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 landscape of glaciated spires and iridescent lakes is simply surreal. On this magnificent trek we circle the whole range, crossing six high passes as we savor near-constant panoramas of towering Andean giants, including Yerupaja (21,759'), second highest mountain in Peru, and the icy fang of Jirishanca (20,099'). We also enjoy Exploration Days at two of the many mountain-ringed turquoise lakes that bejewel the Huayhuash. Vast blue skies and a profusion of edelweiss and purple lupine create the ultimate alpine paradise.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-4
Huaráz / Chavín de Huántar / Churup Lake

Meeting in Lima, we head north to Huaráz at 10,200 feet, where Huascarán (22,205'), Peru’s highest peak, dominates the skyline. A visit to the splendid stone temples of Chavín 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, helps us 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 teeming with trout at 13,600 feet below the impressive ice walls of Jirishanca, Sarpo, and mighty Yerupaja. We enjoy an Exploration Day at this beautiful spot.

Days 10-16
Cordillera Huayhuash / To Laguna Jurau

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 on trails lush with flowers and waterfalls.

Days 17-19
Laguna Huacrish / Jahuacocha / Pacllón

We hike to Laguna Huacrish by way of Yaucha Pass (15,900'), and on to our beautiful lakeside camp at Laguna Jahuacocha. Our final hike brings us out of the Huayhuash to the village of Pacllón.

Days 20-21
Huaráz / Lima

After an overnight in Huaráz, we head to Lima and depart on Day 21.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trek is Level 6, Very Strenuous. Most hiking is between 10,000 and 15,000 feet, but there are several passes over 15,000 feet to cross and one pass of 16,400 feet. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed. The group will spread out along the trail during our 6-8 hours of hiking. Trail conditions can be primitive, and there is much up-and-down hiking (often 2,000- to 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). We are in the high Andes, and mountain weather is always fickle, so there will be days when it may be cold. The days can also be brilliantly sunny but nights are always cold at these altitudes. It is expected that each participant be in excellent health and physical condition. We recommend you make a special effort to get in top physical condition for the trip. The most important factor in deriving the maximum enjoyment from your trip is a spirit of adventure.

Explanation of Trip Levels