Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru

Camping in Cordillera Huayhuash

The hike around the Cordillera Huayhuash begins in the city of Chiquian (11,220’) south of Huaraz. This little known route is one of the most beautiful and impressive treks past spectacular mountains such as Yerupaja (21,893’) the second highest in the Peruvian Andes , Jirishanca , Siula Grande, Rondoy, Ninashanca and Rasac . This trail passes breath-taking lakes of crystalline water and tiny villages seeming out of touch with the rest of the world.

Altitude max: 5,000m / 16,500’ Cuyoc pass

Distance 156 km. / 98 miles

Duration 10 days

Starting point Matacancha

Arrival point Llamac

Temperature in the trek in the day + 13·C a +22·C

Nighttime temperature range: - 4·C a – 6·C

Best trekking months: May - September

Moderate: For physically active outdoor novices and above Vigorous: Recommended for fit travelers with some technical skills

Price: Contact us at info@wwtrek.com for exact pricing for this trek.

What you get: 12 day trek, 2 nights lodging in Huaraz, 9 nights camping, all meals while on trek, all transportation beginning and ending at Huarez airport.

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Trip overview

TRAVEL: USA Lima Peru – Huaraz Peru

Huaraz, Peru

Huaraz, Peru 10,197'


Day 1:

Acclimatization day tour (Churup Lake at 14,685’)

After breakfast we will take a day hike to Churup Lake (hiking time 3 to 4 hours) then return to Pitec – Huaraz. Night in Huaraz.

Day 2:

Huaraz (10,197’)– Llamac – Cuartelhuain (13,530’)

After breakfast we will travel to the village of Chiquian, llamac and finally Cuartelhuain for our first camp at (13,530’) Here we will meet our donkey driver and get ready for next day.

Day 3:

Cuartelhuain – Cacanan pass (15,510’) – Mitucocha

In the morning we climb up to our first pass Punta Cacanan (15,510’) then descend to our camp at the beautiful lake Laguna Mitucocha (13,695’) From our camp we have great views of the huge peaks; Ronday, Jirishanca, Ninashanca.


Day 4:

Mitucocha – Carhuac pass – Carhuacocha (14,025’)

We climb up to pass Paso de Carhuac (15,345’) then descend to our camp at the big lake Laguna Carhuacocha (14,025’) From our camp we look directly up the lake to the peaks and ice fields of Siula and the two peaks of Yerupajá.

Day 5:

Carhuacocha – Carnicero Pass (15,180’) - Huayhuash

Today we climb up to Carnicero pass (15,180’) and then descend to Huayhuash camp (14,025’).

Day 6:

Huayhuash – Portachuelo pass (13,345’) – Viconga (14,190’)

Today we climb past Portachuelo (15,345’) with views of the Cordillera Raura and the snow capped peak Leon Huacanan. We skirt around the large Lake Laguna Viconga abefore walking up the valley into camp (14,190’).

Day 7:

Viconga – Cuyoc Pass (16,500’) – Huanacpatay (13,695’)

After breakfast we will climb for 3 hours to Cuyoc pass at (16,500’) the highest pass on the Huayhuash trek. On this pass we will see the Cordillera Raura and the mountains of the Cordillera Huayhuash. We then descend down to San Antonia camp (13,695’).

Day 8:

Huanacpatay – Huayllapa – Huatiac (14,025’)

We follow the Huanacpatay valley to the Huayllapa village where we climb up steadily in the afternoon to our campsite at the top of the flat prairie Huatiac (14,025’).

Day 9:

Huatiac – Tapush Pass (15,748’) – Yaucha Pass (15,840’) Jahuacocha (13,530’)

Today will climb up to Punta Tapush pass (15,840’) then pass by Laguna Susucocha

Then onto Yaucha pass (15,840’) where we will descend to Jahuacocha Camp (15,530’).

Day 10 :

Jahuacocha rest day or visit to Cerro Amarrillo.

This day we will have a rest day. Day hike option: Members who want to, can hike to Cerro Amarrillo. From here we can see almost all mountains of the Codillera Huayhuash.

Day 11:

Jahuacocha – Pampa Llamac Pass (14,190’) - Llamac - Huaraz

We leave early starting with a gradual climb to our final pass Pampa Llamac (14,190’). From here we have our final views of the Huayhuash range. Then it is a long descent back to Llamac. In Llamac our driver will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz for hot showers and a celebration dinner!! We will spend our final night in Huaraz.

Day 12:

Travel: Huaraz – Lima for International Departure.


Before and after our climbing trek we base ourselves out of 1 of a few hotel options based on availability: we choose from the finest lodges available in Huaraz.

Hotel Meals:
Meals are included for the time we spend at a hotel. We will enjoy great food at local establishments, and a delicious celebration dinner on the last night of the trip.

