Huayhuash Trek 12 days

$1,680.00

The huayhuash trek 12 days is the complete Huayhuash circuit experience.
You trek with expert, local, English-speaking guides, high quality expedition equipment, and strict safety standards.
This premium Huayhuash trek in Peru is designed for serious hikers who value safety, structure, and consistent service.

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Huaraz to Cuartelhuain via Chiquian

Distance 162 km | 100.7 miles
Time hiking No time hiking on day 1
Camp altitude Cuartelhuain: 4,170 m | 13,681 ft
Difficulty Easy

Today

We leave Huaraz early and drive south toward Chiquian.
Along the way, we stop at a viewpoint with clear views of Yerupajá.
Therefore, you already feel the scale of the huayhuash trek in Peru before the hike begins.

Afterwards, we continue on a mountain road to Llamac and Pocpa.
Soon, the landscape opens into wide grasslands of the cordillera huayhuash trekking zone.
Finally, we reach Cuartelhuain at 4,170 meters.

Because this day is for acclimatisation, there is no trekking yet.
Instead, you rest, hydrate, and prepare for altitude.
Meanwhile, our team sets camp and checks equipment.
As a result, the body adapts in a safe and controlled way.
This approach is essential for the full huayhuash circuit.

Day 2

Day 2: Cuartelhuain to Janca via Paso Cacananpunta

Distance 8.3 km | 5.16 miles
Time hiking 5 to 6 hours
Camp altitude Janca: 4,230 m | 13,877 ft
Difficulty Moderate

Today

After breakfast, you start the first hiking day of the huayhuash trek 12 days.
First, the trail climbs steadily toward Paso Cacananpunta.
Therefore, the pace remains controlled for safe acclimatisation.

At the pass, the Continental Divide becomes visible.
Meanwhile, condors often circle above this section.
Then, the route descends through colourful terrain toward Janca Valley.
As a result, the landscape opens into wide alpine grasslands.

Finally, you reach Janca camp near Lake Mitucocha.
Because this is a key acclimatisation stage, the afternoon stays relaxed.
This structure supports your progress through the huayhuash trek in Peru and the wider huayhuash circuit.

Day 3

Day 3: Janca to Carhuacocha via Paso Carhuac

Distance 9.8 km | 6.09 miles
Time hiking 5 to 6 hours
Camp altitude Carhuacocha: 4,152 m | 13,622 ft
Difficulty Moderate

Today

After breakfast, you continue deeper into the huayhuash trek 12 days route.
First, the trail climbs gradually toward Paso Carhuac.
Therefore, the ascent feels steady and controlled.

At the top, wide views open across the core of the cordillera huayhuash trekking region.
Meanwhile, Yerupajá dominates the skyline.
Then, the descent leads into a hanging valley above Lake Carhuacocha.
As a result, the scenery becomes more dramatic.

Finally, you reach Carhuacocha camp beside the turquoise lake.
Because this camp sits below major glaciers, the temperature drops quickly.
This stage strengthens your acclimatisation for the full huayhuash trek in Peru and the wider huayhuash circuit.

Day 4

Day 4: Carhuacocha to Huayhuash via Paso Siula

Distance 14 km | 8.70 miles
Time hiking 8 to 9 hours
Camp altitude Huayhuash Camp: 4,340 m | 14,238 ft
Difficulty Challenging

Today

After sunrise at Lake Carhuacocha, you continue the huayhuash trek 12 days across its most dramatic scenery.
First, the trail follows the valley beneath Yerupajá and Siula Grande.
Therefore, the morning offers constant glacier views.

Then, the route passes several high alpine lakes.
Meanwhile, the landscape becomes steeper and more rugged.
Afterwards, the trail climbs toward Paso Siula.
As a result, the effort increases during the final ascent.

At the pass, the full scale of the cordillera huayhuash trekking region becomes clear.
Finally, you descend into Huayhuash Valley.
Because the camp sits beneath Mount Trapecio, the night is cold and still.
This stage is central to the full huayhuash trek in Peru and the classic huayhuash circuit.

Day 5

Day 5: Huayhuash to Pampa Cuyoc via Paso Trapecio

Distance 11.4 km | 7.08 miles
Time hiking 7 to 8 hours
Camp altitude Pampa Cuyoc: 4,511 m | 14,800 ft
Difficulty Challenging

Today

After an early start, you continue the huayhuash trek 12 days with one of the highest passes.
First, the trail climbs steadily above Huayhuash Camp.
Therefore, the pace remains slow and controlled for safety.

Then, the route reaches Paso Trapecio.
Meanwhile, wide views open across the southern peaks of the cordillera huayhuash trekking region.
Afterwards, a steep descent follows over rocky terrain.
As a result, trekking poles become important for balance.

Finally, the valley opens into Pampa Cuyoc.
Because this area lies beneath Cuyoc Peak, the environment feels remote and exposed.
This section plays a major role within the full huayhuash trek in Peru and the classic huayhuash circuit.

Day 6

Day 6: Pampa Cuyoc to Cutatambo via Paso Santa Rosa

Distance 5.2 km | 3.23 miles
Time hiking 5 to 6 hours
Camp altitude Cutatambo: 4,250 m | 13,943 ft
Difficulty Challenging

Today

After breakfast, the route of the huayhuash trek 12 days climbs directly from Pampa Cuyoc.
First, the ascent follows a steep and narrow trail.
Therefore, the pace remains slow and focused.

Soon, you reach Paso Santa Rosa.
Meanwhile, the panorama opens across Yerupajá, Siula Grande, and Sarapo.
Afterwards, the descent leads into the Calinca Valley.
As a result, the environment becomes broader and calmer.

