Cordillera Huayhuash Trek
Huaraz, Peru
5.0 (6 reviews)Trip Highlights
- World's 2nd Highest Mountain Range
- Stunning Alpine Scenery
- Ancient Inca Ruins
- Acclimatization Day Hikes
- 4 High Mountain Passes
- High Elevation over 15,000 Feet
- Mountain Solitude
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
This trip takes us into the Cordillera Huayhuash, a tightly bunched, sensational 18-mile long 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′), the location of the famous mountaineering book and movie “Touching the Void.” 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!
$2950 Per Person
$250 Single Supplement
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip requires significant elevation gains and losses on rocky trails, and tops out at over 15,000 feet. The higher elevations make the trekking more difficult and necessitates training for most guests to be well prepared.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 8 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-20 lbs
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb backpack for 7-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- River and creek crossings
- Hiking at elevations of 15,000+ feet
SOLITUDE LEVEL 5
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Peru hike a solitude 5. You can expect to see only a group or two over the entire duration of your trip.
TRAVEL TO HUARAZ, PERU
Transportation to and from the origin city of Huaraz, Peru is the guests’s responsibility. You will need to arrive in Huaraz on the first day of the trip before 6 PM. You can travel to Huaraz from Lima, Peru by bus (more information below). Your guide will rendezvous with you at the bus station and transport you to our hotel. An orientation meeting, dinner and accommodations are included on Day 1. Your departure from Huaraz should be scheduled for the final day of the tour at any time.
TRAVELING TO HUARAZ BY BUS (RECOMMENDED)
We recommend taking a bus from Lima to Huaraz. Here’s everything you need to know about the bus option from Lima to Huaraz:
- The flight operator from Lima to Huaraz is known to cancel their flights a week before because they don’t fill enough seats, which is the primary reason we recommend taking the bus.
- The bus ride is a highlight for many guests. The buses are deluxe with reclining seats, movies, great views of the Peruvian country side, and follow all paved roads from Lima to Huaraz.
- The ride is roughly 248 miles (400 km), and takes around 8 hours.
- Two of the most reputable bus companies are: Cruz del Sur and Movil Tours.
You can reach Lima from many U.S. and European international airports. Some of the primary U.S. departure cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Chicago, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. The duration of nonstop flights to Lima is 5-9 hours.
Minimum of 2 Guests
We require a minimum of 2 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, or be refunded your payments in full. We make the final determination for these trips 45 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4-5 People: Rate x 1.5
- 6-10 People: Rate x 1.15
- 11-12 People: Rate x 1
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsTRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1
On this Peru trekking trip, a Wildland Trekking representative will pick you up from the bus station in Huaraz, Peru. We transport to our hotel and get checked into our rooms. The afternoon/evening is yours to explore the city until the scheduled orientation meeting this evening. After our meeting we go to our favorite, local Huaraz restaurant for dinner. Be sure to drink copious amounts of water en route, as flying and traveling will certainly dehydrate you, and Huaraz is over 10,000 feet in elevation. Being hydrated (i.e. drinking lots of water and not drinking alcohol in excess) is a critical component of dealing with significant elevation changes. Self care begins immediately.
DAY 2
- Hiking Mileage: 3.1 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 10,013 feet
- Highest Elevation: 12,200 feet
- Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
This morning we enjoy our first Peruvian breakfast at the hotel in Huaraz. Subsequently, we pack our day packs and head to Chiwipampa, where we find the trailhead for Lago de Wilcacocha. Upon arrival at Chiwipampa, we’ll set out on a 2-3-hour hike to the beautiful 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 3
- Hiking Mileage: 4.3 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 12,467 feet
- Highest Elevation: 14,599 feet
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 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. At dinner our guides will provide the plan for the following day.
DAY 4
- Shuttle: 8-10 hours
- Camp Elevation: 12,569 feet
This morning after a hearty 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 fantastic dinners prepared by our team’s chef. After dinner our guides will provide the plan for the start of our trek tomorrow!
DAY 5
- Hiking Mileage: 6-8 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 12,569 feet
- Highest Elevation: 13,615 feet (higher optional)
- Trekking Duration: 6-8 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′), where we’ll drop our bags and have lunch. After our hearty meal and some relaxation, for those feeling ambitious, we’ll hike up the valley to the Laguna Quesillococha, Laguna Siula and Laguna Jancacocha. We can spend some time taking in the Amazing views of these lakes before heading back to camp. At camp we’ll have time to change clothes and rest until dinner is served.
DAY 6
- Hiking Mileage: 4.9 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 13,615 feet
- Highest Elevation: 15,255 feet
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
After a tasty Peruvian breakfast this morning we’ll pack up camp and start 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′) and Ninashanca (18,396′). We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and take in the sweeping views around us before descending to Mitucocha camp (13,878′). Upon arrival at camp, we are greeted by our crew with hot drinks and snacks. We’ll have free time or the possibility of a short hike to Lago Mitucocha before dinner is served.
DAY 7
- Hiking Mileage: 5.6 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 13,468 feet
- Highest Elevation: 15,419 feet
- 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′). 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 Cuartelhuain camp (13,468′), a high meadow landscape beneath towering peaks. We’ll have time to relax and take photos of this amazing camp before another outstanding chef prepared hot meal.
DAY 8
- Hiking Mileage: 5.5 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 13,287 feet
- Highest Elevation: 15,584 feet
- Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
After another delicious breakfast, 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′). 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′). Upon arrival at camp, we’ll have free time to relax with hot drinks and snacks. Our dinner will be served with the outstanding views from camp as our backdrop. Our guides will provide the plan for the next day before we enjoy a much-deserved night of sleep.
