Cordillera Huayhuash Trek, Circuit Walk 2025

Join the tour in Lima.

Take early bus for a contrasting journey ending in the high Andes at the small highland city of Huaraz. We head north through coastal desert to Pativilca, then turn inland and begin climbing NE. As we climb, barren valley sides contrast with cultivated river banks. Cacti gradually give way to scrub, then temperate vegetation and eventually puna grassland.

At the journey’s high point, Conococha (4,050m/13,287ft), we turn N and descend the Callejon de Huaylas where the huge Cordillera Blanca snow peaks to the right (E) begin to dominate the landscape.

The Cordillera Blanca mountain range contains the major concentration of peaks over 6,000m/19,685ft outside the Himalayas.

We arrive Huaraz (3,090m/10,138ft) late afternoon.

Huaraz, a lively town of 80 thousand inhabitants, is our Andean base. The valley it sits in is known as the ‘Callejon de Huaylas’.

This is flanked to the east by the Cordillera Blanca, the mountain range with the highest concentration of peaks over 6,000m/19,685ft outside the Himalayas.

Besides offering breathtaking mountain panoramas, featuring Huascarán (Peru’s highest peak at 6,768m/22,205ft), Huandoy (6,395m/20,981ft), Churup and Ranrapalca (6,162m/20,217ft), Huaraz is conveniently placed for activities before, between and after the trek.

Today we have our trek briefing and take a local walk to see some pre-Inca ruins.

Day hike to the turquoise waters of Laguna Churup (4,500m/14,764ft). We drive for an hour or so to Pitec, a small farming community, where we meet the park ranger, get our park entry ticket, and head up to the Laguna.

It’s a good path to start with, climbing quickly, giving lovely views over to the Cordillera Negra. After a couple more hours, we arrive at a lovely waterfall. Here, the path divides left or right. Both are steep routes to the crystal blue laguna. The left-hand route offers cables to help you past some steep but fairly easy scrambling points. This takes about an hour, and then a final 10 minutes to the Laguna Churup, a peaceful place of great beauty.

We return the same way, making it approximately 6 hours round trip and drive back to Huaraz.

Acclimatisation walk, hotel (B)

Pack your bags as today we leave Huaraz for the Huayhuash.

We leave Huaraz and drive south. We cross wild paramo (puna), passing the southernmost peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.

We set off walking ever upwards to Paso Carhuac 4630m pass. There are splendid views of some of the Huayhuash peaks: Nevados Carnicero, Siula Grande, Yerupaja, and Jirishanca. From the pass we descend to our camp at the beautiful Laguna Carhuacocha 4150m. 5 to 6 hours walk.

We set off upwards again towards Paso Siula Punta at 4850m. Another superb mountain pass with views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. We look down on the glacier fed lakes of Siula and Quesillococha.

We descend to the picturesque camp at Huayhuash (4,350m/14,272ft), with its views of Carnicero.

8 hour walk.

Another morning, another ascent, this time to Trapecio Punta 5000m pass. From here there are superb close-up views of Nevado Trapecio mountain. After the pass we have a lovely downhill, passing lakes and streams, to our camp at Cuyoc Pampa 4500m.  7 – 8 hours walk.

This morning we head ever upwards to the highest pass of the trek Paso Santa Rosa at 5100m.

We see more views of mountains and lakes. This is our best view of the Siula glacier where Joe Simpson crawled out or a crevasse in his epic battle for survival. We see as far as Siula Base Camp next to Sarapococha lake.

From the pass we descend to our camp, following the well trodden paths, made by  vicuñas and cows at Cutatambo 4265m. 5 to 6 hours walk.

Today we walk gently down hill to the small remote community of Huayllapa. The local people here are mostly farmers and shepherds, with some seasonal work in tourism  as cooks and donkey drivers. Camp at 3,600 m after 4 to 5 easy hours.

A long gentle climb today to 4770m  to cross the Tapush Pass, followed by a short  descent to Gashpapampa 4600m. 7 to 8 hours walk.

We start with a small descent before heading upwards again to Llaucha Punta 4850m pass. We are rewarded by fantastic views of the mountains of Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupaja, Rasac and Sacra.

We take an amble along the ridge to the Huacrish lookout point at 4850m where we can enjoy views of teh Huayhuahs Massif we have rubbed shoulders with over the past 8 days.

We descend from the pass to our last camp at the beautiful lake Jahuacocha 4050m lake. 5 hours walk.

Our last day. We set off downwards, following the river valley, then traversing by a water channel bringing water to the community of Llamac.

Look back and enjoy views over the range as we then descend steadily to Llamac. .

