Joining the tour
On booking you will be sent the following information: name and address of Lima hotel, advice on how to get there and time of rendezvous with tour leader.
Itinerary details
Note: Should circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1
Join the tour in Lima. (1 night hotel)
Day 2
Take early bus for a contrasting journey ending in the high Andes at the small highland city of Huaraz. We head north through coastal desert to Pativilca, then turn inland and begin climbing NE. As we climb, barren valley sides contrast with cultivated river banks. Cacti gradually give way to scrub, then temperate vegetation and eventually puna grassland.
At the journey’s high point, Conococha (4,050 metres), we turn N and descend the Callejon de Huaylas where the huge Cordillera Blanca snow peaks to the right (E) begin to dominate the landscape. The Cordillera Blanca mountain range contains the major concentration of peaks over 6,000 metres outside the Himalayas.
We arrive Huaraz (3,090m) late-afternoon. 3 nights hotel.
Day 3-4
Huaraz, a bustling town of 80 thousand inhabitants, is our Andean base. The valley it sits in is known as the
'Callejon de Huaylas'. This is flanked to the east by the Cordillera Blanca, the mountain range with the highest concentration of peaks over 6000 metres outside the Himalayas.
Besides offering breathtaking mountain panoramas, featuring Huascarán (Peru’s highest peak at 6,768m), Huandoy (6,395m), Churup and Ranrapalca (6,162 metres), Huaraz is conveniently placed for activities before, between and after the trek.
Options include white-water rafting, mountain biking in the nearby Cordillera Negra, a visit to one of the valley’s bustling produce markets or to the remarkable 3 thousand-year-old ruins of Chavin de Huantar.
On day 4 we plan an acclimatization hike in the Cordillera Blanca’s awesome Llanganuco valley to the N (allow $10 in transport costs).
Day 5
For the coming season we have once more slightly adjusted the itinerary in order to avoid a new road being built at the traditional start of the traditional Huayhaush Circuit, while easing acclimatisation to altitude.
We leave Huaraz and drive S. At Pachacoto, we turn E into the Pachacoto valley to see the incredible (endemic) Puya Raimondii, tallest flower spike in the world. Resuming the journey S, we cross wild paramo (puna), passing the southernmost peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.
The Huayhuash range, containing in a single cluster seven of the highest and most dramatic summits in Peru, reveals itself on our descent to the small town of Chiquian.
Over the next 12 days we cover approximately 190 kilometres and cross 9 high passes (between 4,650 and 5000m). There’s also the optional non-technical ascent of Suerococha (5,330m).
For most of the circuit we walk and camp at altitudes in excess of 4,000m. (Night stops indicated below may vary).
Day 6
On our first full day of trekking, we leave Llamac - one of only 2 villages encountered on the entire circuit - and head south on a path that takes us high above the Llamac valley. Reaching a col at 3,900m, our trail begins to head east, traversing high above the Achin river, and gives us our first close-up views of the Cordillera Huayhuash peaks Rondoy (5,870m), Jirishanka (6,094m) and Yerupaja (6,634m, the second highest peak in Peru). Our trail continues to traverse the mountainside, rounding a succession of narrow spurs, and passing through copses of Quenual forest. Eventually our trail meets the river, and we are amid an environment of puna, comprising coarse ichu grasslands. Also hereabouts, the valley sides are punctuated by large patches of Quenual forest. But the landscape is dominated by the looming, glacier-encrusted peaks of the Cordillera. Camp is in the shadow of these peaks, beside Lake Jahuacocha (3,950m).
Day 7
First we follow the lake’s N shore Eastwards, towards the range’s glaciated flanks. We start climbing N towards the Sambunya pass (4,750m), with ever more impressive views of turquoise Laguna Solterococha and the nearby peaks and glaciers as we climb. We descend the Quebrada Rondoy to the Cuncush valley, which we ascend gently to our camp. Camp at Matacancha (4,150m).
Day 8
This morning we climb to our 2nd pass, Cacanampunta (4,700m), and descend through a wide valley. Our camp (4,200m) beside Laguna Mitucocha offers stunning views of the dual summits of Jirishanca (6,094m) reflected in the beautiful lake. There may be time for a side trip over a moraine to Lake Ninacocha at the foot of Mount Ninashanka.
