Hiking
The Huayhuash Trek is an amazing journey to the very heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, the second highest tropical mountain range in the world. A trekker's paradise, this terrain is remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful.
High Passes
This version of the Huayhuash trek crosses six high passes over 4500 m (14,763 ft) and two that are higher than 5000 m (16,404 ft)!
Alpine Lakes
Throughout the 12 days of the trek, we camp next to stunningly beautiful alpine lakes and in broad, grassy valleys replete with wildflowers and rushing alpine creeks, while basking in the imposing presence of the White Mountains
Wildlife
You can see a variety of high-altitude animals, including wild vicuñas, soaring Andean condors, and scurrying vizcachas, while trekking around Huaraz.
Overview
Huaraz and the world ́s highest tropical range mountains have one of the most desirable treks in your journey to Perú. This programme has a perfect combination of natural views, nature flora, and pre-Inca Archeological sites that will blow your mind. With new access roads into what is considered Peru's most spectacular mountain scenery, this short trek ventures into the heart of this beautiful and panoramic mountain range. It offers a new opportunity for those who don’t have the time to do the longer, classic traditional route. A prerequisite, however, is to be well-acclimatised since you will reach altitude quickly.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Huaraz - Huánuco Pampa - Queropalca Camp
Pick up from your hotel and drive to the south east, passing small villages such as Recuay, Ticapampa, Catac and Conococha. Pass through the mining district and places such as Pachapaqui, Huanzala, Huallanca before finally arriving at the Archeological Center of Huánuco Pampa. One of the many administrative centres which is built along the highland Inca highway between Cusco and Quito. The land administrated at least five, and perhaps many more, ethnic group. Visit this interesting place then continue your drive to Queropalca, where you spend the night at 3830m. (L/D)
Driving time: Approx. 7 hrs.
Driving Distance: Approx. 271.7m./ 168.8 miles
Day 2 | Queropalca - Carhuacocha
A half-day hike takes you to the shore of Laguna Carhuacocha. On a calm day, the snow-capped peaks of Jirishanca and Yerupajá are reflected in the water, creating a stunning visual effect. Camp by the lake at an altitude of 4,200m (13,780ft). (B / L / D)
Hike distance: 10.8 km (6.7 mi) – Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Day 3 | Carhuacocha - Carhuac Pass - Janca
Leaving your campsite behind, hike over a Pass at 4,620m (15,157ft) with great views of the surrounding area. Once over the Punta Carhuacocha Pass you come into view of Lake Mitucocha and in the background Mt. Yerupaja, Rondoy and Ninashanca form the backdrop of your day’s hike. Lunch on route or in the camp. Arrive in the early afternoon with time to walk around the lake and get closer views of the mountain. Overnight and camp at Mitucocha. 4,100m. (B/L/D)
Hike distance: 13.3 km (8.3 mi) – Duration: 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Day 4 | Janca – Cacananpunta Pass - Matacancha
Leaving the camp and head towards Cacananpunta Pass at 4,700m (15,420ft). The trail winds up to the pass, the aquarium divortium and after that you start your descent on the other side, to Cuartelhuain where you will have lunch. Continue over to Matacancha, camp below tomorrow’s pass, at 4,200m. (B/L/D)
Hike distance: 9.4 km (5.8 mi) – Duration: 7 hours.
Day 5 | Matacancha – Sambunya Pass - Jahuacocha
Ascend through the Rondoy valley towards Sambuya pass at 4,750m (15,583ft), from where you can see the snow-capped peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupaja, Rasac, and Solteracocha. Descend towards Lake Jahuacocha, camp 4076m (13,232ft) near the lake, below a beautiful cirque. (B/L/D)
Hike distance: 12.8 km (8 mi) – Duration: 8 hours.
Day 6 | Jahuacocha – Mancanpunta Pass - Pocpa - Huaraz
Following your customised Huayhuash trekking circuit, set off from camp after breakfast to head back to Huaraz. Your journey begins with a consistent yet manageable ascent towards Mancanpunta Pass, situated at an altitude of 4,572m. Once at the pass, you’ll take a short break to appreciate the breathtaking vistas of the encompassing Andean mountain ranges before descending via a steep, gravel-laden trail leading you down to Pocpa at 3,483m. At Pocpa, your private transportation will be ready and waiting to take you back to Huaraz.
Hike distance: 9.4 km (5.8 mi) – Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Car distance: 144 km (90 mi) – Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes.
End of Services
B – Breakfast / BL – Box Lunch / L – Lunch / D – Dinner
Ready for Trekking but want more flexibility?
We offer a full range of trekking options throughout Peru from shorter 2 day hikes to longer 12 days trips and several more challenging options. Hikes include the famous Inca Trail as well as treks in the ’Swiss Alps of Peru’ region Huaraz and others.
Gallery
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