Complete Huayhuash Circuit

We leave Huaraz in the morning by private transport and travel south toward the Cordillera Huayhuash. The drive passes through Andean villages, agricultural landscapes and increasingly remote mountain terrain as the range comes into view.

On arrival at Cuartelhuain, our team establishes the first camp at approximately 13,780 ft. This is an important transition day: there is no long trek, allowing time to organize equipment, hydrate, rest and prepare for the high-altitude circuit ahead.

• Huaraz altitude: Approximately 10,171 ft
• Camp altitude: Approximately 13,780 ft at Cuartelhuain
• Driving time: Approximately 4-5 hours

After breakfast, we begin the first major ascent of the trek toward Cacanan Pass. The climb introduces us to the scale of the Cordillera Huayhuash, with broad puna valleys, colder air and increasingly open mountain views.

At approximately 15,420 ft, the pass marks our first high crossing. We then descend toward the Mitucocha sector, where our second camp is set in a quiet high-Andean landscape. In clear weather, the area offers views toward Rondoy, Jirishanca and surrounding peaks.

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

We continue toward Carhuac Pass on a steady ascent across open slopes and high-altitude grasslands. As we gain elevation, the views become increasingly expansive and the central Huayhuash peaks begin to dominate the horizon.

After crossing the pass at approximately 15,420 ft, we descend toward Carhuacocha. This is one of the classic camps of the circuit, set beside a glacial lake with dramatic views toward Yerupaja, Siula Grande and Jirishanca when conditions are clear.

• 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 photogenic and demanding days of the full circuit. From Carhuacocha, the trail climbs through an extraordinary landscape of turquoise glacial lakes, moraine terrain and natural viewpoints.

The ascent to Siula Pass requires a slow and consistent pace. At approximately 16,076 ft, the high point offers exceptional views toward Siula Grande, Yerupaja and the surrounding glaciers. We then descend to the Huayhuash sector for the night.

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

We leave the Huayhuash camp and walk across open puna landscapes toward Portachuelo de Huayhuash. The trail maintains a high elevation and offers broad views toward the southern section of the range and the neighboring Cordillera Raura.

After crossing the pass, we descend toward Viconga. The natural hot springs are one of the most welcome stops on the circuit, providing an opportunity to relax and recover after several demanding mountain days.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,584 ft at Portachuelo de Huayhuash
• Viconga altitude: Approximately 14,370 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours

We begin a steady climb toward Cuyoc Pass, one of the highest crossings of the trek. At this elevation, maintaining a controlled pace and staying well hydrated are essential.

At approximately 16,404 ft, the pass offers a dramatic panorama toward both the Cordillera Huayhuash and Cordillera Raura. We then descend into a rugged valley toward Elefante, where our camp is surrounded by a striking high-mountain landscape.

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

Today we tackle one of the most spectacular high crossings of the full Huayhuash Circuit. The climb toward San Antonio Pass is steep and demanding, requiring good acclimatization, strong legs and a steady pace.

At approximately 16,470 ft, San Antonio provides some of the most impressive views of the entire trek. On a clear day, glacial lakes, ice-covered peaks and the great walls around Siula Grande fill the panorama.

From the pass, we descend toward Cutatambo, a remote valley beneath the Siula Grande area. The camp places us in one of the most evocative mountain settings of the circuit and sets the stage for the following day's exploration.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 16,470 ft at San Antonio Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 14,108 ft at Cutatambo
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-8 hours

This day is designed as active rest rather than a stage of the main circuit. After breakfast, we explore deeper into the Cutatambo Valley toward the mountain environment below Siula Grande.

The walk offers time to appreciate the moraine landscapes, glacial walls and remote valleys associated with one of the most famous mountaineering stories in the Andes. Siula Grande became internationally known through Joe Simpson's account Touching the Void.

Because this is an out-and-back exploration, the exact distance and turnaround point can be adapted to the group's condition, weather and current trail conditions. Travelers who prefer additional recovery time may remain near camp.

• Activity: Optional exploration hike
• Hiking time: Approximately 3-5 hours, depending on route and group condition
• Overnight: Cutatambo

We leave Cutatambo and descend toward Huayllapa, one of the few permanent villages encountered directly on the circuit. The route reveals a more human side of Huayhuash, with rural paths, homes, cultivated land and local activity.

After passing through Huayllapa, we begin a sustained climb toward Huatiac. The significant loss and regain of elevation make this a demanding day, but it also provides a meaningful transition between community landscapes and the higher western side of the range.

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

This is a long mountain day crossing two important passes on the western side of the Cordillera Huayhuash.

We first climb toward Tapush Pass at approximately 15,584 ft before continuing across high terrain toward Yaucha Pass, around 15,748 ft. By this stage of the circuit, accumulated acclimatization and endurance become important advantages.

From Yaucha, we descend toward Jahuacocha, one of the most beautiful lakes in the range. The final camp beside the lake offers a spectacular combination of water, glaciers and snow-covered peaks.

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

After many demanding days on the trail, this extra day gives the group flexibility to enjoy Jahuacocha at a slower pace.

Travelers who still have energy can join an optional hike to a panoramic viewpoint above the lake. The exact route and maximum altitude are selected by the guide according to weather, trail conditions and the group's physical condition.

Those who prefer to rest can remain near camp, enjoy the lake, take photographs and recover before the final crossing to Llamac. This additional day is one of the main advantages of the full 12-day circuit.

• Activity: Optional viewpoint hike or rest day
• Hiking time: Approximately 3-5 hours for the optional hike
• Overnight: Jahuacocha

Our final trekking day begins beside Jahuacocha. We climb gradually toward Pampa Llamac Pass, where one last panoramic view provides a fitting farewell to the Cordillera Huayhuash.

From the pass, we descend toward the village of Llamac. The high mountains gradually give way to rural paths and lower Andean landscapes as the trekking section comes to an end.

At Llamac, our private transport meets the group for the return journey to Huaraz, completing twelve days of high passes, glacial lakes, remote valleys and unforgettable mountain camps.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 14,764 ft at Pampa Llamac Pass
• Llamac altitude: Approximately 10,499 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Return: Private transfer to Huaraz