Embark on an unforgettable journey into the Peruvian Andes, discovering the spectacular landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash. From turquoise glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks to remote mountain valleys and traditional Andean communities, experience the incredible diversity and beauty of Peru's highlands.
Take time to acclimatize around Huaraz, exploring the surrounding mountains before setting out on the legendary Huayhuash Trek. Considered one of the most spectacular high-altitude treks in the world, this challenging adventure will take you through dramatic mountain passes, pristine alpine lakes and breathtaking landscapes, offering an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Andes.
Today, we'll fly to Huaraz, where our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and settling in, we'll have some time to get ready for our first adventure in the Cordillera Blanca.
In the afternoon, we'll head out on the Pukaventana Sunset Hike, a beautiful introductory walk and a great opportunity to begin acclimatizing to the altitude. The trail starts just behind Huaraz and gradually climbs along an open ridge, offering lovely views of the city, Huascarán and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
We'll then make our way into a hidden canyon, where striking clay walls reveal beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red. After approximately 30 minutes of hiking through the canyon, we'll reach a ridge at 3,500 m (11,480 ft), where panoramic views of the Macashca Valley and the Cordillera Blanca await.
A gentle descent will bring us back to Huaraz, with the rest of the evening free to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day Distance: 9.86 km
Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours
Highest Elevation: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
Accommodation: San Sebastian hotel boutique or similar
Meals included: Lunch
After an early breakfast, you'll depart Huaraz for a scenic one-hour drive to Pitec, passing through the traditional Andean villages of Unchus and Llupa. From the trailhead at 3,850 m (12,630 ft), you'll begin one of the most iconic hikes in the Cordillera Blanca.
The trail climbs steadily along a well-defined mountain path, gaining elevation as you make your way toward the stunning Laguna Churup.
Surrounded by rugged peaks and located at the foot of Nevado Churup (5,493 m / 18,022 ft), this beautiful turquoise glacial lake is one of the highlights of Huascarán National Park.
The final section of the hike involves a short but steep rock scramble through a narrow gully. While this portion is more challenging, it adds a sense of adventure and rewards you with unforgettable views upon reaching the lake at 4,450 m (14,600 ft).
Take time to relax, enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery, and capture photos before descending along the same trail back to Pitec, where your vehicle will be waiting. You'll return to Huaraz, with the remainder of the afternoon free to rest after a rewarding day in the mountains.
Day distance: 7.76km
Hiking Start Elevation: 3,850 m (12,630 ft)
Maximum Elevation: 4,450 m (14,600 ft)
Accommodation: San sebastian hotel boutique or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, you'll depart for the spectacular Llaca Valley, located within Huascarán National Park. The route takes you through dramatic Andean landscapes until reaching the trailhead at 4,200 m (13,780 ft).
Today's hike is an excellent acclimatization experience, allowing you to reach high altitude with only a gentle ascent on foot. The trail follows the Llaca River through a narrow valley framed by impressive granite walls, a renowned training ground for Peru's mountain guides and rock climbers. Along the way, you'll pass colorful wildflowers and ancient queñual forests, unique to the high Andes.
After about an hour of hiking, you'll reach the terminal moraine, where a short but steeper zigzag trail leads to the top. From here, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Ranrapalca Glacier, its striking glacial lake, and the towering Ranrapalca Peak (6,162 m / 20,217 ft) rising above the valley.
After the hike, you'll enjoy lunch at the Llaca Mountain Refuge, a cozy base used by climbers and mountaineers preparing for ascents of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Surrounded by towering glaciers and rugged alpine scenery, it's the perfect place to soak in the atmosphere of the Cordillera Blanca and experience, even for a moment, what it feels like to be part of a true mountaineering expedition.
Following lunch, you'll return to Huaraz, where the rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore the town at your own pace.
Day distance: 6 km
Hiking Start Elevation: 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Maximum Elevation: 4,470 m (14,665 ft)
Accommodation: Huaraz Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
We leave Huaraz very early in the morning, before sunrise, beginning our scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Following winding mountain roads, we pass traditional villages and spectacular valleys until we reach the small village of Pocpa, where we stop for breakfast.
After breakfast, we continue by vehicle to Cuartelhuain, the starting point of our trek. From here, we set off on foot into the heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, surrounded by wide-open valleys, rugged peaks, and the crisp mountain air of the high Andes.
Today's hike covers approximately 8.5 km (5.3 miles), making it the perfect introduction to the expedition as we gradually adapt to the altitude and settle into the rhythm of the mountains. As we make our way through the valley, the first snow-capped peaks and impressive glaciers of the Cordillera Huayhuash begin to reveal themselves, offering a spectacular preview of the days ahead.
By late afternoon, we arrive at Janca Camp, where we spend our first night immersed in one of Peru's most pristine alpine landscapes.
