Huayhuash Trek 8 days

We leave Huaraz before dawn and drive south through the Santa River valley toward Chiquian. Along the way, the first distant views of Yerupajá reveal the scale of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Afterwards, we continue by mountain road through Llamac and Pocpa to Cuartelhuain at 4,170 meters. Here, the hiking section begins with a steady ascent across open puna grassland. Because this is the first day at high altitude, we keep a controlled pace and take regular hydration breaks. Soon, the trail reaches Punta Cacanan at 4,671 meters, the first high pass of the circuit. From the pass, broad valleys open on both sides of the ridge. Finally, we descend toward Janca, the campsite near Laguna Mitucocha. Meanwhile, Rondoy, Jirishanca, and Ninashanca form a dramatic skyline above camp. As a result, the first day combines a long scenic transfer with a short but important acclimatisation hike.

After breakfast, we leave Janca and follow the valley south. At first, the trail climbs gradually through puna grassland, where grazing alpacas and mountain streams accompany the route. Next, the gradient becomes steeper as we approach Punta Carhuac. From the pass at 4,612 meters, the eastern faces of Yerupajá and Siula Grande rise directly across the valley. Therefore, this is one of the first major panoramic moments of the Huayhuash trek. Afterwards, we descend on a clear trail toward Laguna Carhuacocha. As the lake appears, the ice-covered summits of Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico, Jirishanca, and Siula Grande reflect across the water in calm weather. Finally, we reach camp beside Carhuacocha at 4,155 meters. Because the hiking distance is moderate, the afternoon offers time to rest, photograph the lake, and prepare for the demanding Siula Pass stage.

We start beside Laguna Carhuacocha and follow the shoreline before climbing into the glacial valley. Soon, the route passes the famous chain of turquoise lakes: Gangrajanca, Siulacocha, and Quesillococha. Next, a steep ascent leads to Mirador Tres Lagunas. From this viewpoint, the three lakes align below the ice walls of Yerupajá and Siula Grande. As a result, this is often considered the signature view of the entire Huayhuash circuit. The trail then continues upward across loose, high-altitude terrain to Punta Siula at 4,796 meters. Because the ascent is sustained and parts of the route are steep, careful footing and a steady rhythm are essential. Afterwards, we descend past Laguna Carnicero and enter a wider valley. Finally, we arrive at Huayhuash camp at 4,342 meters, surrounded by open grassland and views toward Trapecio and the southern peaks.

We leave Huayhuash camp and walk south toward the high basin below Nevado Trapecio. At first, the ascent is gradual across broad grassland. However, the route soon becomes steeper and rockier as it approaches the pass. Next, we climb to Punta Trapecio at 5,015 meters, the highest point of this day. From the pass, the views extend across Trapecio, Puscanturpa, Cuyoc, and the deep valleys on the western side of the range. Therefore, clear weather makes this one of the most dramatic crossings of the eight-day circuit. Afterwards, we descend carefully through moraine and high alpine terrain. The path gradually reaches softer ground as Elefantepampa opens below. Finally, we arrive at camp at 4,510 meters. Because both the altitude and terrain are demanding, this day requires strong acclimatisation, warm layers, and deliberate pacing.

We leave Elefantepampa and begin a steep climb toward Mirador San Antonio. Although the distance to the high point is short, the thin air and loose terrain make the ascent intense. Soon, we reach the viewpoint at 5,006 meters. From here, the panorama includes Cuyoc, Puscanturpa, Trapecio, Siula Grande, Yerupajá, Sarapo, and Jurao. Below, the Cutatambo and Huanacpatay valleys reveal the long descent that follows. Afterwards, we descend carefully from the pass and continue through increasingly green terrain. As altitude decreases, alpine rock gives way to grassland, shrubs, waterfalls, and cultivated slopes. Finally, the trail reaches Huayllapa at 3,505 meters, the only village overnight on this itinerary. Because the segment loses more than 1,500 vertical meters and is the longest day of the trek, it is demanding even though most of the route is downhill.

We leave Huayllapa and begin the longest sustained ascent of the itinerary. At first, the trail follows a green valley past fields, waterfalls, and small woodland areas. Next, we climb steadily through Huatiac and return to the high puna. Because the route gains almost 1,300 meters, a slow rhythm is essential. The landscape gradually opens toward Diablo Mudo and the western edge of the Huayhuash range. Soon, we reach Punta Tapush at 4,778 meters. From the pass, we look toward Laguna Susococha and the glaciated summit of Diablo Mudo. Afterwards, a short descent leads across open grassland to Gashpapampa. Finally, we set camp at 4,514 meters. Although this day finishes higher than it begins by more than 1,000 meters, the gradual profile and improving views make the climb especially rewarding.

After breakfast, we leave Gashpapampa and climb toward Punta Yaucha. The trail crosses open puna with wide views toward Diablo Mudo and the western summits of the Huayhuash range. Next, we reach the pass at 4,887 meters, the highest point of the day. From the ridge, the northern skyline returns into view, including Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupajá, and Rasac. Afterwards, we follow a descending traverse toward the Jahuacocha viewpoint. Suddenly, the turquoise waters of Jahuacocha and Solterococha appear below the snow-covered peaks. Therefore, this is one of the strongest final panoramas of the circuit. Finally, we descend to the lakeside camp at 4,064 meters. Because the route loses nearly 1,000 meters after the pass, trekking poles help protect the knees on the long descent.

We leave Laguna Jahuacocha after breakfast and begin the final traverse of the circuit. At first, the trail rises gently above the Huayllan valley, giving one last view of the lake and the peaks of Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupajá, and Rasac. Soon, we reach Pampa Llamac at 4,292 meters. From this final viewpoint, the northern Huayhuash skyline stretches behind us. Therefore, it is an ideal place for a last group photo before leaving the high mountains. Afterwards, the trail descends steadily through dry grassland and scattered quenual woodland. As we lose altitude, the climate becomes warmer and the village of Llamac appears below. Finally, we arrive in Llamac at 3,256 meters, where private transport meets the group. We then drive through Chiquian and return to Huaraz, completing the eight-day Huayhuash circuit.