Trekking the Cordillera Huayhuash

A Truly Spectacular Alpine Circuit in the Andes

Overview

The tremendous ice range of Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash is topped with knife-edged 20,000-foot peaks that attract climbers from around the world. Our classic 12-day trek makes a complete circuit of this magnificent range, crossing eight high passes with near-constant panoramas of towering Andean giants, including Yerupajá (21,709'), the second-highest mountain in Peru, and the icy fang of Jirishanca (20,099'). Along the way, we’ll camp by the stunning turquoise lakes that bejewel this region. The hiking is challenging but rewarding, and the vast blue skies and soaring condors add to the allure. We only offer this trip once a year, so don’t miss your chance!

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-4
Huaráz / Wilkahuain / Lake Churup

From Lima, we head north to the mountain town of Huaráz (10,200'), where Huascarán (22,205'), Peru’s highest peak, dominates the skyline. Our warm-up hikes bring us to the archaeological site of Wilkahuain and to Lake Churup, set below the Churup Glacier at 14,700 feet.

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport Hotel
Lima, Peru
Day 1 (1 night), Day 18 (1 night)
Hotel Club Andino
Huaraz, Peru
Days 2 to 4 (3 nights), Day 17 (1 night)
Days 5-9
Cacanampunta / Carhuacocha

From our first high pass, Cacanampunta (15,400'), panoramas include the summits of Ninashanca and Jirishanca, and we may start to see soaring condors. We cross our second pass, Carhuac (15,150'), to reach our beautiful lakeside camp at Laguna Carhuacocha, where the vertical rock faces and ice flutings of Yerupajá are right in front of us—sunsets are sublime here.

Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Camps
Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
Days 5 to 16 (12 nights)
Days 10-14
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 (16,564') and Santa Rosa Pass (16,600'), the highest point on our trek. We’ll have an Exploration Day at our Laguna Jurau camp, with a choice to hike to a high vantage point of the dramatic peak of Siulá and part of the route of the near-fatal climb depicted in the gripping adventure film Touching the Void.

Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Camps
Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
Days 5 to 16 (12 nights)
Days 15-18
Laguna Jahuacocha / Huaráz

After crossing two more passes, Tapush (15,711') and Yaucha (15,900'), and enjoying spectacular final views from our lake camp at Jahuacocha, we head back in Huaraz on Day 17 for a festive Farewell Dinner. Return to Lima and depart on Day 18 (or Day 19 if your flight departs the following day).

Highlights

Highlights

Challenging trek circling the ice-draped peaks of Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash massif
Spectacular campsites at remote turquoise lakes, incredible views of glacier-clad peaks
Hike across seven breathtaking mountain passes, including Santa Rosa Pass (16,600'), the highest
Exploration Day at Laguna Carhuacocha, with hiking options
Mountain town of Huaráz (10,200'), where Huascarán (22,205'), Peru’s highest peak, dominates the skyline

Details

Length: 18 days
Cost From: $5295  
Arrive: Lima, Peru
Depart: Lima, Peru
Lodging: 6 nights hotels, 12 nights full-service camping
Meals: All meals included except 2 dinners as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level:

Physically demanding 12-day trek, moderate to steep trails, 5-7 hours a day, altitudes of 11,000-16,600 feet

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The Call of Cordillera Huayhuash

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