Peru Cordillera Huayhuash Private Trekking Tour

Continue your acclimatization with a day trip from Huaraz to the monumental site of Chavin 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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').

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

After breakfast, depart early to return to Huaraz. Ascend a steady but gradual climb up to your 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.