Mini Huayhuash

We start our day early, heading south along the paved road for about two hours to Chiquian. Along the way, we pause at a viewpoint to admire the stunning Cordillera Huayhuash, including Yerupajá, Peru’s second-highest peak. From there, we follow a rugged dirt road toward the begining of our trek, Pukatzaka. Along the way, we pass through the village of Pacllón, a small community that maintains a traditional way of life, far from the fast pace of the big cities, focused on agriculture, livestock, and the preservation of its customs. We leave our vehicle behind and ascend on foot to our first camp at Jahuacocha (4,050 m (13,287 ft)), which provides the perfect warm-up for this tremendous trek.

We will spend three nights at this campsite, giving us a true escape into the heart of the Huayhuash Mountain Range. Nestled beneath the towering peaks of Yerupajá, Jirishanca, Rondoy and Rasac, each day will invite us to explore alpine trails, hidden lakes, and glacial streams. The mornings will glow with soft mountain light, while the sunsets will ignite the sky over the calm waters. This extended stay will allow us to fully absorb the breathtaking landscapes and the serene rhythm of the high Andes.

After breakfast, we set out on our hike to explore the Solteracocha and Rasac lagoons. We begin walking along the right shore of Lake Jahuacocha until we reach the moraine of Lake Solteracocha. We climb the moraine to capture some photographs of the lake, framed by the snow-capped peaks of Rondoy, Jirishanca, and Yerupajá, and then ascend through the Rasac Gorge to reach the lagoon of the same name (approx. 4,310m / 14,140ft). The trail offers spectacular views of Lake Solteracocha, the hanging glaciers, and the dramatic contrast of the surrounding landscape. After a brief rest, we return along the same path to our campsite.

After breakfast, we set out from our campsite toward the Yaucha Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). Our gradual ascent through the Huacrish Valley becomes spectacular, offering breathtaking views of many of the peaks in the Huayhuash Mountain Range. Once we reach the pass, we take a short break before continuing on a gentle, level climb to the Huacrish viewpoint, where one of the most impressive panoramic views of the western face of the Huayhuash Mountain Range unfolds, including six peaks over 6,000 m: Jirishanca, Rasac, Yerupajá, Yerupajá Chico, Sarapo, with Siula Grande in the background.

The trail is remarkable, allowing us to spot condors and enjoy glacial landscapes and turquoise lagoons such as Jahuacocha and Solteracocha. Finally, we descend a steep trail back to our campsite.

We embark on an amazing trek to Sambunya Pass at 4,760 m (15,617 ft), surrounded by the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Huayhuash Mountain Range. The climb, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours, rewards us with breathtaking views of glaciers, jagged summits, and high-Andean landscapes. A moderate descent along a vibrant trail, filled with wildflowers, lush vegetation, and colorful scenery, leads us to Rondoy Valley in about 1.5 hours. From there, we continue our adventure with a private vehicle transfer back to Huaraz, reflecting on the grandeur of the mountains and the unforgettable experiences of the trek.