The Huayhuash Mountain Range is an imposing mountain range in the Peruvian Andes, located south of the Cordillera Blanca and about 360 kilometers from Lima. Stretching approximately 30 kilometers, it boasts numerous snow-capped peaks, with Nevado Yerupajá being its highest point at 6,634 meters, the second highest mountain in the country. The region is known for Siula Grande, famous for the epic survival story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates.

Melting glaciers and snowpack in the range give rise to beautiful lagoons such as Jahuacocha, Carhuacocha, Mitucocha, Sarapococha, and Rasac. These waters feed rivers and streams that flow into two oceans: the Pacific and the Atlantic. The Huayhuash Mountain Range is recognized as one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world, attracting trekking and nature enthusiasts.

10-Day/9-Night Huayhuash Mountain Range Tour Immerse yourself in an extraordinary 10-day trek along the breathtaking Huayhuash mountain range, one of the world's most iconic hiking routes. We present our comprehensive program that encircles one of the most beautiful and challenging mountain ranges on the planet. This itinerary includes eight passes to ascend, with the highest point reaching 5,000 meters above sea level.

Nights spent camping are above 4,000 meters, and the number of high passes to cross classifies this trek as a difficult adventure. We highly recommend a good level of physical fitness and proper acclimatization before embarking on this fascinating trekking expedition in the majestic Peruvian Andes.

ITINERARY (10Days/9Nights Huayhuash Mountain Range Excursion)

DAY 01: Huaraz (3100 m.) – Llamac (3300 m.) – Cuartelhuain (4200 m.)

DAY 02: Cuartelhuain – Cacanan Pass (4700m/15416ft) – Mitucocha (4200 m)

DAY 03: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass (4650m/15255ft) – Carhuacocha (4150 m)

DAY 04: Carhuacocha – Siula pass (4850m/15908ft) – Huayhuash (4300m)

DAY 05: Huayhuash – Portachuelo pass (4750m/15584ft) – Viconga

DAY 06: Viconga – Cuyoc Pass (5000m/16405ft) – Cuyoc pampa (4450 m.)

DAY 07: Cuyoc pampa – San San Antonio pass (4800m) – Cutatambo – Huayllapa town (3490m)

DAY 08: Huayllapa (3490m) – Tapush Pass (4770m) – Gashpapampa field (4300m)

DAY 09: Gashpapampa – Yaucha Pass (4850 m) – Jahuacocha (4150 m)

DAY 10: Jahuacocha – Pampa Llamac pass (4300m) – Llamac – Huaraz

End of our services Excursion 10Days/9Nights Huayhuash Mountain Range

We begin our 10-Day/9-Night Huayhuash Mountain Range Trek from Huaraz towards Chiquián, admiring the distant views of the imposing Huayhuash mountain range.

2. We descend from Chiquián, immersing ourselves in a landscape of cacti and scrubland along the way.

3. We continue our journey to the charming village of Llamac, located at 3,300 meters above sea level.

4. We proceed through a wide, grassy, ​​U-shaped valley, characterized by rolling hills and surrounded by extensive forests of quenual trees (Polylepis sp.).

5. We set up camp at Quartelhuain, reaching an altitude of 4,200 meters.

Duration: 4.5 hours (by car), 2 or 3 hours (hiking around the campsite)

In the morning, we crossed our first pass, Cacanan Punta (4,700 m).

2. At this point, on the continental divide, we occasionally spotted the majestic Andean condor soaring through the skies above our heads.

3. We then descended towards the vast Jalca plain.

4. We continued our descent until we reached our camp next to the beautiful Mitucocha Lake (4220m).

5. This lagoon lies at the foot of the imposing Jirishanka Grande peak, as well as its neighbors Rondoy and Ninashanca.

6. If you have the energy, in the afternoon, there is the option of taking a walk around the lake.

7. You can also explore some of the nearby hanging valleys.

Duration: 5 hours approx.

Distance: 12 km approx.