DAY 9
- Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
- Lowest Elevation: 10,827 feet
- Highest Elevation: 14,108 feet
- Trekking Duration: 5-7 hours
After a hearty breakfast we beginning hiking on a mostly flat trail until a short climb to our fourth and final pass, Pampa (14,108′). We’ll make sure to take a long break here and soak in our final sweeping views of the surrounding mountains before descending for roughly 1-2 hours to the end of our hike at Llamac Village (10,827′). 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!
DAY 10
This morning breakfast is served at our hotel and our tour will conclude with your shuttle ride back to the airport in Anta if needed. Please let us know what time your flight leaves so we can arrange transportation accordingly. What an adventure it has been, thank you for choosing Wildland Trekking!
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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Access to our Adventure Consultant team 7 days a week
- A professional Wildland guide, trained in 1st Aid, risk management and assessment and responsibility to provide overall standard of excellence in service quality.
- Local Peruvian guide(s), expert in cultural and natural history, the local area, fauna and flora, etc.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on the day you depart
- Lodging before and after the trekking portion of the trip (Lodging Details)
- All camping gear and supplies (including a dining tent and kitchen tent)
- Porters or mules to transport all gear, food, and most personal items
- Professional camp chef
- Drinking water and hot water for washing face, hands…etc.
- Use of a backpack and trekking poles
- All meals for the duration of the tour (dinner Day 1 through breakfast on the final day)
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone
- A Lifetime Hiking Membership entitling you, your spouse and dependents to a discount of 10% off any Wildland hiking trip after your first one (must book directly with us to receive the discount)!
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation to Huaraz, Peru
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (strongly encouraged)
- Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills, wifi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight (disposable plastic water bottles are prohibited; please have refillable water bottles or hydration bladders)
- Gratuity for guide(s) and crew (industry recommendation is 10-20% of total trip cost; please tip your lead guide and they will distribute responsibly to the crew. USD is recommended, but Peruvian Soles are also accepted)
- See the Packing Lists page for more information
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
MEALS: WHAT TO EXPECT
This Peru hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by our staff. We’ll have dinners at carefully selected, wonderful restaurants in Huaraz as well as meals prepared on the trail by your guide and a professional camp chef.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
GEAR WE PROVIDE
- We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
WHAT GEAR TO BRING
We ask that you supply a couple of gear items on your hiking tour. These items are two 1-liter water bottles per person and basic items like sunscreen, bug repellent (where and when applicable), lip balm, and toiletries are also important.
WHAT CLOTHES TO BRING
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with detailed guidance about what clothes to pack (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, and our recommended clothing system. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks are also required.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
We will meet you at the bus station on Day 1 and transport you to the first night’s hotel (included), where we’ll conduct an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the first evening. Your guide will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and 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.
Safety Considerations
Your safety is our top priority. Our Global Destination trips are led by professional hiking guides along with additional support staff. All of our guides are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Finally, we’ve developed comprehensive risk management protocols that our guides adhere to in case of an emergency, and all tours carry a satellite phone. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
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
This trip is led by expert, local Wildland 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.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Group Size and Age Restrictions
The standard group size on this hiking tour is 12 guests and 2 guides, with a minimum of 2 guests and 1 guide. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) and we’ll answer all your questions.
Age restrictions are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Trip Insurance
For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of field evacuation, repatriation, and medical trip insurance. International travel is expensive, and the modest cost of trip insurance is a sound investment in an uncertain world.
If you wish to purchase trip insurance, we recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
For even greater information, or if you simply prefer communicating with a real, live person, feel free to contact our exclusive agent Michael Bennett. Michael will help you identify the best product for your needs, and there is no cost associated with his assistance. You may contact him at:
Email: WildLandTrekking@EasyToInsureME.com
US by Phone: 877-305-9083
Direct/International by Phone: 702-448-3664
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.
If you secure an insurance policy please bring a copy of it to provide to your guides at the orientation meeting.
Weather in Peru
Peru is home to part of the Amazon Rainforest as well as the towering Andes Mountains. Most of our treks in the region reach elevations well above 10,000 feet, some reaching or exceeding 15,000 feet. Because of the wild elevation changes, the temperatures and weather can also vary wildly.
The average temperatures and precipitation in the Huaraz region are:
| Month | Hi | Low | Precip |
| March | 57° F | 34° F | 22 days |
| April | 54° F | 32° F | 23 days |
| May | 52° F | 30° F | 18 days |
| June | 50° F | 27° F | 26 days |
| July | 48° F | 27° F | 19 days |
| August | 48° F | 27° F | 18 days |
| September | 48° F | 27° F | 16 days |
| October | 50° F | 28° F | 17 days |
Accommodations
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
5 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!
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Steven N
One of the Best
I've traveled with many tour operators and Wildland trekking was one of the best. Their professionalism , caring for their customers and attention to detail was fantastic, I'll definitely go with them again. Steve N.
Duane M.
Awesome Guides
The guides Peter and Roger were awesome. Extremely knowledgeable and experienced with great personalities.
Floyd W.
Excellent trip from start to finish!
Excellent trip from start to finish! Really enjoyed the people and places of Peru. Guides were vey knowledgable about local people, history, plants, animals and places. A very well run trip. Guides made sure we were all acclimated to the higher elevations before we struck off for the unknown.
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