16 Days / 15 Nights

group departure dates

2024

august 3-18

2025

AUGUST 2-17

Huayhuash is world-class, no doubt. Glacier peaks of Huayhuash surround you with stunning landscapes and lakes everywhere you look. This is a lesser known trekking destination that we wish to stay out of the radar because the beauty is spectacular and we want to selfishly enjoy the scenery without the typical tourist crowd. With that said, you're in for a major treat as we trek for 10 days in this so-called Peruvian Alps. Discover the other side of Peru where the sky meets the numerous snow-capped peaks of the Andes. A true gem for any explorer!

This trek is open to all genders and as part of our mission to elevate females in the industry via our human rights organization, The Porter Voice Collective, we strive to hire female guides to the extent feasible to lead this trek (NOTE: Female trekking guides in this region is in demand and is small in numbers compared to male guides. The hiring of female guide is subject to availability; hence, although we make our best effort to find a qualified female trekking guide, we cannot guarantee that your guide will be a female).

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive in Lima. Stay overnight in a hotel in Lima.

DAY 2

Bus to Huaraz; overnight in a hotel in Huaraz (3052 m)

DAY 3 Practice Hike: Laguna Wilcacocha (3745 m)

Pick up at your hotel at 8:30 am and we go to the town of Santa Cruz (Chiwipampa bridge), where we start the 2 hour hike to the Wilcacocha lagoon. We will walk along a steep trail, observing typical villages of the Cordillera Negra, enjoying the views of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca and the valley of the Callejón de Huaylas. The Wilcacocha Lagoon is a natural viewpoint of the Cordillera Blanca and from this point we can see snowy mountains such as: Huandoy, Huasacaran, Hualcan, Copa, Vallunaraju, Ocshapalca, Ranrapalca, Churup, Huatsan, Shacsha. After staying at the lagoon for about 1 hour, we will go down the same trail to the Santa Cruz bridge, where we will board our transportation to take us to Huaraz. Overnight in a hotel in Huaraz.

Transfer by car to Santa Cruz Village: 30 minutes / Hiking Time: 2 hours (3 km)

DAY 4 Practice Hike: Laguna 69 (4650 m)

This adventure will start in Huaraz, we will pick you up at your hotel with transportation. After pick up, we will head north through the valley of Huaylas to Yungay, at which point we will enter the Llanganuco canyon. On the way, we will stop for 30 minutes for breakfast. We will continue our journey and after about 10 minutes we will make another stop to check in at the Huascaran National Park and after another 20 minutes we drive by the beautiful Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes. Finally, the transport arrives to Cebollapampa, the starting point of our trek. Our trek to the lake 69 starts along the Cebollapampa valley and lasts about 3 hours until we arrive to the lake 69, one of the most beautiful lakes of the Cordillera Blanca. We will stay for an hour in the lake to rest and take pictures, then we will continue our downhill until we arrive to Cebollapampa, the transport will be waiting for us to take us back to the city of Huaraz. Overnight in a hotel in Huaraz.

Transfer by car: 3 hours / Hiking Time: 3 hours (7 km )

DAY 5 Huaraz – Chiquian – Llamac – Pocpa – Cuartelhuain Camp (4,150 m / 13,615 ft)

On this day, you’ll be picked you up from your hotel at 8 a.m. We drive southeast to the town of Chiquian, then continue to Llamac and Pocpa. We will continue to Cuartelhuain, where we will camp.

Transfer by car to Cuartelhuain: 5 hours

DAY 6 Cuartelhuain - Cacananpunta Pass (4,690 m / 15,400 ft) – Mitucocha Camp (4,200 m / 13,700 ft)

After breakfast, we start the hike to the pass of Cacananpunta (4,690m), an excellent viewpoint to the east towards the region of Huanuco. Near this pass lunch time awaits us. The chef will prepare the picnic lunch by the roadside. The views are as follows: Pucacocha lagoon with its reddish waters due to the iron ore in its waters and the peaks Ninashanca, Rondoy and the Huallanca mountain range. The Mitucocha camp our final destination.

