Guides
When to trek the Cordillera Huayhuash: a season-by-season guide
Dry season, shoulder months and the rains: how the weather shapes trekking in the Huayhuash, and how to pick your dates.
Cordillera Huayhuash · Multi-day trek
Huayhuash Classic
Eight days on the Huayhuash circuit with our guide, cook and arrieros. Camp, meals, pack donkeys and transport from Huaraz are included; arrange your own Huaraz stay and acclimatisation.
$1,300per person · 2027 season
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- Duration
- 8 trek days / 7 camp nights
- Max altitude
- 5,050 m
- San Antonio Pass
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start / end
- Huaraz → Huaraz
- Best season
- May–September
Overview
The Cordillera Huayhuash is only about 30 kilometres long, yet it holds some of the highest and steepest peaks in the Andes: Yerupajá (6,617 m), the second-highest peak in Peru; Siula Grande (6,344 m), made famous by Touching the Void; and a string of turquoise lagunas along its valleys.
This eight-day circuit crosses eight high passes, two of them above 5,000 metres: Trapecio (5,020 m) on day four and San Antonio (5,050 m) on day five. Every night you camp beside a lake or in a high valley, while our cook prepares hot meals and the donkeys carry the camp. It is a demanding trek, with long days at altitude, but each pass opens onto a new view of ice, rock and water.
It is the route Marino Carrera walked for decades, and the one his daughter Rocío knows best.
Walking times are approximate and vary with group pace, acclimatisation, weather and trail conditions. Day 1 is a road transfer with no scheduled trekking. On day 8, allow a further four hours for the drive back to Huaraz.
Highlights
- Camp at Laguna Carhuacocha, facing Yerupajá and Siula Grande
- The Three Lakes viewpoint above Siula Pass
- Trapecio Pass (5,020 m) and San Antonio Pass (5,050 m), the two highest points of the circuit
- Views of Siula Grande from San Antonio Pass
- A night in the mountain village of Huayllapa
- A last camp at Laguna Jahuacocha, below Yerupajá
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Huaraz → Llámac → Cuartel Huain
- Transfer day · 5-hour drive
- Camp:Cuartel Huain4,170 m
We pick you up from your hotel in Huaraz at 8:00 am and drive south across the high puna, past Laguna Conococha (4,050 m) and the town of Chiquián (3,400 m), to Llámac, the gateway to the Huayhuash, and on to our first camp at Cuartel Huain. About five hours on the road (≈154 km).
- 2
Day 2
Cuartel Huain → Mitucocha → Carhuacocha
- 17 km
- 7–8 hours walking
- High point:Cacanan Punta4,700 m
- Camp:Carhuacocha4,150 m
A steep two-and-a-half-hour climb takes us to Cacanan Punta (4,700 m), on the continental divide, with views over Laguna Pucacocha. We descend to Janca and Laguna Mitucocha (4,200 m), then cross Punta Carhuac (4,600 m) to Laguna Carhuacocha, one of the most beautiful camps of the circuit.
- 3
Day 3
Carhuacocha → Three Lakes → Huayhuash
- 13 km
- 7–8 hours walking
- High point:Siula4,800 m
- Camp:Huayhuash4,300 m
We set off at 7:30 am along the valley, past lagunas Gangrajanca and Siula. A short climb leads to the Three Lakes viewpoint, with Gangrajanca, Siulacocha and Quesillacocha laid out below. We continue over Siula Pass (4,800 m) and descend to camp at Huayhuash.
- 4
Day 4
Huayhuash → Trapecio Pass → Cuyoc Pampa
- 7–8 hours walking
- High point:Trapecio5,020 m
- Camp:Cuyoc Pampa4,400 m
An early start (6:30 am or before, for the best light) and a three-hour climb to Trapecio Pass (5,020 m). From the pass you look out over Siula, Jurau, Sarapo, Trapecio and Puscanturpa. We descend to camp at Cuyoc Pampa.
- 5
Day 5
Cuyoc Pampa → San Antonio Pass → Huayllapa
- 19 km
- 8–9 hours walking
- High point:San Antonio5,050 m
- Camp:Huayllapa3,500 m
The longest day. We leave at 6:00 am for a two-and-a-half-hour climb to San Antonio Pass (5,050 m), the highest point of the trek, with views of Siula Grande (6,344 m), Sarapo (6,127 m) and the setting of Touching the Void. A steep two-hour descent is followed by about three hours through the Calinca valley to the village of Huayllapa.
- 6
Day 6
Huayllapa → Tapush Punta → Gashpapampa
- 12 km
- 6–7 hours walking
- High point:Tapush4,780 m
- Camp:Gashpapampa4,500 m
From 7:00 am, a long, steady climb of about four and a half hours to Tapush Punta (4,780 m), followed by an hour’s descent to camp at Gashpapampa.
- 7
Day 7
Gashpapampa → Yaucha Pass → Jahuacocha
- 10 km
- 4–5 hours walking
- High point:Yaucha4,800 m
- Camp:Jahuacocha4,070 m
A shorter, scenic day. Two hours up to Yaucha Pass (4,800 m), half an hour at the viewpoint, and two hours down to Laguna Jahuacocha (4,070 m), below Yerupajá, for our last night at camp.
