Huayhuash Classic Trek

We leave Huaraz by private transport and travel south toward the Cordillera Huayhuash. The drive gradually leaves the cultivated landscapes of the Callejon de Huaylas behind and enters more remote high Andean terrain.

On arrival at Cuartelhuain, our mountain team sets up the first camp. This opening day is intentionally light, allowing time to organize equipment, hydrate and adapt to sleeping at altitude before the first major pass of the trek.

A short walk around camp is possible depending on arrival time and how the group is feeling. Proper acclimatization before departure from Huaraz remains essential.

• Huaraz altitude: Approximately 10,171 ft
• Cuartelhuain altitude: Approximately 13,780 ft
• Driving time: Approximately 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions
• Hiking time: Short acclimatization walk or rest at camp

After breakfast, we begin the first major ascent of the circuit toward Cacanan Pass. The trail gains altitude steadily, so a controlled pace and good breathing rhythm are important from the start.

At approximately 15,420 ft, the pass opens the first broad views into the Cordillera Huayhuash. Snow-covered peaks, deep valleys and open puna landscapes introduce the scale and remoteness of the range.

We then descend toward Mitucocha, where camp is established in a quiet valley with views toward mountains such as Jirishanca and Rondoy when conditions are clear.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,420 ft at Cacanan Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 13,780 ft at Mitucocha
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours

Today we continue toward Carhuac Pass through open high-Andean grasslands and increasingly dramatic mountain terrain. The climb is sustained but generally progressive, allowing time to enjoy the changing views.

At approximately 15,420 ft, Carhuac Pass offers an impressive perspective of the eastern side of the range. From here, we begin the descent toward Carhuacocha.

Carhuacocha is one of the signature camps of the Huayhuash circuit. On clear days, its dark-blue waters frame outstanding views toward Yerupaja, Siula Grande and surrounding glaciers.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,420 ft at Carhuac Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 13,616 ft at Carhuacocha
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours

This is one of the most spectacular and demanding days of the trek. We leave Carhuacocha and follow a route through a dramatic landscape of glacial lakes, moraine and natural viewpoints.

As the trail climbs toward Siula Pass, the classic Huayhuash panorama unfolds: turquoise water, hanging glaciers and snow-covered peaks, with views toward Siula Grande, Yerupaja and neighboring summits.

At approximately 16,076 ft, Siula Pass is one of the highest points of the itinerary. After enjoying the mountain panorama, we descend toward the Huayhuash sector and our next camp.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 16,076 ft at Siula Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 14,108 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 7-8 hours

We continue south through broad puna landscapes toward Portachuelo de Huayhuash. The ascent is steady and opens views toward the southern Huayhuash and the neighboring Cordillera Raura.

After reaching the pass at approximately 15,584 ft, we descend toward the Viconga area. The landscape becomes more open as we approach the lake and thermal-spring sector.

The natural hot springs are one of the most welcome stops on the classic circuit, offering an opportunity to relax and recover before the highest crossing of the trek the following day.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,584 ft at Portachuelo Pass
• Hot springs altitude: Approximately 14,370 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours

Today we climb toward Cuyoc Pass, the highest point of the 9-day itinerary. The ascent becomes increasingly rugged and the altitude demands a slow, consistent pace.

At approximately 16,404 ft, Cuyoc Pass provides a powerful high-mountain panorama across sections of both the Cordillera Huayhuash and Cordillera Raura. The exposed landscape, cold air and surrounding summits create a true alpine atmosphere.

After the pass, we descend into the remote valley toward Elefante, where we establish camp beneath steep mountain walls.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 16,404 ft at Cuyoc Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 14,436 ft at Elefante
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-7 hours

We descend from the high alpine terrain toward Huayllapa, one of the principal communities encountered on the classic Huayhuash route.

This section reveals another side of the journey: rural paths, cultivated land, homes and everyday Andean life contrast with the remote camps and high passes of the previous days.

From Huayllapa, we climb again toward Huatiac. The large loss and regain of elevation makes the day physically demanding, especially after several consecutive days at altitude.

• Huayllapa altitude: Approximately 11,811 ft
• Huatiac altitude: Approximately 14,436 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-7 hours

This is another long and demanding mountain day. From Huatiac, we climb toward Tapush Pass through high grasslands and rocky terrain before continuing across the upper route toward Yaucha Pass.

The two-pass combination requires endurance and strong acclimatization. Tapush reaches approximately 15,584 ft, followed by Yaucha at approximately 15,748 ft.

From Yaucha, we descend toward Jahuacocha. In clear weather, the approach offers expansive views across the northern Huayhuash peaks. Jahuacocha is one of the most beautiful camps on the circuit and provides a memorable setting for our final night in the mountains.

• Tapush Pass: Approximately 15,584 ft
• Yaucha Pass: Approximately 15,748 ft
• Jahuacocha altitude: Approximately 13,780 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 7-8 hours

Our final trekking day begins beside Jahuacocha. We leave the lake behind and climb toward Pampa Llamac for one final elevated view of the Cordillera Huayhuash.

From approximately 14,108 ft, the route begins its long descent toward Llamac. The high-mountain scenery gradually gives way to rural paths and cultivated slopes as we approach the end of the trek.

At Llamac, our private transport meets the group for the return journey to Huaraz, completing an intense nine-day crossing of one of Peru's great trekking regions.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 14,108 ft at Pampa Llamac
• Llamac altitude: Approximately 10,499 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Return: Private transfer to Huaraz