Huayhuash Trek: 8-Day Highlights

Your first acclimatization day begins with a short drive of about 20 minutes from Huaraz to the Rumichuco bridge. From there, a gradual walk of about 4 hours climbs past adobe houses and Quechua farming communities to Lake Ararcocha, at 3,693 m (12,116 ft), and on to Lake Wilcacocha, at 3,725 m (12,221 ft).

From the shore, the view takes in the Cordillera Blanca and Huascarán, which at 6,768 m (22,204 ft) is the highest mountain in Peru. Lunch is served by the lake, and the vehicle then takes the group back to Huaraz for the night at Hotel Cordillera.

Meals included: Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, the vehicle heads north from Huaraz through Carhuaz, where a market fills the streets on Wednesdays and Sundays, to the Campo Santo de Yungay, the memorial to the 1970 earthquake and avalanche that buried the old town.

The road then enters Huascarán National Park and climbs past the Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes to the Portachuelo de Llanganuco, at 4,707 m (15,443 ft), with Huascarán, Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui all around. You walk down an Inca trail for about 2 hours to lunch, then drive back to Huaraz for a second night at Hotel Cordillera, ready for the trek.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch

The day starts with a drive of about five hours south from Huaraz, through Conococha and the town of Chiquián, to the trailhead at Pukatzaka (3,780 m). Local muleteers and their pack animals are waiting there to load the camping equipment and supplies.

Your Huayhuash trek begins with a gradual climb to Lirio, a small settlement used by local shepherds, where the range first comes into view. From there, a mostly flat trail leads to Jahuacocha Lake.

Camp is beside the turquoise lake, beneath the glacier-covered west faces of Yerupajá, Jirishanca, Rasac, Rondoy, and El Toro. Look for puna ibis and Andean geese on the shore.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Walk along the left shore of Jahuacocha Lake to its far end, then climb gradually to Sambunya Pass. Views open towards Solteracocha Lake, with Yerupajá, Jirishanca, and Rondoy on the pass side.

The trail then drops into the Rondoy Valley through alpine meadows with wild lupines and other Andean flowers. A final gradual climb reaches the campsite at Cuartelhuain. This is the longest day by distance (15 km).

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A gradual climb takes you to Cacananpunta Pass, at the northern end of the massif. Located right on the Continental Divide, this pass forms the natural division where waters start flowing east toward the Atlantic Ocean via the Amazon Basin. Keep an eye on the high-altitude skies above, as Andean condors often ride the thermals in this area—though sightings always rely on a bit of luck.

The descent crosses rugged, multicolored terrain to Janca, a flat grassy campsite at 4,230 m (13,877 ft). In the afternoon, you can take a short walk to Mitucocha Lake, whose turquoise water sits below Ninashanca, Rondoy, and Jirishanca.

This stage of the Huayhuash trek is short on purpose to help your body adapt to the altitude before the highest pass.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The morning opens with a moderately steep climb of about 25 minutes to a natural platform over the valley, then a gentler ascent towards the Carhuac Pass area. Before reaching that point, the route turns right onto a steeper, less-travelled trail to Alcaycocha Pass, close to Jirishanca.

A short traverse and a gradual descent lead to Alcaycocha Lake. Farther on, a little-known viewpoint looks over three lagoons, with Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico, Jirishanca, and Siula Grande behind them.

From the rim of a hanging valley, descend to camp below Laguna Carhuacocha, a blue-green lake ringed by peaks and hanging glaciers.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Wake before dawn to watch the first light on the lake and on Yerupajá from the campsite. After breakfast, a long, gradual ascent follows the green Carhuacocha Valley past three lakes (Gangrajanca, Siula, and Quesillacocha).

A steep final trail reaches the Tres Lagunas Viewpoint, where lunch is served. Seven snow peaks stand together here: Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Jirishanca Chico, Santa Rosa, and Carnicero. They are often called the “Seven Fangs of Huayhuash.”

Retrace your steps back to camp along the same path, taking in the landscape from a fresh perspective. Since the tents remain pitched at Carhuacocha, you will not need to move camp today.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A second chance to see sunrise at the lake. After an early start, walk for about one hour along the left side of the Carhuacocha Valley to a small parking area, where the vehicle is waiting.

The drive passes the village of Queropalca and continues by road around the east side of the range to Huaraz, about 7–8 hours, where the Huayhuash trek ends. Dinner and hotel are not included.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch