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Huayhuash Trek – 5 days / 4 Nights

The ultimate short-duration trek. Five days of intense mountain scenery starting near Queropalca, featuring the circuit’s most stunning lakes and passes.
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Overview
Itinerary
What´s included
What to bring
Departures

Duration icon

Duration

5 Days – 4 Nights

Distance icon

Distance

Approx. 60 km

Elevation icon

Elevation

3300 – 4700 m

Difficulty icon

Difficulty

Moderate – Difficult

Departure icon

Departure

Huaraz – Queropalca

Arrival icon

Arrival

Llamac – Huaraz

Locality icon

Locality

Huanuco – Ancash

Availability icon

Availability

March – November

Group size icon

Group Size

5–10

Price icon

$500 USD

Per person

Departure at 2:00 am from Huaraz by private transportation. En route, we make a stop to visit the Huánuco Pampa archaeological site, one of the most important administrative centers of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail). After the visit, we continue the journey to the district of Queropalca (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). From there, a hike of approximately 3 hours begins toward the spectacular Carhuacocha Lagoon, located at the foot of the imposing Yerupajá, Jirishanca, and Siula Grande peaks. Overnight at the campsite by the lagoon.

After breakfast, we begin the ascent toward the famous “Three Lagoons” viewpoint. From this point, you have a panoramic view of the Gangrajanca, Siula, and Quesillococha lagoons, aligned in an impressive glacial valley. In the background, the Yerupajá (6,634 m / 21,765 ft), Siula Grande (6,344 m / 20,814 ft), and Jirishanca (6,094 m / 19,993 ft) peaks create one of the most stunning landscapes in the entire Huayhuash Mountain Range. After a break to take photos and enjoy the surroundings, we return along the same trail to the Carhuacocha Lagoon camp. Overnight at the Carhuacocha campsite.

We start the day leaving from Carhuacocha Lagoon with a gentle ascent toward the Carhuac Pass. From the summit, you can appreciate the Yerupajá and Rondoy peaks and part of the landscape surrounding the mountain range. Then we descend to the Janca valley, where we take a short break to rest and have lunch. We continue the hike with a second ascent toward the Cacananpunta Pass, which offers panoramic views of the Cuartelhuain valley and the mountain range to the west. Finally, we descend toward Cuartelhuain where the day’s journey ends.

We depart from Cuartelhuain toward Sambunya Pass, one of the highest points of the route. The ascent is gradual, with views of the Ninashanca and Rondoy peaks. From the top of the pass, we begin the descent through a beautiful valley until reaching Jahuacocha Lagoon (4,100 m / 13,451 ft), considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Huayhuash Mountain Range for its turquoise color and the reflection of the snow-capped peaks in its waters. Overnight at the campsite by the lagoon.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the camp on the shores of the beautiful Jahuacocha Lagoon. We begin the hike with a climb to the Pampa Llamac Pass, where you have the final panoramic views of the Huayhuash Mountain Range. From the pass, we will gradually descend toward the picturesque village of Pacllón (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), where private transportation awaits us to return to Huaraz. End of the tour.

Agency Provides:

  • Round-trip Transportation
  • Official (Experienced) Guide
  • Cook
  • Donkeys / Mules (for carrying gear)
  • Fleece Blankets / Sleeping Liners
  • Sleeping Pads / Insulated Mats
  • Shared Tents
  • Chairs and Tables
  • Dining Tent
  • Kitchen Tent
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • Oxygen for High Altitude
  • First Aid Kit
  • Satellite Phone / Communication Device
  • Solar Battery / Portable Power

What you must bring for the trek (Packing List):

  • Trekking Boots
  • Camp Shoes/Sandals and extra layers for the trek (pants, shirts, jackets, etc.)
  • Sun Hat or Cap
  • Warm Jacket / Insulated Coat
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Trekking Pants and Sunglasses
  • Coca leaves (optional – helps with altitude)
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Water Bottle or Canteen
  • Toilet Paper, Headlamp or Handheld Light
  • Snacks (dried fruits, energy bars, etc.)
  • Personal Backpack (Daypack) to carry your belongings during the hike
  • Trekking Poles (if you suffer from knee problems or other discomfort)
  • Camera
  • Important Note on Luggage: You must limit your personal gear to 5 to 6 kilograms (approx. 11-13 lbs) per person for the donkey to carry (trekking gear)
  • National Park Entrance Fee
  • Carry cash: for community entrance payments or basic restroom fees at certain locations
Start Date End Date Details Status
01/06/2026 05/06/2026 June 2026 Available
24/05/2026 28/05/2026 May 2026 Available

Huayhuash Trek - 5 Days / 4 Nights

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