Experience hiking the classic Cordilerra Huayhuash Circuit on this unforgettable 14-day guided trek
Experience the majesty of the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain chain on the Huayhuash Circuit Trek- the 14-day guided adventure that will take you on the full classic journey in the Peruvian Andes. This route will be a private, fully-guided tour for your group, so you can make memories with your family and friends.
This route is the classic Huayhuash Circuit route, though the days are a bit shorter than other tours. This allows you more time to enjoy the scenery and explore the regions around the pretty campgrounds.
During the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek, you will make your way over breathtaking mountain passes, through lush valleys, across fields of Peruvian grass where llamas feed, 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 Circuit Trek, you will have the opportunity to enjoy hearty meals and camp in beautiful settings.
The 14-day tour starts and ends in Huaraz, Peru. Since most of this tour is above 4,000m in elevation, it is important to spend a few days prior to the Huayhuash Circuit trek getting acclimated to the altitude. A series of acclimatization hikes around Huaraz is strongly recommended.
If you are interested in the standard version of this tour, check out the standard Cordillera Huayhuash trek.
If you are interested in a short version of this tour, see our Short Huayhuash Tour.
How long is the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek?
While this version of the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek is a bit longer at 14 days, the route itself is approximately 120-130 kilometres (75-80 miles). This trek will take you through the rugged terrain of the Andes Mountains of Peru and will expose you to often unrelenting weather conditions, meaning it is not a trek for the faint of heart.
Will I be able to do the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek?
The question of if you will be able to do the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek is a bit of a personal one, as every person has a different level of physical fitness and limitations. Overall, this is a very challenging trek that traverses rugged terrain at high altitudes. Anyone looking to complete the Huayhuash Circuit Trek should have plenty of experience hiking/trekking in mountainous areas and should spend several days at high altitude prior to the start of the tour in order to acclimatize.
Highlights of the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek
Prices
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees
- Save Money
- Happiness Guaranteed
Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive 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 in the hotel in Huaraz at 8:30 AM and take you to Cuartelwain (4,150 m / 13,615 ft). The drive takes about 5 hours plus a lunch stop along the way. At Cuartelwain, set camp and make dinner. Get a great night’s rest to prepare for the first hiking day!
Overnight Location: Camping at Cuartelwain (4,150m)
Distance: 5 hours (in a van)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Start the Huayhuash Circuit Trek and hike to Mitucocha via Qaqanan Pass
After breakfast, the trekking starts as you undertake the complete Huayhuash Circuit. Start with a 3-hour hike up to Qaganan Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). Enjoy the view as you rest and eat lunch. From there, you will descend down the eastern side of Cordillera Huayhuash. After 2 more hours of hiking, you will reach the shores of Mitucocha Lake (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), where you will eat dinner and camp for the night beside the impressive 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
This morning on the Huayhuash Circuit Trek begins with a climb up to the Carhuac Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). The hike takes about 2.5 hours and promises beautiful views of the Yerupaja Chico, Yerupaja, and Siula mountains. It is a perfect place to rest and eat lunch. From here, another 2 hours of hiking brings you to the shores of Carhuacocha Lake (4,150 m / 13,615 ft). This stunning location is where you will camp and enjoy your dinner tonight.
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 up Siula Pass to Huayhuash Village
Get an early start today as you hike up to the Siula Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The trail begins along the shores of Carhuacocha Lake, where you have just spent the night, and passes three more lakes along the way: Qanrajancacocha, Siulacocha and Quesillococha. The hike to Siula Pass takes about 4 hours, with spectacular views of the Hirishanca chico, Yerupaja and Siula mountains visible the whole time. The Siula Pass offers a panoramic view of an array of snow-covered peaks, Siula Mountain in particular, and it is the perfect place to rest, eat lunch, and take photographs. The trail then continues down again for about 3 hours to a well-earned dinner and night of rest at 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 Lake Viconga via Portachuelo Pass
Today on your trek on the Huayhuash Circuit you will climb for about 2 hours up to the Portachuelo Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). This pass forms the boundary between two different mountain chains, the Cordillera Huayhuash and the Cordillera Raura, and offers spectacular views of both chains. The trail then descends through fields of Peruvian feathergrass (jarava ichu), which only grows at elevations above 4,000m (13,123 ft) in the Andes mountains. You may even spot some llamas and alpacas that feed on these grasses. Continue hiking past beautiful Viconga Lake until reaching the campsite for the night, which is located near the hot springs (4,400 m / 14,436 ft). The hike from the Portachuelo Pass to the campsite takes about 2 hours.
Overnight Location: Camping at Viconga Lake (4,400m)
Distance: 4 hours, 450 m ascent / 350 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Trek to Guanacpatay via Cuyoc Pass
Today’s Cordillera Huayhuash hiking takes you to new heights! Climb 600 m in about 3 hours, up to the Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft) between Cuyoc Mountain and Pumarinri Mountain. The highest pass on this tour, the Cuyoc Pass offers amazing views of Cordillera Raura, as well as a section of the Cordillera Huayhuash. The trail then leads back down into the Guanacpatay Valley (4,400 m / 14, 436 ft), and the hike to your campsite there from the Cuyoc Pass only takes about 1.5 hours.
