Cordillera Huayhuash Trek
Packstock or Porter Supported
12 Days, 11 Nights 50.5MI / 81.3KMTrip Highlights
This trip takes us into the Cordillera Huayhuash, a tightly bunched, sensational collection of high peaks in the Peruvian Andes. This trekker’s paradise is remote, wild and stunningly beautiful. The range is the home of Siula Grande (20,814 ft.), the location of the famous mountaineering book and movie “Touching the Void.” We have picked the best sections of the Cordillera Huayhash Circuit as part of this trip. We acclimatize for several days in Huaraz, Peru by taking spectacular high elevation day hikes in the surrounding mountains and sleeping at a lower elevation in town. We can then head into the higher mountains safely, feeling good and prepared for the upcoming trekking adventure. On this trek we cross four high mountain passes, all over 14,000 feet and three higher than 15,000 feet. We camp next to stunningly beautiful alpine lakes and in broad, grassy valleys with wildflowers and rushing alpine creeks. And all the time we’re staring in awe up at the soaring, snow-laden Andes giants that tower above us with peaks at elevations above 20,000 feet!
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Stunning Alpine Scenery
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Spectacular Glacier Fed Lakes
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4 High Mountain Passes
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Unique Local Wildlife
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High Elevation over 15,000 Feet
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Ancient Inca Ruins
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Mountain Solitude
Book This Trip
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Packstock or Porter Supported -
Trip Length
12 Days, 11 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 8.1 mi -
Group Size
2-12 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip requires significant elevation gains and losses on rocky steep trails, and tops out at over 15,000 feet. The higher elevations make the trekking and trail terrain more difficult and necessitates training for most guests to be well prepared.
Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
On this Peru trekking trip, a Wildland Trekking representative will pick you up from the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru upon your arrival. We transport you to our hotel in the popular Miraflores district of Lima. You will check yourself in, then the afternoon and evening are free for you to rest, explore the city, and dine at your leisure. Your guide will join you on Day 2. Be sure to focus on hydration during your travel days and your day in Lima, as tomorrow we head to Huaraz which is over 10,000 ft. in elevation. Being hydrated, well fed, and being well rested are all critical components of dealing with significant elevation changes and properly acclimatizing. Proper self-care is important before and during the trek.
Day 2
Shuttle: 7-8 hours
This morning breakfast is included at the hotel starting at 6:30 am and then the group will meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00 am to share a private vehicle transfer to Huaraz, Peru. Along our scenic drive the group will stop for lunch and restroom breaks. Once we arrive in town, we’ll get checked into our rooms and we’ll have a couple of hours to relax or explore the city. At 6:00 pm, you will meet your guide and we will have our orientation meeting which will include introductions, a briefing on the trip itinerary, a checking of personal gear, safety information, and more. Afterwards, we will walk to our favorite, local Huaraz restaurant for dinner.
Day 3
Hiking Distance: 3.5 mi (5.6 km)
Elevation Gain: 1755 feet (535 m)
Elevation Loss: 2060 feet (628 m)
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
This morning we enjoy a Peruvian breakfast at our hotel in Huaraz. Following breakfast, we pack our day packs and head to Chiwipampa, where we find the trailhead for our hike. We’ll set out on a hike along locally farmed fields and beautiful sections of trail lined with the unique native plant species up to Wilcacocha Lake. At the lake, we’ll have lunch and take in the amazing panorama of the whole Cordillera Blanca Mountain range while helping our bodies acclimatize. After lunch, we descend to our transportation and ride back to Huaraz, where we’ll have free time until we meet for dinner.
Day 4
Hiking Distance: 3.8 mi (6.1 km)
Elevation Gain: 2360 feet (720 m)
Elevation Loss: 2360 feet (720 m)
Trekking Duration: 5-7 hours
This morning will serve as a second acclimatization day. After another delicious hotel breakfast we’ll pack our day packs and drive roughly 1 hour to the village of Pitec. At Pitec, we begin to hike slowly on our way up to Churup Lake. The walk will take 3-4 hours and once we arrive, we’ll have lunch and enjoy the amazing glacial lake and stunning mountain scenery. When we are ready, we’ll descend down a different trail between 2-3 hours until we get back to Pitec. Upon arrival at Pitec, we board our transportation for the 1-hour drive back to Huaraz. We will have time to freshen up before meeting for dinner.
Day 5
Shuttle: 8-10 hours
Camp Elevation: 12,569 feet
This morning after a filling breakfast we depart Huaraz and drive approximately 4 hours to the ruins of Wanuku Pampa. Wanuku Pampa is an ancient ruin built by the Inca (Quechua) people on the trading highway from Cusco, Peru to Quito, Ecuador. We’ll have lunch and spend some time exploring the ruins and historical area. When we are ready, we’ll continue our drive 4-5 hours more to Queropalca where our night’s camp will be set up and ready for us. Tonight’s dinner will be our first of many meals prepared by our team’s chef. After dinner your guide will provide the plan for the start of our multi-day trek tomorrow!