On the Mountain:

Camps:

Tents in Ishinca Valley

Our camps on the mountain are as comfortable as they can possibly be. Tents are set up by our tent crew and include a North Face VE-25 4 season 3 person tent for every 2 members. As well we have a cabin style dinning tent set with table and chairs for all of our meals. We also bring eco friendly portable toilets with privacy shelters for use at camps. Washing water is provided each afternoon when you arrive at camp and in the morning when you wake.

Meals:

Dining tent

Our mountain meals are provided are fresh and nutritious. We have a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options that include fresh soups, fruit, vegetables, breads and meats. We always stop for a sit down lunch and rest each day and if the weather permits we set up the dinning tent so we can relax during lunch as well.

This Trek will start and finish at the Huaraz Airport. It is 12 days long, starting when you arrive in Huaraz, ending when you leave Huaraz.

What is included in the cost of the trip?

* All transportation from the time you arrive until you depart Huaraz.
* All Hotel accommodations in Huaraz and during listed itinerary. (Double Occupancy in rooms and tents)
* All meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
* Guides, Porters, Pack Animals, drivers private shuttles, park fees, and climbing permits.

Land costs do not include:

* International roundtrip airfare.
* Travel expenses outside listed Itinerary.
* Bottled / Alcoholic beverages
* Excess baggage charges.
* Personal gear.
* Optional single room supplement.
* Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of World Wide Trekking.
* Tips and Gratuities.

Extra Services:

* Single hotel room supplement.
* Additional porter service:
* Items of a personal nature: Laundry, Internet, Bar, Phone, etc.

How heavy will my pack?

* Your day pack will be as heavy as you choose. The daypack will contain the items you need to carry for the day: rain gear, camera, trail snacks, sun block, layer’s for cold or changing conditions.

* A pack animal will carry a duffel bag with your personal gear. This should be a waterproof duffel bag with the items you need at camp and for changes in altitude. The duffel will not be available during the day between camps

Our Staff:

* On the trek we will use all local Peruvian guides, cooks, donkey drivers, porters etc.

* We will have a team of donkeys carry our expedition supplies: tents, cookware, food, and group personal gear.

* Cooks and servers: We will have cooks and servers to prepare and cook our meals allowing you to rest and recover at camp. It is very important to stay well nourished and hydrated during the trek to increase the chance of success at high altitude.

* A World Wide Trekking guide will be the expedition leader and coordinate the operations of the local staff and group.

* We will also have local licensed English speaking professional guides.

How much money should I bring?

* It is recommended that you bring $600 per person. This recommendation is to cover the following expenses; airport tax, gratuities, phone bills, and other misc. expenses. If you bring travelers checks they are difficult to cash. A charge for cashing travelers check means they are worth less money overseas.

* Credit cards are only accepted in large shops for bigger purchases. They also charge a service fee for using your credit card.

* ATM machines are available at local banks in town. Cash can be drawn in Huaraz. If you plan on using credit card or ATM. Notify your bank that you will be in Peru: South America.

Where can I expect to exchange money?

* You will also be able to exchange money at local money changers in Huaraz.

* When you change money. Ask for small bills so you can make change and pay for items easily.

* When bringing cash from the states make sure that bills are new and in good shape. $100 should have the NEW large head style.

Gratuities: Should I tip the Guides and staff?

* As in many parts of the world, tipping is a symbol of a job well done. In addition to recognizing service people such as taxi drivers, restaurant and hotel personnel, we will acknowledge our staff with a tip.

* During our trek we will tip some of the staff. The donkey drivers, the cooks, and guides that help us along the way.

* On our trek we can contribute to a group pool that the expedition leader will distribute to the entire staff. We ask clients to budget for $50 per person towards the pool for local staff. Most clients usually offer a separate gratuity to their expedition leader.

* In general, plan to tip $50 for local guides and a tip for your American guide who will be with you at all times. This again your choice and a thank you for good service.

Can I leave a luggage at the lodge?

* Yes, there is a secure place for you to store valuables in the hotel. You can leave a duffel bag with your travel clothes, and items you will not need on the trek at the hotel in Huaraz.

Arriving at the Airport:

You will need a valid passport upon arrival in Huaraz. Those of you arriving early will be responsible for your hotel before scheduled itinerary. When you arrive at the airport you will clear customs. A World Wide Trekking representative will be outside of customs as you exit with you luggage waiting to transport you to the lodge. Look for the sign board with your last name on it when you exit customs.

Visa / Airport taxes:

There are some airport taxes you will pay when you leave Huaraz. You should have some cash on you to pay for your exit tax. No visa is needed prior to entering the country.

Hotel:

The Hotels and Lodges we stay at are clean and comfortable. Meals are provided at the Lodges. Laundry, Phone, Shuttles, Internet, and other standard amities are available upon your request.