Day 9
We begin today by skirting the broad floodplain of the Janca valley (good for spotting the Andean goose
and lapwing, as we continue up a narrow valley to the Punta Carhuac pass (4,650m) then descend to the gorgeous Lake Carhuacocha with its fabulous view of a row of gigantic snowpeaks, including Siula (6,344m) and Yerupaja. Camp beside Lake Carhuacocha.
Day 10
There are two alternative routes to tonight’s camp: (1) via the Carnicero pass (4,600m), or (2) the more demanding route via Laguna Siula. Both routes allow possibilities of sighting the elusive, wild vicuna, as well as spectacular views of Yerupaja, Siula, Carnicero and Trapecio. We camp at Huayhuash (4,350m).
Day 11
Next day we approach the southern end of the range. We cross the Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass (4,750m) and are rewarded with views of the Cordillera Raura, a neighbouring range of smaller peaks. At the end of our descent is Lake Viconga (4,500 metres). We camp near Viconga.
Day 12
Day (six) is a long day. Our first objective is the Punta Cuyoc pass (5,000 m). Other than Suerococha, this is the trek’s highest point. We descend the long Huanacpatay valley, to our camp, above its confluence with the Quebrada Huayllapa (4,300m).
Day 13
Today we head into a remote and little-visited corner of the cordillera. Leaving camp, we take a rarely-trodden route up a spur abutting Cerro San Antonio, until we gain the ridge-top (4,900m). Here we are treated to awesome views of the south faces of Yerupaja, Siula Grande, Sarapo and Rasac, as well as the west faces of Jurau and Carnicero. We descend the far side to the upper end of the Quebrada Calinca and our camp for two nights (4,300m). Our donkeys take a longer, more straightforward route to tonight’s camp, descending the Quebrada Huanacpatay, then turning up the Calinca valley.
Day 14
Today is free for rest or exploration. We plan to head up the stunning Quebrada Sarapococha and enjoy some wonderful views. The area we’ll explore was made famous by Joe Simpson in his epic adventure book, Touching the Void. The Sarapococha valley was the scene of his dramatic retreat from the west face of Mount Siula Grande. This famous fluted ice wall is one of several fantastic views that can be appreciated in close-up from the valley.
Day 15
Today’s is quite a long day’s walk. We follow the Quebrada Calinca downstream and drop below 4,000 metres for the first time since trek day one. Passing below a 200-metre high waterfall, we follow the temperate Quebrada Huayllapa to the tiny village of Huayllapa (3,500m). We resume with an ascent of the Tapush valley to our camp at Huatia (4,300m).
Day 16
We have a relatively short day’s walk today, ascending to the Tapush pass (4,800m), before a one-hour descent brings us to our camp at Cashpapampa (4,400m). From here, Suerococha can be seen clearly to the southeast.
Day 17
Weather conditions permitting, today there are two alternative routes to the next camp:
(1) via the Yaucha valley and Yaucha pass (4,800m). Fromthe pass, a two-hour descent brings us to our camp for two nights on the shores of Lake Jahuacocha.
(2) The more energetic option sees us set of from camp in the very early hours and aim to summit the Suerococha snow peak (5,350m). This requires the use of crampons, harness and ice axe, but is a non-technical climb. It does, however, involve the longest and most demanding day of the trek. We descend by a different flank of the mountain, then descend the Huacrish Valley all the way to our camp on the shores of Lake Jahuacocha (3,950m).
Some of the finest views on the circuit are had from our camp; a line of magnificent snow peaks, including Yerupajá and Siula, forming the perfect backdrop.
Day 18
We leave camp early and descend the Achin valley for an hour or so, before picking up a trail that takes us up to the Pampa Llamac pass (4,300m). We descend the other side to the village of Llamac where we rendezvous with our vehicle for the afternoon drive back to Huaraz. (1 night hotel)
Day 19
We return by bus to the Pacific coast and Lima. (1 night hotel)
Day 20
Tour ends Lima.
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
Practical
Information
Small groups mean flexibility and informality. Your tour leader will be on hand to iron out any problems and give informed advice on things to do, where to eat etc. In towns we use clean, comfortable hotels. In more remote areas, accommodation can be more simple. When camping we use two person lightweight tents. On the trek, all equipment is transported for us and meals are prepared by our local cook.
