Included: An experienced, local trekking guide with extensive knowledge of the area, leading the full itinerary and giving daily briefings 8-day trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru (8 days of hiking) Accommodation for 7 nights at high-altitude campsites (tents pre-pitched by the crew before you arrive) All meals during the trek: 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches (sometimes boxed), and 7 dinners, prepared by mountain chefs with fresh Andean ingredients, plus snacks on the trail and hot coca tea or coffee brought to your tent in the morning Mules and arrieros to carry up to 10 kg of your personal gear in a duffel bag provided at the pre-trek briefing, so you hike with just a daypack Mountain chefs and horsemen handling all cooking and camp logistics Private pick-up from your hotel in Huaraz, the 5-hour drive to the trailhead at Cuartelhuain with a breakfast stop in Pocpa, and the 4.5-hour drive back to Huaraz from Pocpa at the end Guided ascents of the high passes (Cacanan, Carhuac, Siula, Trapecio, Tapush, Yaucha, and Puca Puca), side hikes to the Mirador de Tres Lagunas and the optional San Antonio Pass, and cultural detours to Llamac village and the Huatiac community Add-ons (can be arranged at an additional cost, leave a note at checkout): Upgrade to a simple local guesthouse in Huayllapa on Day 5, with real beds, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and phone charging Not included: Transportation to Peru Accommodation in Huaraz before and after the trek Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above Insurance — mandatory, available at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this Huayhuash circuit trek, excellent fitness is required as well as previous multi-day trekking experience at altitude . The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 16 km (10 mi) , with up to 1,300 m (4,265 ft) of elevation gain . This is a serious high-altitude circuit: you’ll cross a pass almost every day, camp between 3,820 m (12,532 ft) and 4,400 m (14,435 ft), and top out as high as 5,020 m (16,469 ft) at Trapecio Pass, with an optional push to San Antonio Pass at 5,100 m (16,732 ft) for strong, well-acclimatized trekkers. Walking days run roughly 4 to 8 hours, often on loose, rocky ground. The good news is that mules carry up to 10 kg of your personal gear, so you only hike with a light daypack, and your tent is pitched and hot drinks are ready before you arrive. Spending a few days acclimatizing in Huaraz before the trek makes a big difference.

How can I prepare for the altitude?

Huaraz sits at over 3,000 m (9,800 ft), and the trek crosses passes above 4,600 m (15,092 ft) almost every day, topping out at 5,020 m (16,470 ft) on Trapecio Pass. Acclimatizing properly is the most important thing you can do before this trek. Your guides recommend arriving in Huaraz at least two to three days before our Huayhuash circuit trek . A few tips to help you acclimatize: Use your days in Huaraz for acclimatization hikes, like Laguna 69 or Laguna Churup. Drink plenty of water before and during the trek. Take it slow, especially on your first days at altitude. Let your guide know right away if you’re feeling unwell. On the trail, your guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit . If altitude symptoms don’t ease, the safest option is to descend, and mules can be used to carry you down if needed.

What is life on the trail like?

We spend seven nights camping in the mountains while on our Huayhuash circuit trek, with a crew of guides, chefs, and arrieros taking care of the logistics. Here’s what to expect: Camp — tents are pitched before you arrive, and each camp has a dining tent with tables and chairs Toilets — a private toilet tent with a chemical toilet comes with the group, and most campsites also have community toilets Water — boiled and filtered water is provided each morning, at lunch, and in the evening, so bring bottles to refill Food — hot drinks are brought to your tent in the morning, and chefs prepare breakfast, multi-course lunches, and dinner every day Weather — days are around 15–22°C (59–71°F), but nights drop to -5 to -10°C (14–23°F), especially at higher camps Day 5 break — in Huayllapa, you can stay in a local guesthouse with beds, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging for a small extra fee

How much weight will I have to carry?

Not much. Mules carry up to 10 kg (22 lb) of your personal gear in a duffel bag, which you’ll get at the pre-trek briefing. Arrieros and mules also carry all the tents, cooking equipment, and food , so you’ll only hike with a daypack for water, snacks, layers, and a rain jacket. On Day 3, the mules take a separate route around a protected area and meet you at camp.

What do I need to bring?