- 8
Day 8
Jahuacocha → Pampa Llámac → Huaraz
- 14 km
- 5–6 hours walking
- High point:Pampa Llámac4,300 m
- Camp:Llámac3,300 m
We leave at 6:00 am, walk an hour along the valley and climb for two and a half hours to the Pampa Llámac pass (4,300 m) for a last look back at the range. A steep two-hour descent brings us to Llámac, where our transport returns to Huaraz (about four hours).
Departure dates
Upcoming group departures. You can also send us your own dates.
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Prices
2027 price per person for this product. Private and custom arrangements are quoted separately.
| Product | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Huayhuash Classic | $1,300 |
2027 price per person for Huayhuash Classic. Groups of more than four travel to the trailhead by private transport; smaller groups use the public bus. Private and custom arrangements may have a different price. We confirm your final quote in writing.
A 20% deposit confirms your booking, and the rest is due 7 days before the trek. Pay by card through a secure link (5% fee) or by bank transfer.
Same eight-day circuit, different arrangements
Huayhuash Experience
Your Huaraz stay, guided acclimatisation and eight-day Huayhuash trek, with arrival and departure transfers, private trailhead transport and equipment included.
$2,200 per person
View Huayhuash ExperienceWhat's included
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Huaraz (urban area), transport to the trailhead and back to Huaraz
- Guide, cook and arrieros. For groups of one to four, one person works as both guide and cook.
- Pack donkeys, carrying the camp, the food and up to 5 kg of your personal luggage
- A shared two-person tent and an insulated sleeping mat
- Dining tent, kitchen tent, camp tables and chairs, and cooking equipment
- Meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 8: three meals a day, plus snacks
- Boiled or treated water at camp, and tea, coffee and herbal teas
- Group first-aid kit, emergency oxygen, a pulse oximeter and radios
Not included
- Community campsite and entrance fees (paid in cash)
- Breakfast on day 1, and dinner on day 8
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (you can rent both from us)
- Personal clothing, boots and backpack
- Accommodation and acclimatisation hikes in Huaraz
- Flights, and the bus between Lima and Huaraz
- Travel insurance covering medical care, rescue, evacuation and repatriation
- A riding horse
- Alcohol, drinks and meals not listed, personal expenses and tips
What to bring
Your gear for the trek. If you're missing anything, we can help you rent it in Huaraz.
Clothing & footwear
- Broken-in hiking boots
- Synthetic or wool trekking socks
- Sandals for camp
- Thermal base layers
- Wool or fleece mid-layers
- Trekking trousers
- Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Waterproof trousers
- Rain poncho
Sun & cold
- Sun hat
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunglasses (category 3–4)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Warm sleeping bag (we can help you rent one in Huaraz)
On the trail
- Daypack, 20–30 litres
- Water bottle
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Trekking poles
- Camera
Personal
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Wash bag and quick-dry towel
- Toilet paper
- Cash in soles for community fees and tips
Frequently asked questions
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable hiking seven to eight hours a day, several days in a row, with steep climbs and descents. The longest day can take nine hours. Days range from 10 to 21 km and passes reach 5,050 m. Previous multi-day hiking experience is strongly recommended.
How many days should I spend in Huaraz before the trek?
At least two to three days. Huaraz sits at 3,050 m; a few progressively higher day hikes before the circuit make a big difference to how you feel on the passes. We can suggest acclimatisation hikes or guide them for you.
What do I carry, and what do the donkeys carry?
The donkeys carry the tents, kitchen, food and up to 5 kg of your personal gear. You hike with a daypack holding water, snacks, warm and waterproof layers, sun protection and your camera.
Can I do the trek on my own?
Yes. You can join one of our open group departures, which take up to 10 people, or book a private trek on your own dates with our guide, cook and arrieros. We quote private treks for one or two people according to the logistics, so get in touch with your dates.
What is the difference between Huayhuash Classic and Huayhuash Experience?
The route, the passes and the walking are the same. Huayhuash Experience adds three nights at our cabins in Huaraz (two before the trek, one after), a guided acclimatisation day, private transport, airport or bus station transfers, your own tent if you want one, a sleeping bag and inflatable mat, up to 8 kg of luggage on the donkeys, community fees, and a pachamanca after the trek.
How do I book and pay?
A 20% deposit confirms your booking, and the rest is due 7 days before the trek starts. You can pay by card through a secure payment link, which adds a 5% fee, or by bank transfer.
What happens if someone gets sick at altitude?
Tell your guide straight away. The only reliable treatment for altitude sickness is to descend to lower ground. Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation is essential.
Are the community fees included?
Not on Classic. Communities along the circuit charge a fee at each campsite, paid in cash in Peruvian soles, and we will tell you the current total when you book so you can bring the right amount. Huayhuash Experience includes the community fees.
What trekkers say
“An incredible trek with a wonderful guide who introduced us to this superb scenery and to Peruvian culture. I recommend it without hesitation!”Translated from French
“Rocio and her burros accompanied us on a trek of the cordillera Huayhuash, back in 06. It was a great experience, and thanks to her we could do the trek without having to carry overly heavy packs. I strongly recommend Rocio for anyone considering climbing or trekking in the Huaraz area.”Read before you go
Guides
Acclimatising in Huaraz: a simple three-day plan
The Huayhuash circuit crosses passes over 5,000 metres. Here is how we suggest using your first days in Huaraz so you arrive on the trail strong.
Guides
How to get from Lima to Huaraz
Buses, flights and timing: the practical way to reach Huaraz, the starting point for every trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash and Blanca.
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