Huayhuash Mini Trek

We leave Huaraz in the morning for a long scenic drive toward the Huanuco region, crossing high Andean landscapes, rural villages and broad mountain plateaus.

Unlike trekking programs that begin immediately on foot, this itinerary starts with a valuable cultural experience at Huanuco Pampa, also known as Huanuco Viejo. The archaeological complex was an important Inca administrative center connected to the wider Qhapaq Nan road network.

Walking through its open plazas, stone structures and ceremonial spaces offers an introduction to the history of the central Andes before we continue toward the mountain stage of the journey.

• Huaraz altitude: Approximately 10,171 ft
• Huanuco Pampa altitude: Approximately 12,257 ft
• Driving time: Approximately 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions

After the cultural visit, we continue by road toward Queropalca, one of the eastern gateways to the Cordillera Huayhuash.

From Queropalca, we begin the trekking section and follow a high-Andean valley toward Carhuacocha. As we approach the lake, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with snow-covered peaks rising directly above the valley.

Carhuacocha is one of the most photogenic camps of the Huayhuash range. In clear weather, its waters reflect major peaks such as Yerupaja, Siula Grande and Jirishanca, creating an unforgettable first camp in the heart of the mountains.

• Queropalca altitude: Approximately 12,467 ft
• Carhuacocha altitude: Approximately 13,616 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 2-3 hours

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

The route toward Siula Pass reveals some of the classic panoramas of the Cordillera Huayhuash, with views toward Siula Grande, Yerupaja and surrounding summits. The ascent requires steady pacing, strong acclimatization and patience as we gain altitude.

At approximately 16,076 ft, Siula Pass provides a wide high-mountain panorama before we begin the descent toward the Huayhuash sector, where camp is established in an open and remote Andean setting.

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

After breakfast, we continue across open puna landscapes toward Portachuelo de Huayhuash. The trail climbs steadily through a broad high altitude environment with expansive views toward the southern Huayhuash and neighboring Cordillera Raura.

From the pass, we descend toward Viconga, passing near the large glacial lake before arriving at the campsite and natural hot springs.

After several demanding days at altitude, Viconga offers a welcome opportunity to recover in warm thermal water while surrounded by a remote mountain landscape.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,584 ft at Portachuelo de Huayhuash
• Viconga altitude: Approximately 14,108 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours

We leave Viconga and begin a progressive ascent toward Cuyoc Pass, one of the highest and most impressive points of this short Huayhuash circuit.

The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as we approach the pass. At approximately 16,404 ft, the viewpoint opens toward the Cordillera Huayhuash, the neighboring Cordillera Raura and a series of remote valleys and rock formations.

After taking time to enjoy the panorama, we descend toward Elefante, where camp is set in a quiet high-Andean valley surrounded by steep mountain walls.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 16,404 ft at Cuyoc Pass
• Camp altitude: Approximately 14,600 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Today we descend from the high mountain terrain toward Huayllapa, one of the most important communities along the Huayhuash trekking routes.

The change in altitude reveals a different side of the journey, with rural paths, cultivated areas, traditional homes and the everyday life of communities that have long maintained close relationships with the surrounding mountains.

After passing through Huayllapa, the route climbs again toward Huatiac. The final ascent can feel demanding after several days of trekking, but it returns us to the high landscapes of the range and positions the group for the final crossings.

• Huayllapa altitude: Approximately 12,139 ft
• Huatiac altitude: Approximately 14,436 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-7 hours

From Huatiac, we climb toward Yaucha Pass, another high crossing that offers broad views across the Cordillera Huayhuash.

At approximately 15,584 ft, the pass provides a final high-altitude panorama before the route begins its descent toward Jahuacocha.

Jahuacocha is one of the most memorable camps of the trek. The lake is surrounded by dramatic mountains and glaciers, creating a peaceful setting for our final night in the Cordillera Huayhuash.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 15,584 ft at Yaucha Pass
• Jahuacocha altitude: Approximately 13,780 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 6-7 hours

Our final trekking day begins beside Jahuacocha Lake. After an initial descent, the trail climbs gradually toward Pampa Llamac Pass.

From approximately 14,764 ft, we enjoy one last panoramic view of the Cordillera Huayhuash and the mountain landscapes crossed during the previous days.

We then descend toward the village of Llamac, where the trekking section ends. After lunch or a short rest, our private transport takes us back to Huaraz, completing an intense journey through high passes, glacial lakes and Andean communities.

• Maximum altitude: Approximately 14,764 ft at Pampa Llamac Pass
• Llamac altitude: Approximately 10,663 ft
• Hiking time: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Return: Private transfer to Huaraz