1. Iniciamos nuestra travesía rodeando la llanura aluvial de Jalca.
2. Proseguimos con la ascensión hacia el sur, alcanzando el majestuoso paso de Carhuac (4650m).
3. Ante nuestros ojos se despliega un panorama sorprendente de la imponente cordillera de Huayhuash, donde destacan montañas emblemáticas como Yerupajá Grande, la segunda montaña más alta de Perú, Yerupajá Chico (6121m) y Siulá Grande (6344m).
4. Descendemos con cautela desde el elevado paso.
5. Alcanzamos finalmente nuestro campamento en la extensa Laguna Carhuacocha (4150m).
6. A lo largo de este recorrido, es posible avistar curiosos roedores, como la vizcacha, que se ocultan entre las rocas y arbustos.

Duración: 5 – 6 horas.

Distancia: 12 km aprox.

1.Today, we have two options to reach our next destination in Huayhuash.

2. The first option is to follow the conventional trail, which will take us to the Carnicero Pass at 4,600 m (15,092 ft).

3. The second, and more challenging, option involves ascending via the Siula Pass at 4,800 m (15,748 ft).

4. Although this latter option is more demanding, the reward lies in the breathtaking panoramic views that surround us.

5. We then descend near the picturesque Carnicero Lake.

6. Finally, we set up camp in Huayhuash at 4,300 m (14,108 ft).

Distance: Approximately 13 km

Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours

1. We ascend steadily up the slope until we reach the Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass, located at 4750m.

2. From this point, looking southeast, a new collection of nearby snow-capped peaks belonging to the Raura Range is revealed, most notably the nearby snow-capped peak of León Huacanan.

3. We descend in a controlled manner.

4. We skirt the expansive Viconga Lagoon, where it is possible to spot alpacas.

5. Then, we walk along the valley for approximately half an hour.

6. We set up camp at 4480m.

7. Near the campsite, there are open-air hot springs, offering the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing hot bath.

Distance: Approx. 11 km

Duration: Approx. 6 hours

1. We will face our highest challenge, Punta Cuyoc, with a steady 2-3 hour uphill hike, reaching an impressive 5,000 meters.

2. The landscapes from this point are breathtaking, with the imposing jagged mountains of the Raura Range to the southeast.

3. To the north, we observe several of the giants of the Huayhuash Range from a completely new perspective.

4. The majestic Sarapo Mountain (6,127 m) comes into view for the first time.

5. After passing the pass, the first 50 meters of the descent are steep and loose, becoming more gradual as we descend rapidly through the Cuyoc Valley.

6. Our campsite is located at Cuyoc Pampa, almost at the beginning of the Huanacpatay Valley. At this point, we will experience a transition from extreme altitude to a lower, more sheltered valley.

Distance: Approximately 10 km.

Duration: 5 – 6 hours approx.

1. From our campsite, we headed towards the pass on Cerro San Antonio.

2. Despite the challenges of steep trails, you should be well acclimatized and feeling strong at this altitude.

3. After approximately two hours of climbing, we reached the summit of the pass at 4,800 meters, where we marveled at the spectacular views of the imposing peaks of the Huayhuash mountain range and the three lakes of Sarapococha, Santa Rosa, and Jurau.

4. From this high point, we also saw the famous Siula Glacier, known for Joe Simpson's epic battle for survival, and clearly spotted the Siula base camp in the distance.

5. The descent, although initially steep, is safe across scree slopes of about 100 meters.

6. We then continued along a cattle trail that winds its way down to Lake Jurau. 7. We continue along a long trail through the Calinca ravine until we reach the village of Huayllapa.

8. Once in Huayllapa, we have the opportunity to recharge, enjoy some beers, and even rent a place to take a relaxing hot shower.

Distance: Approximately 18 km

Duration: Approximately 8 hours

1. After enjoying a nutritious breakfast, we embark on a day that includes a long, zigzagging ascent.

2. In the first stage, we will reach the meadow known as Huatiac (4350m), where we will take a short break before continuing the climb to Punta Tapush Pass (4770m).

