the best of cordillera huayhuash trek

We drive to Queropalca. On the way we pass small villages such as: Recuay, Ticapampa and Catac, then we change the route to the easth side (Huascaran Nationa Park) where we apreciate a type of bromeliad, Puya Raimondi. It is not only the largest of the Puya species, but also the largest species of bromeliad. It can reach 3 m tall in vegetative growth, and can produce a flower spike 9–10 m tall, with more than three thousand flowers and six million seeds in each plant. Continuing our journey, we pass small village such as Huanzala, Huallanca and finally arriving to Huanco Pampa Ruins, which is situated on a grand plateau enables us to visit this Inca city, one of the major Inca settlements outside of Cusco on the main Inca Road that leads from Quito, Ecuador to Bolivia and beyond. Then we drive to Queropalca where we spend the night. Camp nearby at 3,800m.a.s.l.

A half-day hike takes us to the shore of Laguna Carhuacocha, in a beautiful location. On a calm day, the snow-capped peaks of Jirishanca and Yerupajá are reflected in the water, creating a stunning visual effect. We camp by the lake at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level (13,780 feet).

Leaving our campsite behind, we hike over a Pass at 4,620m (15,157ft) with great views of the surrounding area. Once over the Punta Carhuacocha Pass we come into view of Lake Mitucocha and again in the background Mt. Yerupaja, Rondoy and Ninashanca from the backdrop of our day’s hike. Lunch on route or in the camp. We arrive in the early afternoon with a chance to walk around the lake and get closer views of the mountain. Overnight and camp at Mitucocha. 4,100m.a.s.l.

Leaving our camp, we head towards Cacananpunta Pass at 4, 700m (15,420ft). The trail winds up to the pass, the aquarium divortium and after that we start our descent on the other side, to Cuartelhuain where we have lunch. Continue over to Matacancha, camp below tomorrow’s pass, at 4,200m.a.s.l.

We ascend through the Rondoy valley towards Sambuya pass at 4,750 m.a.s.l (15,583 ft), from where we can see the snow-capped peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupaja, Rasac, and Solteracocha. Then we descend towards Lake Jahuacocha, camp 4050m.a.s.l (13,287 ft) near the lake, below a beautiful cirque.

We head out of the valley, leaving this snow–capped range behind, a unique view into the prickly peaks of this granitic and basaltic intrusion. The valley narrows, and we head over a ridge to the west to the Llamac Pass, descending on a winding trail to the village of the same name, where we will be met by a vehicle and driven to Huaraz. An alternative option is to stay in Chiquian and connect by public bus to Lima. Transfer to your hotel (not included).