20 Days/19 Nights May 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)
Vallunaraju Peak: The high peak of North Vallunaraju, 5,686 meters, is close enough to Huaraz to do a summit trek in two days via a moderate climb. Setting out for this peak, it’s possible to see other peaks of the northern part of the Cordillera Blanca, including Oxshapalca (5,881 m) and Ranrapalca (6,262 m). Vallunaraju faces the city of Huaraz, and from the summit you can see Huaraz and the Callejón de Huaylas (central area of the valley between the Cordilleras Blanca and Negra.) Between these two summits there are 5 routes; we will follow the route of the first ascent 1949. It is also good place for ski mountaineering.
Highlights of the Cordillera Blanca. The highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca is part of the spectacular Andes that form the spine of South America. A mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the region boasts over 50 peaks that exceed 15,000 feet, 700 glaciers and 300 lakes.
Day 1: Flight to Lima. Lodging in the hotel
Day 2: Travel by bus to Huaraz (3100 m) - 400 km/approximately 8 hours
Day 3: Huaraz - Trekking to Laguna 69 (4450 m) - Huaraz
Day 4: Huaraz - Transfer Cordillera Huayhuash - Camp Matacancha (4150 m)
Day 5: Matacancha - Trekking to Cacanampunta (4700 m) - Laguna Mitococha (4300m)
Day 6: Mitucocha - Trekking to Punta Carhuac Pass (4640 m) - Laguna Carhuacocha (4200 m)
Day 7: Carhuacocha - Trekking to Siula Pass (4950 m) / Laguna Quesillococha – Huayhuash (4450 m)
Day 8: Huayhuash - Trekking to the village of Portachuelo de Huayhuash – Laguna Viconga / Hot Springs (4400 m)
Day 9: Laguna Viconga - Trekking to Punta Cuyoc Pass (5020 m) - Huanacpatay (4350 m)
Day 10: Huanacpatay - Trekking Village of Huayllapa (3600 m) - Huatiac (4290 m)
Day 11: Huatiac - Trekking to Punta Tapush (4800 m) - Cashpapampa (4500 m)
Day 12: Cashgapampa - Trekking to Llaucha Pass (4750 m) - Laguna Jahuacocha (4066 m), Optional: Climb Diablo Mudo (5350 m)
Day 13: Rest Day at Jahuacocha Lake. Optional: Trekking to the Berlin Mountain overlook (5,094 m) or to Sambuya/Rondoy Pass (4,750 m) or to Solteracocha Lake
Day 14: Jahuacocha - Trekking to Jahuapunta Pass (4650 m) - Village of Pocpa (3600 m); Transfer to Huaraz
Day 15: Rest Day in Huaraz - Optional: Rock climbing at the walls of Chancos
Day 16: Huaraz - Transfer Quebrada Llaca - Moraine Camp (4900 m)
Day 17: Moraine Camp - Summit of Nevado Vallunaraju (5686 m) - Moraine Camp - Transfer to a Huaraz
Day 18: Transfer to the Anta Airport and 50 minute flight to Lima - transfer to the hotel
Day 19: Stay in Lima, transfer to the airport
Day 20: Arrival to Europe or your country of origin
Day 1: Flight to Lima. Lodging in the hotel
Arrival in Lima - the large city in South America; population approximately 11 million. Rest or explore the city on your own. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2: Travel by bus to Huaraz (3,100 m) - 400 km/approximately 8 hours
This ride follows the Pan American highway north across the impressive Pacific coastal desert. Continuing toward higher terrain, you pass through the Cordillera Negra (Black Range) at Conococha Pass (4020 m) into the Santa Valley and Huaraz (3100m.) Once across the pass, you’ll see a charming view of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, without a doubt some of the most impressive scenery in the world. You can also fly via LCPERU - flight duration 50 minutes. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 3: Huaraz - Trekking to Laguna 69 (4450 m) - Huaraz
Laguna 69 has been called the most famous and well known lake in the Cordillera Blanca. Our trail winds through picturesque montane forests and a somewhat marshy area, always alongside a steep and daunting ridge. Behind us, the fortress-like peak of the ice giant Huascarán looms. Winding trails lead us past several wild foaming waterfalls to the lake. Laguna 69 is flanked by glacial moraines. Immediately above the deep blue surface of the lake, we see the steep ice walls of Chacraraju, one of the most beautiful, but also most difficult of the 6000 peaks in the Cordillera Blanca. After rest and pictures, we return to Huaraz. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 4: 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 (B/L/D)
Day 5: Matacancha - Trekking to Cacanampunta (4700 m) - Laguna Mitococha (4300m)
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 6: Mitucocha - Trekking to 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 7: Carhuacocha - Trekking to 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 8: 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 9: Laguna Viconga - Trekking to 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 10: Huanacpatay - Trekking to 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 11: Huatiac - Trekking to Punta Tapush (4800 m) - Cashpapampa (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 12: Cashgapampa - Trekking to 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 13: Rest Day at Jahuacocha Lake. Optional: Trekking to the Berlin Mountain
overlook (5,094 m) or to Sambuya/Rondoy Pass (4,750 m) or to Solteracocha Lake
Rest day or 3 possible activities: Unhurried hike to Solteracocha Lake, or the ultimate mountaineering tour with an ascent of the very easy (non-technical) Cerro Berlin (5094 m) or to Sambuya/Rondoy Pass (4,750 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 14: Jahuacocha - Trekking to 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/-)
Day 15: Rest Day in Huaraz – Optional: Rock climbing at the walls of Chancos.
Relaxing day in Huaraz. Optional: A classic location for many who like to practice rock climbing. This area is 40 minutes north of Huaraz. It was developed thanks to the guides of Don Bosco in the Andes in 1997. It has 8 developed routes of different difficulties. This is a good place to spend a quiet day in nature and at the end visit the hot springs to relax aching muscles. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 16: Huaraz - Transfer Quebrada de Llaca - Moraine Camp (4900 m)
Leave from Huaraz in our private bus to the Llaca Valley (3850 m), from here we begin our 2-hour ascent on foot to Moraine Camp (4,900 m.) This climb is relatively long and steep, so we have to proceed quite slowly so we save our energy for the summit day tomorrow. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 17: Moraine Camp - Summit of Nevado Vallunaraju (5686 m) - Moraine Camp - Transfer to Huaraz
Leave Moraine Camp approximately 2-3 a.m. in order to reach the summit by about 8 a.m. This section of the moraine, at the upper part of the glacier, takes us 5-6 hours. After arriving at the summit, we will return to our starting point in the Llaca Valley where the bus waits to take us back to Huaraz. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 18: Transfer to the Anta Airport and 50 minute flight to Lima - transfer to the hotel.
Options: Flight or bus. Flights are via LC-Peru and last 50 minutes. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 19: Stay in Lima, transfer to the airport.
Free day, depending on your departure schedule. Return to Europe or your country of origin. Overnight flight (B/-/-)
Day 20: Arrival to Europe or your country of origin.
Arrival in USA or Austria, Switzerland,Germany, etc. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
Season: May to November
Difficulty: Moderate
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