the best of huayhuash

his is a great acclimatization hike, suitable for all activity levels, which will help you adjust to the thinner air and prepare you for more challenging future hikes. Driving to Rumichuco Bridge, located 20 minutes from Huaraz, we will begin a gradually ascending hike toward Ararcocha and Wilcacocha Lakes. The ascent takes around four hours. As we hike, we’ll come upon the towering snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, one after the other, including Peru’s highest mountain, Mt. Huascaran, standing at 6768 m (22,204 ). Along the way, we’ll pass traditional adobe houses surrounded by verdant farmland and observe the vibrant high mountain wildflowers of the Peruvian Andes. With any luck, we’ll have the chance to greet some local Quechua people wearing their traditional colorful garb. Arriving at Ararcocha Lake (3693 m / 12,116 ) we’ll marvel at the magnificent views of the White Mountain Range. We’ll continue to lovely Wilcacocha Lake, (3725 m / 12,221 ) and enjoy a box lunch on the lakeshore as we bask in the surrounding beauty. Aer time to enjoy the view of towering peaks reflected in its serene waters, our transportation will pick us up to return to Huaraz.

Morning departure by private bus to one of the best lookouts in the Cordillera Blanca. Along the way, we will pass by the charming town of Carhuaz, where every Wednesday and Sunday there is a traditional market. Continuing our drive, we will make a fast stop to see Campo Santo, an area in old Yungay that is the site of the single worst natural disaster in the Andes. In 1970, 28000 people were buried after an earthquake loosened a colossal piece of granite and ice from the west wall of Huascarán, initiating a huge mudslide. Campo Santo is today a peaceful cemetery, with spectacular views of Huascarán, flower-filled gardens, and monuments built in honor of the dead. About an hour’s drive after entering Huascarán National Park, we will stop to appreciate two beautiful lakes in the Llanganuco Valley, Chinancocha and Orconcocha (female and male). After this stop, we drive up to Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4707 m / 15,443 ft), a beautiful and panoramic lookout from where we can appreciate some mountains such as Huascarán, Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui.   After this beautiful stop, we walk down following an Inca trail for about two hours. Way down, we will appreciate beautiful landscapes, different types of flowers, and local trees. After this hike, we will have our lunch in a beautiful place surrounded by mountains. After these activities, we will drive back to Huaraz. 

Leaving Huaraz, we travel south for approximately five hours, passing through Conococha and the picturesque town of Chiquián before continuing toward Pacllon and the trailhead at Pukatzaka (3,780m.). Here, our experienced arrieros (muleteers) and donkeys will be waiting to carry the group's camping equipment and supplies. The trek begins with a gradual ascent toward Lirio, a small traditional settlement used by local shepherds. From Lirio, the majestic Cordillera Huayhuash comes into view, offering our first spectacular panoramic vistas of its impressive snow-capped peaks. From here, we continue along a mostly flat trail, traversing the peaceful high-altitude landscape toward the beautiful Jahuacocha Lake at 4,050m. Upon reaching the lake, we set up camp beside its turquoise waters, surrounded by towering mountains and a pristine alpine environment. With the dramatic peaks of the Huayhuash reflected in the lake, this is a truly spectacular setting to begin our journey through one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the Andes. (L / D) Ascend: 285m. Descend: 25m.

We begin the day by following the left side of Jahuacocha Lake, walking along the lakeshore until we reach its far end. From here, the trail gradually begins to climb toward Sambunya Pass 4,750m. As we ascend, beautiful views open up toward Solteracocha Lake, while the surrounding mountains become increasingly impressive. Among them is the majestic Yerupajá (6,634m.), the second-highest mountain in Peru after Huascarán (6,768m.) and the highest peak of the Cordillera Huayhuash. We also enjoy views of Jirishanca, Rondoy, and other impressive peaks of the range. From Sambunya Pass, the trail descends into the beautiful Rondoy Valley. Along the way, we walk through colorful alpine meadows filled with wild lupines and other delicate Andean flowers, adding beautiful colors to the mountain landscape. The trail then gradually climbs again toward Cuartelhuain 4,200m. our campsite for the night. This is a rewarding day of high-altitude trekking, combining beautiful lakes, impressive mountain views, and the colorful wildflower landscapes of the Cordillera Huayhuash. (B / L / D) Ascend: 820m. Descend: 855m.

