Cordillera Huayhuash, The Andes, Peru
Jirishanca, Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
The Cordillera Huayhuash
Circuit- Detailed Itinerary
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, Yerúpaja 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 Wilcahuaín and the 3,000-year-old Chavín de Huántar 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
- Thirteen days of challenging hiking with day packs at elevations up to 16,500 feet/5,000 meters
- Twelve nights camping, five nights hotels
Itinerary
Key: B, L, D—breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner included; O/N—overnight in hotel or camping
Day One, Depart your Home Country
Travel from your home country to Lima, Perú. Most international flights travel overnight and subsequently you will arrive on Day Two.
Day Two, Arrive in Lima and Fly to Huaraz
After clearing immigration, proceed to the domestic terminal for your flight to Huaraz. A Lotus Expeditions representative will meet you outside the baggage area and will transfer you to your hotel in Huaraz, situated at 10,527 feet/3,091 meters. Group orientation and welcome dinner in the evening. D; O/N, Hotel San Sebastian
Day Three, Sightseeing Huaraz
Today is an acclimatization day in Huaraz. Enjoy the stunning vistas of the Cordilleras Blanca and Negra stretched out before you. After breakfast, we will drive to the nearby Wilcahuaín ruins. After a short tour with our local guide, we will return to Huaraz on foot (2 hours) where we will have lunch followed by an optional city tour. The evening is free. B; O/N, Hotel San Sebastian
Day Four, Huaraz to Valle Llanganuco
After an early breakfast, we will drive to the Llanganuco Valley in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca for our first significant acclimatization hike. This is one of the most stunning valleys in the range. We will walk below the massive faces of, Huascaran (22,334 feet/6,768 meters), the highest peak in Peru, the Huandoy massif, Chopicalqui (20,800 feet/6,303 meters) and Chacraraju (20,300 feet/6,152 meters). After a well-deserved pack lunch, we retrace our steps and return to Huaraz for a relaxing evening. B, L; O/N, Hotel San Sebastian
Day Five, Transport to Matacancha
After an early breakfast, we depart from Huaraz and drive seven hours to the small hamlet of Matacancha (13,530 feet/4,100 meters) where we will meet our trekking staff and pack animals. We will make camp here near the stone huts of local farmers, beneath the towering peaks of Rondoy (19,260 feet/5,946 meters) and Ninashanca (18,400 feet/5,576 meters). Driving Time 6-7 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Six, Trek to Laguna Mitacocha
Today we begin our circumnavigation of the Cordillera Huayhuash and begin with a 2,000 foot/606 meter climb to our first of many passes, Cacananpunta Pass, at 15,460 feet/4,685 meters. From here we gain superb views of the northern end of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Our descent follows a high traverse directly below the sheer east faces of Rondoy and Ninashanca Peaks. We drop down into a glacier-carved valley and camp next to the stunning blue waters of Laguna Mitacocha (13,959 feet/4,230 meters). Hiking time 6–7 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Seven, Trek to Laguna Carhuacocha
Our trail continues up to our second pass, Punta Carhuac, at 15,250 feet/4,621 meters. From the top we gain our first views of the towering peaks of Jirishanca (19,944 feet/6,044 meters), Yerúpaja (21,836 feet/6,617 meters), and Siula Grande (20,935 feet/6,344 meters). After a trailside lunch we descend to our camp near the turquoise colored Laguna Carhuacocha (13,450 feet/4,078 meters) famous for its rainbow trout and mountain reflections. If we are lucky, there will be trout on the menu tonight! Hiking time, 6–7 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Eight, Rest Day
What better place to spend a day relaxing? You may sleep in, explore the surroundings or fish for rainbow trout! Photo opportunities abound as the surrounding high peaks are reflected perfectly in the turquoise waters of Laguna Carhuacocha. B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Nine, Trek to Huayhuash
Today is one of the most superb walks on the circuit. Our trail heads up a small valley, passing several spectacular alpine lakes. The towering peaks of Yerúpaja (21,836 feet/6,617 meters) and Siula Grande (20,935 feet/6,344 meters) dominate the western skyline. We will work our way slowly to our third pass at 15,840 feet/4,800 meters where we gain tremendous 360 degree views. After a trailside lunch we continue to our camp near the village of Huayhuash (14,270 feet/4,324 meters), a small farming community tucked away in the Peruvian Andes. Hiking time, 6–7 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Ten, Trek to Laguna Viconga
