Huayhuash Trek
Peru
Altitude - 5,020m (16,470ft)
Grading Level - T4 (click HERE to find out more about our grading)
Best months to go: May - September & October - April
The Huayhuash Circuit is a challenging trek spanning 110-150km, starting in Llamac or Quartelhuain. Trekking at high altitudes above 4,000m requires acclimatization and physical fitness. Push your limits for rewarding and awe-inspiring experiences, as the breathtaking views are more gratifying when earned through perseverance and determination.
Peru's condensed Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range, located approximately 400km north of Lima and far removed from the busy capital, also lacks the heavy influx of tourists seen in the nearby Cordillera Blanca (known for popular treks like Laguna 69 and Santa Cruz). The sense of being off the beaten path is one of the highlights of trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash, a region that is most famously recognized as the backdrop for Joe Simpson's incredible survival story after a mountaineering mishap on Siula Grande (6,344m). If one of the most appealing aspects is the secluded nature of the trails and the opportunity to relish breathtaking views in solitude, then the most remarkable aspect of the Huayhuash Circuit is the awe-inspiring scenery itself. The word "magical" hardly captures the sheer magnitude of the majestic peaks and immense glaciers that command attention from every vantage point on this trek.
Known as one of the top alpine hikes globally, the Huayhuash Circuit stands out as a secluded and incredibly picturesque high-altitude path in the Cordillera Huayhuash of Peru.
Spanning 135km and traversing 12 mountain passes all over 4,500m, it encircles some of the tallest and most stunning mountains in the Andes. The journey presents unreal views of sharp snow-covered peaks, emerald lakes, and even thermal springs. While it may be a demanding trek, the sight of raw natural magnificence that many travelers to Peru have never fathomed makes every blister and sore muscle well worth it.
In the Peruvian Andes, the weather is typically divided into two main seasons: a chilly, arid winter known as the "Andean Summer" from May to September, and a slightly warmer but much rainier summer from October to April. This pattern is also observed in the Cordillera Huayhuash. While the temperature remains relatively stable throughout the year (with nighttime lows ranging from -10 to 0C and daytime highs between 18 to 22C), there is a significant contrast in terms of precipitation and cloud cover.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Sunday
Arrival to Huaraz at morning - Transfer to hotel
Day 2: Monday
Huaraz – Chiquian – Llamac- Cuartelhuain, 4,100m
Day 3: Tuesday
Cuartelhuain – Cacanan Pass – Mitucocha, 4,700m
Day 4: Wednesday
Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass – Carhuacocha, 4,600m
Day 5: Thursday
Carhuacocha – Siula Pass - Huayhuash, 4800m
Day 6: Friday
Huayhuash – Trapecio Pass, 5,020m
Day 7: Saturday
Rest Day
Day 8: Sunday
Elefante Camp – Huayllapa – Huatiac
Day 9: Monday
Huatiac – Tapush Pass – Yaucha Pass – Jahuacocha Lake, 4,800m
Day 10: Tuesday
Jahuacocha – Pampa Llamac – Llamac – Huaraz
4,300m
Day 11: Wednesday
Drive back from Huaraz to Lima
Included:
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2 nights Hotel accommodation in Huaraz
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8 nights accommodation in camp site
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Huayhuash Community Fee
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Private transfers
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All accommodation based on two sharing throughout - single accommodation extra
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All shared camp equipment - including tents, toilet, kitchen and dining facilities
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Acclimatization tour to Churup lake (4450m) or llanganuco lake
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Professional local guides
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Donkeys to carry luggage during the trek, with Donkey Driver
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Meals each day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Transportations, accommodation, wages, food, insurance, equipment for all staff
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All necessary paper works and entry permits
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First aid kits
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Oxygen Private Services
Not Included:
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International flights
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Insurance
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Local Tips
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Additional food & drink
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Personal Items
For more information regarding private groups
Please contact us below!