Trekking Cordillera Huayhuash - 10 days / 9 nights
The 10-day Huayhuash Circuit is a world-class trekking odyssey that traverses the most dramatic and compact mountain range in the Peruvian Andes. This comprehensive journey takes adventurers across multiple high-altitude passes reaching 5,000 meters, offering intimate views of legendary peaks like Yerupajá and Siula Grande—famed by the “Touching the Void” story. From the serene shores of Carhuacocha and Jahuacocha lakes to the rejuvenating natural hot springs of Viconga, the route blends physical challenge with unparalleled natural beauty. With strategic camps in deep glacial valleys and visits to the most spectacular viewpoints in South America, this expedition provides a definitive high-Andean experience for those seeking the ultimate wilderness adventure.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Cuartelwain – Mitucocha (4,250 m.a.s.l.)
Mitucocha
4–5 hrs
Lunch – Dinner
- Departure from Huaraz in private transport (6:00 a.m.)
- Route: Huaraz – Chiquián – Llamac – Cuartelwain – Mitucocha
- Highlights: Ninashanca, Rondoy, and Jirishanca mountains; first night by the lake
Day 2: Mitucocha – Carhuacocha (4,200 m.a.s.l.)
Carhuacocha (by the lake)
5–6 hrs approx.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Cross the Carhuac Pass (4,650 m)
- Highlights: Yerupajá, Siula Grande snow peaks and stunning Carhuacocha Lake
Day 3: Carhuacocha – Huayhuash (4,350 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Huayhuash
Hike duration
7–8 hrs aprox
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Cross the Siula Pass (4,800 m)
- Highlights: Lakes Gangrajanca, Siula, Quesillococha; views of Yerupajá massif
Day 4: Huayhuash – Viconga (4,400 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Viconga
5 hrs
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Highlights: Trapecio mountain and natural hot springs at Viconga
- Cross the Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass (4,750 m)
Day 5: Viconga – Cuyoc Pampa (4,450 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Cuyoc Pampa
Hike duration
5–6 hrs
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Cross the Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m)
- Highlights: Cuyoc and Puscanturpa peaks; high Andean landscapes
Day 6: Cuyoc Pampa – Cutatambo (4,300 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Cutatambo
Hike duration
7–8 hrs
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Ascend to the scenic Santa Rosa Pass (4,880 m.a.s.l.) – one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the range
- Descend to Cutatambo, beneath the Trapecio and Jurau mountains
- Highlights: Panoramic views of Sarapo, Jurao, and deep valleys
Day 7: Rest day or exploration hike in Cutatambo
Camp
Cutatambo
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Optional rest or hike to Sarapococha Lake, “Touching the Void” route by Joe Simpson, and Gran Vista Peak – considered the best viewpoint in South America
Day 8: Cutatambo – Huatiac (4,290 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Huatiac
Hike duration
7–8 hrs
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Ascend via the Calinca Valley to the Huayllan Pass (4,750 m)
- Highlights: Rasac and Trapecio snow peaks
Day 9: Huatiac – Yaucha Pass – Jahuacocha (4,100 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Jahuacocha (by the lake)
Hike duration
6–7 hrs
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Cross the Yaucha Pass (4,800 m) and descend to Jahuacocha Lake
- Highlights: Final panoramic view of Yerupajá, Rasac, and Rondoy
Day 10: Jahuacocha – Llamac – Huaraz
Hike duration
3–4 hrs + private return transport
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch
- Final hike via Pampa Llamac
- Arrival in Huaraz: around 4:30 p.m.
Our Services
Included
- Official certified mountain/trekking guide (bilingual)
- Private transport to/from Huaraz
- Cook, muleteers, pack animals, and emergency horse
- All meals during the trek
- High-altitude tents (double, triple), dining and kitchen tents
- Community permits, entry fees, and permanent assistance
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Not Included
- Accommodation in Huaraz
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Travel or evacuation insurance
- Tips
Recommendations
- Arrive at least 3 days earlyfor acclimatization hikes (Laguna 69, Laguna Churup)
- What to bring:thermal layers, rain gear, daypack, sun protection, trekking poles, water purification tablets
- Strongly recommended:Travel insurance with high mountain coverage
