Huayhuash 10 Days

Experience one of the world's top alpine treks: 10 days of glacial lakes, dramatic peaks, and pure Andean magic in the Huayhuash range.

Non-technicalDemand: Very high

Duration

10 days

Max altitude

5,000 m

Season

May-Sep

Duration

10 days

Max altitude

5,000 m

Season

May-Sep

From Huaraz

5 h

Your best photo isn't on the internet: it's at 4,800 m a.s.l. facing Yerupajá. When are you going to take it?

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? The classic 10-day Cordillera Huayhuash circuit is globally renowned as one of the most breathtaking and rewarding alpine treks on Earth. Throughout this expedition, you will trek beneath towering ice giants like Mount Yerupajá (6,634 m) and the iconic Siula Grande, conquering dramatic high-altitude passes over 5,000 meters and discovering turquoise glacial waters at Carhuacocha, Siula, and Jahuacocha.

For ten days, leave the modern world behind and step into the pure tranquility of the high Andes. Each day’s effort is rewarded with golden sunrises over glacial peaks and serene wilderness camps beneath star-filled skies. You will travel with total peace of mind thanks to our seasoned local crew: certified mountain guides, experienced muleteers, and skilled camp chefs serving delicious, energizing meals prepared fresh daily.

Tailored for active adventurers and mountain lovers with prior acclimatization, this trek delivers the perfect blend of alpine challenge, awe-inspiring vistas, and authentic Huaraz hospitality. Lace up your boots, answer the call of the Andes, and make Huayhuash your next great adventure!

Cuyoc Pass at 5,020 m, the highest point

Views of Yerupajá (6,634 m)

7 mountain passes at 4,600 m or higher

Carhuacocha, Siula and Jahuacocha lakes

Itinerary

10 days · 63h hiking · 9 nights overnight at camp

Day 1

Huaraz - Matacancha 4,200 m

Early departure south past Conococha lake and Chiquián to Llamac and Matacancha. First camp at 4,200 m with the range in sight.

3,100 → 4,200 m0 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 2

Matacancha camp - Cacanan Pass 4,700 m - Mitucocha camp 4,230 m

A steady uphill hike toward Cacanan Pass (4,700 m), then down to Mitucocha camp at 4,230 m.

4,200 → 4,700 → 4,230 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 3

Mitucocha camp - Carhuac Pass (4,650 m) - Carhuacocha camp 4,150 m

From Mitucocha camp we climb Carhuac Pass (4,650 m) to Carhuacocha, with Yerupajá and Jirishanca reflected in the water.

4,230 → 4,650 → 4,150 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 4

Carhuacocha camp - Siula Pass 4,800 m - Huayhuash camp 4,400 m

Along the way we pass the 3 lakes Gangrajanca, Quesillacocha and Siula; climbing on, we reach the Three Lakes viewpoint, one of the most beautiful views in Huayhuash. Further up we arrive at Siula Pass (4,800 m), where the view becomes magical; camp is 2 hours beyond the pass.

4,150 → 4,800 → 4,400 m8 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 5

Huayhuash camp - Portachuelo Pass 4,700 m - Viconga Hot Springs 4,400 m

Climb to Portachuelo Pass (4,700 m) and descend to Viconga camp, set next to natural medicinal hot springs.

4,400 → 4,700 → 4,400 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 6

Viconga 4,400 m - Cuyoc Pass 5,000 m - Elefante camp 4,400 m

We start by climbing to Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m), the highest point of the circuit, with views of the Huayhuash and Raura ranges; then we descend to camp.

4,400 → 5,000 → 4,500 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 7

Elefante camp - San Antonio Pass 5,000 m - Huayllapa 3,600 m

Today we climb San Antonio Pass, about 500 m of elevation gain, to enjoy the panoramic view, then descend to the village of Huayllapa.

