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 seven 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!
This is the best trip I have done so far. I really loved the scenery, the rigors of the hikes, and the peace of being away from crowds.
— Maeve O., Walnut Creek, CA
Days 1-4, Aug 17-20, 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.
Huaráz / Wilkahuain / Lake Churup - Days 1-4
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Day 1 (1 night), Lima, PeruThe Casa Andina Premium Miraflores has spacious rooms and an excellent location with easy access to the lively Miraflores district. From the hotel, it's a nice walk along Avenida Larco to Larcomar, a multi-story outdoor complex of shops and restaurants set on cliffs along the Pacific. The lobby bar makes a terrific pisco sour, and the hotel facilities include a lovely sauna, massage room, and small swimming pool.
Hotel Club Andino
Days 2 to 4 (3 nights),Day 17 (1 night), Huaraz, Peru
A 10-minute uphill walk from the main plaza, the Swiss-owned Hotel Club Andino is the best available in the remote mountain town of Huaraz. It offers clean and comfortable rooms, plenty of hot water for showers, and stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca. The restaurant offers Swiss specialties and the breakfast buffet is abundant.
Days 5-8, Aug 21-24, 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.
Cacanampunta / Carhuacocha - Days 5-8
Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Camps
Days 5 to 16 (12 nights), Cordillera Huayhuash, PeruOn the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced team of trail guides, and all your gear is carried for you (leaving you free to hike with just a daypack to hold your camera, water bottle, rain jacket, etc.). Accommodations are in sturdy mountain-style tents. Camp amenities include a dining tent with a table and chairs (with backs), meals prepared by our trained staff, and a toilet tent. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing tea or coffee to your tent each morning and providing picnic lunches each day at a scenic spot along the trail.
Days 9-13, Aug 25-29, 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.
Portachuelo Huayhuash / Laguna Jurau - Days 9-13
Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Camps
Days 5 to 16 (12 nights), Cordillera Huayhuash, PeruOn the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced team of trail guides, and all your gear is carried for you (leaving you free to hike with just a daypack to hold your camera, water bottle, rain jacket, etc.). Accommodations are in sturdy mountain-style tents. Camp amenities include a dining tent with a table and chairs (with backs), meals prepared by our trained staff, and a toilet tent. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing tea or coffee to your tent each morning and providing picnic lunches each day at a scenic spot along the trail.
Days 14-18, Aug 30-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 18.
Laguna Jahuacocha / Huaréz - Days 14-18
Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Camps
Days 5 to 16 (12 nights), Cordillera Huayhuash, PeruOn the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced team of trail guides, and all your gear is carried for you (leaving you free to hike with just a daypack to hold your camera, water bottle, rain jacket, etc.). Accommodations are in sturdy mountain-style tents. Camp amenities include a dining tent with a table and chairs (with backs), meals prepared by our trained staff, and a toilet tent. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing tea or coffee to your tent each morning and providing picnic lunches each day at a scenic spot along the trail.
Hotel Club Andino
Day 17 (1 night), Huaraz, PeruA 10-minute uphill walk from the main plaza, the Swiss-owned Hotel Club Andino is the best available in the remote mountain town of Huaraz. It offers clean and comfortable rooms, plenty of hot water for showers, and stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca. The restaurant offers Swiss specialties and the breakfast buffet is abundant.
Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport (Day Room)
Day 18, Lima, PeruVery conveniently located right across the Lima international airport, this hotel is just a two- minute walk across the street from the terminal, and you can wheel your bags across (no need to take a taxi). Rooms are well appointed and comfortable.
Cordillera Huayhuash
Highlights
Highlights
Details
12-day trek on moderate to strenuous trails, 4-7 hours a day, altitudes between 11,000-16,600 feet
