Peru Cordillera Huayhuash Trekking Tour
Epic Mountain Passes & Unspoiled Glacial Wilderness of the Andes
- Available: May, June, July, August, September
- Activity: Level 5
- Accommodations: Comfortable Camping, Comfortable Hotels
Join a Special Follow the Leader Departure with Andre Labarca on the June 15, 2024 or Sergio Fitch Watkins on the August 3, 2024
Highlights
- Challenge yourself with 11 days of high-altitude hiking, including eight mountain passes over 15,000 feet
- Take in the magnificent scenery of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, hot springs, and native wildlife of the Cordillera Huayhuash
- Acclimate first with three days in the mountaineering center of Huaraz, with short hikes and a visit to the pre-Inca site of Chavin de Huantar
Itinerary
Arrive in Lima & Transfer to Huaraz
Day 1
Arrive at Lima airport early (we recommend arriving in Lima the day before) and meet an MT Sobek representative who will assist you with your ~8 hour land transfer to Huaraz, departing Lima airport around 6:30am. Later this evening in Huaraz, meet up with your group for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Andino – Huaraz, Peru
Transportation: 8-hour private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Discover the Ancient Center of Chavin de Huantar
Day 2
Continue your acclimatization with a day trip from Huaraz to the monumental site of Chavín de Huantar, one of the oldest archaeological sites you can visit in Peru - first inhabited as early as 1500 BC! Nestled at 10,500 feet, between the eastern and western ranges of the Andes, this complex of temples, terraces, and underground mazes belonged to the Chavin culture, who pre-dated the Inca by over 2,000 years. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, Chavin was a gathering place for worshipers from around the region. Admire the pyramidal temple and buildings of the ceremonial center, with outstanding examples of zoomorphic stone carvings, step inside recently uncovered passages of underground tunnels, and visit the small on-site museum that houses artifacts found at the site including carved stone figurines and musical instruments.
Accommodation: Hotel Andino – Huaraz, Peru
Activity: 3-hour guided visit to archaeological site
Transportation: 5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike to Ararcocha & Huilcacocha Lakes
Day 3
Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Cordillera Blanca as you travel into the mountains by bus, then hike to two pristine Andean glacial lakes. This is a great acclimatization hike to help you adjust to the thinner air and prepare you for more challenging future hikes. From Rumichuco Bridge, ascend toward Ararcocha (12,116') and Huilcacocha (12,221') Lakes, boasting some of the best panorama views of the Cordillera Blanca range, including the highest peak in the Cordillera Blanca — Mount Huascarán, whose glacier-topped pinnacle sits at 22,204 feet! After a hearty lakeside lunch, meet your bus for the drive back to Huaraz.Accommodation: Hotel Andino – Huaraz, Peru
Activity: 4 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 2746' elevation gain & 121' elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Chiquian & the Cordillera Huayhuash
Day 4
Starting out in the early morning, enjoy a 2-hour transfer south along a paved road to the town of Chiquian. Stop at a vista point to admire views of the Cordillera Huayhuash including Yerupaja, the second highest peak in Peru. The last section of the drive is on a dirt road towards the village of Llamac, gateway to the Cordillera Huayhuash. Past the village of Pocpa and the Pallca mine, arrive at the entrance of the Rondoy Valley at 13,287 feet. Here, the scenery opens up into rolling grasslands, dominated by the snow- capped peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Set up camp in Cuartelhuain at 13,772 feet.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Transportation: 5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike over Cacananpunta Pass to Lake Mitucocha
Day 5
Begin your trek in earnest, ascending up and over the Cacananpunta Pass (15,367') at the northern end of the range, keeping an eye out for Andean condors soaring overhead. This is the Continental Divide, and from this point on, rain that falls on the western slopes flows to the Atlantic and rain that falls on the eastern slopes flows to the Amazon. From here, descend through a multicolored landscape to the beautiful, flat, and grassy campsite at Janca (13,923'), not far from Lake Mitucocha. Marvel at the turquoise waters reflecting the Ninashanca, Rondoy and Jirishanca peaks. This is a short walking day to aid acclimatization, but if you're still feeling energetic, you can take the short walk to Lake Mitucocha in the afternoon.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 5-6 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,853' elevation gain & 1,719' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike over Carhuac Pass to Lake Carhuacocha
Day 6
Today's pass, the Carhuac (15,174') takes a bit longer but is not too steep, with splendid views of Yerupaja (21,765'), the highest mountain in the Huayhuash. Descending to the rim of a hanging valley, look down on the crystalline blue-green waters of Lake Carhuacocha. Tonight's campsite below the lake (13,710') offers an incredible vista of peaks and hanging glaciers, proving you don't need 26,000-foot peaks to have the most inspiring mountain scenery.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 5-6 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,270' elevation gain & 3,064' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike over Siula Pass to Huayhuash Camp
Day 7
