The Best of Huayhuash

Very early in the morning will pick you up from your hotel in Huaraz and travel southeast entirely by vehicle, following a scenic high-Andean road through traditional landscapes and small towns such as Recuay, Ticapampa, Catac, and Conococha, where wide puna plains and mountain views begin to open up; along the way, we will pass mining areas like Pachapaqui, Huanzala, and Huallanca, before continuing into more remote and rugged terrain near the Cordillera Huayhuash, until reaching Queropalca at 3,830 meters above sea level. From here, the drive near the Carhuacocha lake follows a high-mountain road through rugged valleys and grazing livestock, offering breathtaking views of towering peaks such as Yerupajá. From the trailhead, hike easy path to camp at Carhuacocha (4,152 m / 13,622 ft)— a short and easy warm-up for the next five days.

Photographers are advised to wake up before dawn this morning to watch the sunrise over the Lake and Peaks from our campsite. The sun’s first rays catching the peak of Mt Yerupaja (6,634m./ 21,765ft.) certainly make the effort more than worthwhile.

On this day, we stay at our campsite, embarking on an out-and-back hike to the breathtaking highlands. We ascend the challenging trail to the three-lake viewpoint at 4,540 m / 14,895 ft. where every step rewards us with sweeping panoramic views of the Huayhuash range. Along the way, we pause at a spectacular lookout, marveling at the turquoise lagoons below and the towering peaks above, including Carnicero, Siula Grande, Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico, and Jirishanca. After soaking in the majestic scenery, we retrace our steps back to the Carhuacocha campsite, carrying memories of one of the Andes’ most dramatic landscapes.

After a stunning mountain sunrise, we hike along a well-marked trail to Carhuac Pass at 4,633 m (15,200 ft), where, weather permitting, we enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic peaks of Yerupajá and Siula Grande. From here, we descend to the scenic Janca Plateau campsite at 4,244 m (13,923 ft.), a flat, grassy area near Lake Mitucocha, framed by the dramatic cliffs of Ninashanca, Rondoy, and Jirishanca.

After lunch, there’s the option to hike down to the serene lake below Jirishanca, a perfect spot for photos and reflection. From our camp, the sheer faces of Jirishanca and Jirishanca Chico create an unforgettable panorama, making this one of the most spectacular stops in the Huayhuash.

In the morning, we begin a gradual three-hour ascent, gaining 486 m to reach Cacananpunta Pass at 4,684 m (15,367 ft.). This is the continental divide, the point where waters part: on one side, streams flow toward the Amazon Basin; on the other, they descend to the Pacific. At the pass, we take a well-earned rest and enjoy some snacks while soaking in the spectacular valley views. With luck, we may spot majestic condors soaring above, witnessing the raw beauty of the high Andes.

After capturing the scenery in photos, we descend about 30 minutes to a small plateau for lunch, surrounded by towering peaks. Following our break, we continue for roughly 1½ hours across rocky terrain to Cuartelhuain at 4,198 m (13,772 ft.), where we conclude our trek near Matacancha—the point where our journey began.

We begin the day ascending through the colorful landscapes of the Rondoy Valley toward Sambunya Pass at 4,760 m (15,616 ft.). From the pass, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupajá, Rasac, and the shimmering Solteracocha Lake. After soaking in the scenery, we descend to the stunning Jahuacocha Lake, a perfect spot to enjoy a memorable sunset. We set up camp near the lake at 4,073 m (13,362 ft.), surrounded by the majestic Huayhuash peaks.

After successfully completing our special shortened Huayhuash trekking circuit, we depart camp early in the morning for our return to Huaraz. We begin with a steady but gradual climb to Mancanpunta Pass at 4,572 m (15,000 ft.), a beautiful lookout offering one last panoramic view of the Huayhuash mountain range. After a brief rest, we descend a steep trail to the village of Pocpa at 3,483 m (11,427 ft.), where our private transportation awaits to transfer us back to Huaraz.