From the village of Huayhuash we climb steadily to our fourth pass, Portachuelo de Huayhuash, at 15,580 feet/4,721 meters. From the top of the pass we have excellent views of Puscanturpa Sur (17,855 feet/5,411 meters) and a small range of high peaks called the Cordillera Raura. We will make camp above Laguna Viconga (15,510 feet/4,700 meters) and if time and energy allow, may explore a local hot spring. Hiking time, 6–7 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Eleven, Trek to Laguna Jurau
Today will be one of our most challenging days as we leave the main trail, crossing two passes over 16,500 feet/5,000 meters high and descend steep dirt and scree into the Siula Grande Basecamp valley. We will establish our camp at 14,190 feet/4,300 meters near Laguna Jurau. Hiking time, 7–8 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Twelve, Rest Day, Visit Siula Grande
Today is a well-deserved rest day. Or, if you feel inclined, you may explore up the valley and visit Joe Simpson’s and Simon Gates’ camp at the base of Siula Grande. This is the site of Joe Simpson’s epic tale of survival documented in the book and film Touching the Void. Continue up valley to gain superb views of the massive West Face of this stunning mountain. Optional hiking time, 4–5 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Thirteen, Trek to Huatiac
From our campsite near Laguna Jurau, we begin a long descent down the Rio Calinca Valley towards the village of Huayllapa. Huayllapa is a relatively large village and you may be able to buy a Coke or a beer! You may need it as we will gain nearly 3,000 feet/900 meters as we climb steadily to our next camp situated in pastoral fields at an elevation of 14,520 feet/4,400 meters. Hiking time, 7–8 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Fourteen, Trek to Laguna Susucocha, Climb Diablo Mudo Peak
We will rise a little earlier today in order to allow sufficient time to make the optional climb to the top of Diablo Mudo Peak at 17,236 feet/5,223 meters. We will gain our seventh pass, Punta Tapush (15,675 feet/4,750 meters), and from here work our way carefully up the NW Ridge. We will establish camp near Laguna Susucocha at 15,180 feet/4,600 meters, our highest camp on trek. Hiking time with climb, 8–9 hours; Hiking only 4–5 hours ; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Fifteen, Trek to Laguna Jahuacocha
This morning there is a second opportunity to climb Diablo Mudo if weather or time did not permit an ascent the day before. Non-climbers will proceed to Laguna Jahuacocha via Yaucha Pass at 15,995 feet/4,847 meters. The trail descends steep dirt and scree but will be well worth the views you will gain from the pass. From the pass we will leave the main trail and descend a ridgeline until we make steep switchbacks to the valley floor and our spectacular campsite at Laguna Jahuacocha. Hiking time with climb, 10–11 hours; Hiking only 5–6 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Sixteen, Rest Day, Laguna Jahuacocha
Today is a well-deserved rest day and what better place to relax then beside the turquoise waters of Laguna Jahuacocha with the spectacular West Face of Yerúpaja (21,836 feet/6,617 meters), and the massive glaciers of Jirishanca (20,110 feet/6,094 meters) and El Toro (19,239 feet/5,830 meters) towering before you. For those who just can’t get enough…there is an optional day hike up to Laguna Soltercocha. Optional hiking time, 3–4 hours; B, L, D; O/N, camping
Day Seventeen, Cross Punta Rondoy Pass, Return to Huaraz
After an early breakfast we will hike around the left side of the lake and ascend steeply to our final pass, Punta Rondoy, at 15,675 feet/4,750 meters. The views from here are extraordinary and considered, by some, the best in the range. We’ll take one final glimpse at this impressive panorama before we descend to Rondoy and our rendezvous with our vehicle. Having completed the circuit, we’ll board our transport for the long drive back to Huaraz, where hot showers and a final celebration dinner await! Hiking time, 4–5 hours; Driving Time 6-7 hours; B, L, D; O/N, Hotel San Sebastian
Day Eighteen, Return to Lima
After thirteen days and nearly 100 miles/160 kilometers of challenging trekking at high altitude, crossing nine passes up to 16,500 feet/5,000 meters, and circumnavigating an entire mountain range, today you may sleep in, enjoy a big breakfast, sip coffee and take in the scenery and sounds of Huaraz and the central Peruvian Andes. There is still time for some last minute shopping before we head to the airport for our flights to Lima and our international connections. B; Flights leaving Lima should depart no earlier than 7:00pm.
Day Nineteen, Arrive Home
Extend your trip! Join our Inca Trail and Machu Picchu trip. Click here for more information on hiking the Inca Trail
Additional Documents
Download Printable Detailed Huayhuash Circuit Itinerary
Download Reservation Packet
View Peru Slideshow