8-Day Trekking – Cordillera Huayhuash
This high-intensity eight-day expedition offers a compressed yet profoundly rewarding journey through the most spectacular landscapes of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Designed for those seeking a rigorous alpine challenge, the route crosses iconic landmarks such as the 5,100-meter Trapecio Pass and the panoramic San Antonio lookout, providing hikers with intimate views of massive peaks like Jirishanca, Yerupajá, and the legendary Siula Grande. From the serene shores of Mitucocha and Jahuacocha lakes to the lush green valleys of Huayllapa, the trek seamlessly blends remote wilderness with high-Andean cultural contact. It is a world-class adventure that captures the absolute essence of the Huayhuash range, concluding with an impressive descent through the scenic Pampa Llamac back to Huaraz.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Cuartelwain – Mitucocha Camp (4,250 m)
Mitucocha Camp
4 h transport / 3 h light hike
Lunch – Dinner
- Departure: 6:00 a.m. from Huaraz in private transport
- Route: Huaraz – Chiquián – Llamac – Cuartelwain – Hike to Mitucocha
- Attractions: Ninashanca, Rondoy, and Jirishanca mountains; first camp in front of Mitucocha Lake.
Day 2: Mitucocha – Carhuacocha (4,200 m)
Carhuacocha Camp
5 h hike
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Route: Carhuac Pass (4,650 m) – descent toward Carhuacocha Lake.
- Attractions: Spectacular views of Yerupajá, Siula Grande, Carnicero peaks, and Carhuacocha Lake.
Day 3: Carhuacocha – Huayhuash (4,350 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Huayhuash Camp
Hike duration
7–8 hours hiking.
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Route: V Siula Pass (4,800 m) – views of Siula, Gangrajanca, and Quesillococha lakes.
- Attractions: One of the most scenic sections of the trek.
Day 4: Huayhuash – Cuyoc Pampa (4,415 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Cuyoc Pampa Camp.
6–7 hours hiking.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Route: Trapecio Pass (5,100 m.a.s.l.).
- Attractions: Views of Trapecio, Jurau, Sarapo, Siula, Cuyoc, and Puscanturpa peaks; presence of Andean wildlife.
Day 5: Cuyoc Pampa – Huayllapa (3,600 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Huayllapa Camp.
Hike duration
6–7 hours hiking.
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Route: Ascent to San Antonio Pass (4,800 m.a.s.l.). Descent to Calinca – Huayllapa.
- Highlights: Cultural contact with local inhabitants, lush green valleys.
Day 6: Huayllapa – Gashpapampa (4,400 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Gashpapampa Camp.
Hike duration
6–7 hours hiking.
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Route: Tapush Pass (4,800 m).
- Highlights: Transition from the valley to high-altitude zones; changing landscapes
Day 7: Gashpa – Yaucha Pass – Jahuacocha (4,100 m.a.s.l.)
Camp
Jahuacocha Camp.
Hike duration
5–6 hours hiking.
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Route: Yaucha Pass (4,800 m) – descent toward Jahuacocha Lake.
- Highlights: One of the most impressive landscapes of the circuit, with panoramic views of Yerupajá, Rasac, and Rondoy peaks.
Day 8: Jahuacocha – Llamac – Huaraz
Hike duration
3–4 hours hiking / 4 hours transport.
Meals
Breakfast – Lunch
- Route: Exit trek via Pampa Llamac – return in private transport.
- Arrival: Approx. 5:00 p.m. in Huaraz.
Our Services
Included
- Official specialized mountain/trekking guide (Spanish/English).
- Specialized cook and support team (muleteers, donkeys, and one emergency horse).
- All meals during the trek.
- Private transportation: Huaraz – start/end of the trek.
- Camping tents (double, triple), dining tent, and kitchen tent.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Community entrance fees and permits.
Not Included
- Hotel night in Huaraz.
- Sleeping bag (rental available).
- Travel or evacuation insurance.
- Tips.
Recommendations
- Arrive in Huaraz at least 3 days before the start of the trek for acclimatization hikes.
- Bring appropriate clothing for extreme cold, sunscreen, trekking poles, and water purification tablets.