3. From this high point, we can enjoy some views of Nevado Diablo Mudo.

4. During the descent, we will pass by the picturesque Susococha Lagoon (4740m).

5. Finally, we will arrive at our next campsite in Gashpapampa (4300m).

Duration: Approx. 7 hours

Distance: Approx. 15 km

1. Today we'll cross the challenging Punta Yaucha pass at 4850 m.

2. We'll ascend a rocky trail, but the breathtaking views will be well worth the effort.

3. After a short break at the summit, we'll descend along a path lined with lupine bushes to our final campsite.

4. At the Huacrish viewpoint, we'll enjoy one last view of the Huayhuash lagoons.

5. We'll camp beside Jahuacocha Lagoon (4050 m), reveling in the majestic mountains that surround us.

Duration: Approx. 5 hours

Distance: Approx. 13 km

1. We begin our day early with a gentle one-hour descent.

2. We start the gradual ascent to the final pass, Macrash Punta (4300m).

3. From Macrash Punta, we enjoy the last panoramic views of the Huayhuash mountain range.

4. We then face a long descent to the village of Llamac.

5. In Llamac, our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz and our hotel.

6. At the hotel, a much-needed hot shower awaits.

7. Finally, we arrive back in Huaraz around 4:00 PM.

End of our services. 10-Day/9-Night Huayhuash Mountain Range Excursion.

Distance: Approx. 9 km

Duration: 4 hours (hiking) 4 hours (transport)

We begin the 10-day/9-night Huayhuash Mountain Range Excursion from Huaraz to Chiquián, admiring the distant views of the imposing Huayhuash mountain range.

2. We descend from Chiquián, immersing ourselves in an environment of cacti and scrubland along the way.

3. We continue our journey until we reach the charming village of Llamac, located at 3,300 meters above sea level.

4. We continue through a wide, U-shaped grassy valley, characterized by rolling hills and surrounded by extensive forests of quenual (polylepis sp.).

5. We set up camp in Quartelhuain, reaching an altitude of 4,200 meters.

Duration: 4.5 hours (car), 2 or 3 hours (walk around the camp)

1. In the morning, we cross our first pass, Cacanan Punta (4,700 m).

2. At this point, on the continental divide, we occasionally spot the majestic Andean condor soaring through the skies above our heads.

3. Later, we descend to the vast Jalca plain.

4. We continue our descent until we reach our camp next to the beautiful Mitucocha Lake (4220m).

5. This lagoon lies at the foot of the imposing Jirishanka Grande peak, as well as its neighbors Rondoy and Ninashanca.

6. If you have the energy, in the afternoon, there is the option of taking a walk around the lake.

7. You can also explore some of the nearby hanging valleys.

Duration: 5 hours approx.

Distance: 12 km approx.

1. We begin our journey by circling the Jalca floodplain.

2. We continue our ascent southward, reaching the majestic Carhuac Pass (4,650 m).

3. Before our eyes unfolds a breathtaking panorama of the imposing Huayhuash mountain range, featuring iconic peaks such as Yerupajá Grande, Peru's second highest mountain, Yerupajá Chico (6121m), and Siulá Grande (6344m).

4. We descend cautiously from the high pass.

5. We finally reach our camp at the extensive Carhuacocha Lake (4150m).

6. Along this route, it is possible to spot curious rodents, such as the vizcacha, hiding among the rocks and bushes.

Duration: 5–6 hours.

Distance: approx. 12 km.

1. On this day, there are two options for reaching our next destination in Huayhuash.

2. The first is to follow the conventional trail that will take us up the Carnicero Pass at 4600m (15,092 feet).

3. The second, more challenging alternative involves climbing Paso Siula at 4800m (15,748 feet).

4. Although this latter option is more demanding, the reward lies in the breathtaking panoramic views that surround us.

5. We then descend near the picturesque Carnicero Lake.

6. Finally, we set up camp in Huayhuash at 4300m (14,108 feet).

Distance: approx. 13 km.

Duration: approx. 6–7 hours.

We ascend steadily up the slope until we reach the Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass, located at 4750m.