Finally, you reach Cutatambo Camp.
Because this location lies close to historic climbing routes, the setting feels significant.
This stage strengthens your position within the huayhuash trek in Peru and the high-altitude huayhuash circuit.

Day 7

Day 7: Rest Day at Cutatambo

Distance Optional hikes: 0 to 6 km | 0 to 3.7 miles
Time hiking 0 to 3 hours
Camp altitude Cutatambo: 4,250 m | 13,943 ft
Difficulty Easy

Today

This day of the huayhuash circuit is dedicated to recovery and exploration.
First, you enjoy a slower morning at Cutatambo Camp.
Therefore, your body continues adapting to altitude.

You may choose an optional hike toward Cerro Gran Vista.
Meanwhile, others remain near camp and explore nearby lakes.
Afterwards, you can visit historic base camp areas used by early climbers.
As a result, the day remains flexible and controlled.

Finally, you return to Cutatambo Camp for the night.
Because recovery is essential for the second half of the huayhuash trek in Peru, this pause improves overall performance.

Day 8

Day 8: Cutatambo to Huatiac via Huayllapa

Distance 16.5 km | 10.25 miles
Time hiking 8 to 9 hours
Camp altitude Huatiac: 4,320 m | 14,173 ft
Difficulty Challenging

Today

After breakfast, the huayhuash trek 12 days continues with a long and varied stage.
First, the trail descends through the Sarapococha Valley.
Therefore, the climate becomes warmer as you approach Huayllapa.

In Huayllapa, you pause for rest and supplies.
Meanwhile, the route shifts back into high alpine terrain.
Afterwards, a steep ascent begins toward Huatiac.
As a result, the final section demands steady effort and careful pacing.

Finally, you reach Huatiac Camp beneath Diablo Mudo.
Because this is one of the hardest stages of the huayhuash trek in Peru, strong acclimatisation becomes essential.
This section also reinforces the challenge of the full huayhuash circuit.

Day 9

Day 9: Huatiac to Gashpapampa via Paso Punta Tapush

Distance 6.5 km | 4.04 miles
Time hiking 4 hours
Camp altitude Gashpapampa: 4,520 m | 14,829 ft
Difficulty Moderate

Today

After leaving Huatiac Camp, the huayhuash trek 12 days continues across open alpine terrain.
First, the trail climbs gradually toward Paso Punta Tapush.
Therefore, the effort remains steady and controlled.

At the pass, wide views stretch across the central range.
Meanwhile, Diablo Mudo dominates the horizon.
Afterwards, the route descends gently into Gashpapampa Valley.
As a result, the day feels lighter than the previous stage.

Finally, you arrive at Gashpapampa Camp in the early afternoon.
Because this day supports recovery, the evening remains relaxed.
This structure helps prepare you for the final stages of the huayhuash trek in Peru and the complete huayhuash circuit.

Day 10

Day 10: Gashpapampa to Jahuacocha via Paso Yaucha

Distance 9.2 km | 5.72 miles
Time hiking 4 to 5 hours
Camp altitude Jahuacocha: 4,050 m | 13,287 ft
Difficulty Moderate

Today

After breakfast, the huayhuash trek 12 days enters one of its most scenic stages.
First, the route descends into the Angoshcancha Valley.
Therefore, the landscape changes from open plateau to forested slopes.

Soon, the trail climbs steadily toward Paso Yaucha.
Meanwhile, long views appear across both the cordillera huayhuash trekking region and the Cordillera Blanca.
Afterwards, a long descent follows toward Lake Jahuacocha.
As a result, the day finishes beside one of the most impressive camps of the huayhuash trek in Peru.

Finally, you reach Jahuacocha Camp near the glacier-fed lake.
Because this location offers shelter and water, it is ideal for recovery.
This stage strengthens your connection with the full huayhuash circuit.

Day 11

Day 11: Exploration Day at Jahuacocha

Distance Optional hikes: 0 to 8 km | 0 to 5.0 miles
Time hiking 0 to 4 hours
Camp altitude Jahuacocha: 4,050 m | 13,287 ft
Difficulty Easy

Today

This day of the huayhuash trek focuses on recovery and exploration.
First, the morning begins with calm conditions beside Lake Jahuacocha.
Therefore, the body continues stabilising at altitude.

You may hike toward Rondoy Pass or explore the slopes below Yerupajá.
Meanwhile, others remain near the lake and rest.
Afterwards, you can try fishing in the nearby streams.
As a result, the pace of the day remains flexible and controlled.

Finally, you return to Jahuacocha Camp for the night.
Because this is one of the most scenic camps of the huayhuash trek in Peru, the evening offers quiet reflection on this amazing journey.
This pause prepares you for the final stage of the huayhuash circuit.

Day 12

Day 12: Jahuacocha to Huaraz via Paso Mancanpunta

Distance Trekking: 11.5 km | 7.15 miles and bus ride: 140 km | 86.99 miles
Time hiking 5 to 6 hours
Camp altitude No camp. Trek ends in Huaraz: 3,052 m | 10,013 ft
Difficulty Moderate

Today

After an early breakfast, the final stage of the huayhuash trek 12 days begins.
First, the trail climbs gradually toward Paso Mancanpunta.
Therefore, the ascent remains steady and controlled.

At the pass, you take a final view across the cordillera huayhuash trekking range.
Meanwhile, the long journey across the huayhuash circuit becomes clear.
Afterwards, the route descends steeply toward Pocpa.
As a result, the landscape shifts from alpine terrain to highland farms.

In Pocpa, private transport awaits for the return to Huaraz. This completes your huayhuash trek in Peru.