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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
Trekking the Cordillera Huayhuash
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Physically demanding 12-day trek, moderate to steep trails, 5-7 hours a day, altitudes of 11,000-16,600 feet