Day 6
Hiking Distance: 6 mi (9.7 km) / (Optional Hike: 2.25 mi/12.1km)
Elevation Gain: 1620 feet (494 m) / (Optional Hike Gain: 1525 feet/465 m)
Elevation Loss: 585 feet (178 m) / (Optional Hike Loss: 1525 feet/465 m)
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours / (Optional Duration: 1-2 additional hours)
After a nutritious breakfast, we’ll breakdown camp and pack our gear onto the mules. From here, we lace up our boots and begin hiking. We’ll be accompanied on our walk today with breathtaking mountain views of Siula Grande, Yerupaja and Ninashanca. We walk 4-5 hours until we arrive at the Carhuacocha Lake camp (13,615 ft.), where we’ll have a relaxed lunch and camp for the next 2 nights. With our extra time here, you can relax at the lake and take in the amazing scenery. For anyone wanting an extra challenge and to explore a bit more, we can hike up to a viewpoint high above the lake before our much-deserved dinner prepared by our chef and served by our camp staff.
Day 7
Hiking Distance: 8.1 mi/13 km
Elevation Gain: 2650 feet (808 m)
Elevation Loss: 2650 feet (808 m)
Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll leave our camp set-up and start our day hike up the valley to the Laguna Quesillococha, Laguna Siula, and Laguna Jancacocha. We will spend some time taking in the spectacular scenery from viewpoints along the way and pick a great spot to have our packed lunch. The prize view of the day comes from climbing up to our highest point of our hike and looking back over our trail and the lakes. After taking in this extremely picturesque vista, we’ll start heading back to camp the way we came. Today’s hike might be strenuous but is absolutely one of the highlights of the trip. At camp we’ll have time to change clothes and rest until our dinner is served.
Day 8
Hiking Distance: 7.5 mi (12.1 km)
Elevation Gain: 1800 feet (549 m)
Elevation Loss: 1515 feet (462 m)
Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
After breakfast this morning we’ll pack up camp and start off on our trek for the day. We begin hiking for roughly 3 hours until we reach the Carhuac pass (15,255′). At the pass we’ll stop to appreciate and photograph awe-inspiring views of the giant mountains Jirishanca (20,098 ft.) and Ninashanca (18,396 ft.). We’ll enjoy our lunch and take in the sweeping views around us before descending to Mitucocha camp (13,878 ft.). Upon arrival at camp, we are greeted by our crew with hot drinks and snacks. You’ll have free time to relax or explore the area around Lago Mitucocha before dinner is served.
Day 9
Hiking Distance: 5.6 mi (9 km)
Elevation Gain: 2475 feet (755 m)
Elevation Loss: 2200 feet (671 m)
Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
After an early breakfast, we pack up and leave camp by 8 am. We begin our ascent to our second pass, Cacanan (15,419 ft.). Once again, we are surrounded by gigantic, glaciated mountains and breathtaking views. We are literally hiking in the Land of Giants today, which for most guests is an indescribably rich and humbling experience. We’ll have lunch at or near the pass and descend to the Quartelhuain camp (13,468 ft.). Tonight’s camp is picturesquely set in a high meadow landscape beneath the surrounding towering peak of the Cordillera Huayhuash. We’ll have time to relax and take photos of this amazing camp before another chef prepared meal.
Day 10
Hiking Distance: 8 mi (12.9 km)
Elevation Gain: 2675 feet (815 m)
Elevation Loss: 2995 feet (913 m)
Trekking Duration: 8-9 hours
After another breakfast in camp, we’ll pack up and begin our 3-4 hour ascent to our third pass and the highest elevation we’ll reach on our trek, Sambuya Pass (15,584 ft.). As we hike we’ll soak up fantastic views of the mountains Ninashanca, Jirishanca, Yerupaja and Rondoy. After lunch, we’ll head down to our final camp at Jahuacocha lake (13,287 ft.). Upon arrival at camp, we’ll have free time to relax with hot drinks and snacks. Dinner will be served with the outstanding views from camp as our backdrop. Your guide will provide the plan for our last day of hiking before we enjoy another well-deserved night of sleep in the Cordillera mountains.
