take our lunch break. Finally we descend to the beautiful Carhuacocha lake (4150 m) and in a few minutes we will be reaching our camp(Carhuacocha). At night nothing is better than watching the stars, the Milky Way nebula and its reflection on the Carhuacocha lake.
Lodging: Mountain tents.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time and dinner.
Estimated hiking time: 7 hours
Elevation: +510 m / -640 m
This day is one of the best of the Huayhuash circuit, because you can enjoy the spectacular sunrise when the peaks of the mountains are reflected on the Carhuacocha lake. You can enjoy the views of the turquoise lakes: Siula lake, Quesillococha and Azulcocha.
Then, we will reach the Siula Pass, from this point we will have a view of the Raura mountain range, an incredible place to stay for a long time and enjoy the beautiful scenery, lunch will be waiting for us at 5 minutes from the Siula pass.
Finally we will walk downhill, we will observe the Carnicero lake. Our final destination will be the Huayhuash camp.
Lodging: Mountain tents.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, tea time, lunch and dinner.
Estimated hiking time: 7 hours approx.
Elevation: +660 / -500 m.
The way of this day will be towards the Trapecio Pass, after 4 hours of walking we will arrive to the above pass where we will be able to appreciate a spectacular view of the Trapecio mountain and beautiful landscapes of the lakes that are located below the Puscanturpa mountain also the mountains Cuyoc, Milpo and part of the Cordillera Raura.
We make the descent to the lakes, on this route we will take the lunch break. We continue the trail down and we will find a giant rock with the silhouette of elephant, as well as another rock formation that is like a mummy, we are arriving at the Elephant valley camp.
Lodging: Mountain tents.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time and dinner.
Estimated hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: +700 / -1.100 m.
It’s a spectacular day for the privileged view at the highest pass of the Huayhuash trek: San Antonio pass, viewpoint of the entire trekking circuit. From this point we will be able to appreciate in its maximum splendor the Jurao lake and peak, Sarapo peak, Siula Grande peak, Siula Chico peak, Yerupajá peak and Rasac peak. After descending the Santa Rosa pass there will be lunch time, finally we will continue descending towards the Huanacpatay Valley until we arrive to our camp in Huayllapa Village. In this town, you can charge your devices, connect to the internet, and buy some of your favorite snacks.
Lodging: Mountain tents.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time and dinner.
Estimated hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.
Elevation: +1.140 / -1540 m.
We will start the day at 5 a.m. After breakfast, we will head to the village of Cajatambo, which will be the end point of this trekking adventure. From Cajatambo, we will help you arrange your return by bus to Lima or Barranca (transportation service to these destinations is not included).
Important: The Huayhuash Trek – 6 days itinerary ends in Cajatambo. For clients who leave their luggage with us in Huaraz, we offer to send their luggage to Lima via the Cruz del Sur transport service so that clients can collect it at the Lima terminal, located at Av. Javier Prado No. 1109, La Victoria, Lima. The cost of luggage shipping is paid by clients in Lima (this service is not included).
Meals: Breakfast and box lunch
Estimated driving time: 4 to 5 hours.
Elevation: -124 m
| TRIP DATES | HUAYHUASH 8 DAYS | AVAILABILITY | BOOK |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 21 – May 26 | Huayhuash Short Trek | 4 spots | |
| May 28 – Jun 2 | Huayhuash Short Trek | 6 spots | |
| Jun 18 – Jun 23 | Huayhuash Short Trek | 6 spots | |
| Jul 31 – Aug 5 | Huayhuash Short Trek | 6 spot | |
| Aug 10 – Aug 15 | Huayhuash Short Trek | 6 spots | |
| Sep 7 – Sep 12 | Huayhuash Short Trek | 4 spots | Book Now |
| Sep 17 – Sep 22 | Huayhuash Short Trek | 6 spots | Book Now |
