A Truly Spectacular Alpine Circuit in the Andes
Trekking the Cordillera Huayhuash Private Journey
Overview
The tremendous ice range of Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash is topped with knife-edged 20,000-foot peaks that attract climbers from around the world. Our classic 12-day trek makes a complete circuit of this magnificent range, crossing eight high passes with near-constant panoramas of towering Andean giants, including Yerupajá (21,709'), the second-highest mountain in Peru, and the icy fang of Jirishanca (20,099'). Along the way, we'll camp by the stunning turquoise lakes that bejewel this region. The hiking is challenging but rewarding, and the vast blue skies and soaring condors add to the allure. We only offer this trip once a year, so don't miss your chance!
Arrive: Lima, Peru
Depart: Lima, Peru
Highlights
- Challenging trek circling the ice-draped peaks of Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash massif
- Spectacular campsites at remote turquoise lakes, incredible views of glacier-clad peaks
- Hike across seven breathtaking mountain passes, including Punta Cuyoc (16,600'), the highest
- Exploration Day at Laguna Carhuacocha, with hiking options
- Mountain town of Huaráz (10,200'), where Huascarán (22,205'), Peru's highest peak, dominates the skyline
Itinerary
From Lima, we head north to the mountain town of Huaráz (10,200'), where Huascarán (22,205'), Peru’s highest peak, dominates the skyline. Our warm-up hikes bring us to the archaeological site of Wilkahuaín and to Lake Churup, set below the Churup Glacier at 14,700 feet.
From our first high pass, Cacanampunta (15,400'), panoramas include the summits of Ninashanca and Jirishanca, and we may start to see soaring condors. We cross our second pass, Carhuac (15,150'), to reach our beautiful lakeside camp at Laguna Carhuacocha, where the vertical rock faces and ice flutings of Yerupajá are right in front of us—sunsets are sublime here.
From the farming community of Huayhuash, we climb to the top of Portachuelo Huayhuash (15,700'), then ascend two more mountain passes, including Punta Cuyoc (16,564') and Santa Rosa Pass (16,600'), the highest point on our trek. We’ll have an Exploration Day at our Laguna Jurau camp, with a choice to hike to a high vantage point of the dramatic peak of Siulá and part of the route of the near-fatal climb depicted in the gripping adventure film Touching the Void.
After crossing two more passes, Tapush (15,711') and Yaucha (15,900'), and enjoying spectacular final views from our lake camp at Jahuacocha, we head back in Huaraz on Day 17 for a festive Farewell Dinner. Return to Lima and depart on Day 18 (or Day 19 if your flight departs the following day).
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 6, Very Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. It is expected that each participant be in excellent health and physical condition.
Average Hiking Day
Review Trip Level Details
- 6-7 hours
- 2,000-2,500 feet gain/loss
- Altitudes range from 10,000 to 15,000 feet, but there are several passes over 15,000 feet to cross and one pass of 16,600 feet
- Day 9: 9-10 hours, with a steep ascent to the pass and a long descent
- Day 15: 8 hours, 2,400 feet gain/loss
- You need to be able to hike on uneven, rocky terrain on mountain trails at high elevations. You must feel comfortable and confident on your feet for up to 8 hours a day, with recent experience hiking at least 8 miles in a day (preferably at high altitude).
Trail conditions can be primitive, and there is much up-and-down hiking (often 2,000- to 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). An average day's walk is seven or eight hours. With rest stops and photo stops, few people walk faster than one mile an hour in a mountainous region. Some hiking days are shorter than others, and some days are more difficult than others due to altitude gain and loss.
Being so close to the equator, Peru has only two seasons: a dry season from April to October, and a wet season from December to March. Altitude is the main factor controlling the climate. In the mountains, you'll encounter sunny days with daytime temperatures ranging between 65°F and 70°F, dropping to the 40s and lower at night. The sun is very strong at high altitude and it can often be warm enough to hike in shorts and a t-shirt. However, it can also get extremely cold; if you're familiar with mountain weather, you know how suddenly it can get cold even in the daytime if the sun slips behind a cloud. Nighttime is always cold and temperatures can drop to below freezing. Be prepared with warm layers for cold nights. Rain should not be a problem on our trek, but always keep in mind that mountain weather is unpredictable and sudden storms can occur, especially on high mountain passes. The best preparation for the changeable climate of the high Andes is to dress in layers. Lima lies in a coastal desert where rainfall is rare and temperatures are usually warm (70s and 80s).
