HUAYHUASH TREK TRADITIONAL

16 DAYS 15 NIGHTS
Huaraz – Chiquian – Llamac – Cuartelhuain – Mitucocha – Carhuacocha – Huayhuash – Cuartelpampa – Huanacpatay – Huantiac – Susucocha – Llamac - Chiquian.

TRIP PROFILE
The small, remote Huayhuash range, south of the Cordillera Blanca, offers the trekker some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

The many dramatic snow-capped and glacier-clad peaks over 20,000ft. /6000m, include Yerupaja, Peru’s second highest peak (22,133ft. /6634m) and Siula Grande (21,146ft. /6344 m).

Apart from the peaks the range is dotted with beautiful blue and turquoise lakes, stocked with trout. Open grassy valleys make perfect campsites; clear rushing streams complete an idyllic alpine picture. In the TRADITIONAL trek we have carefully considered a balance combination between a challenging route with a good gentle walk pace. This in order to enjoy the highlight, the nature.

This trek is one of the world’s classic high-altitude routes, involving a stunning circuit of 180km around a remote and truly spectacular mountain range. The Cordillera Huayhuash still sees very few trekkers. The route has sustained periods above 13,333ft. / 4000 metres, and should be attempted only by those who are experienced walkers and in good physical condition. Although there are 14 days of walking, with eight passes over 4,500m, distances walked on each day are generally short

GRADING: D
SEASON: APRIL TO OCTOBER
CODE: HRZ AX-5

DAY 1 : Bus HUARAZ - CHIQUIÁN (110 km, 3 hrs)
Along the way we have an opportunity to see the glaciers of Caullaraju (5686m), Tuco (5464m), and part of the Cordillera Blanca South. We make an overnight stay at a local inn, in the vicinity of Chiquán (3350m). (L; D)

DAY 2 : CHIQUIÁN - LLÁMAC (24 km, 8 hrs)
Today we meet the muleteers with our donkeys and start the Huayhuash Trek. The route descends down and along the Ainin River for several km, until we cross the rivers Ainin and Quero to the river Llámac. We continue following the trail to the village of Llámac (2950m), where we camp. (B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 3 : LLÁMAC - CUERTELHUAIN (18 km, 6 hrs)
From Llámac the trail continues up the valley to the smaller village of Pocpa and crosses the river three times before arriving at the entrance to the Quedrada Rondoy, which leads us to the upper meadows, providing glimpses of the huge Nevado Rondoy (19,596ft. /5879m). Here we make camp surrounded by impressive views. (B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 4 : CUERTELHUAIN - MITUCOCHA (12 km, 5 hrs)
First we begin the series of switchbacks that lead towards our first big pass; Cacanampunta (15,833ft./4750m). Here we cross the continental divide, were the waters flow both into the Amazon and the Atlantic. Then we descend into a wide grassy valley where we can appreciate the peaks of Jirishanca Grande (20,163ft. /6049m), Jirishanca Chico (18,150ft. /5445m) and Rondoy (19,596ft. /5879m). Making camp at 14,333ft. /4300m beside Lake Mitucocha. (B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 5 : MITUCOCHA - CARHUACOCHA (13 km, 5 hrs)
The route heads back down the valley below Mitucocha, this time on the south side, leading to the Carhuac pass (15,500ft. /4650m). From here there are imposing views of Nevado Yerupajá (22,113ft. /6634m) and Yerupajá Chico (20,403ft./6121m). On the descent we can appreciate lake Carhuacocha hundreds of feet below. We camp above or below the lake, with a panorama of spectacular views, at approx. 13,666ft. /4100m.
(B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 6 : LAKE CARHUACOCHA (4100 m)
A day at leisure to explore the area yourself, perhaps doing a spot of fishing, with views of Siula peak (21,186ft. /6356m).
(B; L; TT; D)

