Admire rugged snow-capped peaks on this 11-day guided Cordillera Huayhuash Guided Trek
Experience the majesty of the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain chain in the Peruvian Andes on this magical Cordillera Huayhuash trek. This trek is a bit shorter than the complete Huayhuash Circuit tour, however, this is a popular itinerary for those who have 2 weeks to get to Peru and complete the incredible Huayhuash Trek. This is a wonderful trip that has you trekking the majority of the Classic Huayhuash Circuit.
This Huayhuash trek takes you over breathtaking mountain passes, through lovely river valleys, and along the shores of crystal clear mountain lakes. Each day brings you deeper into the Cordillera Huayhuash to experience this impressive region up close.
Along this guided Cordillera Huayhuash Trek, you will have the opportunity to camp in beautiful settings and enjoy delicious meals, including a celebration meal on the last day. This guided trekking tour starts in Huaraz, Peru, and allows you to experience the true heart of the Andes in the renowned Cordillera Huayhuash.
Since most of this trek is above 4,000m in elevation, it is important to spend a few days prior to the Huayhuash trek getting acclimated to the altitude. A 3-4 day acclimatization hike in the vicinity of Huaraz is strongly recommended, as this will both help your body get used to the altitude and prepare for the Huayhuash Trek’s difficulty.
If you’re interested in a short version of the Huayhuash tour, check out the Short Huayhuash Tour.
If you want to do the complete trail, check out the Huayhuash Circuit.
Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Difficulty Level
Even though this tour does not encompass the entire length of the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek, it is still an extremely challenging adventure with a high level of difficulty. You will be traversing the high altitudes and unrelenting terrain of the Andes Mountains along a roughly 120 kilometre-long trail, so make sure to train hard in advance and spend the proper time acclimatizing to the altitude if you are planning to complete the Huayhuash Trek.
Cordillera Huayhuash Elevation
Located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, the Cordillera Huayhuash is a mountain range that is situated at an elevation around 6,635m above sea level. Due to this high altitude, anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the region will need to properly acclimatize, spending several days in the region prior to undertaking any strenuous activity, such as the Cordillera Huayhuash Trek.
Highlights of the Cordillera Huayhuash Trek
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Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival day in Huaraz
Arrive in Huaraz and check into your guesthouse. Enjoy exploring Huaraz on foot as you get used to the altitude. If you are coming from a lower elevation, it is strongly recommended to spend 2-3 days acclimatizing to the altitude, and you can book a 3-day acclimatization tour during the booking process, or you can plan your acclimatization before the trip on your own. The option acclimatization tour you can book takes you out to some of the most beautiful hikes around Huaraz. You can also arrange bus travel from Lima to Huaraz in the booking process.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Huaraz
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Transfer to Cuartelwain
A private van will pick you up at your hotel around 8:30 AM to take you to Cuartelwain (4,150 m / 13,615 ft) for your first night camping. The drive takes about 5 hours and you will have lunch along the way.
Overnight Location: Camping at Cuartelwain (4,150m)
Distance: 5 hours driving
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Trek to Mitucocha via Qaqanan Pass
Your first day of trekking in the Huayhuash begins after breakfast, with a 3-hour hike up to Qaganan Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). Continue walking down the eastern side of the Cordillera Huayhuash for about 2 hours and you will reach Mitucocha Lake (4,250 m / 13,944 ft). Spend a beautiful night camped on the shores of Mitucocha Lake in the shadow of the Hirishanca and Rondoy mountains.
Overnight Location: Camping at Mitucocha Lake (4,250m)
Distance: 5 hours, 550 m ascent / 450 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Trek to Carhuacocha via Carhuac Pass
After breakfast, get back on the trail and hike about 2.5 hours to Carhuac Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). This overlook offers amazing views of the Yerupaja Chico, Yerupaja and Siula mountains. After a pause to rest and enjoy the view, continue walking for about 2 hours down to Carhuacocha Lake (4,150 m / 13, 615 ft) where you will once again camp for the night on the shores of a spectacular mountain lake.
