High Peaks and Sapphire Lakes of Peru’s Mountain Realm

Cordillera Huayhuash Trek

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The fantastic ice range of the Cordillera Huayhuash is renowned for knife-edged 20,000-foot peaks that attract mountaineers from around the world. Seven of Peru’s highest mountains rise from this dramatic massif, whose awesome beauty can be seen in the gripping adventure film Touching the Void. Our challenging trek crosses seven high passes as we circle the entire range with nearly continuous panoramas of towering Andean giants, including Yerupaja (21,759'), second highest mountain in Peru. Our adventure culminates in an optional climb of Diablo Mudo (17,235'), a non-technical snow peak with panoramic views across the entire Huayhuash. Sunny blue skies, mild daytime temperatures, and a profusion of edelweiss and purple lupine make these mountains an alpine paradise.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-4
Huaraz / Wilkahuaín / Churup Lake

Meeting in Lima, we drive north to Huaráz, at 10,200 feet, Peru’s center for mountaineering. Huascarán (22,205'), Peru’s highest peak, rises above the city. Our acclimatization hikes bring us to the fascinating Huari ruins of Wilkahuaín and across glacial moraine to Churup, a lake at 14,700 feet at the base of the Churup Glacier.

Days 5-9
Cordillera Huayhuash / To Carhuacocha

From our trailhead at the pretty village of Llamac, we ascend through a subtropical habitat, then cross two mountain passes over 15,000 feet to enter the eastern flanks of the Huayhuash massif. On our hike over Carhuac Pass (15,150'), views include Jirishanca (19,994'), Yerupája, and Siulá, the dramatic peak climbed in the film Touching the Void. Continuing on an ancient Inca trail, we reach radiantly blue Carhuacocha, a glacial lake at 13,600 feet below the impressive ice walls of Jirishanca, Sarápo, and mighty Yerupája. We enjoy an exploration day at this beautiful spot.

Days 10-16
Cordillera Huayhuash / To Laguna Jarau

Passing through the traditional village of Huayhuash, we circle west, crossing four more high mountain passes between glaciated pinnacles. On Day 13, we reach our spectacular camp at Laguna Jarau, nestled in a cirque of massive snow peaks including Rondoy (19,289'). We enjoy an exploration day here, then continue for two more days, hiking through a vegetation zone lush with flowers and waterfalls.

Days 17-18
Optional Climb / Jahuacocha / Pacllón

We have two options on Day 17. Climbers will make a non-technical ascent of 17,235-foot Diablo Mudo (The Silent Devil), then hike to Laguna Huacrish. Non-climbers hike to Laguna Huacrish by way of Yaucha Pass (15,900'). The next day, we hike together to our beautiful lakeside camp at Laguna Jahuacocha, then hike out of the Huayhuash along the Achin River to the village of Pacllón.

Days 19-21
Huaraz / Lima

After an overnight in Huaraz, we head to Lima and depart on late-evening flights, or join our Cusco / Machu Picchu Extension.

Cusco / Machu Picchu Extension Days 21-27

Explore vibrant Cusco, with its Inca fortresses, lively markets, Urubamba, the Incas’ sacred valley of hilltop monuments and traditional villages, and stay overnight near Machu Picchu, the lost city.

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Tour Costs $3695 (12-15 members) $3895 (8-11 members) $4195 (6-7 members) Single supplement: $250 Cusco / Machu Picchu extension from: $2195 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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