Mini Huayhuash

In the morning, we head south along the asphalt road for about two hours to Chiquian town. En route, we will stop at a lookout to appreciate the beautiful vista of this part of the Cordillera Huayhuash including Yerupaja, the second highest peak in Peru. Continuing our journey, we’ll follow a dirt road towards Llamac Village, the gateway of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Crossing Pocpa Village and Pallca Mine, we approach the entrance of Rondoy Valley at 4050 m (13,287 ft), as it opens up into rolling grasslands where we will have our first views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash. We’ll set up our camp in Matacancha at 4100 m (13,451 ft).

(L / D)
Driving distance: 162 km (101 mi) – Time: 5 hours

We will ascend the trail amidst a landscape of contrasting colors, through the Rondoy Valley towards Sambunya Pass at 4750 m (15,583 ft) from where we can appreciate the snow-capped peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupaja, Rasac, and Solteracocha Lake. After admiring the sweeping view, we descend towards serene Lake Jahuacocha, just in time to see the sunset reflected in its pristine waters. Camp at Jahuacocha Lake at 4057 m (13,310 ft).

(B / L / D)
Trekking distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours

Lake Jahuacocha lies at 4057 m (13,310 ft), nestled beneath the glacier-covered west faces of Yerupaja, Jirishanca, Rasac, Rondoy, and El Toro Peaks. By daylight and moonlight, it is an indescribably beautiful place, with abundant birdlife (Puna ibis, Andean geese, and more) thriving along its shores, and many opportunities for hiking nearby. The lake holds plenty of trout. This is one of the most memorable days of this trek, as we immerse ourselves in the surrounding splendor and awesome beauty of the lake nestled at the foot of these gigantic peaks. There is an option, if we choose, to do a half-day trek to Paso Yaucha 4750 m (15,583 ft), where we’ll attain breathtaking views of the surrounding spiraling peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Other day treks are also available. Or we can just chill out, resting at Jahuacocha Camp and enjoying the lake’s serene radiance.

(B / L / D)

We’ll head out over the Achin Valley leaving the snow-capped range behind us, to gain a unique view into the prickly peaks of this granitic and basaltic intrusion, the result of rocks that crystallized from molten magma thousands of years ago. The valley narrows and we head over a ridge to the western side of Mancanpunta Pass (4550 m / 14,927 ft) Then, we will descend on a winding trail to Pocpa village (3550 m / 11,646 ft), where our private transportation awaits us, to drive back to Huaraz; having experienced an abundance of wild beauty that will stay with us for the rest of our days.

(B / L)
Trekking distance: 11.2 km (7 mi) – Time: 5-6 hours
Driving distance: 140 km (87 mi) – Time: 4 hours

End of services
B- Breakfast / BL- Box Lunch / L- Lunch / D- Dinner