We’ll pick you up at 6:00 am from your hotel in Huaraz and begin a scenic 4–5 hour drive through the Huaylas Valley and over rolling highland passes. Along the way, enjoy views of remote Quechua villages, terraced farmlands, and the first snow-capped giants of the Cordillera Huayhuash.
Upon reaching Cuartelhuain, we’ll enjoy lunch and meet our muleteers and support team. The trek begins with a gentle ascent through open puna meadows toward the base of Rondoy. Traveling at a relaxed pace helps with acclimatization as you observe grazing llamas, wildflowers, and the sweeping valley behind you.
After about 3 hours, we arrive at our first campsite at Rondoy, surrounded by steep valley walls and the impressive silhouette of Ninashanca.
Elevation gain: ~200 m / 656 ft
Elevation loss: Minimal
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking time: 2.5–3 hours
Trailhead elevation: 4,180 m / 13,714 ft
Campsite elevation: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Accommodation: Tents
Wake up with coca tea delivered to your tent before having a nourishing breakfast. Today we climb to our first major pass of the circuit — Cacananpunta. The ascent is steady but not overly steep, offering views of glaciated ridges and deep gorges carved by ancient ice.
After reaching the pass, we descend into a wide valley where herds of alpacas roam freely. You’ll enjoy lunch near a stream before a relaxing final walk to Janca campsite, tucked beneath rugged ridgelines.
Elevation gain: 650 m / 2,132 ft
Elevation loss: 330 m / 1,082 ft
Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Highest point: 4,690 m / 15,387 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tents
Today we make our way toward one of the most iconic valleys in the Huayhuash region. The trail climbs gradually toward Carhuac Pass, offering panoramic views of Yerupajá, the second highest mountain in Peru, and its impressive glaciers.
After crossing the pass, we descend toward the turquoise waters of Laguna Carhuacocha, one of the most stunning campsites in the Andes. You’ll enjoy lunch with an unbeatable view of towering peaks reflected in the lake. Spend the afternoon relaxing, photographing the surrounding giants, or simply taking in the silence of nature.
Elevation gain: 420 m / 1,378 ft
Elevation loss: 380 m / 1,246 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
Highest point: 4,650 m / 15,256 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tents
This is one of the most breathtaking days of the entire circuit. We start with a quiet walk along Carhuacocha before reaching a series of glacial lakes — Gangrajanca, Siula, and Quesillococha — each one framed by the dramatic faces of Siula Grande and Yerupajá.
We begin the ascent to Siula Pass, the highest of the classic Huayhuash route. The climb is challenging, but every step rewards you with unforgettable views. After a well-earned break at the top, we descend into the vast Huayhuash Valley to reach our campsite.
Elevation gain: 760 m / 2,493 ft
Elevation loss: 520 m / 1,706 ft
Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Hiking time: 7–8 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,335 m / 14,222 ft
Highest point: 4,830 m / 15,846 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Accommodation: Tents
After breakfast, the trail climbs gently toward Portachuelo Pass, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Huayhuash chain. From the pass, enjoy views of Trapecio and the rolling highlands below.
We then descend to Viconga Lake, where we set up camp for the night. In the afternoon, enjoy a soak in the natural hot springs nearby — a highlight of the circuit and a perfect reward after several tough days of trekking.
Elevation gain: 520 m / 1,706 ft
Elevation loss: 480 m / 1,574 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
Highest point: 4,770 m / 15,650 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tents (hot springs nearby)
Today features one of the steepest climbs of the trek — Cuyoc Pass. The terrain is rugged and the ascent demanding, but the reward is tremendous: spectacular views of the entire Huayhuash range from one of its highest vantage points.
The descent is steep but scenic as we drop into the broad Huanacpatay Valley, passing stone formations, grazing animals, and massive mountain walls.
Elevation gain: 750 m / 2,460 ft
Elevation loss: 900 m / 2,952 ft
Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,350 m / 14,271 ft
Highest point: 5,050 m / 16,568 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Accommodation: Tents
Another spectacular day begins with a climb to Santa Rosa Pass, where you’ll have the chance to see the dramatic west face of Siula Grande — made famous by the epic mountaineering story Touching the Void.
The descent is long but full of incredible views as we make our way into Cutatambo, an isolated and peaceful valley. This is one of the most memorable campsites, with waterfalls, cliffs, and glowing sunsets.
Elevation gain: 600 m / 1,968 ft
Elevation loss: 700 m / 2,296 ft
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,230 m / 13,877 ft
Highest point: 5,020 m / 16,469 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Accommodation: Tents
Today is a relaxing day, allowing you to recover and explore the surroundings at your own pace. Options include:
A hike to the Siula Grande base camp
Visiting the Mirador de Joe Simpson for the iconic viewpoint
Exploring the valley’s waterfalls and turquoise pools
Or simply resting at camp with panoramic views all around
Elevation gain/loss: Varies depending on optional hikes
Distance: Optional
Difficulty: Moderate (optional)
Accommodation: Tents
We descend gradually into the small traditional village of Huayllapa, the only major settlement on the circuit. Enjoy a warm cultural experience as you pass through farms and narrow paths.
After lunch in or near the village, we begin the climb toward Huatiac campsite, a quiet and peaceful spot above the valley.
Elevation gain: 800 m / 2,624 ft
Elevation loss: 1,000 m / 3,280 ft
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,300 m / 14,107 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Accommodation: Tents
Today’s trail climbs toward Tapush Pass, a steady but manageable ascent rewarded with views of the Nevado Diablo Mudo. From the pass, we descend into a broad glacial basin to reach Gashpapampa campsite.
Elevation gain: 500 m / 1,640 ft
Elevation loss: 350 m / 1,148 ft
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,600 m / 15,091 ft
Highest point: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tents
A spectacular day begins with the ascent to Yaucha Pass, offering some of the most dramatic viewpoints on the entire circuit. With Yerupajá, Jirishanca, and Rasac dominating the skyline, this is a true highlight.
The descent into Jahuacocha Valley is equally impressive, leading to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Peruvian Andes. We set up camp on a grassy meadow alongside the lake, with the famous Huayhuash skyline reflecting perfectly in the water.
Elevation gain: 450 m / 1,476 ft
Elevation loss: 650 m / 2,132 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking time: 6 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,050 m / 13,287 ft
Highest point: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Accommodation: Tents
Wake up to one of the most iconic sunrise views in the Andes. After breakfast, we begin a steady climb to Pampa Llamac, our final pass of the circuit.
From here, enjoy one last sweeping panorama of the Huayhuash range before descending to the village of Llamac, where our vehicle waits for the return drive to Huaraz. Expect to arrive back in town around mid- to late afternoon.
Elevation gain: 350 m / 1,148 ft
Elevation loss: 850 m / 2,789 ft
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Finish elevation (Llamac): 3,300 m / 10,826 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel (not included unless arranged)
English & Spanish Speaking
To and from Hotel
Before and After Trip
Not mandatory
