Along the way

This itinerary allows the discovery of the essential elements of the Huayhuash Cordillera…
This trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. As the days progress the landscape becomes more magnificent.
This trek is considered difficult due to the passes reaching 4,650 and 5,000 meters of altitude.
A good acclimation, 2 to 4 days is necessary.

Daily program

Day 1: HUARAZ – QUARTELHUAIN (el. 4100 m.a.s.l. / 13,451 feet) / TREK

In the morning, departure by private vehicle towards Quartelhuain, at an altitude of 4100 meters a.s.l. / el. 13,451 feet.
Journey by road and discovery of almost all of the western part of the White Cordillera and a part of the Huayhuash Cordillera.
Night in a camp. All included. Transfer: around 5 hours.

Day 2: QUARTELHUAIN – CACANAN PUNTA - LAGUNA MITUCOCHA / TREK

First stop, the Cacanan Punta Pass (el. 4 685 m.a.s.l. / 15,370 feet).
Continuation of the hike to Lake Mitucocha (el. 4230 m.a.s.l. / 13,877 feet), dominated by the Jirishanca Glacier (el. 6 094 m.a.s.l. / 19,993 feet).
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours; Distance: 7.1 miles; Elevation gain: + 585 m (1,919 feet) / - 455 m (1,492 feet)

Day 3: LAGUNA MITUCOCHA – ALCAY PASS - LAGUNA CARHUACOCHA / TREK

Crossing of the Alcay Pass (el. 4 750 m.a.s.l. / 15,583 feet) and descent to the Lake Carhuacancha.
Night in a camp, at 4 138 meters a.s.l. (el. 13,576 feet), right under the majestic Yerupaja (second highest summit of Peru, el. 6 643 m.a.s.l. / 21,795 feet, after Huascaran).
All included.
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours; Distance: 6.2 miles; Elevation gain: + 420 m (1,377 feet) / - 512 m (1,680 feet)

Day 4: LAGUNA CARHUACOCHA – HUAYHUASH / TREK

Time has come to get closer to the glaciers of this wonderful Cordillera and discover some lagoons exhibiting surprising colors…
Crossing of a pass at 4800 meters a.s.l. (el. 15,748 feet). Camp in Huayhuash.
All included.
Hiking time: 5½ to 6½ hours; Distance: 8.7 miles; Elevation gain: + 662 m (2,171 feet) / - 470 m (1,541 feet)

Day 5: HUAYHUASH – VICONGA HOT SPRINGS / TREK

After having crossed Portachuelo de Huayhuash, at 4750 meters a.s.l. (el. 15,583 feet), we follow Lake Viconga. Set up of the camp (el. 4450 m.a.s.l. / 14,600 feet), and bathe in the neighboring hot springs.
All included.
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours; Distance: 10.5 miles; Elevation gain: + 420 m (1,377 feet) / - 320 m (1,050 feet)

Day 6: LAKE VICONGA – PUNTA CUYOC - QUEBRADA HUANACPATAY / TREK

During this hiking day we go over the fifth pass of the trek: Punta Cuyoc, at el. 5000 m.a.s.l. (el. 16,404 feet). Impressive view over the Huayhuash Cordillera.
Camp at Quebrada Huanacpatay, at 4 500 meters a.s.l (el. 14,763 feet).
All included.
Hiking time: 4 to 5½ hours; Distance: 7.4 miles; Elevation gain: + 570 m (1,870 feet) / - 500 m (1,640 feet)

Day 7: QUEBRADA HUANACPATAY - HUAYLLAPA / TREK

Hiking day with destination the village of Huayllapa, (el. 3500 m.a.s.l. / 11,482 feet).
Set up of the camp.
All included.
Hiking time: 7 hours; Distance: 9.3 miles; Elevation gain: + 850 m (2,788 feet) / - 750 m (2,460 feet)

Day 8: HUAYLLAPA – PUNTA TAPUSH – PUNTA YAUCHA - LAKE JAHUACOCHA / TREK

This day’s hike takes us over the Punta Tapush Pass (el. 4 750 m.a.s.l. / 15,583 feet) and Punta Yaucha Pass (el. 4 847 m.a.s.l. / 15,902 feet).
Camp on the shores of the Jahuacocha Lagoon, with a view of the Jirishanca (el. 6 094 m.a.s.l. / 19,993 feet).
All included.
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours; Distance: 11.2 miles; Elevation gain: + 964 m (3,162 feet) / - 1151 m (3,776 feet)

Day 9: LAKE JAHUACOCHA - HIKE - LAKE JAHUACOCHA / TREK OR REST

Resting or hiking day. Optional: hike to Lake Solterococha or to Lake Rasakcocha to observe the fauna and the local flora.
All included.
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours; Distance: 4.9 miles; Elevation gain: + 350 meters (1,148 feet) / - 350 meters (1,148 feet)

Day 10: LAKE JAHUACOCHA - RONDOY – HUARAZ / TREK

We go over the last pass, the Sambunya (el. 4 750 m.a.s.l. / 15,583 feet) and hike to Rondoy.
Return by private vehicle to the hotel in Huaraz.
Lunch included. Dinner open.
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours; Distance: 8.7 miles; Elevation gain: +684 m (2,244 feet) / - 670 m (2,198 feet)