2. From this point, looking southeast, a new collection of nearby snow-capped peaks belonging to the Raura Range is revealed, most notably the nearby snow-capped peak of León Huacanan.

3. We descend in a controlled manner.

4. We skirt the expansive Viconga Lagoon, where it is possible to spot alpacas.

5. Then, we walk along the valley for approximately half an hour.

6. We set up camp at 4480m.

7. Near the campsite, there are open-air hot springs, offering the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing hot bath.

Distance: Approx. 11 km

1. We will face our highest challenge, Punta Cuyoc, with a steady 2-3 hour uphill hike, reaching an impressive 5,000 meters.

2. The landscapes from this point are breathtaking, with the imposing jagged mountains of the Raura Range to the southeast.

3. To the north, we observe several of the giants of the Huayhuash Range from a completely new perspective.

4. The majestic Sarapo Mountain (6,127 m) comes into view for the first time.

5. After passing the pass, the first 50 meters of the descent are steep and loose, becoming more gradual as we descend rapidly through the Cuyoc Valley.

6. Our campsite is located at Cuyoc Pampa, almost at the beginning of the Huanacpatay Valley. At this point, we will experience a transition from extreme altitude to a lower, more sheltered valley.

Distance: Approximately 10 km.

Duration: 5 – 6 hours approx.

1. From our campsite, we headed towards the pass on Cerro San Antonio.

2. Despite the challenges of steep trails, you should be well acclimatized and feeling strong at this altitude.

3. After approximately two hours of climbing, we reached the summit of the pass at 4,800 meters, where we marveled at the spectacular views of the imposing peaks of the Huayhuash mountain range and the three lakes of Sarapococha, Santa Rosa, and Jurau.

4. From this high point, we also saw the famous Siula Glacier, known for Joe Simpson's epic battle for survival, and clearly spotted the Siula base camp in the distance.

5. The descent, although initially steep, is safe across scree slopes of about 100 meters.

6. We then continued along a cattle trail that winds its way down to Lake Jurau. 7. We continue along a long trail through the Calinca ravine until we reach the village of Huayllapa.

8. Once in Huayllapa, we have the opportunity to recharge, enjoy some beers, and even rent a place to take a relaxing hot shower.

Distance: Approximately 18 km

Duration: Approximately 8 hours

1. After enjoying a nutritious breakfast, we embark on a day that includes a long, zigzagging ascent.

2. In the first stage, we will reach the meadow known as Huatiac (4350m), where we will take a short break before continuing the climb to Punta Tapush Pass (4770m).

3. From this high point, we can enjoy some views of Nevado Diablo Mudo.

4. During the descent, we will pass by the picturesque Susococha Lagoon (4740m).

5. Finally, we will arrive at our next campsite in Gashpapampa (4300m).

Duration: Approx. 7 hours

Distance: Approx. 15 km

1. Today we'll cross the challenging Punta Yaucha pass at 4850 m.

2. We'll ascend a rocky trail, but the breathtaking views will be well worth the effort.

3. After a short break at the summit, we'll descend along a path lined with lupine bushes to our final campsite.

4. At the Huacrish viewpoint, we'll enjoy one last view of the Huayhuash lagoons.

5. We'll camp beside Jahuacocha Lagoon (4050 m), reveling in the majestic mountains that surround us.

Duration: Approx. 5 hours

Distance: Approx. 13 km

1. We begin our day early with a gentle one-hour descent.

2. We start the gradual ascent to the final pass, Macrash Punta (4300m).

3. From Macrash Punta, we enjoy the last panoramic views of the Huayhuash mountain range.

4. We then face a long descent to the village of Llamac.

5. In Llamac, our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz and our hotel.

6. At the hotel, a much-needed hot shower awaits.

7. Finally, we arrive back in Huaraz around 4:00 PM.

End of our services. 10-Day/9-Night Huayhuash Mountain Range Excursion.

Distance: Approx. 9 km

Duration: 4 hours (hiking) 4 hours (transport)