4,500 → 5,000 → 3,500 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 8

Huayllapa - Tapush Pass 4,750 m - Gashpa camp 4,300 m

We climb to Tapush Pass (4,750 m) and descend to Gashpa camp, from where you can see the southern side of the Cordillera Blanca.

3,500 → 4,750 → 4,500 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 9

Gashpa camp 4,500 m - Yaucha Pass 4,800 m - Jahuacocha camp 4,050 m

Today we climb to Yaucha Pass at 4,800 m, with one of the most beautiful views of Rondoy, Yerupajá, Siula, Sarapo and other peaks, before reaching camp.

4,500 → 4,870 → 4,060 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 10 · Summit

Jahuacocha - Llamac - Huaraz

Downhill hike to Llamac (3,300 m) and bus transfer back to Huaraz.

4,060 → 3,099 m6 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Private round-trip tourist transport (Huaraz – Pocpa / Llámac – Huaraz).

Certified official mountain / trekking guide (bilingual Spanish/English).

Professional mountain cook and kitchen assistants.

Full meals during the trek (energizing breakfasts, lunches/box lunch on the trail, hot afternoon snack on arrival at camp, and warm dinners).

Muleteers and mules/donkeys to carry heavy luggage (up to 10-12 kg per passenger).

Emergency horse for the group.

Pre-trek acclimatization advice in Huaraz.

Sleeping bag.

4-season mountain tents (2 people per tent).

Dining tent with furniture (table, chairs or benches with backrest) and lamp.

Kitchen tent with full cookware.

Portable toilet tent.

Heavy-duty duffel bags to hand your luggage to the muleteers.

Oxygen tank and emergency first aid kit.

Not included

Huayhuash entrance tickets and community fees (approx. S/. 280 – S/. 320 PEN per person, paid in cash at each community).

First breakfast (day 1) and final dinner in Huaraz (day 10).

Travel and mountain rescue insurance.

Personal trekking poles.

Voluntary tips for the guide, cook and muleteers.

Personal expenses, extra snacks and bottled drinks on the trail.

Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures (suggested comfort range: -10 °C to -15 °C).

Daypack (25 to 35 L) for water, warm layers, sunscreen and snacks.

Waterproof mid or high-cut trekking boots with good grip (broken in).

Telescopic trekking poles with baskets.

Layered clothing: thermal base layer (synthetic or merino wool top and bottoms).

Layered clothing: warm mid layer (fleece).

Layered clothing: windproof and waterproof outer layer (Gore-Tex or similar).

Warm hat / chullo, neck gaiter and cap or sun hat.

Waterproof thermal gloves and light gloves.

Sunglasses with 100% UV protection (category 3 or 4).

Headlamp with batteries or a rechargeable power bank.

Water bottle or hydration system (Camelbak) of at least 2 liters and purification tablets.

Sunscreen (SPF 50+), UV lip balm and insect repellent.

Quick-dry microfiber towel and biodegradable toiletries.

Thick down or synthetic jacket for cold nights at camp.

Cash in local currency (soles) to pay community fees directly.

Recommendations

Acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Huaraz (3,050 m) before tours that ascend above 4,500 m.
Get a good night's sleep before and eat light meals: easily digestible foods the day before and the day of the tour.
Altitude sickness medication: consult your doctor before your trip. Acetazolamide requires a prescription, should be started the day before, and is ineffective if you already have symptoms.
Travel with insurance that covers mountain activities and rescue.
Do not drink alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude.
Drink water constantly, without forcing yourself: drinking too much does not prevent altitude sickness.
Inform your guide if you experience a severe headache, nausea, or dizziness. The rule is not to continue ascending if you have these symptoms.
Bring water (2 liters) and water purification tablets if you plan to drink from streams. There is livestock in the area, and these tablets are sold in pharmacies in Huaraz.
Bring energy snacks.
Bring sunscreen with SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat: the radiation at high altitude is very strong.
Bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear, even during the dry season.
Bring a personal first-aid kit with your usual medications.
Bring your passport (there is a checkpoint at Huascarán National Park).