Mules carry up to 10 kg of your personal gear in the duffel bag handed out at the pre-trek briefing, so you only walk with a light daypack. Nights at camp are cold at these altitudes, so warm layers matter more than anything else. Gear: Daypack (25-40L) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L) Warm sleeping bag rated for below-freezing nights Sleeping pad Trekking poles (strongly recommended for the passes and long descents) Headlamp with spare batteries Camera (optional, but you’ll want it) Clothing and footwear: Broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support Insulated jacket (down or synthetic) Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants Fleece or mid-layer, plus base layers (merino or synthetic) Hiking trousers and shirts for layering Warm hat, gloves, and a buff or neck gaiter Sunhat and sunglasses with good UV protection Hiking socks and warm socks for camp Comfortable shoes or sandals for around camp Other: Toiletries (high-factor sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, hand sanitizer, biodegradable wipes) Personal first-aid kit and any personal medication Quick-dry towel Snacks you particularly like Dry bags or stuff sacks to keep gear organized in your duffel Cash in soles for the optional guesthouse upgrade in Huayllapa and anything you buy in the villages Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: This Huayhuash circuit trek runs with one professional, English-speaking guide. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. Solo travelers are welcome too: your guides will try to place you with other hikers so your trip can go ahead. You can book a group departure , where other travelers may join to fill the group, or a private trek , where it’s just your crew. You’ll be able to select your preferred departure at checkout. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18 , you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Huayhuash circuit trek on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Huayhuash circuit trek is Huaraz , Peru. To get there, most people fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Huaraz. You will meet your guide at 4 am on Day 1, when the team picks you up from your hotel in Huaraz . The private transfer to the trailhead at Cuartelhuain and the drive back to Huaraz from the Pocpa community at the end of the trek are both included.

Safety measures and insurance

Having insurance is mandatory for this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Hiker in red jacket with trekking poles overlooks a turquoise lake and snow-capped peaks in Cordillera Huayhuash

Cordillera Huayhuash | Peru

Huayhuash Circuit Trek: 8 Days in the Peruvian Andes

Name: Huayhuash Circuit Trek: 8-Day Guided Hike in Peru
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

8 days | Challenging | 5.00

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If the Inca Trail feels too busy, the Cordillera Huayhuash is where the Andes get wild. On this 8-day trek, we circle a compact range of glaciated peaks, including Yerupajá at 6,635 m (21,768 ft), cross seven high passes, and camp beside turquoise lakes like Carhuacocha and Jahuacocha. The days are long and the altitude is serious, but we don’t carry the heavy loads. Mules haul our gear, tents are pitched before we arrive, mountain chefs cook every meal, and hot drinks show up at the tent door each morning. All we need to do is walk, breathe, and take in some of the most dramatic scenery in South America.

Roxner

Founder & Inca Trail Guide

Adventure Highlights

Three lakes, one viewpoint: The Mirador de Tres Lagunas looks down on Gangrajanca, Siulacocha, and Quesillococha with Yerupajá and Siula Grande rising straight behind them
Passes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft): Trapecio Pass at 5,020 m (16,469 ft) opens onto the Cordillera Raura, with an optional push to San Antonio Pass for a full 360-degree panorama
Camp without the carrying: Mules take up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of your gear, tents are pitched before you arrive, and coca tea comes to your tent door in the morning

Duration

8 days

Season

May through September

Group size

Up to 12 people

The adventure, day by day

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We start with an early pick-up in Huaraz, a drive deep into the Andes, and breakfast in the Pocpa community before hitting the trail at Cuartelhuain. From there it's eight days around the range, linking Cacanan, Carhuac, Siula, Trapecio, Tapush, Yaucha, and Puca Puca passes, with camps beside Mitucocha, Carhuacocha, and Jahuacocha lakes. The middle days are the biggest, with the Tres Lagunas viewpoint and the high crossings. Day 5 drops us into the village of Huayllapa for a gentler afternoon. All meals, tents, and gear transport are covered, and we finish with lunch in Pocpa and the scenic drive back to Huaraz.

Day 1: Huaraz to Cuartelhuain, over Cacanan Pass to Mitucocha camp

Huaraz to Cuartelhuain, over Cacanan Pass to Mitucocha camp — Hiking in Cordillera Huayhuash

Our adventure starts with a 4 am pickup from our hotel in Huaraz. We drive for about five hours, stop in Pocpa for breakfast, and continue for another 30 minutes to the trailhead at Cuartelhuain. From here, we climb for about two hours to Cacanan Pass, our first pass of the trek, reaching it around 12:30 pm. A short descent brings us to lunch, then we hike down for about two hours to Mitucocha Lake, with the Janca glacier nearby. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm, followed by a briefing from our guide.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi), 6-7 hours
Elevation: +1,100 m (+3,608 ft); high point 4,600 m (15,091 ft); camp 4,150 m (13,615 ft)
Accommodation: Mitucocha camp

