10 Days/09 Nights April to November Moderate
The Cordillera Huayhuash (Huayhuash Range): The Huayhuash Range is the second highest tropical mountain chain in the world, after the Cordillera Blanca (White Range), immediately to the north. Even though it is located 120 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, the crest forms part of the Continental Divide of South America; the waters of the eastern slope flow to the Marañon River, a principal tributary of the Amazon.
Running from north to south, the main zone that has some twenty summits within about 25 km, with a secondary mountain change of summits of lower elevation toward the west that is about 15 km long. Six of the peaks are higher than 6,000 meters. Among the peaks, Yerupajá (6,617 m) stands out - it is the second highest mountain in Peru (after Huascarán, at 6,768 m.) Also of note is Siula Grande (6,344 m), which achieved fame through the book and subsequent film “Tocando el Vacio“ (Touching the Void) by mountaineer Joe Simpson.
This area also hosts dozens of glacial lakes of incomparable beauty. The closest towns are Chiquián (3,400 m) and Cajatambo (3,375 m)
This area also hosts dozens of glacial lakes of incomparable beauty. The closest towns are Chiquián (3,400 m) and Cajatambo (3,375 m).
Overview: Huayhuash Circuit trek around the Cordillera Huayhuash takes around 10 or 11 days to complete. There are several possible routes and the circuit can be tackled in either direction, but all Huayhuash Circuit treks include the same major features. As the trek progresses, participants need to dig deep into their reserves of endurance to conquer numerous high passes but are rewarded by the sight of magnificent, remote mountain vistas, including views of Yerupajá and Siula Grande, along the way. This is one of the toughest treks out of Huaraz that requires no technical mountaineering skills but the exquisite scenery along the way sets it apart from other challenging treks in Peru. The knowledge of having conquered such a demanding trek is ample recompense for the exertion required to reach the end.
Many guiding books: They say that Huayhuash trekking is the most beautiful in all of America (and the second best trekking in the world).
Day 1: Huaraz - Transfer Cordillera Huayhuash - Camp Matacancha (4150 m)
Day 2: Matacancha - Trekking Cacanampunta (4700 m) - Laguna Mitucocha (4300m)
Day 3: Mitucocha - Trekking Punta Carhuac Pass (4640 m) - Laguna Carhuacocha (4200 m)
Day 4: Carhuacocha - Trekking Siula Pass (4950 m) / Laguna Quesillococha - Huayhuash (4450 m)
Day 5: Huayhuash - Trekking to the village of Portachuelo de Huayhuash - Laguna Viconga / Hot Springs (4400 m)
Day 6: Laguna Viconga - Trekking Punta Cuyoc Pass (5020 m) - Huanacpatay (4350 m)
Day 7: Huanacpatay - Trekking Village of Huayllapa (3600 m) - Huatiac (4290 m)
Day 8: Huatiac - Trekking Punta Tapush (4800 m) - Cashgapampa (4500 m)
Day 9: Cashgapampa - Trekking Llaucha Pass (4750 m) - Laguna Jahuacocha (4066 m), Optional: Climb Diablo Mudo (5350 m)
Day 10: Jahuacocha - Trekking Jahuapunta Pass (4650 m) - Village of Pocpa (3600 m); Transfer to Huaraz
Day 1: Huaraz - Transfer Cordillera Huayhuash - Camp Matacancha (4150 m)
Transfer in van via the Santa Valley across the Pachacoto Bridge, then continue on the mountain road in Puja Raimondi National Park (4,780 m) to Huarapasca Pass. Along this road we see giant plants in the form of a candle which flourish only in the south of the Cordillera Blanca. At the top of the pass, you’ll see the Pasto Ruri glacier. Continuing over 2 more passes to the village of Matacancha (4,150 m) in the Huayhuash region, the starting point of the trekking circuit. Meet with the team of guides, the mule drivers (and their burros) and first camp. Overnight Camp (-/L/D)
Day 2: Matacancha - Trekking Cacanampunta (4700 m) - Laguna Mitucocha (4300 m)
First day of trekking: Climb the steep slope of Matacancha to Cacanampunta Pass (4,700 m), which forms the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and the spectacular open views of the wild mountains of Huayhuash, in particular the peaks of Rondoy and Jirishanca. Descent over wide fields and a beautiful camp at Laguna Mitococha (4300 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 3: Mitucocha - Trekking Punta Carhuac Pass (4640 m) - Laguna Carhuacocha (4200 m)
An inviting climb to Punta Carhuac Pass (4,650 m) and descent over smooth rolling grasslands to Carhuacocha Lake (4,200 m), one of the best campsites on the route. If there is no wind, we’ll see the peaks of rock and ice (Jirishancas and Yerupajá Grande y Chico) reflected on the surface of the calm waters. At the lake live indigenous farmers - with their permission we may get to catch fresh trout for dinner! Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 4: Carhuacocha - Trekking Siula Pass (4950 m) / Laguna Quesillococha - Huayhuash (4450 m)
This part of the route is strenuous and has no obvious road. It passes through remote peaks and glaciers of Huayhuash, with the most magnificent panoramic view of the excursion. We pass Lake Carhuacocha and beyond that is the ice fall and retreating glacier of Sarapo Peak (6127m). We cross Siula Pass (4950 m) with overwhelming panoramic views. The descent into camp at Quesillococha Camp (4450 m), close to the small village of Carnicero, seems effortless after the climb.
