How difficult is the Huayhuash trek?

It is demanding. You cross eight to ten passes between 4,600 m and 5,050 m over consecutive days, camping between 4,000 m and 4,700 m. No technical skills are required, but you need good endurance and proper acclimatisation beforehand.

When is the best time to trek Huayhuash?

The dry season runs from May to September. June to August offers the most stable weather and the coldest nights, often below -8 °C at camp.

How much does the Huayhuash Circuit cost?

Group departures start from US$ 1,500 per person for the full circuit. Private departures are quoted according to group size, number of days and level of comfort.

How should I acclimatise before the trek?

We recommend at least three to four days around Huaraz with day hikes such as Laguna 69 or Laguna Churup, or a short ascent of Pisco or Ishinca before starting the circuit.

Cordillera Huayhuash

Huayhuash Trek

Ten days around the range Yerupajá crowns: high passes, turquoise lakes, hot springs and camps with no road within a day's walk.

Book your trek Request a quote

Duration

8–12 days

Max altitude

5,050 m

Difficulty

Demanding

Season

May – September

From

US$ 1,500

What the circuit is

The Cordillera Huayhuash is a compact range of thirty kilometres holding six summits above 6,000 m, including Yerupajá, the second highest mountain in Peru. The circuit runs a full loop around it, staying almost permanently above 4,000 m and crossing a pass nearly every day. There are no roads, no lodges and no shops: mules carry the camp, our cook works at altitude, and the group walks light.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1Huaraz → Llámac → Cuartelhuain camp (4,170 m)
Day 2Cacananpunta pass (4,700 m) → Janca / Mitucocha camp
Day 3Carhuac pass (4,650 m) → Laguna Carhuacocha (4,138 m)
Day 4Siula viewpoint & Siula pass (4,830 m) → Huayhuash camp
Day 5Portachuelo pass (4,750 m) → Viconga hot springs
Day 6Punta Cuyoc (5,000 m) → Guanacpatay valley
Day 7San Antonio viewpoint (5,050 m) → Huayllapa
Day 8Tapush pass (4,800 m) → Gashpapampa camp
Day 9Yaucha pass (4,850 m) → Jahuacocha (4,050 m)
Day 10Pampa Llámac pass → Llámac → return to Huaraz

Altitude profile

Camps sit between 4,000 m and 4,750 m; passes range from 4,650 m to 5,050 m at San Antonio. Daily gain averages 600–900 m. We plan the first three days as progressive acclimatisation days with shorter walking hours.

What's included

Certified local mountain guide (EN / FR / ES)
Cook, muleteers and pack animals
All camping equipment except sleeping bag
All meals on trek, including hot drinks
Private transport Huaraz ↔ trailhead
Community and national reserve fees
Emergency oxygen, first-aid kit, satellite communication

International flights and Huaraz accommodation
Sleeping bag and personal trekking equipment
Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
Tips and personal expenses

Safety on the circuit

Every departure carries emergency oxygen, a pulse oximeter, a comprehensive first-aid kit and satellite communication. Guides monitor saturation each evening at camp and adjust the plan when acclimatisation is not going well. Evacuation to Huaraz is coordinated by horse and vehicle from the nearest valley — our guides know each exit point on the loop.

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the Huayhuash trek?: It is demanding. You cross eight to ten passes between 4,600 m and 5,050 m over consecutive days, camping between 4,000 m and 4,700 m. No technical skills are required, but you need good endurance and proper acclimatisation beforehand.
When is the best time to trek Huayhuash?: The dry season runs from May to September. June to August offers the most stable weather and the coldest nights, often below -8 °C at camp.
How much does the Huayhuash Circuit cost?: Group departures start from US$ 1,500 per person for the full circuit. Private departures are quoted according to group size, number of days and level of comfort.
How should I acclimatise before the trek?: We recommend at least three to four days around Huaraz with day hikes such as Laguna 69 or Laguna Churup, or a short ascent of Pisco or Ishinca before starting the circuit.