Huayhuash

Arrival in Huaraz (we suggest flying to Lima the day before).

Our driver will meet us at the bus terminal and take us to our centrally located hotel. We do a simple acclimatization hike between 3,000 and 4,000 meters. We have dinner with the group in a typical Andean restaurant in Huaraz.

Early departure to the town of Llámac (about four hours drive), where we meet our cook and muleteers and load the expedition supplies.

We head to Cuartelhuain (one hour from Llámac), where we spend the first night at 4,150m, with beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks of Rondoy (5,870m) and Ninashanca (5,607m).

We have an early breakfast and ascend to Canananpunta Pass (4,700m), where we stop for lunch. We descend through a nice trail to the beautiful viewpoint of the Mitucocha and Rondoy lakes, with views of the east faces of the Jirishanca (6,094m), Rondoy and Ninashanca mountains. Two hours later we reach our second camp at 4,250m. Travel time: 5 - 6 hours; elevation gain, 600 meters.

Our third day of hiking will start ascending to the second high pass, Carhuac, at 4,650 m. crossing a unique valley that opens up to show us the impressive east faces of Yerupajá (6,636m, the second highest mountain in Peru) and Siulá grande (6,354 m). We descend to the spectacular Carhuacocha lagoon (4150 m.) where we set up camp in one of the most beautiful places of the circuit.

Travel time: 4-5 hours.

Today we enjoy one of the best sunrises in the mountain, the east faces of Yerupajá, Siulá grande and Jirishanca, will take a vivid orange color that we will not forget.

There are still more surprises today! We skirt the lagoon, and ascend to the third high pass, the viewpoint of the Gangrajanca, Siulá and Quesillococha lagoons (all above 4200 m.), of a wonderful turquoise blue.

We reach the third altitude pass, Siulá (4,800 m.), and descend to our next campsite, Huayhuash (4,455 m.), the place that gives its name to this region. We camp after a hike of about 8-10 hours.

Elevation gain: 600 meters.

Today is one of the most desired and enjoyable days of the trip: we will ascend to the fourth altitude pass called Portachuelo (4,700 m), from where we can see part of the Raura mountain range and descend to Atuscancha, but not before bordering the gigantic Viconga Lake (4480 m.).

We will camp next to the thermal baths, and spend the rest of the day relaxing in the outdoor hot water pools, a "high altitude" bath at 4450m. We will be able to charge our cell phones and connect to the internet while enjoying an ice cold beer in our natural "jacuzzi". 

Travel time: 4-5 hours.

Today we make a beautiful ascent to enter the western part of the mountain range, through the highest pass of our trip, Cuyoc (5,000 m), with a close view of the glacier of the mountain of the same name.

The glaciers of this mountain will bid us farewell as we descend through the Huanac Patay ravine to the Elefante camp at 4300 m.

Travel time: 4-5 hours.

Elevation gain: 600 meters.

Today we reach the lowest part of the trek, descending to Huayllapa (3,500 m), a typical Peruvian Andean village, where we will spend the night. Again we will have the opportunity to enjoy a hot shower, charge our devices, connect to the internet and enjoy a cold beer at our campsite.

Travel time: 4-5 hours.

Elevation gain: 500 meters.

Ascent to the Tapush high altitude pass at 4,750 m. through very beautiful and colorful mountain areas. During the ascent we will be able to observe the snow-capped Diablo Mudo or Raju Collata (5,350 m) whose ascent is optional and does not take more days. We arrive at our highest camp of the trek, Gashcapampa (4,625 m).

Travel time: 6–8 hours.

Elevation gain: 1,200 meters.

Today we start the day with a descent of several hundred meters to reach one of the best places of this trek, the Jahuacocha lagoon (4,010 m), from where we will contemplate the west faces of the mountains Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupajá and Rasac, which days ago we observed from their east faces.