DAY 7 : CARHUACOCHA - HUAYHUASH (13 km, 6 hrs)
Today we make the steep ascent of Punta Carnicero (15,566ft. /4670m) past the twin lakes of Atogshaico, with extensive views of Siula (21,186ft. /6356m), Carnicero “butcher” (19,866ft. /5960m) and Jurau (18,913ft. /5674m). Descending between lakes Chocopata Kocha and Huaraco Kocha to our campsite near the small settlement of Huayhuash (14,500ft./4350m).
(B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 8 : HUAYHUASH - CUARTELPAMPA (13 km, 5 hrs)
We make the ascent to Portachuelo de Ararac pass (15,866ft. /4760m) with extensive views of Carnicero Raura and Trapesio (18,800ft. /5640m). Ahead we can see the ice domes of the Cordillera Puscanturpa (18,140ft. /5442m) as we make our way to Cuartelpampa and our campsite (13,666ft. /4100m), with an optional side trip to the thermal springs.(B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 9 : CUARTELPAMPA - HUANACPATAY (13 km, 5 hrs)
Perhaps this is the hardest day, beginning with the ascent of Punta Cuyoc (16,000ft. /4800m), then descending down the steep, slippery trail to the river Quedrada Guanacpatay, with the best views of Huayhuash (18,800ft. /5640m), Nevado Diablo Mundo (17,433ft. /5230m), Sarapo (20,523ft. /6157m) and Caramarca (18,526ft. /5558m). Making camp at 13,833ft. /4150m. (B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 10 : HUANACPATAY - HUANTIAC (14 km, 5 hrs)
A long but beautiful days walk, we descend to the river Huayllapa, just below the impressive falls of Quebrada Guanacpatay, continuing to Huayllapa village. From here we climb through farmlands and meadows to our camp in Huntiac (14,000ft. /4200m), with views of Nevado Rasac (20,056ft. /6017m) and Nevado Tsacra (18,493ft. /5548m) en route. (B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 11 : HUANTIAC - SUSUCOCHA (11 km, 5 hrs)
Today the trail, faint at first, soon becomes more clearly defined as it climbs steeply to Punta Tapuch pass (16,000ft. /4800m), from here nevado Diablo Mundo (17,433ft. /5230m) can be seen perfectly. Then we descend into a wide valley to Lake Susucocha and our campsite at 13,666ft. /4100m, with a magnificent panorama of snow capped peaks. (B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 12 : SUSUCOCHA - JAHUACOCHA (12 km, 4 hrs)
We start by ascending a valley to the east, and then we cross a pass and descend into the river Achin valley. Making camp just below lake Jahuacocha (13,666ft. /4100m) beneath the glacier Jerupaja (22,113ft. /6634m) and the peaks of Jirishanca (20,313ft. /6094m), Rasac (20,056ft. /6017m) and Rondoy (22,900ft. /6870m). With an optional short side trip to gain excellent views of the Cordillera Blanca and the most important Huayhuash peaks. (B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 13 : DAY AT LEISURE - JAHUACOCHA
A day free to enjoy the surroundings - the trout fishing in the lake is excellent. There is also an optional excursion to the enchanted lakes of Solterococha and Rasacocha, which lie beneath Rasac (20,056ft. /6017m), Yenupaja north (20,403ft. /6121m) and Nevado Jirishanca (20,313ft. /6094m). We usually have a “pachamanca” meal; cooked in an improvised underground oven, heated by hot rocks. (B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 14 : JAHUACOCHA - LLAMAC (17 km, 7 hrs)
We start by climbing the ridge to a rocky section (not steep), leading to our last pass at Pampa Llamac (14,333ft. /4300m). Then we descend to Llamac village where we make camp at 9,833/ 2950m. (B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 15 : LLAMAC - CHIQUIAN (21 km, 8 hrs)
We descend on the same route that we used to approach to Huayhuash. Saying good-bye to our muleteers and travelling on to a local inn (11,166ft. /3350m) for a wash and a well earned rest.(B; BL; TT; D)

DAY 16 : CHIQUIAN - HUARAZ (110 km, 3 hrs)
We drive by dirt road back to Huaraz. (B)

INCLUDED:
Camping equipment, cooking gear, English-speaking guide, porter and donkeys, full board, land transportation from Huaraz to the trail-head and back to Huaraz, accommodation in local Inn in Quichian.

QOYLLUR TRAVEL TIP:

- If you require guides in other languages please consult
- Max. 16 participants per group
- Transport in private buses
- Two days at leisure for own explorations

NOT INCLUDED:
Personal equipment, backpacks, sleeping bags and all personal expenses, mattresses.

See the complet route map click here