Pick up in Llamac and return drive to Huaraz for a well-deserved shower and celebration dinner in town.

Bus for Lima this morning, arriving Lima late afternoon, early evening.

Tour ends Lima, or stay in Huaraz for more treks and climbs.

Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.

The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.

The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.

Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.

The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.

The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.

Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.

The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.

The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.

Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.

You can also read about the weather of Peru  in our blog.

The Andes

Climate depends largely on altitude. As a rule of thumb, below 2,000m climate is mild and above 2,000m warm clothing is required for evenings, nights and early mornings.

The Andean sun is very strong.

May to Oct (dry season in The Andes)

Cusco (3,300m): Average max/min temps: 22ºC /2ºC. Average 3 or 4 wet days per month.

Arequipa (2,380m): Average max/min temps: 26ºC /9ºC. Sunny more than 340 days/year with minimal precipitation.

On highland treks: Conditions are generally dry. However, at this time of year, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m, where pre-dawn temperatures can be -5ºC; warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings.

Note that mountain weather can be fickle and localised, and that precipitation is not unknown in the dry season. Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.

In the cloud forest, e.g. around Machu Picchu, daytime conditions are generally warm or hot, and evenings cool.

Nov to March/April (wet season in The Andes)

Cusco: Average max/min temps: 23ºC /6ºC. Average 13 wet days per month.

Arequipa: Average max/min temps: 25ºC /14ºC.

On highland treks: Wetter conditions, with cooler days and milder nights than dry season. Jan-Mar usually the wettest months.

Good kit is vital for every trip.

Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.

Overview

When planning for the varied climatic conditions encountered, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.  It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create.

To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers. Layers should have the following qualities:

1. Breathability (able to wick away the humidity produced by sweat):
2. Isolation (able to keep in the warm air our body produces); and
3. Impermeability (able to impede the passing of wind and water).

First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.

Mid layers: These isolating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.

Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.

We also carry an extensive first aid kit & oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only.

Below is a more detailed kit list.

Detailed kit list

• 2 pairs synthetic inner socks (e.g. polypropylene, thermastat, coolmax) and 2 pairs thick loop-stitch/wool socks for cold.
• Trekking boots – should be well broken-in, waterproof and provide good ankle support.
• Trainers/sandals for city-wear, evenings at lower camps & river crossings.
• Base layer leggings (1 pair).
• Thick fleece leggings (or salopettes) (1 pair).
• Goretex-type over-trousers (or salopettes) (1 pair).
• Trekking trousers (2 pairs).
• Shorts – wear sparingly in early stages at altitude, as sun burns.
• Thermal base layer shirts (2).
• Microfleece mid-layer shirt (1).
• Shirt/t-shirt 1 or 2 for lower altitudes. Long-sleeved, collared shirt protects against sun
• Fleece jacket or similar (1).
• Warm jacket (down or synthetic). For camp and upper slopes.
• Waterproof Goretex-type jacket.
• Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.
• Warm hat, fleece or wool. (N.B. Up to 30% of body heat can be lost through the head).
• Sunglasses with UV filter.
• Scarf for cold.
• Bandanna – to protect neck from strong sun.
• Light inner gloves
• Warm gloves, e.g. fleece, and outer waterproof gloves or mittens (1 pair)
• Mittens allow you to keep the fingers together, and better conserve heat (though they also make it difficult to perform certain tasks).
• Daypack (at least 30 litres). Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.
• Large rucksack or suitcase.
• Pair of telescopic trekking poles (can be rented).
• Duffel bag or large rucksack for extra clothing, carried by horse/mule/porter while you are trekking.
• Sleeping bag (3-4 season, can be rented).
• Water bottle (2 litres approx.) & purification tablets.
• Personal first-aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general antibiotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
• Insect repellent.
• Towel & wash-kit.
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.
• Toilet paper (1)
• Sunscreen (factor 30+) and lip salve.
• Head-lamp (plus spare bulb and batteries).
• Penknife.
• Travel alarm clock.
• Plastic bags – ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!). Print & slide film is available locally. Polarising filter is recommended for SLR cameras.
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other for free time.
• Binoculars.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.
• Extra snacks i.e. cereal bars or favourite chocolate bars.

All other non-personal trekking camping gear e.g. tents, cutlery etc is provided.

Miscellaneous others

• Money belt.
• Passport.
• U.S. dollars cash, mixed-denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• ATM cash/credit card.
• Any inoculation certificates.
• Personal & medical insurance certificates.
• Presents e.g. Postcards from home.
• Comfortable clothes for travel, smart clothes for night life.

Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.

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And  ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.

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