Cordillera Huayhuash · Perú

Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Meet in Lima, Peru. Overnight bus to Huaraz.
2. Day 2

   Arrival in Huaraz in the morning. We have breakfast and settle into our lodging. Then we head out to explore this picturesque town in Ancash. We'll wander its streets and markets, immersing ourselves in the local culture. (Lunch on your own – Dinner included)

3. Day 3

   Altitude acclimatization day. After breakfast our transfer picks us up. We'll visit some of the beautiful lakes surrounding Huaraz. We'll do an easy trek with plenty of stops, enjoying these gorgeous landscapes. Option: Laguna Wilcacocha, 3700 m. / Laguna Churup 4450 m. (Breakfast / Packed lunch / Dinner)

4. Day 4

   Early departure from Huaraz in our vehicle, about 4–5 hrs. Traveling through very traditional Andean villages, we reach the area called Matacancha or Cuartel Huayin (4150 m.), where we'll set up our base camp. From here we'll have views of the north faces of the snow-capped peaks Rondoy (5870 m.) and Ninashanca (5607 m.)

5. Day 5

   After a spectacular sunrise and breakfast, we begin this beautiful trek, reaching our first high pass, Cacananpunta at 4700 m., with gorgeous views of the lower valleys of the Cordillera Huayhuash. We'll descend along a lovely trail and reach a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Lagunas Mitucocha and Rondoy. As we descend, we'll see the east faces of Jirishanca (6094 m.), Rondoy, and Ninashanca. We'll reach our camp at 4250 m. and, after settling in, walk one more hour to visit beautiful Laguna Mitucocha. (approx. 5–6 hrs)

6. Day 6

   Our third day of trekking begins after breakfast as we climb to the second high pass, Carhuac (4650 m.), through a beautiful valley that gradually opens up until, from the pass, we see the spectacular east faces of Yerupajá (6636 m.) and Siulá Grande (6354 m.). We'll descend to the spectacular Laguna Carhuacocha (4150 m.), where we'll set up camp in one of the most beautiful spots on the circuit. (approx. 5–6 hrs)

7. Day 7
   This will be one of the best sunrises in the mountains; the east faces

   This will be one of the best sunrises in the mountains. The east faces of Yerupajá, Siulá Grande, and Jirishanca will turn a vivid orange we won't soon forget. After this majestic show, another awaits as we climb to the third high pass and reach the viewpoint over Lagunas Gangrajanca, Siulá, and Quesillococha (all above 4200 m.). Hearing the sound of avalanches from the hanging glaciers of Siulá Grande and Yerupajá will be another unique experience, and of course, so will reaching the third high pass, Siulá (4800 m.). With views of Nevado Carnicero (5960 m.) as well, it will be a demanding but unforgettable climb. We begin the descent to our next camp, Huayhuash (4455 m.), the place that gave this area its name. (The huayhuash is a small Andean rodent that feeds on the blood of domestic animals such as chickens or cuy – guinea pigs.) We'll camp after a hike of approximately 8–10 hrs.

8. Day 8

   This will be a short, relaxed day. After breakfast, we start the climb to the fourth high pass, called Portachuelo (4700 m.), where we can see part of the Cordillera Raura with peaks of 5,000 meters, and we'll descend toward the natural hot springs of Atuscancha, but not before seeing the huge Laguna Viconga (4480 m.). We'll reach the hot springs and camp next to them, spending the rest of the day relaxing in the open-air hot pools, a "high-altitude" soak at 4450 m. (approx. 4–5 hrs)

9. Day 9

   After breakfast we start a beautiful climb to enter the western side of the range. To do so, we'll reach the highest pass on our route, Cuyoc (5000 m.), with a close view of the glacier on the mountain of the same name, which stands at 5550 m. The hanging glaciers of this mountain will see us off as we take a beautiful descent into the Huanac Patay valley, with green flats leading us to our camp at 4500 m. (approx. 5–6 hrs)

10. Day 10

    Start of the spectacular variant. We'll climb to the "unnamed pass" at 5050 m., from where we can already see our route for the following days, the Rasac glacier pass, and of course the wild west faces of Jurau (5535 m.), Sarapo (6127 m.), and Rasac (6025 m.). We'll descend to Laguna Jurau (4383 m.) and set up camp in the Cutatambo valley. (approx. 5–7 hrs)

11. Day 11

    After saying goodbye to our muleteers and mules for 2 days, we start the climb with our two-day packs toward the pass with the best view of the entire Cordillera Huayhuash, Sequya Pass, at about 5,000 meters. From here is the only full viewpoint of the spectacular west face of Nevado Siulá Grande, famous for the survival story told in the book and documentary "Touching the Void" by Joe Simpson (UK). During the ascent we can visit the Simpson–Yates base camp. After the hard climb, a relatively short descent awaits us to Laguna Caramarca (4590 m.). (approx. 7–9 hrs)

12. Day 12

    Glacier pass day! After eating breakfast on a huge table-shaped rock, we begin climbing a scenic ridge until we reach the edge of the glacier on Nevado Rasac. There we'll put on our crampons and harnesses and, properly roped up, reach the 5150 m. Rasac Pass. The glacier has a gentle slope and a few crevasses that we'll cross as we go. The view from the small glacier pass is truly unique; we'll be surrounded by mountains and views we'll never forget. We begin the descent through moraine terrain until we reach green valleys where Laguna Rasac (4317 m.) sits. There we'll rest and may fish for some trout. Here the muleteers and mules will catch up with us to help with our gear, and we'll descend to Laguna Jahuacocha (4000 m.), where we'll make camp. (approx. 8–10 hrs)

13. Day 13
    Free day at Laguna Jahuacocha; we'll take the chance to hike to

    Free day at Laguna Jahuacocha. We'll take the chance to hike to Laguna Solterococha (4120 m.), located at the foot of Jirishanca, and in the mid-afternoon we'll see the preparation of the "Pachamanca," a traditional Andean meal cooked in stone ovens, an ancestral tradition to finish off our beautiful trek. What better way to stretch or read a book than with the beautiful walls of Mituraju and Jirishanca behind you.

14. Day 14

    After breakfast, we'll climb to the final high pass, Pampa Llámac at 4300 m., from where we can see almost the entire Cordillera Huayhuash, then begin the descent to the village of Llámac, 3400 m. From there our vehicle will take us back to Huaraz.

15. Day 15

    A day without alarms! We'll wake up slowly. We'll use our last day to visit the city, pick up gifts, and organize our duffels. In the evening we take the bus from Huaraz, arriving in Lima early the next morning. (Breakfast / Farewell lunch) – END