Day 11
Hiking Distance: 8 mi (12.9 km)
Elevation Gain: 2040 feet (622 m)
Elevation Loss: 4665 feet (1422 m)
Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
After a delicious breakfast, we begin hiking on a mostly flat trail until a short climb to our fourth and final pass, Pampa Llamac (14,108 ft.). We’ll make sure to take a long break here and soak in our final panoramic views of the surrounding mountains before descending to the end of our hike at Llamac Village (10,827 ft.). Here we’ll have lunch and board our private vehicle for the 4.5 hour drive back to Huaraz. Upon arrival in Huaraz, we’ll check into our hotel rooms, have showers and meet for our final celebratory dinner together. Here we will say goodbye to our guide and thanks for a successful trip.
Day 12
Shuttle: 7-8 hours
This morning breakfast is served at our hotel before our private graoup transfer back to Lima leaves at 7 am. Along the way we will stop for restroom breaks and we will provide a simple sack lunch. We will drop guests at the Lima airport no later than 3 pm. Departure flights should be planned after 6pm. What an adventure it has been, thank you for choosing Wildland Trekking!
Trip Dates
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What's Included
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A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on Day 12
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Lodging for the duration of the tour including 5 nights hotel and 6 nights of camping
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Porters or mules to transport all gear, food, and most personal items
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Meals for the duration of the tour from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day 12, including a professional camp chef for the trekking portion
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Drinking water and hot water for washing face, hands, etc.
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All camping gear and supplies
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Use of a backpack and trekking poles
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Transportation to/from Lima, Peru
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Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (strongly encouraged)
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All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
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Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
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Meals on Day 1
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Clothes
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Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and flashlight
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Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 10-15% of the total trip cost. This tip should be divided among the entire crew as you deem appropriate, which includes 1-2 guides, 2 chefs, 3 porters, and 3 donkey drivers. Please tip each crew member individually. Local currency is preferred, but USD is also appreciated. Please note: some of the crew will leave the group on Day 11 before returning to Huaraz. Therefore, you will need to carry your tips with you on the trek.
Accommodations
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
LOS GIRASOLES HOTEL
1 Night
This stylish hotel sits in a beautiful neighborhood in the popular Miraflores district in Lima. The hotel’s tasty restaurant and relaxing rooftop terrace are great places to decompress from your travels and the hotel’s location near the Central Park and other main attractions makes this a perfect starting point for your Peruvian vacation and exploration of Lima.
ANDINO CLUB HOTEL
4 NIGHTS
This wonderful hotel is situated a short distance from the main square and cultural center of Huaraz, and has beautiful gardens and appealing, spacious rooms. It boasts stunning panoramic views of the Callejón de Huaylas (the valley between 2 mountain ranges), including 8 towering peaks higher than 6,000 meters!
PREMIER CAMPING
6 NIGHTS
Our Peru Treks feature premier camping with comfortable sleeping tents, kitchen tents, dedicated chefs, and a team of porters to carry, set up, and break down camp each day. We provide all top-of-the-line gear. Our guests regularly rave about the camping accommodations on our Peru adventures!
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
We will meet you at the Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) on Day 1 and transport you to our first night’s hotel. You may arrive anytime today.
For Domestic Arrivals: Your driver will be waiting for the guest just outside the airport. There is a short gate behind which they will be located and holding a Wildland sign with your name on it.
For International Arrivals: Your driver will be waiting for you inside the airport, just as they leave the Customs area. They will have a Wildland sign with your name on it.
Our Peru communications team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Lima, Peru
Trip Start: Lima, Peru. We will meet at the Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) upon your arrival on Day 1.
The group travels to/from Huaraz, Peru together in a private shuttle.
Trip End: Lima, Peru. We will drop you at the Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) by 3 pm. Please plan for flights to depart no earlier than 6 pm on Day 12.
Transportation to/from Lima, Peru is the guest’s responsibility.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Lima, Peru as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled or private trips
Trip Insurance
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is highly recommended on this trip (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).
We recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
If you already have insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Reviews
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Daniel R
1 year agoMagical
Phenomenal experience! The Peruvian Andes is such a magical place and Wildland's local guides and crew made it just unforgettable. Highly recommend.
Heather B
1 year agoTruly Extraordinary
This trek is truly extraordinary and a great cultural experience. The itinerary was challenging but totally doable with the support of so many experienced staff. I live and work at sea level, but quickly adjusted to the altitude with the help of the well-planned acclimatization hikes and altitude meds prescribed by my doctor. Guides Heimer and Lucy, and the entire support team provided 5+-star service every step of the way -- consistently working to anticipate the needs of everyone in our group, and ensure our safety and comfort. Gear provided was top notch. Food was exceptional, environment absolutely magical. This was my 5th trek with Wildland but my 1st supported trek and I was not prepared for the amount of pampering we received! I'm forever grateful to the many people and animals who worked so hard on our behalf.
Scott E
1 year agoI will be rebooking with Wildland for sure!
A great trip through the Andes Mountains made exceptional by the local Peruvian guides!
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