Hiking Time: 4 – 5 Hours (8 km)

DAY 7 Mitucocha Camp – Alcay Pass (4,820 m / 15,800 ft) – Carhuacocha Camp (4,140 m / 13,582 ft)
On the second day, the hike reaches the Alcay Pass which is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the circuit for its spectacular view of Siulá Grande, Yerupajá Grande and Chico, Jirishanca, Ninashanca, all by their wild and steep east faces. Then we head towards the Alcaycocha lake, very close to this place we will take our lunch break. Finally, we descend to the beautiful Carhuacocha lake (4150 m) and in a few minutes we will be reaching our camp (Carhuacocha). At night, nothing is better than watching the stars, the Milky Way nebula and its reflection on the Carhuacocha lake.

Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours (10 km)

DAY 8 Carhuacocha Camp – Siula Pass (4,950 m / 16,240 ft) – Huayhuash Camp

This day is one of the best of the Huayhuash circuit because you can enjoy the spectacular sunrise when the peaks of the mountains are reflected on the Carhuacocha lake. You can enjoy the views of the turquoise lakes: Siula lake, Quesillococha and Azulcocha. Then, we will reach the Siula Pass where we will have a view of the Raura mountain range, an incredible place to stay for a long time and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Lunch will be waiting for us just five minutes from the Siula pass. Finally, we will walk downhill as we look over Carnicero lake. Our final destination will be the Huayhuash camp.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours (13 km)

DAY 9 Huayhuash Camp – Trapecio Pass (5,000 m / 16,400 ft) – Pampa Elefante Camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)

Today we will hike towards the Trapecio Pass. After 4 hours of walking, we will arrive at the pass where we will be able to appreciate a spectacular view of the Trapecio mountain and beautiful landscapes of the lakes that are located below the Puscanturpa, Cuyoc, Milpo mountains and part of the Cordillera Raura. We make the descent to the lakes and have our lunch along the way. We continue down the trail where we will find a giant rock with the silhouette of an elephant. We spend the night in Elephant valley camp.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours (10 km)

DAY 10 Pampa Elefante Camp – Santa Rosa Pass (5,100 m / 16,700 ft) – Cutatambo –

Village of Huayllapa (3,500 m / 11,400 ft)

It’s a spectacular day for the privileged view at the highest pass of the Huayhuash trek: Santa Rosa pass, the main viewpoint of the entire trekking circuit. From this point, we will be able to appreciate in its maximum splendor the Jurao lake and peak, Sarapo peak, Siula Grande peak, Siula Chico peak, Yerupajá peak and Rasac peak. After descending the Santa Rosa pass there will be time for lunch before we continue descending towards the Quebrada Huayllapa and the village of Huayllapa, where we will camp.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours (17.8 km)

DAY 11 Village of Huayllapa – Huatiac Camp (4,300 m / 14,100 ft)

After breakfast, we start the hike to our campsite in Hiuatig, where we will have a view of Nevado Diablo Mudo.

Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (5 km)

DAY 12 Huatiac Camp - Punta Tapush Pass (4,750 m / 15,500 ft) – Gashpapampa Camp (4,600 m / 15,090 ft)

This day the hike starts uphill from Huatic to Tapush Pass, the road is surrounded by vegetation along the way. After four hours of walking, we will arrive at the Tapush pass where we will enjoy our lunch and the view of the Diablo Mudo Mountain (5350m) and the Susococha lake. We continue downhill until we reach the Gashpapampa camp (4,600m) being this the highest camp of the entire circuit.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours (7km)

DAY 13 Gashpapampa Camp – Yaucha Pass (4,850 m / 15,900 ft) – Jahuacocha Camp (4,050 m / 13,200 ft)

This day is unforgettable as we see the whole Huayhuash mountain range. We will start the hike towards the Yaucha pass and from here we will continue to the edge of the Huacrish canyon with awesone views of the mountains: Yerupajá, the second highest mountain in Peru, Jirishanca, Rondoy, Siula, Tsacra and Rasac, until we reach the Huacrish viewpoint, a place of singular beauty that surprises us with the views of the mountain range and the contrast of the turquoise lakes called Jahuacocha and Solterococha. From this viewpoint we will descend to the camp that awaits us at the foot of the Jahuacocha lake.

