Trek Cordillera Huayhuash

After breakfast, we travel north through the stunning Callejón de Huaylas, passing through Yungay—a town rebuilt after the 1970 earthquake. This scenic drive offers our first views of Peru’s dramatic Cordillera Blanca.

We include a short hike in the Llanganuco Gorge, a glacial valley framed by the towering peaks of Huandoy, Huascarán, and Chopicalqui. It’s a perfect introduction to the landscapes that define this region and a chance to stretch our legs before the trek begins.

Join us for a full-day acclimatization hike in the Cordillera Blanca, located about 40 minutes east of Huaraz. Today’s hike helps your body adjust to the thinner air while preparing you for more challenging days ahead. We drive into the Cordillera Blanca and begin with a well-maintained set of stone steps that soon level out into a well-worn trail climbing a scenic ravine. As we ascend, we’re rewarded with sweeping views of the region’s iconic snow-capped peaks, including Peru’s highest mountain, Mount Huascarán.

We depart early in the morning, driving south to the town of Chiquián. Along the way, we stop at a scenic viewpoint to take in views of the Cordillera Huayhuash, including Yerupajá, Peru’s second-highest peak. From there, we continue by dirt road toward Llamac Village, the gateway to the range. As we pass through small villages and into the Rondoy Valley, the landscape opens into rolling grasslands backed by dramatic, snow-capped peaks. We set up camp at Cuartelhuain, our first campsite in the Cordillera Huayhuash.

We begin the day crossing Cacananpunta Pass, located on the northern edge of the Huayhuash massif and marking the Continental Divide, where waters flow toward the Amazon and the Atlantic. This area is a known habitat of the Andean condor, and we may be lucky enough to see these impressive birds soaring overhead.

A rugged descent leads us through colorful alpine terrain to our grassy campsite at Janca, set near Lake Mitucocha. The lake’s turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy, and Jirishanca. Today’s relatively short hike supports acclimatization, with an optional afternoon walk to the lake for those feeling energetic.

Today we cross Carhuac Pass, a steady ascent rewarded with outstanding views of Yerupajá, the highest peak in the Cordillera Huayhuash. On the descent, we reach the edge of a hanging valley, revealing the striking blue-green waters of Lake Carhuacocha below. We finish the day at our campsite beneath the lake, surrounded by towering peaks and hanging glaciers that create one of the most dramatic settings of the trek.

Early risers are rewarded with a stunning sunrise over the lake and surrounding snow-capped peaks, as first light catches the summit of Yerupajá. The day begins with a long, gradual climb through a lush valley with expansive mountain views, passing several pristine alpine lakes along the way. A final steep ascent brings us to Siula Pass, followed by a descent to Huayhuash Camp, nestled beneath Mount Trapecio and the surrounding peaks.

We continue our trek with a steady ascent to Trapecio Punta, one of the highest passes of the journey. From the top, we enjoy expansive views of Trapecio, Puscanturpa, and the southern peaks of the Cordillera Raura. A steep, rocky descent follows, crossing an old glacier moraine before reaching our campsite in a grassy valley at the base of Cuyoc Peak. We camp on the open plains of Huanacpatay, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

Today is one of the most demanding days of the trek, often accompanied by warmer temperatures. We descend through the Huanacpatay Valley to the remote farming village of Huayllapa, enjoying views of cascading waterfalls along the way. In the afternoon, we climb steeply once more to reach Huatiac, a high grazing meadow beneath the imposing peak of Diablo Mudo, where we spend the night.

Today offers a welcome easier pace as we cross Punta Tapush Pass before descending for about an hour to our campsite at Gashpapampa. From camp, we enjoy a beautiful sunset behind Mount Diablo Mudo.

We descend into the Angoshcancha Valley, passing through a forest of quenual (paperbark) trees, before climbing to our final high point at Yaucha Pass. On clear days, the views stretch across the highest peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash and extend toward the distant summits of the Cordillera Blanca. This area also offers another opportunity to spot Andean condors.

A long descent brings us to the stunning Laguna Jahuacocha, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the range, where we camp for the night.

We begin the day with a steady climb to Mancanpunta Pass, our final pass of the trek, where we pause to take in views of the surrounding Andean ranges. A steep descent follows, leading us down to the village of Pocpa, where private transportation awaits for our return to Huaraz. The trek concludes with the comfort of a hot shower and a well-earned night’s sleep in a proper bed.

Book onward flights from Lima for after 1:00 pm.