Wake up before dawn if you'd like to catch the sunrise over the lake. The sun's first rays catching the peak of Yerupaja certainly make the effort more than worthwhile. After breakfast, set out on a long but gradual climb up a verdant valley, surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of Yerupaja, Yerupaja Chico, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Santa Rosa, and Carnicero. Also pass a series of pristine and crystal clear lakes - Gangrajanca, Siula and Quesillacocha. Then, climb steeply to the top of the rocky Siula Pass (15,866'), before descending to Huayhuash Campsite (14,281'), where you'll sleep nestled at the foot of Mount Trapecio and the three peaks of Jurua.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 8-9 hours/8.6 miles hiking with 3,032' elevation gain & 2,047' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to the Viconga Thermal Bath
Day 8
Start your day with a gradual, three-hour climb towards the Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass (15,675'). From this beautiful vantage point, descend along the valley, passing grazing llama and sheep. After a walk beside the large Viconga Lake, take a short climb up to reach Viconga Thermal Baths (14,327'), a natural hotsprings, and your camp for the night.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 6-7 hours/7.2 miles hiking with 1,759' elevation gain & 1,634' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb to Cuyoc Pass
Day 9
Tackle a long, challenging day ascending to Cuyoc Pass (16,558'). Stop to take in the marvelous views of the surrounding high mountains before descending down over a rocky section. Finally, hike along the valley to camp at Pampa Cuyoc (14,862').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 6-7 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 2,342' elevation gain & 1,693' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike over Santa Rosa Pass to the Calinca Valley
Day 10
Start the day's trek with a very steep ascent to Santa Rosa Pass, the highest pass on the trek (16,617'). Take in incredibly panoramic views of snowcapped peaks, then start the descent into the Calinca Valley. Set up camp for the next two nights at Cutatambo Camp (14,068'), not far from the base camp of author Joe Simpson before his climb of Siula Grande that resulted in the 1988 book, 'Touching the Void.'
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 5-6 hours/4.2 miles hiking with 2,067' elevation gain & 2,743' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a Rest Day at Camp
Day 11
Take a break from hiking and enjoy the dramatic setting of icy glaciers and crystalline lakes. There are some fine walks nearby, and you can choose to explore the area more if you wish - take a short walk to the base camp of Joe Simpson, or climb the Cerro Gran Vista, a panoramic lookout over the peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 5 hours/5.3 miles optional Cerro Gran Vista hike with 2,064' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb to the High Meadow of Huatiac
Day 12
Retrace your steps down the Sarapococha Valley and drop to warmer climes, continuing to the cultivated lands belonging to the remote village of Huayllapa (11,797'), with beautiful views of alpine waterfalls. In the afternoon, climb steeply again to spend the night at Huatiac, a high grazing meadow at 14,101 feet, under the shadow of Diablo Mudo, the 'Mute Devil'. This is probably the hardest day, but tomorrow will be shorter and easier.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 8-9 hours/10.2 miles hiking with 3,031' elevation gain & 2,831' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Punta Tapush Pass
Day 13
Enjoy an easy day crossing the Punta Tapush Pass (15,715'), then descend approximately one hour to camp at Gashpapampa (14,947'). From the campsite, take in a glorious sunset behind Mount Diablo Mudo, weather permitting.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 4 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,775' elevation gain & 784' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike over Yaucha Pass to Laguna Jahuacocha
Day 14
Trek down to Angoshcancha Valley, with its forest of quenual (paper bark) trees, then ascend to steep and scree-covered Yaucha Pass (15,912'). On a clear day, you'll get magnificent views of the highest peaks of the Huayhuash range and long-distance panoramas to the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. This is also another good spot for sighting Andean condors. After a long descent, reach the indescribably beautiful Laguna Jahuacocha, which lies beneath the glacier-covered west faces of Jerupaja, Jirishanca, Rasac, Rondoy, and El Toro and is widely held to be the scenic gem of the whole range. Overnight at 13,372 feet.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp Cordillera Huayhuash
Activity: 5-6 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 1,525' elevation gain & 3,517' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb Mancanpunta Pass, Descend to Pocpa & Return to Huaraz
Day 15
After breakfast, depart early to return to Huaraz. Ascend a steady but gradual climb up to our ninth and last pass: Mancanpunta Pass (15,000') and take a brief rest, taking in the surrounding Andean ranges. Then, descend a steep, gravelly trail to Pocpa (11,427') to meet your private transportation to transfer back to Huaraz.
Accommodation: Hotel Andino – Huaraz, Peru
Activity: 5-6 hours/5.8 miles hiking with 1,801' elevation gain & 3,622' elevation loss
Transportation: 4.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Lima & Depart
Day 16
Early morning you will be transferred ~8 hours by land to Lima, arriving in time for international flights departing Lima at 6pm or later. Alternatively, extend your adventure with a trip to the Peruvian Amazon, Nazca Lines, or Machu Picchu!
Transportation: 8 hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek first led commercial treks in the Cordillera Huayhuash back in 1982. Due to popular demand we've taken it out of the vault for 2024.
Test your mettle in one of South America's most breathtaking mountain ranges, perfect for those seeking an ultimate trekking challenge away from the crowds.
We work with expert guiding teams who have over 30 years' experience leading groups through the Andes.