Accommodations on the trail are in sturdy mountain-style tents. Camp amenities include a dining tent with a table and chairs (with backs), meals prepared by our trained staff, and a toilet tent. Our camp crew takes care of all camp chores, including bringing a basin of warm washing water, and tea or coffee to your tent each morning. Most members bring their own sleeping bag, but we can arrange for you to rent one if you prefer.
On trekking days, breakfast is normally a light meal of pancakes, oatmeal, eggs, or something similar, along with tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Lunch is served picnic-style in a scenic spot along the trail, perhaps chicken salad, potato salad, guacamole salad, or macaroni salad, along with fruit, cheese, bread, and chocolate bars for extra energy. At camp, we have late afternoon tea (or coffee or cocoa) and snacks such as popcorn, cookies, or crackers, which hit the spot after a long day on the trail. Dinner, served to us in a dining tent with a table and chairs, is delicious hot soup followed by a substantial main course and a dessert. Please let us know of any dietary needs and we will accommodate as best as possible.
On a typical trekking day, wake-up is around 7:00 am, when a cup of hot tea or coffee and a basin of warm washing water are brought to your tent by one of the camp crew. After packing up our duffels and having breakfast, we set off on the trail while the crew strikes camp and the porters shoulder their loads. The crew passes us by midmorning to get ahead and prepare our lunch. We typically walk for three or four hours in the morning, then stop for a leisurely lunch of an hour or more at a scenic spot on the trail. After lunch, we walk for another three hours or so until we reach our next night's camp. The porters and crew pass us in mid-afternoon and usually have camp set up by the time we arrive. At camp, we have late afternoon tea (or coffee or cocoa) and snacks. Before dinner in the dining tent, there's free time to read or relax. Temperatures drop quickly as the sun drops behind the peaks, and it can get very cold at night, so have a few extra layers of clothing ready. It gets dark fairly early (around 6:30 pm). After dinner, we can chat away the evening in the dining tent or read by flashlight until bedtime.
For the most part, you can hike at your own speed. There is always a guide in the lead, usually the Trip Leader or the camp manager, who supervises the crew, and a “sweeper” who trails behind the slowest hiker to ensure that no one becomes lost on the trail. Most groups tend to spread out over the trail, taking photos, stopping to rest, and enjoying the scenery. We ask you not to hike ahead of the leader because trails are often not well-marked. If you feel breathless during a long ascent or wobbly during a long descent, by all means, stop until you feel restored.
Important Notes:
This is one of the more remote treks offered and with that comes unique experiences on the trail. Tour companies are not allowed to set up standard toilet tents at camps and instead will use communal bathrooms shared with locals and other hikers. They are basic flush toilets.
There will be dogs on this trek. Local dogs tend to “pick up” groups from the beginning and will often stay with us throughout the trek. They are not aggressive, and over the many, many years on this trail we have found that most guests enjoy the camaraderie. They will be on the trail and in camp, so if you have a fear or dislike of dogs, this may not be the trek for you.
This is one of the more remote treks offered and with that comes unique experiences on the trail. Tour companies are not allowed to set up standard toilet tents at camps and instead will use communal bathrooms shared with locals and other hikers. They are basic flush toilets.
There will be dogs on this trek. Local dogs tend to “pick up” groups from the beginning and will often stay with us throughout the trek. They are not aggressive, and over the many, many years on this trail we have found that most guests enjoy the camaraderie. They will be on the trail and in camp, so if you have a fear or dislike of dogs, this may not be the trek for you.
We will be going to high elevation on this trip. It is not uncommon to experience headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and fatigue at altitude. These can occur when you first arrive at higher elevations and usually decrease in severity with time. We have designed this itinerary to allow for appropriate rest and acclimatization, but for your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. While on trip, be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. You may want to consult with your physician about bringing medication to prevent altitude sickness, such as Diamox. You can learn more about altitude and how to prepare for it in our video linked here.
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.