Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek

One of the 'Classic Walks of the World' ~ Trekking on a Himalayan scale ~ The setting for 'Touching the Void' ~ Quecha Indian Culture

Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash, together with its larger and better-known northern neighbour, the Cordillera Blanca, provides arguably the best trekking and climbing in the whole of South America. The compact massif of the Huayhuash is famed for its dramatic mountain scenery, typified by fluted ice faces and knife-edge ridges. A stunning high-level trail makes an improbable circuit of this mountain group and provides trekking on a Himalayan scale. Presenting a rewarding challenge to regular hillwalkers, KE’s unique variation of this classic trek crosses a succession of high passes and takes us into remote valleys for views of Peru’s highest peaks, including Yerupaja (6634m) and Huascaran (6768m). We also visit Siula Grande, scene of Joe Simpson’s epic. Towards the end of the trek, there is the option to make the straightforward ascent of Cerro Jyamy (5200m), which affords views of the entire range. With superb campsites beside green glacial lakes and the charming company of our Quechua Indian crew, this trip offers a fantastic South American experience.

Trip Guide
This trek offers a variety of trekking conditions, ranging from good trails between villages in the sparsely inhabited high valleys on the perimeter of the Huayhuash, to steep paths across scree on the approach to the highest passes on our route. It is possible that the highest passes may have a light covering of snow. Overall, the trekking is straightforward and not very committing. However, the Huayhuash trek is at the upper end of our DEMANDING grade, on account of the overall length of the trek and the fact that there are twelve high passes on our route. We have allowed time for acclimatisation, prior to setting off on trek and there are 3 rest / exploration days built into the itinerary.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Lima. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only services begin with the overnight.

Day 2: Boarding our comfortable bus, we make the long drive across the Punta Conococha (4100m) to the town of Huaraz (3091m), where we check in to the group hostal.

Day 3: We have a sightseeing and acclimatisation day in Huaraz, with the option of an easy 2-hour walk above the town. We will also visit the local craft market. Hostal.

Day 4: Another acclimatisation day, with the option to make the 5-hour round trip towards a viewpoint near Laguna Churup (4500m), for views of Huascaran and other impressive peaks. Hostal.

Day 5: Driving through Chiquian to Quero, we meet our trek crew and start walking, as far as Marhuay where we camp in the grounds of the school.

Day 6: Today, we ascend beside the Rio Radiash and enter the Quebrada Radiash where we make camp (4170m). After lunch there are a few ridges that we can investigate if we have the energy.

Day 7: Diverting from the main Huayhuash trail, we cross two passes, Punta Milau (4660m) and Punta Sacsa (4750m). Descending from this pass, we camp at Quartlehuin (4200m).

Day 8: Cross Cacanampunta (4700m) and descend into Quebrada Caliente. We then camp in a tributary valley alongside Laguna Mitacocha (4200m).

Day 9: We climb to the next pass, the Carhuac (4650m) and have views of Siula Grande from a nearby hill. Then descend to a lakeside camp at 4200 metres.

Day 10: This is a rest day, with the option to walk to the twin lakes of Siulacocha and Querococha. Return to previous camp.

Day 11: A long day, with a choice of routes via Punta Suila (4800m. / 15,748ft.) or Punta Huayhuash (4575m. / 15,010ft.) to reach the small hamlet of Huayhuash. Camp. (4300m).

Day 12: On today's walk, we climb to cross the Portachullo de Huayhuash (4750m) and then descend via Laguna Viconga to a camp at Burrococha (4500m. / 14,765ft.).

Day 13: A steep ascent leads to Punta Trapecipo, at 5000m. / 16,459ft. and descend to our camp (4500m. / 14,765ft.).

Day 14: We have the option of travelling down the valley Quanacpatay or crossing another pass to reach our next camp at the junction of the Calinca and Quanacpatay valleys (4230m. / 13879ft.).

Day 15: We trek down the valley to the village of Huyapplla and the ascend to reach Whatia, below Punta Tarpush (4800m). Camp at Whatia.

Day 16: Today, we cross the Punta Tarpush (4800m) and have the option to ascend Cerro Jyamy (5000m) from the pass. Descend to a lakeside camp. (4500m).

Day 17: After an initial descent, we trek up to the Punta Jahuacocha (4850m). A steep descent then leads to the lovely camp at Whacrish (4350m).

Day 18: We have the option to cross another pass to reach Jahuacocha, or take the more direct route with the crew. The campsite at Laguna Jahuachocha is one of the most beautiful in the whole of South America!

Day 19: Today we cross the final pass of the route, the Punta Llamac (4500m) and then descend to Llamac (3250m), and camp.

Day 20: We say goodbye to our trek crew and drive back to Huaraz (5hr). Overnight Huaraz

Day 21: After a leisurely breakfast we set off for the drive back to Lima. Check into the group hotel.

Day 22: Depending on flight schedules, the morning is free for sightseeing. We have the use of day rooms at the group hotel. KE complimentary airport transfers provided. KE Land Only services end.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

On arrival the group will spend 1 night at our hotel in Lima before transfering to Huarez. There are a total of 2 hotel nights in Lima and 4 nights in a hostal in Huarez. There are 15 nights camping whilst on trek.