Overnight Location: Camping at Guanacpatay (4,400m)
Distance: 4.5 hours, 600 m ascent / 600 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek to Cutatambo via Mirador of San Antonio
After breakfast, a 2.5 hour hike brings you to the spectacular San Antonio Mirador (lookout) point (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). From this overlook, you will enjoy clear views of five different mountains - Carnicero, Jurao, Siula Grande and Yerupaja – as well as two mountain lakes – Jurao and Siulacocha. Rest here and take plenty of pictures before hiking another 2 hours down into the Cutatambo Valley (4,250 m / 13,944 ft) to camp for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping at Cutatambo (4,250m)
Distance: 4.5 hours, 450 m ascent / 600 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Rest Day or Visit Siula Grande Glacier
After several days of demanding trekking on the Huayhuash Circuit, today you can either take a well-deserved rest day or go on a marvelous trek to the Siula Grande glacier base camp. This well-known mountain was the scene of the dramatic survival story of Joe Simpson, told in the book “Touching the Void,” and the film of the same name. The hike to Sarapococha Lake (4,550 m / 14,928 ft) and the glacier takes about 2.5 hours. Take time to walk around the lake and take pictures of the glacier before returning to the Cutatambo campsite by the same trail.
Overnight Location: Camping at Cutatambo (4,250m)
Distance: 5 hours, 300 m ascent / 300 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Trek to Huayllapa
Today, the Huayhuash Circuit trail descends along the Huayllapa River through a beautiful valley filled with native trees and shrubs. After hiking for about 3.5 hours, you’ll reach the Huayllapa Village (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) where you can treat yourself to soft drinks or beer before camping nearby for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping at Huayllapa (3,600m)
Distance: 3.5 hours, 650 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Trek to Qashpapampa via Tapush Pass
Leave the valley today and hike back up into the mountains to the Tapush Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). The hike from Huayllapa Village to the Tapush Pass takes about 3.5 hours of steep climbing, but your efforts will be rewarded with views of the Cordillera Blanca and Tuco Mountain. Stop to rest and enjoy the view before hiking down for about 2 hours to reach Qashpapampa (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). This area is often used as a base camp for climbing the Diablo Mudo Mountain.
Overnight Location: Camping at Qashpapampa (4,500m)
Distance: 5.5 hours, 1,250 m ascent / 350 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Trek to Jahuacocha via Yahucha Pass
Have your camera ready for a day full of breathtaking vistas on the Huayhuash Circuit! After breakfast, a 2.5 hour hike will bring you to the Yahucha Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), which offers spectacular views of Cordillera Huayhuash’s western side. You can clearly see at least 6 different snow-capped peaks, including Ninashanca, Hirishanca, Yerupaja Chico, Yerupaja, and Rasac. Yerupaja (6,634 m / 21,765 ft) is the second-highest peak in Peru after Huascaran (6,768 m / 22,205 ft). Rest and take plenty of pictures while at the Yahucha Pass. Continue hiking about 2.5 hours through the Huacrish Valley until you reach Jahuacocha Lake (4,070 m / 13,353 ft). Enjoy your dinner and a good night’s rest here on the shores of Jahuacocha Lake against a stunning mountain backdrop.
Overnight Location: Camping at Jahuacocha Lake (4,070m)
Distance: 5 hours, 250 m ascent / 680 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Trek to Llamac via Pampa Llamac Pass and then transfer to Huaraz
On the final day of this circuit tour, hike for 3 hours up to Pampa Llamac Pass (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). From this lookout, get one last, up-close view of the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain chain. After pausing to rest, hike down for about 2 hours to Llamac Village (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). In Llamac Village, you will meet up with a car waiting to take you back to Huaraz City and your hotel.
Overnight Location: Huaraz
Distance: 5 hours, 230 m ascent / 1,000 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 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
Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek Price & Dates
The guided Huayhuash Circuit is always run as a custom tour for you and your group. 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's capabilities.
The prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided groups of 4: $2,350 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
Huayhuash Circuit Accommodation
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 Huayhuash Circuit Trek. These campsites are owned by the rural communities in the Cordillera Huayhuash 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
Hotel El Tumi ★★★
This clean, comfortable hotel is just a quick, 3-block walk from the main square in Huaraz. Spa services and a sauna are available, which might be of interest after 12 days on the trail!
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.
Hotel El Tumi ★★★
This clean, comfortable hotel is just a quick, 3-block walk from the main square in Huaraz. Spa services and a sauna are available, which might be of interest after 12 days on the trail!
What’s Included in the Huayhuash Circuit Trek?
Meals
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners
Accommodations
Accommodations along the Huayhuash Circuit Trekking tour are included, as are accommodations in Huaraz before and after the trekking tour.
Transportation during the Huayhuash Circuit tour
This tour includes transportation at the beginning and end of the trek to and from Huaraz. You can also arrange transport from Lima to Huarez 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)
- 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 Huaraz
- 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 guided hikes and accommodation in Huaraz
Frequently Asked Questions about Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit 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.
Learn MoreCordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek Map
Click map for a larger version
Is this tour for me?
This Huayhuash Circuit tour is rated as a 5 out of 5 for difficulty, largely due to the altitude of the Huayhuash Circuit. Acclimatization to the altitude prior to the start of the tour is recommended.
Local Guide
Ask a Question
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.