Huayhuash Trek 8D/7N – The Ultimate Andean Adventure

Altitude: Chiquián (3,450 m) → Cuartelhuain (3,900 m)
Travel & Hike Time: 5 hours (bus)

Your adventure begins in Huaraz, the heart of the Peruvian Andes. We drive through picturesque Andean villages like Pocpa and Palca, where you'll glimpse the traditional way of life. As we ascend, the first snow-capped peaks appear, including the stunning Ninashanca. Arriving at Cuartelhuain, our first campsite, you’ll be surrounded by majestic mountains, rolling green valleys, and the crisp mountain air—your first taste of the Cordillera Huayhuash's raw beauty.

Altitude: Cuartelhuain (3,900 m) → Carhuacocha (4,138 m)
Hike Time: 7–8 hours

We conquer our first high mountain pass, Cacananpunta (4,700 m), where you'll see the vast expanse of the Andes unfold before you. The descent takes us past turquoise glacial lakes—Pucacocha, Yanacocha Chico, and Grande—each reflecting the towering peaks above. After a scenic break at Mitucocha Lake (4,100 m), we climb to Punta Carhuac (4,650 m) before arriving at Carhuacocha, one of the most breathtaking campsites in the world.

Camping with a view: Imagine waking up to the golden sunrise over Jirishanca, Yerupajá, and the Huayhuash range—this is what makes this the best trek in South America.

Altitude: Carhuacocha (4,138 m) → Huayhuash (4,100 m)
Hike Time: 6–7 hours

Today, we ascend the Carnicero Pass (4,600 m), offering breathtaking views of Siula Grande, Jural, and Trapecio—legendary peaks made famous by the survival story Touching the Void. The trail winds past the shimmering Atocshaico and Carnicero Lakes, with crystal-clear reflections of the towering peaks. Our final descent leads us to Huayhuash Camp, a remote and peaceful spot where silence is broken only by the sounds of nature.

Altitude: Huayhuash (4,100 m) → Viconga (4,407 m)
Hike Time: 5–6 hours

A shorter day, but one filled with spectacular scenery and a rewarding finish! We climb to Portachuelo Pass (4,750 m), where you'll have a panoramic view of Puscanturpa, Cuyoc, and Millpo Peaks, along with glimpses of the Cordillera Raura. As we descend to Viconga Camp (4,300 m), we reach Atuscancha Hot Springs (4,000 m).

Picture this: Soaking in steaming natural thermal pools under a sky full of stars—a perfect way to relax after days of trekking in the Andes.

Altitude: Viconga (4,407 m) → Huanacpatay (3,900 m)
Hike Time: 4–5 hours

Today is one for the books! We tackle Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m), the highest point of our trek and a true high-altitude achievement. The dramatic views stretch for miles, offering awe-inspiring landscapes that make this one of the best trekking experiences in the world. After soaking in the scenery, we descend to Huanacpatay, a peaceful valley campsite.

Altitude: Huanacpatay (3,900 m) → Huatiac (4,250 m)
Hike Time: 6 hours

Our descent takes us to Huayllapa (3,700 m), a small, isolated Andean village where time seems to stand still. We’ll stop for lunch and experience authentic Quechua culture, before ascending toward Huatiac Camp (4,250 m).

This is your chance to disconnect and immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the Andes.

Altitude: Huatiac (4,250 m) → Jahuacocha (4,066 m)
Hike Time: 6–7 hours

Today’s challenge is Punta Tapush Pass (4,900 m), with stunning views of Diablo Mudo and the Auxilio mountains. But the best is yet to come—after a final descent, we reach Jahuacocha Lake, the most breathtaking campsite of the entire trek!

Why you’ll love it:
Jaw-dropping views of Jirishanca, Yerupajá, and Rondoy reflected in emerald-green waters
A peaceful sunset over the lake, with the mountains glowing pink and orange
An unforgettable last night in the heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash

Altitude: Jahuacocha (4,066 m) → Llamac (3,250 m) → Huaraz
Hike Time: 5–6 hours

Our final day takes us over Pampa de Llamac Pass (4,300 m), where we say a bittersweet goodbye to the Cordillera Huayhuash. The last stretch follows the same scenic path back to Chiquián and finally to Huaraz, where a hot shower and a well-earned celebration await!