We’ll pick you up at 6:00 am from your hotel and begin a scenic drive south through the Callejón de Huaylas, passing villages surrounded by potato fields and grazing sheep. After approximately 4 hours, we’ll arrive in Llamac, where our muleteers await with the pack animals. Enjoy breakfast, stretch your legs, and prepare for the start of your Huayhuash adventure.
The trek begins with a gradual ascent along a wide valley, passing traditional houses and meeting local children dressed in their colorful Quechua clothing. Snowcapped peaks appear in the distance while herds of llamas and burros graze along the hillsides. After 4 hours of gentle hiking, we’ll reach the Cuartelhuain campsite. Enjoy lunch with mountain views and relax for the afternoon while your guide briefs you on the next day’s high pass. Dinner is served early under a quiet Andean night sky.
Elevation gain: 600 m / 1,968 ft
Elevation loss: 0 m
Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Trailhead elevation: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Campsite elevation: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Highest point: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tents
Wake up with coca tea delivered to your tent, followed by a warm breakfast to prepare for your first major ascent. The trail climbs steadily toward Cacananpunta Pass (4,690 m / 15,387 ft), weaving between rolling hills dotted with viscachas and the occasional soaring Andean condor. As you approach the pass, panoramic views of the Huayhuash range open dramatically.
A long descent follows, dropping into a beautiful valley surrounded by towering cliffs. We’ll arrive at the shores of Mitucocha—one of the circuit’s most peaceful lakes—where the jagged peaks of Ninashanca and Jirishanca rise directly above camp. After lunch, enjoy the quiet scenery or join an optional hike toward the base of Jirishanca for sweeping afternoon light. Dinner will be served in the dining tent.
Elevation gain: 590 m / 1,935 ft
Elevation loss: 560 m / 1,837 ft
Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Highest point: 4,690 m / 15,387 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Accommodation: Tents
After breakfast, begin the hike up a narrow valley toward Carhuac Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). Along the way, admire sweeping views of the massive ice walls of Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico, and Siula Grande—some of the most iconic mountains in all of the Andes.
At the pass, enjoy a full panorama of the Huayhuash giants. Then descend to the turquoise waters of Carhuacocha Lake, famous for its perfect sunrise reflections. We’ll arrive with time to rest and enjoy lunch by the water. In the afternoon, explore the lakeshore or relax while enjoying the silence of the mountains. Dinner follows with the dramatic Siula Glacier looming above your campsite.
Elevation gain: 450 m / 1,476 ft
Elevation loss: 430 m / 1,410 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,138 m / 13,570 ft
Highest point: 4,650 m / 15,256 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tents
Enjoy an early breakfast before beginning the most spectacular day of the trek. We follow the lakes of Gangrajanca and Siula, with the famous reflection of Yerupajá mirrored in the water. The trail steepens dramatically as we ascend toward Siula Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), an unforgettable viewpoint overlooking glacier-fed lakes glowing in turquoise and deep blue.
After taking photos and enjoying the summit, descend into a broad valley where grazing alpacas wander freely. Continue toward the jewel-like Jahuacocha Lake—one of the most beautiful campsites in the Andes. Settle into camp with Yerupajá and Jirishanca rising directly above. Dinner will be served with views of the alpenglow striking the ice peaks.
Elevation gain: 720 m / 2,362 ft
Elevation loss: 810 m / 2,657 ft
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Hiking time: 7–8 hours
Campsite elevation: 4,050 m / 13,287 ft
Highest point: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Accommodation: Tents
Wake up early to experience one of the trek’s best sunrises as the Huayhuash peaks ignite with morning light. After breakfast, begin the gentle hike through the valley before climbing gradually to Llamac Pass (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). Enjoy final panoramic views of the mountains before descending toward Llamac.
We’ll enjoy a final lunch with the muleteers before boarding our private vehicle back to Huaraz, arriving around 4:00 pm.
Elevation gain: 250 m / 820 ft
Elevation loss: 1,050 m / 3,445 ft
Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Trailhead elevation: 4,050 m / 13,287 ft
Highest point: 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: — End of trek
English & Spanish Speaking
To and from Hotel
Before and After Trip
Not mandatory