Dates & Prices
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Special Details
Follow the Leader Departure with Andre Labarca
Special Details
Follow the Leader Departure with Sergio Fitch Watkins
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 17.
Private Trip Pricing:
2024 Pricing
6 guests from $5,395 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
May, June, July, August, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and drivers
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and camp staff
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Andre L.
André is an accomplished mountaineer who has dedicated over 25 years to climbing and exploring the Peruvian and Patagonian Andes ranges. He grew up in central Chile and fell in love with Patagonia at first sight and made it his home for 20 years before recently moving to Chile's Araucania region. In over ten mountain expeditions in Patagonia, he accomplished many first ascents, and has climbed the Paine towers in Chile and Alpamayo in Peru. A very enthusiastic guide, André’s love for nature and respect for the mountains is infectious to all who travel with him.

Sergio F.
Sergio is a legendary trekking guide with over 40 years of experience and 300 trips to his name! Besides leading our expeditions in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina's Aconcagua, he also loves to lead some of our more challenging treks in Nepal and Peru. His recent expeditions include leading our 50th Anniversary Base Camp Trek, Chile's Dientes de Navarino mountains, and an epic hiking adventure in the Dolomites. Sergio has acquired a loyal following, and is one of our most respected guides.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 5. This is a very challenging trek with consecutive days of strenuous hiking on rocky terrain, generally between elevations of 13,000-16,000 feet (and two high passes around 16,600 feet). Overnight camps are at elevations of ~13,300-14,800 feet. Physical exertion is further challenged by basic camping conditions and varying weather. Participants should look forward to a goal-oriented experience.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3-hour guided visit to archaeological site
Day 3
4 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 2746' elevation gain & 121' elevation loss
Day 5
5-6 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,853' elevation gain & 1,719' elevation loss
Day 6
5-6 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,270' elevation gain & 3,064' elevation loss
Day 7
8-9 hours/8.6 miles hiking with 3,032' elevation gain & 2,047' elevation loss
Day 8
6-7 hours/7.2 miles hiking with 1,759' elevation gain & 1,634' elevation loss
Day 9
6-7 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 2,342' elevation gain & 1,693' elevation loss
Day 10
5-6 hours/4.2 miles hiking with 2,067' elevation gain & 2,743' elevation loss
Day 11
5 hours/5.3 miles optional Cerro Gran Vista hike with 2,064' elevation gain & loss
Day 12
8-9 hours/10.2 miles hiking with 3,031' elevation gain & 2,831' elevation loss
Day 13
4 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,775' elevation gain & 784' elevation loss
Day 14
5-6 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 1,525' elevation gain & 3,517' elevation loss
Day 15
5-6 hours/5.8 miles hiking with 1,801' elevation gain & 3,622' elevation loss
Accommodations
Comfortable camps with three-person tents and sleeping pads, bookended by stays in the comfortable Andino Club Hotel.
Weather
The Cordillera Huayhuash Mountains are cold in the mornings and evenings, often below 30ºF. Around noon temperatures can reach 70ºF.
FAQs
Is this trek supported or do I have to carry all my gear?
This trek is fully supported by pack animals and porters to transport gear (weight limit 30 lbs of gear per person). You'll only have to carry your daypack.
What are the camps like and will there be toilets?
You will be tent camping in roomy but basic 4-person tents (one tent for every two travelers, or one tent per single traveler), with 3-inch-thick Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro sleeping pads. Talented chefs prepare delicious food each evening and morning, and a supply of potable water is provided.
Porters and pack animals carry camping supplies and trek ahead to set them up prior to our arrival at each site, along with a dining tent with table and folding stools, kitchen tent, and hand washing stations. Each campsite has permanent bathroom structures with flush toilets, and porters also carry a separate tent with chemical eco-toilet that can be used if necessary. Field staff take care of packing out all waste, separating out organic from non-organic waste and disposing of it responsibly.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
We maximize altitude conditioning with 3 days in Huaraz before beginning the trek. However, there are no guarantees that you will acclimatize. If you show signs of potential acute mountain sickness, you will descend and remain at comfortable altitudes. Our trip leaders always carry oxygen for emergency use.
What is the highest elevation that will be reached?
The maximum altitude is 16,617 feet at Santa Rosa Pass on Day 10.
When is the best time to go and what is the weather like?
Trekking season is April through October, with the best months to go being May through September. You can expect daytime temperatures in the 50-60°F and nighttime temperatures in the 30-40°Fs.
Can I rent a sleeping bag?
Yes, you can rent a sleeping bag. Ask your Adventure Coordinator for details.
Can this trek be offered as a private trip?
Of course! We can run this trip with as few as 4 people. Give us a call to start planning your private adventure today.
Do you offer any extensions?
Yes! Ask one of our Trip Consultants or Adventure Coordinators about our pre- or post-trip extension options:
Highlights of Lima (3 days/2 nights)
Paracas and the Nazca Lines (3 days/2 nights)
Peruvian Amazon at Tambopata (4 days/3 nights)
Hiking Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (7 days/6 nights)
What is the minimum age for this trip?
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Guest Reviews
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MT Sobek Guest
"I've taken six MT Sobek trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"
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