Cordillera Huayhuash Trek

The spectacular ice range of the Cordillera Huayhuash is renowned for its knife-edged 20,000-foot peaks that attract mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. Seven of Peru’s highest mountains rise from this dramatic massif, whose scenery of glaciated spires and shimmering lakes is simply surreal. On this challenging trek we circle the whole range, crossing six high passes as we enjoy near-constant panoramas of towering Andean giants, including Yerupaja (21,759'), second highest mountain in Peru. Our adventure concludes with an optional climb of Diablo Mudo (17,235'), a non-technical snow peak offering sweeping views across the entire Huayhuash. Sunny blue skies and a profusion of edelweiss and purple lupine create the ultimate alpine paradise.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Huaráz / Chavin de Huantar / Churup Lake

Meeting in Lima, we head north to Huaraz at 10,200 feet, where Huascaran (22,205'), Peru’s highest peak, dominates the skyline. A visit to the magnificent stone temples of Chav“n de Huántar grants us insights into the fascinating pre-Inca culture, while a hike across glacial moraine to Churup, a lake at 14,700 feet at the base of the Churup Glacier, allows us to acclimatize for the days ahead.

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 remote eastern flanks of the Huayhuash massif. Following an ancient Inca trail, we reach radiantly blue Carhuacocha, a glacial lake at 13,600 feet below the impressive ice walls of Jirishanca (19,994'), Sarpo, and mighty Yerupaja. 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 Jurau, nestled in a cirque of massive snow peaks. After an exploration day here, we hike two more days through an area lush with flowers and waterfalls.

Days 17-19
Optional Climb / Jahuacocha / Pacllon

We have two options on Day 17. Those wishing to climb will make a non-technical ascent of 17,200-foot Diablo Mudo (“The Silent Devil”), then hike to Laguna Huacrish, while 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 to the village of Pacllón.

Days 20-21
Huaraz / Lima

After an overnight in Huaraz, we head to Lima and depart.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure