A rewarding, fully supported trek around the stunning Huayhuash range of northern Peru.
This is a sparsely populated area of awesome ice-flanked peaks and you are fully supported throughout.
We also offer a fully guided group Huayhuash Magic trek.
Outline Itinerary – day 1
Transport from Huaraz to Chiquian, starting point of the trek.
Day 2
The first full day of trekking is spent at relatively low altitudes
(below 3400 metres), thus helping further with acclimatisation. You
follow the Pativilca river downstream for two hours before turning
east up the Llamac valley to the village of Llamac (3250 metres).
Other than scattered settlements, this is one of only two villages
we encounter on the trek.
Day 3
On day three continue up the Llamac valley and, by mid-afternoon,
you are amid the grassy wilds of high puna with the first clear
views of the snowpeaks of the northern massif. Camp is near the
Quebrada Rondoy at Cuartel Huain (4100 metres). (N.B. Circumstances
may require an alternative route on days two and three).
Day 4
On the morning of the fourth day you climb to the first pass,
Cacanampunta (4700 metres), and descend through a wide valley to the
beautiful Lake Mitucocha (4200 metres) and camp.
Day 5
On day five you continue up a narrow valley to the Punta Carhuac
pass (4650 metres) then descend to the gorgeous Lake Carhuacocha
with its fabulous view of a row of gigantic snowpeaks. Camp near the
lake shore.
Day 6
Rest day. We plan to leave the next day free for a magnificent side
trip over glacial screes either to the pristine turquoise Lagunas
Siula at the base of Siula Grande (6344m), or to Laguna Chaclan, at
the base of Mount Jirishanka (6094m).
Day 7
Day seven sees you resume the clockwise circuit. There are two
alternative routes to tonight's camp: (1) via the Carnicero pass
(4600m), or (2) the more demanding route via Laguna Siula. Both
routes allow possibilities of sighting wild, elusive vicuna, as well
as spectacular views of Yerupaja (6634m, second highest in Peru),
Siula (6344m), Carnicero and Trapecio. Camp is at the tiny
settlement of Huayhuash (4350m).
Day 8
Next day you approach the southern end of the range. You cross the
Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass (4750m) and are rewarded with views of
the Cordillera Raura, a neighbouring range of smaller peaks. At the
end of the descent is Lake Viconga (4500 metres). Camp nearby.
Day 9
Day nine is a long day. The first objective is the Punta Cuyoc pass
(5000 m), the trek's highest point. You descend the long Huanacpatay
valley, pass a 300 metre waterfall and follow the Huayllapa valley
to camp at or near Huayllapa village(3550m).
Day 10
Day ten takes you up the Tapush valley via Huatia to the Tapush pass
(4800m). A one hour descent brings you to camp at Cashpapampa
(4400m). From here, Diablo Mudo fills the view.
Day 11
Weather conditions permitting, on day eleven there are two
alternative routes to the next camp: (1) the direct route via the
Yaucha valley and Yaucha pass (4800m). From the pass, the view of
Mount Yerupajá, Rasac (6017m) and others is superb. Furthermore,
with luck, an Andean condor may be spotted. A two hour descent
brings you to camp for two nights on the shores of Lake Jahuacocha.
Day 12
Some of the finest views on the circuit are had from the camp; a
line of magnificent snowpeaks, including Yerupajá and Siula, forming
the perfect backdrop. Day twelve takes you over the Llamac pass
(4300m) to camp at Huarangallo.
Day 13
Trek to Chiquian and bus to Huaraz.
You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
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