Day 2: Carhuac Pass and a descent to Carhuacocha

Carhuac Pass and a descent to Carhuacocha — Hiking in Cordillera Huayhuash

After breakfast, we leave Mitucocha and climb for three to four hours to Carhuac Pass. At the top, the whole range opens up in front of us, and we celebrate the moment with hot drinks. We then take an off-the-beaten-path descent of about two hours to Carhuacocha, one of the most beautiful lakes on the circuit. Lunch is by the shore, with Yerupajá, the second-highest peak in Peru, rising above the water. In the afternoon, there’s time to relax at camp or take an icy swim in the lake. No soap or shampoo, though.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +500-600 m (+1,640-1,969 ft); high point 4,750 m (15,583 ft); camp 4,150 m (13,615 ft)
Accommodation: Carhuacocha camp

Day 3: Mirador de Tres Lagunas and Siula Pass to Huayhuash camp

Mirador de Tres Lagunas and Siula Pass to Huayhuash camp — Hiking in Cordillera Huayhuash

We wake up at 5 am with coca tea or coffee and set off around 5:30 am. We follow the shore of Carhuacocha, then climb a moraine for about three and a half hours to Mirador de Tres Lagunas. From this viewpoint, we look down over three lakes: Gangrajanca, Siulacocha, and Quesillococha. Another hour and a half of steep climbing brings us to Siula Pass, and we stop for a boxed lunch just below. The afternoon is a three-hour descent through grassy valleys to Huayhuash camp. The mules take a separate route, since horses aren’t allowed in this protected area.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Distance: 16 km (10 mi), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +700 m (+2,296 ft); high point 4,830 m (15,846 ft); camp 4,350 m (14,271 ft)
Accommodation: Huayhuash camp

Day 4: Trapecio Pass to Pampa Cuyoc, with optional San Antonio Pass

Trapecio Pass to Pampa Cuyoc, with optional San Antonio Pass — Hiking in Cordillera Huayhuash

Today we reach the highest point of the trek. A steady four-hour climb takes us to Trapecio Pass, with views of the Cordillera Raura and the peaks of Puscanturpa, Cuyoc, and Millpo. If we’re feeling strong, we can add an optional climb to San Antonio Pass at 5,100 m (16,732 ft), which takes about one and a half to two hours up and an hour down. From the pass, we descend over rugged terrain for about three hours to Pampa Cuyoc camp, arriving in the early afternoon. Lunch is either a picnic on the trail or a hot meal at camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 13 km (8 mi), 5-8 hours
Elevation: +700 to 1,300 m (+2,296 to 4,265 ft); high point Trapecio Pass 5,020 m (16,469 ft), optional San Antonio Pass 5,100 m (16,732 ft)
Accommodation: Pampa Cuyoc Camp, 4,400 m (14,435 ft)

Day 5: Mirador San Antonio and long descent to Huayllapa village

Mirador San Antonio and long descent to Huayllapa village — Hiking in Cordillera Huayhuash

We leave camp at 5:30 am and climb to Mirador San Antonio, overlooking the Jurao and Siulacocha lakes. From here, a steep descent leads into a valley, and a gentle downhill walk past waterfalls and cascades brings us to the village of Huayllapa. In bad weather, our guide can take a shortcut. After several nights under canvas, there’s an option to stay in a local guesthouse with beds, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging for a small fee. Otherwise, we camp as usual and spend a free afternoon in the village.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 16 km (9.9 mi), 4-6 hours
Elevation: -1,000 m (-3,280 ft); high point 4,400 m (14,435 ft)
Accommodation: Camp at Huayllapa, 3,820 m (12,532 ft)

Day 6: Riverside walk and climb over Tapush Pass to Gashpapampa

Riverside walk and climb over Tapush Pass to Gashpapampa — Hiking in Cordillera Huayhuash

Today is a big climbing day. We walk along the river and past the Huatiac community for about two and a half hours, then climb for another two and a half hours to Tapush Pass. As we gain height, the green river valleys give way to páramo, the high Andean grassland, and then to alpine terrain. From the pass, we descend for about an hour and a half to Gashpapampa camp, where a hot lunch is waiting for us. The rest of the afternoon is ours to rest and recover.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 13 km (8 mi), 6-7 hours
Elevation: +1,300 m (+4,265 ft); high point Tapush Pass 4,800 m (15,748 ft)
Accommodation: Gashpapampa Camp, 4,350 m (14,271 ft)

Day 7: Polylepis forest, Yaucha and Puca Puca passes to Jahuacocha

Polylepis forest, Yaucha and Puca Puca passes to Jahuacocha — Hiking in Cordillera Huayhuash

We start with a short descent through a grove of Polylepis, the “paper-bark” trees that grow higher than almost any other tree in the world. Next comes a zigzag climb of about two and a half hours to Yauccha Pass, followed by a 40-minute ridge walk to Puca Puca Pass. From the top, we get a 360-degree panorama of the range. A steep two-hour descent brings us to Jahuacocha, where we have lunch at camp and spend the afternoon beside the lake.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 13 km (8 mi), 5-6 hours
Elevation: +500 m (+1,640 ft), highest point 4,910 m (16,108 ft)
Accommodation: Jahuacocha camp, 4,050 m (13,287 ft)

