Huayhuash Trek Classic 10 Days: Ultimate Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek

Huayhuash Classic Trek Overview – Sustainable High-Altitude Adventure in Peru

Embark on the best Huayhuash trekking experience in Peru with our 10-day Cordillera Huayhuash circuit trek, the most comprehensive high altitude hiking adventure through the second highest tropical mountain range in the world. This classic Huayhuash trek route showcases the full grandeur of the range: Yerupajá (6,635m), Peru's second highest peak; the legendary Siula Grande (6,344m) of Touching the Void fame; and Jirishanca (6,090m), among dozens of 6,000m summits.

Unlike shorter versions, this extended Huayhuash trekking itinerary crosses eight mountain passes over 4,700 meters—including three above 5,000m—delivering the complete remote Andes trekking expedition. You'll camp beside turquoise glacial lakes, soak in natural hot springs, and traverse landscapes so pristine they appear unchanged since the Incas.

Why Choose This Huayhuash Trekking Tour:

✓ Daily departures from Huaraz—flexibility for your schedule
✓ Small group trekking Peru (max 8) for personalized attention
✓ Sustainable trekking practices: zero-waste camping, fair wages for local staff
✓ Professional mountain guides with wilderness first aid certification
✓ All-inclusive camping: quality gear, full kitchen service, emergency support
✓ 100% Peruvian company—local expertise, authentic experience

Day 1: Huaraz – Chiquián – Mitucocha (4,300m)

Your Cordillera Huayhuash trekking adventure begins with early departure from Huaraz (3:00 AM). Drive through the Callejón de Huaylas with sunrise views of the Cordillera Blanca, breakfast in Chiquián, then continue through the Mascash Valley via Llamac and Pocpa to Matacancha (4,180m).

Begin trekking with a 3-hour ascent to Cacananpunta Pass (4,700m)—the Continental Divide where Atlantic and Amazon waters separate. Spot Andean condors soaring on thermals. Descend 2 hours to Mitucocha Camp (4,300m), with evening reflections of Ninashanca and Rondoy peaks on the lake.

Drive: 5-6 hours | Trek: 5 hours | Camp: 4,300m

Day 2: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass – Carhuacocha (4,150m)

After breakfast, ascend 3 hours to Carhuac Pass (4,700m) for panoramic views of Mitucocha Lagoon surrounded by snow-capped giants. Descend along Alcaycocha Lagoon through grasslands and ichu (Andean feather grass).

Mid-descent, the immense Carhuacocha Lagoon reveals itself—your campsite beside this turquoise jewel. Yerupajá (6,635m), the range's highest peak, dominates the skyline with its wild, corniced silhouette. This is high altitude photography at its finest.

Trek: 6-7 hours | Camp: 4,150m

Day 3: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass – Huayhuash (4,280m)

A day of three glacial lakes and legendary peaks. Trek 2.5 hours on flat terrain past Jangracocha, Quesillacocha, and Siulacocha—each a different shade of turquoise. Siula (6,344m), Yerupajá, and Jirishanca (6,090m) tower above.

The Siula Pass (4,800m) demands 3 hours of steep climbing with scrambling sections. From the summit, 360° views of the Huayhuash massif. Descend 3 hours past Laguna Carnicero to Huayhuash Camp beneath Trapecio and Jurua peaks.

Trek: 8-9 hours | Camp: 4,280m

Day 4: Huayhuash – Huayhuash Pass – Guñoc Hot Springs (4,350m)

Morning ascent to Huayhuash Pass (4,780m) in 4 hours. León Dormido peak displays a perfect snow cap—ideal for mountain photography. Descend through rocky valleys to Viconga Lagoon, where domesticated alpacas graze freely.

Continue to Guñoc Camp beside natural hot springs—your reward for four days of trekking. Soak tired muscles while gazing at surrounding 5,000m peaks.

Trek: 7-8 hours | Camp: 4,350m | Hot springs included

Day 5: Guñoc – Cuyoc Pass – Pampa Cuyoc (4,500m)

The Cuyoc Pass (5,000m) awaits—one of the trek's most demanding ascents. Five to six hours of steep climbing brings you face-to-face with the raw magnitude of Puscanturpa and Cuyoc peaks. Huanagpataycocha Lagoon shimmers turquoise below.

Descend to Pampa Cuyoc (4,500m), a broad grassy plain surrounded by amphitheater peaks. This is wilderness camping Peru at its most spectacular.