Overnight Location: Camping at Carhuacocha Lake (4,150m)
Distance: 4.5 hours, 400 m ascent / 500 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Trek to Huayhuash via Siula Pass
Get an early start today for a long, 4-hour climb up to Siula Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). While a tough climb, this is classic Cordillera Huayhuash trekking. Leave the beauty of Carhuacocha Lake behind you, knowing you will visit three more lakes today: Qanrajancacocha, Siulacocha and Quesillococha. As you hike, admire the stunning Hirishanca chico, Yerupaja and Siula mountains along the whole way. From the pass, you will have an even better view of Siula Mountain and the snow-capped peaks on the eastern side of the Cordillera Huayhuash. This is a great place to take a break and photograph the view before the 3-hour trek down to the Huayhuash campsite (4,300 m / 14,108 ft).
Overnight Location: Camping at Huayhuash (4,300m)
Distance: 7 hours, 650 m ascent / 500 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Trek to Guanacpatay via Trapecio Pass
Reach new heights today as you trek for 3 hours up to the Trapecio Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft). The panoramic vistas of Cuyoc and Puscaturpa peaks as well as the southern side of the Cordillera Huayhuash will take your breath away. The trail continues down through the beautiful Guanacpatay Valley, where you will camp for the night (4,400 m / 14,435 ft).
Overnight Location: Camping at Guanacpatay Valley (4,400m)
Distance: 6 hours, 700 m ascent, 600 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Trek to Cutatambo via Santa Antonio Pass
Today is another great day on your guided trekking tour in the Huayhuash. Start this day with a 2.5 hour hike up to the San Antonio Overlook point (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). From this unique pass, you will have an amazing view of four amazing mountains: Camicero, Jurao, Siula Grande, and Yerupaja, plus two spectacular lakes: Jurao and Siulacocha. Take some time to rest and take in the overwhelming view before continuing the hike. You will come down to the next campsite, at Cutatambo Valley (4,250 m / 13,944 ft) after about two hours for a well-earned dinner and night of rest.
Overnight Location: Camping at Cutatambo Valley (4,250m)
Distance: 4.5 hours, 450 m ascent, 600 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek to Watiaq via Huayllapa
After breakfast, follow the trail down to Huayllapa Village (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), which is the only village you will visit on this tour. The hike there takes about 3 hours, then you can pause there to experience this traditional village nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. From there, the trail climbs for 3 more hours, up to the Watiaq campsite (4,600 m / 15,088 ft).
Overnight Location: Camping at Watiaq (4,600m)
Distance: 6 hours, 1,000 m ascent, 650 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Trek to Qashpapampa via Tapush Pass then onto Jahuacocha via Yahucha Pass
This is a day full of spectacular ups and downs on the Huayhuash Trek. You will climb two different passes today. Begin the day with a 2-hour trek up to the Tapush Pass (4,850 / 15,912 ft). This overlook offers you a view of Tuco Mountain, which is part of the Cordillera Blanca. From there, hike down for about 1.5 hours to Qashpapampa (4,500 m / 14,764 ft) at the base of the Diablo Mudo mountain. The trail then leads up again for 2 hours to the Yahucha Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). This viewpoint looks out on the western side of the Cordillera Huayhuash, where you will see the snow-capped peaks of Ninashanca, Hirishanca, Yerupaja Chico, Rasac, and Yerupaja, which is the second tallest peak in Peru (6,634 m / 21,765 ft). As you enjoy the view, rest well to prepare for the last leg of today’s hike, which is 2.5 hours through the Huacrish Valley. When you reach Jahuacocha Lake (4,070 m / 13, 353 ft) you will camp for the night with a spectacular mountain view.
Overnight Location: Camping at Jahuacocha Lake (4,070m)
Distance: 7.5 hours, 500 m ascent, 1,030 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Trek to Llamac via Pampa Llamac Pass and then transfer to Huaraz
On this last day trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash, hike up for 3 hours to Pampa Llamac Pass (4,300 m / 14,108 ft) for one last close-up view of the mountains on the western side of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Pause to appreciate this final viewpoint, then hike down for 2 hours to the village of Llamac (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). Enjoy a celebration meal in Llamac before returning by van to Huaraz. You should reach the city around 6:00PM.
Overnight Location: Morales Guesthouse, Huaraz
Distance: 5 hours, 230 m ascent, 1,000 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 Departure
Today you’ll depart Huaraz. Many guests take a bus back to Lima, though some stay on to complete another trek in the Huayhuash.