Fitness and experience
In order to get the most out of the tour you should be in good physical condition. It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for the treks, since it is a subjective matter. However, we have classified this trek as strenuous. We trek approximately five to eight hours per day with several long ascents and descents. On the trek all personal belongings other than a day-pack are carried for you.
Altitude
Shortness of breath is normal when first arriving at altitude. Acclimatisation time is built into the tour programme. The highest point on the trek is 5,000m, (5,300m if you climb Diablo Mudo) but we will be camping below that level.
Climate
Peru is located entirely within the tropics, but the climate varies significantly according to season and geographical zone.
Coast: May to October damp and misty but very little rain. (Average day/night temperature in Lima 20C/13C)
December to March warm and sunny.
Highlands: May to October sunny days and chilly evenings. Best time for walking in the mountains. (Average day/night temperature in Cuzco 21C/3C) (N.B. at higher altitudes temperatures can drop well below freezing at night, and the sun is very strong). December to March is the rainy season.
Visas
Currently, no visa is required by British citizens visiting Peru, but your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of travel. Non-British passport holders should check visa requirements with the Peruvian Embassy. All requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Vaccinations
Please check with your doctor or travel clinic for latest advice as requirements are subject to change. Vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis and polio are recommended and malaria precautions are needed for visiting jungle areas.
Personal expenses
We recommend you carry most funds in US dollars cash (mixed denomination, unmarked and undamaged bank notes) and some US dollar travellers cheques, which can be changed in larger towns and typically incur a 3% commission. Cash cards are also useful as ATM machines are available in most large towns visited on this itinerary. Credit cards can be used in some restaurants and for obtaining cash in certain banks.
The cost of the tour includes all meals while on the trek and all breakfasts elsewhere, but you will need money to cover: other meals, snacks and drinks (approximately 30-50% cheaper than Europe); handicrafts; airport tax ($25 international, $10 national); optional excursions (rafting $30); extra entrance fees; tips; laundry etc.
International Flights
We can arrange your international flights at competitive rates through our ATOL-bonded agency. Approximate prices are shown on the Dates and Prices sheet sent with the brochure.
Insurance
Your insurance policy must cover you against medical expenses and repatriation. Please send us a copy of your policy as soon as possible after booking.
Luggage & Equipment
Bring a main piece of lockable luggage to be left in the hotel while you are trekking. For the trek, re-pack into a kit bag, holdall or rucksack. This will contain your sleeping bag, torch, toiletries, changes of clothes, spare footwear etc. It will be transported for you by porter. You will also require a day-pack to carry items you need to hand.
(Please let us know if you'd like to be sent a comprehensive equipment list).
For the ascent of Diablo Mudo you will need: Plastic boots or four-season leather boots suitable for strap-on or step-in crampons, crampons, harness and ice axe. (These can be hired in Huaraz. Advise us as early as possible so that items can be reserved). Also gaiters, headlamp, gloves or mittens and ‘goggle’ sunglasses).
Optional extensions
If you would like to spend more time in Peru or neighbouring countries we can arrange this for you. Some of the extensions we offer are:
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5 day visit to Cuzco and the world famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu
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High altitude train journey across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca.
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Journey down the desert coast to the enigmatic Nazca lines.
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Spanish and/or Quechua language courses in Cuzco year-round.
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5 day Amazon rainforest expedition into the Tambopata Reserved Zone.
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5-9 day jungle expedition into Manu National Park.
Facts and figures: Peru
Population: 25 mill (50% indian, 32% mestizo, 12% white and 2% black).
Capital city: Lima, population approximately 7.5 million.
Geography: Five times the size of the UK, Peru, the third largest country in South America, covers 1.28 million sq km. It is bounded to the N by Ecuador and Colombia, to the E by Brazil and Bolivia, to the S by Chile, and to the W by the Pacific Ocean.
Economy: Agriculture (33% of economically active population), fishing and mining are the traditional sectors of employment, with manufacturing (10%) increasingly important. The service industry employs 27% of the workers. Major food crops are rice, maize and potatoes, while the major cash crops are coca and coffee. Important exports are copper, zinc, gold, lead, silver and petrol. |
