Overview
The phenomenal ice range of the Cordillera Huayhuash is renowned for its knife-edged 20,000-foot peaks and deep azure lakes. Seven of Peru’s highest mountains rise from this striking massif, and it was here that the gripping mountain drama Touching the Void took place. Ours is a world-class trek that makes a complete circle of the range, crossing eight high passes with near-constant panoramas of towering Andean giants, including Yerupajé (21,759'), the second highest mountain in Peru, and the icy fang of Jirishanca (20,099'). We only offer this adventure every two years—now is the time to go!
I am so glad I took this trip. It was challenging, it was beautiful, it was wild—what could be better! Please continue to offer these types of treks that go beyond ‘glamping’ and offer a true wilderness experience!
— Lisa P., Falls Church, VA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-4, Aug 18-21, 2020
Huaráz / Wilkahuain / Lake Churup
From Lima, we head to the mountain town of Huaráz (10,200'), where Huascarén (22,205'), Peru’s highest peak, dominates the skyline. Our warm-up hikes bring us to the archaeological site of Wilkahuain, with its burial and ritual chambers dating from the time of the Huari people, and to Lake Churup, set below the Churup Glacier at 14,700 feet.
Days 5-8, Aug 22-25, 2020
Cacanampunta / Carhuacocha
We begin the trek on the remote eastern flanks of the Huayhuash massif. From our first high pass, Cacanampunta (15,400'), panoramas include Ninashanca and Jirishanca, and we may start to see the soaring condors of the Andes. We cross our second pass, Carhuac (15,150'), to reach our beautiful lakeside camp at Laguna Carhuacocha, with Yerupajé, Peru’s second highest peak, right in front of us—sunsets are sublime here.
Days 9-13, Aug 26-30, 2020
Portachuelo Huayhuash / Laguna Jurau
From the farming community of Huayhuash, we climb to the top of Portachuelo Huayhuash (15,700'), then ascend two more mountain passes, including Punta Cuyoc (16,600'), the highest point on our trek. At our camp at Laguna Jurau, nestled in a cirque of massive snow peaks at 14,200 feet, we have an Exploration Day. One choice here is a hike to a high vantage point to see the dramatic peak of Siulé and part of the route of the famous Touching the Void climb.
Days 14-17, Aug 31-Sep 3, 2020
Laguna Jahuacocha / Huaréz
After crossing two more passes, Tapush (15,400') and Yaucha (15,900'), and spectacular final views from our lake camp at Jahuacocha, we head back to Huaraz on Day 17 for a festive Farewell Dinner. Depart via Lima on Day 17.
Cordillera Huayhuash
Highlights
Highlights
Details
13-day trek on moderate to strenuous trails, 4-7 hours a day, altitudes between 11,000-16,600 feet