Overnight location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Dates and prices of the Cordillera Huayhuash Trek
This trekking tour in Cordillera Huayhuash is always run as a custom tour for you and your group and the pricing is based on the number of guests on your trip. Please contact us with your preferred starting date and group size so we can help you make incredible memories on this private group tour. This route can also be altered depending on your group capabilities.
The prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided groups of 4: $1,840 USD per person
Please note that the pricing might change depending on the size of your group
Important: Please note that this tour is subject to non-standard cancellation terms:
- Cancelling 46 or more days out: Your deposit of 30% of the total trip cost will be forfeited.
- Cancelling 31 to 45 days out: Your deposit and any monies paid up to 50% of the total trip cost will be forfeited.
- Cancelling less than 30 days out: No Refund
Accommodation on Cordillera Huayhuash Trek
You will be staying in a hotel in Huaraz at the start and end of this tour. In between, you will be pitching camp at various scenic spots along the Cordillera Huayhuash Trek. These campsites are owned by the rural communities in the region and provide revenue for these local communities. Camping allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings around you, as well as enjoy staying on the trail itself along the way.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. In some cases, we can also get triple rooms for groups.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Morales Guest House ★★★
This pleasant hotel is located is a popular base pre and post-trekking. Located a 5-10 minute walk to the central plaza, this hotel has wonderful views of the Cordillera Blanca.
Camping in Cordillera Huayhuash ★
You will be pitching camp at scenic spots along the Alpamayo Trek. Your campsites are owned by the rural communities in the Cordillera Blanca, and your staying there provides valuable revenue.
Morales Guest House ★★★
This pleasant hotel is located is a popular base pre and post-trekking. Located a 5-10 minute walk to the central plaza, this hotel has wonderful views of the Cordillera Blanca.
What’s included in the Cordillera Huayhuash Trek?
Meals
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
Accommodations
Accommodations along the tour are included, as are accommodations in Huaraz before and after the trekking tour.
Transportation during the Cordillera Huayhuash tour
This Huayhuash tour includes transportation at the beginning and end of the trek to and from Huaraz. You can also arrange transport from Lima to Huaraz (8 hour bus trip) during the booking process.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip
- Hotel taxes and service charges in Huaraz
- Camp cook
- Horseman, pack animals, and emergency horse
- Camping equipment for collective use (sleeping tents, kitchen tent, dinning tent, bathroom tent, mattress, table and chairs)
- Kitchen Service (all the crockery)
- Celebration Meal
- Park fee entrances
- First Aid Kit
- Luggage porterage using donkeys and/or horses
- All logistics
Not included
- Anything not listed as included
- Flights to Peru
- Transit to Huarez. First class bus ticket (bed seat) from Lima to Huaraz: $30 USD per person.
- Transfer from the airport to the bus station in Lima: $9 USD-$15 USD per person, depending on group size.
- Personal trekking gear
- Any food or beverages not listed
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Incidental personal expenditures, including any travel insurance, emergency evacuations and medical expenditures
- Travel, personal, and medical insurance
Optional Extras
- Bus Transfer from Lima
- Additional night in Huaraz
- 3 day, 2 Night Pre-trip Acclimatization hikes in Huaraz
Frequently Asked Questions about Cordillera Huayhuash Trek
Go2Andes is a family-operated tour operator whose owners were raised in a small Peruvian village called Llamac, located in the iconic Cordillera Huayhuash in the Andes.
Nearly all of Go2Andes’ guides are from the villages of the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Huayhuash, and they use this deep familiarity to their advantage.
Go2Andes has led clients from over 30 different countries and they aim to become friends with each client before returning them home.
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Christian is incredibly familiar with the intricacies of creating an unforgettable adventure tour and never gets tired of leading new groups on their adventures. He’s particularly fond of the mountains and loves trekking tours.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to do and why?
- A: I consider the Cordillera Huayhuash to be my favourite, because it is the place where I was born. When I accompany groups there I love to show off its beauty, and it is considered by some guides to be among the 10 best hikes in the world.
- Q: What is an experience that anyone visiting Peru should have?
- A: Visit an archeological site (Machu Picchu, Caral, or Chavin de Huantar), take a trekking circuit in the Cordillera Blanca or Huayhuash, and eat traditional dishes (pachamanca, ceviche, or picante de cuy).
- Q: What has been the most challenging adventure you’ve had?
- A: Climbing a snow-covered peak of 6000m.