Cordillera Huayhuash, The Andes, Peru
Jirishanca, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
2008 Dates:
Apr 05- Apr 23
Apr 12- Apr 30
Apr 19- May 07
Apr 26- May 14
May 03- May 21
May 10- May 28
May 17- Jun 04
May 24- Jun 11
May 31- Jun 18
Jun 07- Jun 25
Jun 14- Jul 02
Jun 21- Jul 09
Jun 28- Jul 16
Jul 05- Jul 23
Jul 12- Jul 30
Jul 19- Aug 06
Jul 26- Aug 13
Aug 02- Aug 20
Aug 09- Aug 27
Aug 16- Sep 03
Aug 23- Sep 10
Aug 30- Sep 17
Sep 06- Sep 24
Sep 13- Oct 01
Sep 20- Oct 08
Sep 27- Oct 15
Oct 04- Oct 22
Oct 11- Oct 29
Oct 18- Nov 05
2008 Prices:
Coming soon.....
The Cordillera Huayhuash
Circuit Trek
19 Days- Weekly departures in April-October, 2008
Custom departures and prices available
Trip Difficulty: Challenging
The Cordillera Huayhuash Trek (pronounced why-wash) is one of the classic mountain circuits of the world. Just south of the Cordillera Blanca, the central Andes provide walks on a Himalayan scale with dramatic ice-fluted peaks, knife-edge ridges and dozens of mountains over 20,000 feet/6061 meters, including the second highest peak in Peru, Yerpaja at 21,836 feet/6,617 meters.
Our adventure begins in Huaraz where we will spend a few days exploring and acclimatizing to the higher altitude. There are several archaeological sites in the region dating to Inca and pre-Inca times including the nearby ruins of Wilcahuan and the 3,000-year-old Chavn de Huantar site, home to one of the most important pre-Inca cultures in the Americas.
Our trek is a challenging thirteen day adventure that circumnavigates the entire Huayhuash Range (@ 100 miles/160 kilometers), exploring remote valleys, following ancient Inca trails, camping next to trout-filled, turquoise lakes and crossing high mountain passes with panoramic views.
In addition to its mountain beauty, the region is inhabited by Quechua-speaking Indians, many of whom practice subsistence agriculture. Our trek ventures close to several small settlements but largely remains a true wilderness experience.
Although the Huayhuash Circuit is a challenging trek in terms of difficulty, it requires no previous expedition experience. A good fitness level is essential, however, as you will be hiking with a day pack for 5-8 hours each day at altitudes over 14,000 feet/4,300 meters and crossing several high passes on rough trails up to 16,500 feet/5,000 meters.
Trip Summary:
- High-mountain trek, glaciated peaks, turquoise lakes, and alpine valleys
- 100 Mile Circuit
- Thirteen days of challenging hiking with day packs at elevations up to 16,500 feet/5,000 meters
- Twelve nights camping, five nights hotels
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1- Depart Home Country
Day 2- Arrive Lima and Fly to Huaraz
Day 3- Sightseeing Huaraz, Inca Ruins
Day 4- Dayhike to the Llanganuco Valley
Day 5- Drive to Matacancha
Day 6- Begin Trek to Laguna Mitacocha
Day 7- Trek to Laguna Carhuacocha
Day 8- Rest Day
Day 9- Trek to Huayhuash Village
Day 10- Trek to Laguna Viconga
Day 11- Trek to Laguna Jurau
Day 12- Rest Day, Visit Joe Simpson's Basecamp
Day 13- Trek to Huatiac
Day 14- Climb Diablo Mudo and Trek to Laguna Susucocha
Day 15- Trek to Laguna Jahuacocha
Day 16- Rest Day
Day 17- Trek to Rondoy, Drive to Huaraz
Day 18- Fly to Lima and Depart for Home
Day 19- Arrive Home
Extend your trip! Join our Inca Trail and Machu Picchu trip. Click here for more information on hiking the Inca Trail
Detailed Huayhuash Circuit Itinerary:
View Detailed Itinerary of Cordillera Huayhuash Trek
Additional Information:
Download Printable Detailed Huayhuash Circuit Itinerary ( PDF)
Download Reservation Packet (PDF)
View Peru Slideshow