We begin the day with a gradual ascent to Cacananpunta Pass (4,650m.), located at the northern end of the Cordillera Huayhuash massif. The pass marks the Continental Divide, where the waters on the eastern side of the range begin their journey toward the Amazon Basin and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. Cacananpunta is also a favored area for Andean condors, and with some luck, we may see these magnificent birds soaring above the surrounding peaks. From the pass, the trail descends through a rugged and colorful mountain landscape toward Janca (4,230m.), where we set up camp on a beautiful, flat grassy area near Mitucocha Lake. The lake's turquoise waters provide a striking contrast to the surrounding peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy, and Jirishanca. We have planned a relatively short hiking day to allow our bodies to continue adapting to the altitude. In the afternoon, for those who still have energy, we can take a short walk to Mitucocha Lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to camp. (B / L / D) Ascend: 557m. Descend: 513m.

We begin the day with a moderately steep climb for about 25 minutes, reaching a natural platform overlooking the valley. From here, the trail becomes gentler as we continue ascending toward the vicinity of Carhuac Pass. Before reaching the pass, however, we turn right and follow a steeper trail toward Alcaycocha Pass (4,800m.). This less traveled pass offers excellent views and brings us remarkably close to the imposing Jirishanca, one of the most distinctive peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash. After a short traverse with beautiful mountain views, we begin a gradual descent toward Alcaycocha Lake. We then cross another short section of trail to reach a little-known viewpoint overlooking the famous three lagoon landscape along the Siula route. From this viewpoint, we enjoy spectacular views of some of the most iconic peaks of the Huayhuash, including Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico, Jirishanca, Siula Grande, and several other surrounding mountains. Descending, we finally arrive at the rim of a hanging valley; from which we are able look down on the crystalline blue green waters of Lake Carhuacocha. Our campsite, located below the lake (4,152m.), is surrounded by an incredible vista of peaks and hanging glaciers that dwarf us with their looming presence. (B / L / D) Ascend: 550m. Descend: 630m.

Photographers are advised to wake up before dawn this morning to catch the sunrise over the lake and snowy peaks from our campsite. You'll know it was worth it when you witness the sun's first rays catching the peak of Mt Yerupaja (6,634m.). Today's trek follows a long, gradual ascent from the green Carhuacocha Valley, with spectacular views of some of the most prominent peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash, including Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Santa Rosa, and Carnicero. Along the route, we pass a series of beautiful high-altitude lakes, including Gangrajanca, Siula, and Quesillacocha. Their clear, pristine waters reflect the surrounding mountains, adding to the beauty of this remarkable section of the Huayhuash trek. Finally, we follow a steep trail toward the now famous Tres Lagunas Viewpoint (4,535m.), one of the most scenic viewpoints along the Huayhuash route. From this viewpoint, we can admire seven of the range's most impressive snow-capped peaks: Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Jirishanca Chico, Santa Rosa and Carnicero. Standing together above the valleys, these seven peaks are often described as the "Seven Fangs of Huayhuash." After a well-deserved rest and a good lunch at the viewpoint, we begin our return to the Carhuacocha campsite, following the same trail back down. The descent offers another opportunity to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery from a different perspective before arriving back at camp. (B / L / D) Ascend: 569m. Descend: 81m.

Another day with a chance to catch the sunrise. Early in the morning, we leave our campsite at Carhuacocha and follow the trail along the left side of the Carhuacocha Valley. After approximately one hour of walking, we reach a small parking area, where our vehicle will be waiting for us. From here, we drive to the village of Queropalca, and then continue our journey by road to the city of Huaraz, marking the end of our trek through the spectacular Cordillera Huayhuash. (B/L) Ascend: 25m. Descend: 170m.