Trek: 7-8 hours | Camp: 4,500m

Day 6: Pampa Cuyoc – San Antonio Pass – Huayllapa (3,600m)

The San Antonio Viewpoint (5,050m) offers the trek's most comprehensive panorama: Sarapo (6,127m), Jurau (5,850m), Siula Grande (6,345m), and Yerupajá all visible simultaneously. This is Cordillera Huayhuash photography heaven.

Steep 2-hour descent to the river, then 4 hours of gentle valley walking through wildflower meadows to Huayllapa village (3,600m). First showers, internet, and optional hostel accommodation after six days in the wilderness.

Trek: 9-10 hours | Camp/Lodge: 3,600m

Day 7: Huayllapa – Tapush Pass – Gashpapampa (4,450m)

The hardest day of high altitude trekking Peru. Six hours of sustained climbing through valleys and ravines to Tapush Pass (4,800m). Your perseverance is rewarded with views of the Diablo Mudo ("Dumb Devil") peak.

Descend 1 hour to Gashpapampa Camp (4,450m). Sunset paints Diablo Mudo in alpenglow—a photographer's dream.

Trek: 7-8 hours | Camp: 4,450m

Day 8: Gashpapampa – Yaucha Pass – Jahuacocha (4,130m)

Ascend 3 hours to Yaucha Pass (4,800m), then traverse the mountain ridge on an accessible path. 40% of the Huayhuash range is visible: Yerupajá Grande (6,634m), Yerupajá Chico (6,121m), Jirishanca Grande (6,090m), Rasac (6,017m), and more.

Below lie Solteracocha, Rasac, and finally Laguna Jahuacocha—widely considered the most beautiful lake in the Cordillera Huayhuash. Descend to camp on its shores.

Trek: 6-7 hours | Camp: 4,130m

Day 9: Rest Day in Jahuacocha (4,130m)

Recovery day beside the jewel of the Huayhuash. Optional activities:

Hike to Solteracocha (1 hour) for alternative perspectives
Trout fishing in Jahuacocha's clear waters
Explore the Quenual forest (Paper Bark trees)
Simply rest and absorb the 6,000m amphitheater surrounding you

This rest day acclimatization ensures you're strong for the final descent.

Activities: Flexible | Camp: 4,130m

Day 10: Jahuacocha – Llamac – Huaraz (3,100m

Final day: easy 3-hour flat walk through Quenual forests with distant views of the Cordillera Blanca. Begin descending 2 hours to Llamac (3,100m), where private transport awaits.

Return to Huaraz (5-6 hours), arriving late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel—end of your Huayhuash circuit trek.

Trek: 5 hours | Drive: 5-6 hours

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

Inca Land Adventures practices sustainable trekking Peru:

🌿 Zero-waste camping—all trash packed out
🌿 Local employment—100% Peruvian mountain staff
🌿 Fair wages—above industry standards
🌿 Small groups—max 8 to minimize trail impact
🌿 Cultural respect—supporting communities like Huayllapa.

Essential Information

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Total Trekking Distance: ~120 km
Maximum Altitude: 5,050m (San Antonio Pass)
Best Season: April – October
Daily Departures: Available (min. 2 participants)
Recommended: 2-3 days acclimatization in Huaraz before trek

What's Included

✓ Professional bilingual mountain guide (English/Spanish)
✓ Assistant guide for groups of 9+
✓ All ground transportation (Huaraz–trailhead–Huaraz)
✓ Double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads
✓ Full camping equipment: kitchen tent, dining tent, tables, chairs
✓ Professional cook and kitchen staff
✓ All meals: 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
✓ Pack animals (donkeys/horses) for camping gear and food
✓ Personal porter to carry up to 10kg of your gear
✓ Emergency horse for evacuations if needed
✓ Clean drinking water at every meal
✓ First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank
✓ Huascaran National Park entrance

✓ Hot springs access (Day 4)
✓ Sustainable trekking briefingce
✓ Sustainable trekking briefing

What's Not Included

✗ International flights to/from Peru
✗ Accommodation in Huaraz before/after trek
✗ Meals in Huaraz
✗ Sleeping bag (rental: $30)
✗ Walking poles (rental: $20)
✗ Private tent supplement ($30)
✗ Travel insurance (mandatory)
✗ Tips for guide, cook, and porters
✗ Personal expenses and snacks
✗ Optional hostel in Huayllapa (Day 6)

Price Per Person:2026

Group price $1500 USD

Deposit: $200 USD non-refundable
Balance due: 30 days before departure

Optional Rentals:

Optional Extras:

Comfort Package ($130): Sleeping bag (20°F/-7°C), inflatable Therm-a-Rest mattress, walking poles, camping pillow
Single Tent Supplement ($35/night)

Private tent; 50 usd