Huayhuash Trek – 5 Days
The ultimate short adventure in the Cordillera Huayhuash
Experience the highlights of the legendary Huayhuash Circuit on this unforgettable 5-day trekking adventure. Cross high mountain passes, camp beside stunning glacial lakes, and enjoy breathtaking views of iconic peaks such as Yerupajá, Siula Grande, and Jirishanca. Designed for adventurous hikers with limited time, this trek offers the perfect combination of spectacular scenery, challenging trails, and the untouched beauty of the Cordillera Huayhuash.
Duration:
5 Days / 4 Nights
Difficulty:
Moderate to Challenging
Maximum Altitude:
5,080 m / 15,912 ft
Best Season:
May – October
Itinerary Huayhuash Trek – 5 Days / 4 Nights
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–5 hours | Approx. 10 km | 3,600 m | 4,180 m |
Your adventure begins with an early morning drive from Huaraz through the scenic Andean highlands, passing Recuay, Cátac, Conococha, and Chiquián before reaching the traditional village of Llamac, the main gateway to the Cordillera Huayhuash.
After meeting the trekking crew, continue to Cuartelhuain, where the hike begins. The gradual ascent follows a peaceful mountain valley surrounded by dramatic peaks before arriving at Cuartelhuain Camp, your first campsite in the heart of the Huayhuash range.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 5–6 hours | Approx. 12 km | 4,180 m | 4,230 m |
After breakfast, climb steadily toward Cacanan Punta Pass (4,700 m), crossing the continental divide and enjoying spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and snow-capped mountains.
From the pass, descend through alpine meadows to the beautiful Mitucocha Camp, where impressive views of Jirishanca and Ninashanca provide a spectacular backdrop for the evening.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 5–6 hours | Approx. 11 km | 4,230 m | 4,140 m |
Today’s route gently ascends toward Carhuac Pass (4,650 m), offering unforgettable views of Yerupajá, Peru’s second-highest mountain, together with Siula Grande and the impressive Jirishanca massif.
A scenic descent leads to the turquoise waters of Lake Carhuacocha, widely considered one of the most beautiful campsites in the Cordillera Huayhuash.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 6–7 hours | Approx. 13 km | 4,140 m | 4,350 m |
Today is one of the highlights of the expedition. The trail climbs past the famous Siula viewpoint, where three stunning glacial lakes—Siula, Quesillococha, and Gangrajanca—create one of the most iconic landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
Continuing to Siula Pass (4,830 m), you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Cordillera Huayhuash before descending to Huayhuash Camp for your final night in the mountains.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Finish Altitude |
| 4–5 hours hiking + 4 hours driving | Approx. 10 km | 4,350 m | 3,100 m (Huaraz) |
After breakfast, begin the final descent through wide mountain valleys toward the village of Llamac. Along the way, enjoy your last views of the towering peaks and pristine landscapes that make the Cordillera Huayhuash one of the world’s premier trekking destinations.
Private transportation will be waiting in Llamac for the return journey to Huaraz, where your five-day trekking adventure comes to an unforgettable conclusion.