Huayhuash Short Trek

One of the most breathtaking days of the Huayhuash circuit begins with a stunning sunrise reflecting on Carhuacocha Lake. The hike takes you past stunning turquoise lakes—Siula, Quesillococha, and Azulcocha—offering mesmerizing views at every turn.

As you reach the Siula Pass (4,800m), you’ll be treated to the majestic sights of the Raura mountain range, making it the perfect spot to pause and soak in the scenery. A delicious lunch awaits just a few minutes beyond the pass.

The descent leads you past the serene Carnicero Lake before arriving at Huayhuash Camp (4,300m), where a well-earned rest awaits.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea, and dinner
Hiking time: ~7 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +660m / -500m

Today’s journey takes us to the Trapecio Pass (5,000m), a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic views of Trapecio Mountain, Puscanturpa, Cuyoc, Milpo, and the Raura range.

After a 4-hour ascent, we’ll descend towards crystal-clear lakes, nestled beneath the towering peaks. A lunch break in this stunning setting offers the perfect chance to recharge and take in the beauty around us.

As we continue downhill, the trail reveals a massive rock shaped like an elephant and another resembling a mummy, signaling our arrival at Elephant Valley Camp (3,900m), where we’ll rest for the night.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea, and dinner
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +700m / -1,100m

A breathtaking day awaits as we climb to Santa Rosa Pass (5,100m), the highest and most spectacular viewpoint of the Huayhuash circuit. From this vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of Jurao Lake, Sarapo, Siula Grande, Siula Chico, Yerupajá, and Rasac peaks.

After taking in these stunning vistas, we’ll begin our descent, pausing for a leisurely lunch along the way. The trail continues downhill through Quebrada Huayllapa, ultimately leading us to Cutatambo Camp (4,250m), where we’ll unwind for the night.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea, and dinner
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +1,200m / -850m

Today's hike takes us along a scenic descending trail through the stunning Huayllapa Canyon, where we’ll be surrounded by lush Tarwi plants and follow the peaceful Calinca River. As we pass through breathtaking landscapes, we'll encounter Andean gates and cascading waterfalls. Close to Huayllapa village, we'll veer off onto a steep detour, climbing for about 3 hours to reach the tranquil Huatiag Camp.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea, and dinner
Hiking time: 6 hours
Elevation: -750 m / +800 m

Today's hike begins with an uphill trek to Tapush Pass, where we'll be rewarded with stunning views of Diablo Mudo Mountain (5350m) and the picturesque Susococha Lake. We then descend to the Gashpapampa camp (4,600m) before continuing our journey to Yaucha Pass. From here, we’ll trek along the edge of the Huacrish Canyon, offering incredible views of some of the most iconic peaks: Yerupajá (the second highest mountain in Peru), Jirishanca, Rondoy, Siula, Tsacra, and Rasac. Our path leads us to the Huacrish Viewpoint, a place of extraordinary beauty, where we’ll be amazed by panoramic vistas of the mountain range and the striking turquoise lakes, Jahuacocha and Solterococha.

After soaking in the views, we’ll descend to our camp, located at the serene foot of Jahuacocha Lake.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, lunch, tea time, and dinner
Hiking time: 6 hours
Elevation: +550 m / –800 m

The final day of our trek has arrived. We’ll begin our hike toward the Mancan Punta Pass (4,550m), where we’ll enjoy a last breathtaking view of the northern part of the Huayhuash mountain range. From there, we’ll descend to the charming Pocpa village, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to the city of Huaraz.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking time: 5 hours
Elevation: +500 m / -1090 m
Transfer by car: 5 hours back to Huaraz