Day 8: Farewell pass, lunch in Pocpa, and drive back to Huaraz

Farewell pass, lunch in Pocpa, and drive back to Huaraz — Hiking in Cordillera Huayhuash

We enjoy one last breakfast with views over Jahuacocha before setting off on our final day. After an hour of flat walking along the river valley, we climb for about two hours to our last pass, then descend for two hours to the community of Pocpa. Here, we have lunch together at a local restaurant before getting into our private vehicle for the drive of about four and a half hours back to Huaraz, arriving around 5 pm.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi), 5 hours

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Photo gallery

Turquoise lake in a rocky alpine valley below snow-capped peaks and steep barren slopes in Cordillera Huayhuash

White church with red-topped bell tower above a town, forested hills and a rocky snow-dusted peak behind

Lodging & food

High-altitude camping

Every night is spent under canvas at some of the most dramatic campsites in the Andes, from Mitucocha and Carhuacocha beside turquoise lakes to the postcard basin of Jahuacocha. Our tents are already pitched when we roll into camp, thanks to the arrieros who move the gear ahead of us. Each camp has a dining tent with tables and chairs, a private toilet tent, and fresh water for washing. Nights are crisp, so layer up and enjoy the stars over the glaciers.

On Day 5 in Huayllapa, you can upgrade to a simple local guesthouse at an additional cost, with real beds, hot showers, and Wi-Fi, or stay in tents with the group as usual.

Food

Mountain chefs travel with us the whole way, cooking all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with fresh Andean ingredients and a gourmet touch that surprises just about everyone at 4,000 m (13,123 ft). The trip opens with a hearty Andean breakfast in Pocpa (fresh bread, eggs, quinoa, and steaming coca tea) and closes with a celebratory lunch at a local restaurant in the same village. Some days, lunch is served hot at camp; on others, it’s a boxed lunch below a high pass. Snacks and hot drinks show up at the top of the big climbs, right when you need them most.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

Adventure, packed to go

Huayhuash Circuit Trek: 8 Days in the Peruvian Andes

Adventure Brochure

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Meet your guide

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Roxner

Founder & Inca Trail Guide

Roxner grew up in a small community near Machu Picchu and first saw the citadel when he was 12. That visit sparked a lifelong passion. He began his career on the trail as a porter and worked his way up to expert guide, leading travelers along the Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, Ancascocha, and Choquequirao. Those years on the trail led him to found his own indigenous-owned trekking company in 2015. Today, he shares the history, culture, and landscapes of his homeland with travelers from around the world, with a strong focus on responsible tourism and fair treatment of local guides and porters.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (4 reviews)

Marlon L

The Cordillera Huayhuash really is pure alpine magic.

Massive snow-capped peaks, those endless turquoise lakes, high passes over 4,700 m, and this deep sense of remote wilderness — it genuinely feels like one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on the planet.

Every single day the scenery just kept hitting different. Photos don’t come close.

What made the whole thing special though was the guiding company. Everything ran smoothly from the start.

Our guide Gian was excellent – really knew the mountains, the plants, the history and the local culture, paid attention to how the group was doing, and kept things both safe and fun.

The cooks somehow managed to put out delicious, proper meals every day, which is no joke at that altitude.

The horsemen and support team were solid – friendly, hardworking, and always picking good campsites with the best views.

Organization, safety, gear, the whole package felt top-tier.

We felt properly looked after without losing that real adventure feeling out there.

They’re a locally owned indigenous company, and you can tell – there’s a genuine heart to how they treat both their team and their guests.

If you’re thinking about doing the Huayhuash trek, just book with these guides.

Highly recommend. We’re already talking about going back with them.

Christa

We had an OUTSTANDING time on the 8 day Huayhuash circuit with Jean, Young, Freddie, and Miriam! Jean tailored the daily routes to our energy levels and preferences, offered information about the mountains, plants, people, and history of the area and kept our crew safe and happy! Freddie and Miriam kept us full of DELICIOUS Peruvian foods that truly blew away our expectations. And Young and his team of mules carried our lives for us for those 8 days and picked us the driest, flattest camp spots with the best views. We were overwhelmed by the number of agencies offering similar itineraries and services, but were SO glad we had picked these guides and would recommend it to any other traveler.

Chris C

Incredible 8-day Huayhuash Circuit. Jaw-dropping peaks, turquoise lakes, and dramatic passes made it unforgettable.

Excellent guide, friendly team, delicious high-altitude meals, and flawless logistics. Challenging but absolutely worth it.

Quechua-owned and highly professional — highly recommended!

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