Alternative: If you prefer an easier day, there is a route that is a little longer but less demanding and less steep: flat along the east edge of Lake Carhuacocha, climb through the Quebrada Acoshpado to the summit of Carnicero Point (4580 m) and the smooth descent to the two lakes of Atocshaiko to Carnicero Camp or Camp Huayhuash at Quesillococha Lake (4450 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 5: Huayhuash - Trekking to the village of Portachuelo de Huayhuash - Laguna Viconga / Hot Springs (4400 m)
A wide commercial route extends to the south to the small village Portachuelo de Huayhuash, then to the headwaters of the Huayhuash River - the very green Suirococha Lakes (,500 m.) The climb to the south extends past Portachuelo de Huayhuash (4795 m) again dominated by impressive mountain panoramas, this time the ice covered peaks of the southern Huayhuash Range. Descend to the largest lake, and the southernmost point of the trek - Lake Viconga (4,400 m), one of the many water reservoirs for Lima. Viconga Hot Springs Camp (4400 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 6: Laguna Viconga - Trekking Punta Cuyoc Pass (5020 m) - Huanacpatay (4350 m)
Today is the highest pass of the Huayhuash Trek over Punto Cuyoc (5020 m). From the lake of Puscanturpa Gorge, we scramble over rocks and sand to the pass. The spectacular view is of the Raura Range to the east. The Puscanturpa Peaks loom very close and “giants” of Huayhuash, Sarapo, Siula and Yerupajá. We drop sharply to Huanacpatay Gorge and camp in fields close to the houses of Huanacpatay (4350 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 7: Huanacpatay - Trekking Village of Huayllapa (3600 m) - Huatiac (4290 m)
We hike along the river to the Calinca Valley (Rio Huayllapa) and continue to the village of Huayllapa (3,600 m). In the relatively low elevation, the trail takes us through dense vegetation with many colors of flowers - especially the shrubs called huishllac, named for their yellow color and open purple flowers, one of the sacred flowers of the Incas. We then have steep 3-hour climb to the north to camp in Huatiac (4290 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 8: Huatiac - Trekking Punta Tapush (4800 m) - Cashgapampa (4500 m)
At times the climb is steep and strenuous, under the steep glaciated cliffs of the high massif of Raju Collota to Punta Tapush Pass. Once again, magnificent views, including Nevado Diablo Mudo (Silent Devil) (5,350 m), tomorrow’s destination for the ambitious and physically strong climbers among us. Short descent from the pass north to Susococha Lake (4,600 m) and a little farther to Cashgapampa Camp (4500 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 9: Cashgapampa - Trekking Llaucha Pass (4750 m) - Laguna Jahuacocha (4066 m), Optional: Climb Diablo Mudo (5350 m)
Those climbing Diablo Mudo (5223 m) begin very early and will have a long day. From the north side on the last steepest slopes, some with “penitentes“, we’ll use crampons, ice axe and harness. The feeling of success at reaching 5000 meters, and awesome views in the true sense of the word, Diablo Mudo is a well-deserved reward for the effort. The huge wild mountains of Huayhuash are laid out in front of you. Descent to the camp still follows the long route to Jahuacocha Lake.
Option: Trekking without climbing Diablo Mudo. Short descent from Cashgapampa, turning into Angocancha Gorge (4350 m) and ascent to Yaucha Pass (4750 m), where we again stop and enjoy the impressive view. Steep descent toward the northeast in Huacrish Gorge (4,066 m), leading to Jahuacocha Lake (4066 m). Camp on the edge of the lake, with a view dominated by Rondoy, Jirishanca and Yerupajá. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 10: Jahuacocha - Trekking Jahuapunta Pass (4650 m) - Village of Pocpa (3600 m); Transfer to Huaraz
Last day of this trek. Climb the last pass - Jahua Punta - and a long descent to the camp in the village of Pocpa. In this village we finish our great adventure filled with so many experiences. Here we leave our team of mule drivers and burros. Our private transport is waiting to return to the capital of Andes mountaineering, Huaraz. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
Season: April to November
Difficulty: Moderate
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