Start Height: 4,155 m / 13,632 ft
Maximum Height: 4,654 m / 15,269 ft
Approximate walking Time: 4–5 hours
Day Distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we begin our ascent toward Carhuac Pass, the highest point of the day. As we climb through the alpine landscape, we are rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding valleys and rugged peaks that define the Cordillera Huayhuash. After reaching the pass, we descend steadily toward the spectacular Carhuacocha Valley.
As we approach the lake, we make one final stop at one of the most breathtaking viewpoints of the entire trek. From this natural balcony overlooking Laguna Carhuacocha, the massive glaciers of Yerupajá, Siula Grande, and Jirishancarise almost directly above the turquoise waters, creating one of the most iconic and unforgettable landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
After taking in the incredible scenery, we continue a short distance to Carhuacocha Camp, where we spend the night beside the lake, surrounded by some of the highest and most spectacular peaks in the Huayhuash Range.
Start Height: 4184 masl / 13,727 ft.
Max Height: 4702 masl / 15,426 ft.
Approximate Walking time: 5–6 hrs
Day Distance: 10.8 Km / 6.7 Mi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is one of the true highlights of the Huayhuash Circuit. Leaving Carhuacocha behind, we venture deep into the heart of the Cordillera, following trails that weave between spectacular glacial lakes beneath some of the most impressive mountains in Peru.
As we hike through this extraordinary landscape, we pass the beautiful Laguna Siula before reaching the famous Tres Lagunas Viewpoint, undoubtedly one of the most iconic viewpoints of the entire trek. From here, the turquoise waters of the three glacial lakes are framed by the towering ice walls of Yerupajá, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Carnicero, and Toro, creating an unforgettable panorama that perfectly captures the wild beauty of the Huayhuash Range. We take plenty of time here to enjoy the scenery and photograph one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Andes.
Continuing our ascent, we reach Siula Pass, where another impressive panorama unfolds before beginning our descent through wide alpine valleys toward Huayhuash Camp. Surrounded by towering peaks and untouched wilderness, tonight's campsite offers a peaceful setting after one of the most rewarding days of the expedition.
Start Height: 4144 masl / 13,596 ft.
Max Height: 4763 masl / 15,627 ft.
Approximate Walking time: 6–7 hrs
Day Distance: 14.7 Km / 9.1 Mi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's hike is shorter and more relaxed, giving us time to fully appreciate the peaceful beauty of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Following gentle alpine trails and wide-open valleys, we make our way toward the stunning Laguna Viconga, a crystal-clear glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountain scenery.
After spending time at the lake, we continue to Guñoc, home to the famous natural hot springs. After several days of trekking through the high Andes, there is no better reward than soaking in the warm thermal waters while surrounded by spectacular mountain landscapes. It's the perfect opportunity to relax, recover tired muscles, and enjoy a fun afternoon with the group before our final day on the trail.
Tonight, we camp near the hot springs, enjoying one of the most comfortable and memorable campsites of the expedition.
Start Height: 4370 masl / 14,337 ft.
Max Height: 4808 masl / 15,774 ft.
Approximate Walking time: 5 - 6 hrs
Day Distance: 10.4 Km / 6.5 Mi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Final day of the adventure!
Early in the morning, there is time to once again enjoy the soothing thermal waters and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the Andes before packing up and preparing for the journey back.
After breakfast, we board our vehicle and begin the scenic drive toward Huaraz (or Lima*), carrying with us unforgettable memories of the Huayhuash mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and days spent immersed in nature.
Start Height: 3627 masl / 11900 ft.
Max Height: 4212masl / 13819 ft.
Approximate Walking time: 9-10 hrs
Day Distance: 12 Km / 7,5 Ml
Meals: B, L, Snacks & Dinner
We believe in clear and thoughtful planning from the very beginning. Our booking policies outline the details of payments, cancellations, and the conditions of your trip, so you can travel with confidence.
Duffel bags (up to 7Kg/15lbs per person). These are provided by your guide at your briefing. Briefing one day before the trek.
Inflatable Mattresses. Sleeping Liners. Traveler Pillow. Lamp for the tents.
3 Nutritious meals per day (special diets option available). Snacks. Drinking water along the trek.
Quadruple tents used by 2 allowing more comfort and more space to store backpacks. Toilet tent Kitchen & Dinning tent with camp tables and chairs
Chef (assistant chef for larger groups). Bilingual guide (Assistant Guide for groups over 6 passengers). Mules (for equipment and personal items) and muleteers.
First aid kit and oxygen bottle. Saddled horse in case of emergencies or if you are making very little progress (this horse is with the group at all times). Garmin inReach, a satellite device that ensures communication and safety on treks where there is no coverage.
Collection from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure.
Entrance fee (if needed)
Quechua Treks is a boutique, locally owned travel company creating thoughtfully crafted journeys across Peru, Patagonia, and South America. Founded by guides, we combine authentic cultural connections, extraordinary landscapes, and personalized service with a deep commitment to responsible travel and sustainability.