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours (9.5 km)

DAY 14 Jahuacocha Camp – Mancan Punta Pass (4,550 m / 14,927 ft) – Pocpa Village - Huaraz

The last day of our trek has come. We will start the hike to the Mancan Punta pass (4.550 m) where we can see for the last time the northern part of the Huayhuash mountain range. Thereafter, we descend to the Pocpa village where the transport awaits us for the transfer to the city of Huaraz.

Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (8 km)

DAY 15

Return to Lima by bus. Overnight in a hotel in Lima.

DAY 16

Fly home.

*Please note the hiking times above are estimated times; the actual hiking time can be less or more than the times noted above.

See a recording of the trip meeting for this tour via this link.

TREK STYLE

This trek is STRENUOUS given the high altitude, the possible low temperatures and the early start times for some days. You must be physically fit, in good health, and preferably with recent backpacking/hiking experience. Consulting with your doctor prior to joining the trip is recommended. It is highly suggested that you familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high altitude trekking.

PRICING

For a group of

2 persons: $3650

3 persons or more: $3200

Group size: Minimum of 2 persons. Maximum of 10 people.

DEPOSIT $950

A completed booking form and non-refundable deposit are required to book your spot.

Balance is due 90 days prior to the departure date.

For solo hotel stay, a single supplement fee applies.

Private tours are available upon request.

For questions, send us an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com.

For photographers, we can arrange a local photography instructor to join you on any of the day hikes or the multi-day trek for additional fee. We can also arrange for a porter service to help with your equipment on the trek.

Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.

The cancellation policy for this tour is as follows:

Cancellation fees will be applied per person based on the date we receive your written notification:

61 or more days - 50% cancellation fee
31-60 days from the start of the trip - 70% cancellation fee
30-0 days from the start of the trip - 100% cancellation fee (no refunds)

Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!

BOOK NOW

INCLUSIONS

Two nights in a 3 star hotel in Lima
Four nights 3 star hotel in Huaraz
Airport Transfer in Lima
Bus ticket Lima - Huaraz - Lima
Hotel Transfer in Huaraz
Entrance to Huayhuash
Entrance to Huascaran National Park
Certified trekking guide.
Certified chef for the entire Huayhuash circuit
Two acclimatization hikes (Wilcacocha and Laguna 69)
Private transport and guiding for Wilcachoca
Shared transport and private guiding for Laguna 69
Private transportation to and from the start of the trek
Donkey driver and donkeys for the transfer of logistic camping equipment (and passenger's luggage of 10-15 Kg)
Emergency horse (for a group of 2 ore more persons)
Emergency horse & driver (for a group of 3 or more persons)
Three meals per day plus snacks
Sleeping tent 4 season, double occupancy (to be shared with a member of the expedition)
Kitchen and dining tent
Toilet tent
Chairs and tables
Shower tent (possible to shower twice on the trek)
Radio communication
Complete kitchen and dining utensils.
First aid kit + oxygen
Boiled water to fill the bottle every day for the hike
Warm water for your personal hygiene when you arrive at the camp (at the end of the day's trekking).
Gratitude and farewell lunch (pachamanca).
Board games during the trek
Predeparture preparation meetings (group & one-on-one).

EXCLUSIONS
International airfare; travel, medical & emergency evacuation insurance; meals in Lima, & Huaraz, tips, and all other personal expenses.

FLIGHTS
Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.

TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel insurance through Global Rescue or other insurance of your choice that should cover at a minimum 100% of the trip cost (land & air), emergency medical, and evacuation for high-altitude trekking of up to 6000 meters. Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date. Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.

Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than Global Rescue, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high-altitude trekking as there are only a select number of companies that provide such type of coverage.

VISA & VACCINATIONS

Please check ahead of time as to the visa and vaccination requirements for your destination. You are responsible for securing your visa and vaccinations if required.

COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Peru’s travel restrictions have changed frequently. It is your responsibility to be aware of current COVID-19 travel restrictions. You can check the latest via the U.S. State Department website or the website of your embassy in Peru.

GEAR LIST & TRIP NOTES

Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list and specific trek information.

Huayhuash Trek & Cordillera Blanca (16 days / 15 nights)