Huayhuash Trek – 8 days / 7 nights

Departure from Huaraz (10,170 ft) heading south by road. On the way, we pass through Chiquián (11,155 ft), known as the “Balcony of the Huayhuash,” an excellent place to acclimate and enjoy panoramic views. Then, we continue toward Llámac, a small Andean village that marks the start of the Huayhuash circuit. We reach Cuartelhuain (13,681 ft), then the Qaqanan Pass (15,584 ft), the highest point of the day, and finally descend to the Janka campsite (13,894 ft).

From the Janka camp, we head toward the Carhuac Pass, located at 15,092 feet above sea level. This pass represents the highest point of the day’s route and offers stunning views of the mountain landscape. From the Carhuac Pass, the trail descends to the Carhuacocha lagoon, situated at 13,576 feet, involving a descent of approximately 1,516 feet.

From Carhuacocha (13,576 ft), we head toward the Siulá Pass, located at 15,748 feet above sea level, which is the highest point of this leg. From this pass, we descend to Huayhuash (14,206 ft), covering a descent of approximately 1,542 feet. This section offers spectacular scenery with panoramic views of mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lagoons.

We start in Huayhuash (14,206 ft) and head toward the Trapecio Pass, located at 16,470 feet above sea level, which is the highest and most challenging point of the stretch. From this pass, the trail descends to Elefantepampa, located at 14,764 feet, following a descent of approximately 1,706 feet.

Starting at Elefantepampa (14,764 ft), we ascend toward the San Antonio Viewpoint, located at 16,535 feet above sea level, which is the highest and most panoramic point of the journey. From the viewpoint, there is a long descent to Huayllapa, located at 11,483 feet, with a total descent of approximately 5,052 feet.

From the village of Huayllapa, we ascend to the Tapush Pass at 15,650 feet, where snow-capped peaks like Diablo Mudo are visible. We then descend gently toward the Qashpapampa campsite.

From Qashpapampa, the trail ascends to the Yaucha Viewpoint (15,978 ft), a spot from which you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. Then, we descend toward Jahuacocha (13,353 ft), a beautiful lagoon.

From Jahuacocha, the trail climbs to the Pampa Llámac Pass (14,108 ft), a high point with panoramic views. It then descends toward Llámac, where our pickup vehicle will be waiting.