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Welcome to one of the most spectacular alpine treks on the planet in the Cordillera Blanca, the world’s highest tropical mountain range.
The Cordillera Huayhuash Trek is a rugged, remote 10-day circuit that winds through glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks that soar over 6,000 meters. It’s a quieter, wilder alternative to the Inca Trail, ideal for experienced hikers craving jaw-dropping views, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
With 8+ mountain passes above 4,600m, dramatic campsites under the stars, and daily views of iconic peaks like Yerupajá, Siula Grande (made famous in the movie Touching the Void), and Jirishanca, this trek is a spiritual reset and physical rite of passage.
What’s Included:
- All transportation from Huaraz to trailhead and back
- Experienced English-speaking mountain guide
- Donkey support for gear and food
- All meals during the trek
- Tents and high-mountain camping equipment
- First aid kit and satellite communication for emergencies
- National park permits and fees
10-Day Huayhuash Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz → Cuartelwain (Start Trek)
Drive 5–6 hours through Andean valleys to the trailhead. Camp at Cuartelwain (4,180m) under crisp alpine skies. Acclimatization and briefing.
Day 2: Cuartelwain → Mitucocha
Trek over Cacanan Punta (4,700m) and descend to a gorgeous camp beside Laguna Mitucocha. Views of Jirishanca and Ninashanca.
Day 3: Mitucocha → Carhuacocha
Cross the Carhuac Pass (4,650m), then descend to Laguna Carhuacocha, which is one of the most iconic campsites in the Andes with reflections of Yerupajá and Siula Grande.
Day 4: Carhuacocha → Huayhuash
Optional off-trail high route via Siula Pass (4,950m) with jaw-dropping lake views. Arrive in the small village of Huayhuash.
Day 5: Huayhuash → Viconga Hot Springs
Cross Portachuelo Pass (4,750m). Camp near Viconga, with a soak in natural thermal baths at 4,400m.
Day 6: Viconga → Cuyoc → San Antonio Viewpoint
Tough day over Punta Cuyoc (5,000m), which is the highest point of the trek. Optional climb to San Antonio Pass for dramatic panoramic views. Camp in Elefante Valley.
Day 7: Elefante → Huayllapa Village
Descend to the remote village of Huayllapa (3,600m). Hot showers, simple comforts, and connection with local life.
Day 8: Huayllapa → Tapush Punta → Gashpapampa
Climb back up to Tapush Punta (4,800m), then descend to the high pasture of Gashpapampa.
Day 9: Gashpapampa → Jahuacocha
Final pass: Yaucha Punta (4,850m), with one last massive panorama. Descend to Laguna Jahuacocha, another iconic alpine lake.
Day 10: Jahuacocha → Llamac → Huaraz
Easy hike down the valley to Llamac. Private vehicle returns to Huaraz in the afternoon. Trek complete!
Who Is The Huayhuash Trek For:
This trek is only for fit hikers with high-altitude experience or a strong desire to push their limits. It’s physically demanding but life-affirming. Prepare yourself for some of the most awe-inspiring views found anywhere on Earth.
Huayhuash Circuit Trek Pricing (2025)
Group Tours (10–12 Days):
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$850–$1,200 USD per person
Includes transport from Huaraz, guide, meals, camping gear, donkeys, cook, and logistics.
Private Tours:
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2 people: $9,295 USD per person
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3–5 people: $7,595 USD per person
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6–8 people: $6,295 USD per person
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9–12 people: $5,795 USD per person
Additional Costs:
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Entrance Fees: S/280 ($75 USD) per person, paid to local communities along the route.
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Gear Rental: Sleeping bags, poles, etc., may cost extra if not included.
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Single Tent Supplement: Approximately $30–$50 USD.
Booking Tips:
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Best Season: May to September (dry season).
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Acclimatization: Spend at least 2–3 days in Huaraz before the trek.
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Booking: Reserve early for group departures or coordinate with friends for a private tour.
Location
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Added By Kyle Pearce
I started Nature Retreats to spotlight ecolodges, retreat centers and ecotourism projects following sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect fragile biodiversity.
I have been running mindful hiking retreats for the last 7 years that integrate mindful awareness, experiential learning and community building practices.
I have been an experiential learning designer for over a decade through my company DIY Genius, which helps creative people productize their expertise.
pavel krigman
6 years agoOne of the best hiking trails you can find in the world! There are some hard and steep trails but most of it is not too hard and the difficult parts are totally worth it. The camping sites are beautiful. Just remember to bring some good warm clothes and a good camera and hope for a clear sky and not much rain.
Endel Veiler
5 years agoWent there solo in October 2017. Didn't have the best weather and I was under prepared but it sill one of the most beautiful treks I have ever done so far. Bit tricky to get to the start of the trek with collectivos and buses, especially if you dont speak spanish.
Dan H.
2 years agoProbably the most beautiful and rewarding multiple day trek that I have done. Don’t miss out on it if you are in Peru.
Jesse (Jeltown)
a year agoDid a self-supported trek around the Cordillera Huayhuash May/June 2023 with one partner. Contrary to just about every single trip report I've ever read, the weather was terrible. Five days in a row of rain. Not afternoon thunderstorms, but drenching intermittent rain throughout the day and night. This was followed by three days of ferocious wind that damaged tents and pulled out tent stakes. Tons of domestic animals both on and off trail. Hundreds (thousands?) of cattle as high as 16k feet. Animal droppings everywhere. Nearly all the domestic animals are less than friendly (dogs, horses, and cows all acted aggressively at times). Many of the locals are also less than friendly including some which seemed already drunk at 9am. There are open air trash pits where human and animal waste, plastic, cans, and all other manner of waste is piled up near the campsites. The mountains are stunning and would likely be a most visited National Park in almost any other country, and yet the surrounding landscape is trashed and polluted by the grazing of the non-native cattle on the foothills.There are frequently large groups at the campgrounds who for some reason want to come to these high distant mountains to party. The mountains are beautiful for sure, perhaps some of the most beautiful in the world. I just think a lot of information about the Huayhuash sugar-coats some of the things which take away from this otherwise amazing location
Ba2siK
11 months agoAmazing!