THE HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT

Starting out in the early morning, we’ll head south along the paved road for approximately two hours to the town of Chiquian. Along the route, we’ll pause at a vista point in order to appreciate this segment of the Cordillera Huayhuash including Yerupaja, the second highest peak in Peru. Continuing our journey, we traverse a dirt road towards Llamac Village, the gateway of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Crossing Pocpa Village and Pallca Mine, we approach the entrance of the Rondoy Valley at 4050 m (13,287 ft); the scenery opens up into rolling grasslands, dominated by the snow- capped peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash. We’ll set up camp in Cuartelhuain at 4170 m (13,681 ft).

We start the day crossing the Cacananpunta Pass (4650 m / 15,256 ft), at the northern end of the massif. This is the Continental Divide, and from this point on, the waters flow to the Amazon and the Atlantic. This is a favorite spot for the Andean Condor, and with any luck, we’ll spot these huge birds soaring over our heads. From here, a rough descent through the multicolored landscape leads us to a beautiful, flat, and grassy campsite at Janca (4230 m / 13,877 ft) not far from Lake Mitucocha, whose turquoise waters reflect the peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy and Jirishanca. We have made this a relatively short hiking day, to aid in our acclimatization to the altitude, but for those still feeling energetic we can take a short hike to the lake in the afternoon.

Hiking today's pass, the Carhuac (4625 m / 15,174 ft) takes a bit longer, but is not too steep, with splendid views of Yerupaja, which at 6634 m (21,765 ft) is the highest mountain in the Huayhuash. 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 (4152 m / 13,622 ft), is surrounded by an incredible vista of peaks and hanging glaciers that dwarf us with their looming presence.

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 (6634 m / 21,765 ft) Today’s trek is a long gradual climb up from a verdant valley accompanied by the splendor of Yerupaja, Yerupaja Chico, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Santa Rosa, and Carnicero. We’ll also have the good fortune of passing lakes Gangrajanca, Siula and Quesillacocha, each as pristine and crystal clear as the next. Finally, we’ll engage in a steep climb to the top of the rocky Siula Pass (4810 m / 15,781 ft) After the challenging climb, descend to Huayhuash Campsite (4340 m / 14,238 ft) and sleep nestled at the foot of Mount Trapecio and the three peaks of Jurua.

Continuing our trek, we ascend 680 m (2230 ft) in elevation to reach the fourth pass, one of the highest passes of our trek: Trapecio Punta (5020 m / 16,470 ft). At the top of the pass, we’ll achieve excellent views of the peaks of Trapecio, Puscanturpa and the southern peaks of the Cordillera Raura. It is quite a breath-taking view. Next, we’ll descend a very steep and rocky trail for around 250 m (820 ft) and traverse an old glacier moraine before reaching camp: a grassy valley nestled at the foot of spectacular Cuyoc Peak. We’ll camp here on the plains of Cuyoc at 4511 m (14,800 ft).

We start the day’s trek with a very steep ascent to Santa Rosa Pass; located at 5057 m (16,591 ft). We’ll be amazed as we take in the incredibly panoramic view of Yerupaja, Siula Grande, Sarapo, Rasac, Jurau, etc. Then, we’ll start our descent, winding up at Cutatambo Camp, located in the Calinca Valley at 4250 m (13,943 ft), a stone’s throw from Joe Simpson’s camp before he climbed Siula Grande. Splendid views of Sarapo, Carnicero and Trapecio.

Optional hike or rest at the campsite. A relaxing day to explore this dramatic terrain of icy glaciers and crystalline lakes; or to explore Joe Simpson's Base Camp. We’ll have the chance to climb the Cerro Gran Vista, a panoramic lookout from which we can observe some of the peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash.

Retracing our steps down the Sarapococha Valley, we’ll drop down to somewhat warmer climes of cultivated land belonging to the remote village of Huayllapa (3577 m / 11,735 ft), with beautiful views of alpine waterfalls en route. In the afternoon, another steep ascent brings us to Huatiac, a high grazing meadow at 4320 m (14,173 ft), situated in the shadow of Diablo Mudo, the 'Dumb Devil'. This is probably the hardest day of the entire trek, with a tough afternoon of hiking, and often-hot weather.

At last, a very easy day as we cross the Punta Tapush Pass (4770 m / 15,650 ft), and then, descend for approximately one hour to our next camp located in Gashpapampa at 4520 m (14,829 ft). From the campsite, we’ll appreciate a glorious sunset behind Mount Diablo Mudo.

We trek down to the Angoshcancha Valley through a forest of Quenual (Paper Bark) trees. Then we ascend to our eighth and last pass: scree covered Yaucha Pass, at 4850 m (15,912 ft). On a clear day, there are magnificent views of the highest peaks of the Huayhuash Range and long-distance panoramas of the imposing peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Here is another good spot for sighting Andean condors. A long descent eventually brings us to the indescribably beautiful Laguna Jahuacocha, widely held to be among the scenic gems of the entire range. Overnight at 4050 m (13,287 ft).

Lake Jahuacocha lies at 4100 m (13,451 ft) beneath the glacier-covered west faces of Yerupaja, Jirishanca, Rasac, Rondoy and El Toro. By day and by moonlight it is an exquisitely gorgeous place with abundant bird life (Puna ibis, Andean geese, and more), and the opportunity for great hiking both around and above the lake area. The lake and nearby river shelters plenty of trout and we’ll try our hand at catching enough for dinner. We can optionally spend a rest day here, or we can also undertake a hike to the Rondoy Pass or below Yerupaja to lake Solteracocha.

With our successful completion of this special version of the shortened Huayhuash trekking circuit, we’ll enjoy an early breakfast and depart from camp for the town of Huaraz. We will gradually ascend to Mancanpunta Pass at 4550 m (14,928 ft) and after a brief rest at this vantage point, taking in our final jaw-dropping view of the surrounding Andean ranges, we will descend a steep gravelly trail to Pocpa (3550 m / 11,647 ft). In Pocpa, our private transportation awaits us to transfer us back to Huaraz, for a much-deserved rest and time to contemplate the remote treasure-filled adventure we’ve just experienced.