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Huayhuash Circuit

Huayhuash Circuit trek in Peru through high-altitude passes, glacial lakes and remote Andean peaks.

Peru

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9 reviews

19 Days from

$5060 USD

Trip Code: HYC

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement (tent only)

$190 USD

Single Supplement (hotel + tent only)

$390 USD

Duration

19 Days

Activities

12 day trek
2 day Walks

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

6 nights hotel
12 nights camping

Meals

13 Dinners
16 Lunches
18 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint

24kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(439kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Huayhuash Circuit Trip highlights

Complete the full 127km Huayhuash Circuit, one of Peru’s most remote trekking routes
Cross multiple high mountain passes around 5000m / 16404ft
View major Andean peaks including Yerupaja (6640m / 21785ft) and Jirishanca
Camp beside glacial lakes and alpine meadows in isolated mountain settings
Acclimatise with day walks in the Cordillera Blanca from Huaraz
Experience local communities and high-altitude ecosystems

Overview

The Huayhuash Circuit is a multi-day high-altitude trek in Peru featuring 127km of remote mountain trails, high passes and glacial landscapes. It is one of South America’s most challenging and rewarding treks completng a full loop arpound the Cordillera Huayhuash in northern Peru. This journey explores a remote mountain range known for its high passes, glacial lakes and peaks exceeding 6000m, including Yerupaja, the second highest mountain in Peru. After acclimatisation in Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca, the trek completes a full circuit of the Huayhuash range over multiple days at altitude. Along the way, you camp in alpine environments, pass through indigenous communities and traverse diverse ecosystems. A highlight includes a visit toward Siula Grande Base Camp and an ascent of Cerro Bella Vista, offering expansive views across the Andes.

Itinerary

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Arriving in Lima, you are transferred to your hotel in the Miraflores district. Peru’s capital sits along the Pacific coast and blends colonial history with modern city life. The remainder of the day is free to rest or explore, with time to prepare for the journey into the Andes. A group briefing is scheduled depending on arrival times. Accommodation: Dazzler Miraflores Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

Today you will be transfered to Huaraz by comfortable tourist class coach with your guide, the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca. On arrival, you transfer to your hotel and meet your guide. The town sits at 3052m / 10013ft and is surrounded by high peaks. On arrival at the hotel, you will meet your guide and prepare for the trekking journey ahead. The change in altitude marks the beginning of your acclimatisation process. Accommodation: Hotel Suiza Peruana or similar

Meals: B,L

You undertake a day walk in the Cordillera Negra to Laguna Wilcacocha. The trail provides views across to the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. This walk supports acclimatisation ahead of the trek. You return to Huaraz in the afternoon. Our second day hike is to Laguna Churup, a glacial lake beneath Nevado Churup. The trail ascends steadily and includes some steeper sections. Reaching the lake, the turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks, offering a clear sense of the high-altitude environment you will encounter on the Huayhuash Circuit trek. Accommodation: Hotel Suiza Peruana or similar

Meals: B,L

Travelling south from Huaraz (5hrs drive) via Conococha and Pacllon you reach the trailhead at Pukatzaka. At the trail head our “arrieros” (muleteers) and “burros” (donkeys) will be waiting and the trek begins with a gradual ascent to Jahuacocha Lake. This is your first view of the Huayhuash range. Camp is set beside the lake in an alpine setting. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

The trail climbs steadily to Sambunya Pass, where peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash surround you. From the pass, views extend across valleys and alpine terrain shaped by glacial activity. The route then descends into Rondoy Valley with varied vegetation. A gradual climb leads to Matacancha camp. The day introduces sustained high-altitude trekking. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Ascending toward Cacananpunta Pass, the terrain becomes steeper and more rugged. Reaching the pass, the eastern side of the range opens, revealing peaks including Jirishanca (6094m / 19993ft) and Rondoy (5879m / 19288ft). The trail descends toward Janca village and surrounding river valleys. Optional time may allow a visit to Mitucocha Lake. The scale of the surrounding mountains becomes more apparent as the circuit progresses. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

The trail climbs gradually to Carhuac Pass before descending toward Laguna Carhuacocha. As you approach the lake, the peaks of Yerupaja (6640m / 21785ft) and Yerupaja Chico rise above the valley. These peaks form part of the central Huayhuash massif. The lake’s position provides clear views of glacial faces and surrounding ridgelines. Camp is set above the lake in an alpine setting. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

A gradual ascent follows a valley lined with glacial lakes, including Gangrajanca and Siula. Surrounded by peaks such as Yerupaja and Siula Grande, the scale of the Andes becomes more pronounced. Climbing to Siula Pass (4836m / 15866ft), views extend across multiple valleys before descending to Huayhuash camp. The route reflects the remote nature of this trekking region in Peru. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

You ascend to Portachuelo Pass with views of Trapecio, Puscanturpa and León Huacanan (5427m / 17805ft) in the Cordillera Raura. The surrounding peaks reflect the transition between mountain ranges. The descent leads to Viconga Lake, set below glaciated slopes. Nearby thermal springs provide an opportunity to rest after several days of trekking. The area offers wide views across high-altitude terrain. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

A steady ascent leads to Cuyoc Pass, one of the highest points on the Huayhuash Circuit trek. From the pass, views extend across both the Huayhuash and Cordillera Raura ranges. The surrounding mountains exceed 5000m / 16404ft and dominate the skyline. The descent leads into the Huanacpatay Valley. Camp is set within a broad alpine landscape. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today you cross Santa Rosa Pass, the highest point of the Huayhuash Circuit. From here, glacial lakes including Siula and Jurau are visible below. The surrounding peaks rise sharply from the valley floors. The descent leads into the Jurau Valley. Camp is set at Cutatambo in a high mountain setting. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

A day walk from camp leads to Cerro Bella Vista, one of the highest viewpoints of the trek. From the summit, panoramic views extend across the Huayhuash range and surrounding peaks. The elevation provides perspective on the scale of the circuit. After time at the summit, you return to camp. The day offers some of the most expansive views of the trek. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Descending through the Jurau Valley, the route follows river systems toward the village of Huayllapa. The landscape transitions from alpine terrain to agricultural land. A final climb leads to Huatiac camp, where views include Diablo Mudo (5223m / 17136ft). The day reflects the variation in terrain along the Huayhuash Circuit. Camp is set with views of the surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

The trail climbs to Tapush Pass, following less-defined paths across alpine terrain. Along the way, glacial lakes and meadows reflect the high-altitude environment. Surrounding peaks rise above 5000m / 16404ft, reinforcing the scale of the terrain. Descending to Gashpapampa, camp is set within a remote section of the range, with limited signs of habitation. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Crossing Yaucha Pass, the final major pass of the trek, you gain wide views across the Huayhuash range. From here, views extend across the Huayhuash range including peaks such as Yerupaja (6640m / 21785ft) and Jirishanca (6094m / 19993ft). The descent leads back to Jahuacocha Lake. This marks the completion of the full circuit. Camp is set near the lake with wide mountain views. Accommodation: Camping

Meals: B,L,D

A final descent leads back to Pukatzaka, marking the end of the Huayhuash Circuit trek. Here you farewell the trekking crew who have supported the journey. A vehicle transfer takes you to Chiquian, transitioning from the remote mountains back toward towns and roads. Accommodation: Hotel in Chiquian or similar

Meals: B,L,D

You travel back to Lima for your final night in Peru. The journey marks the transition from high mountain landscapes to coastal city life. The remainder of the day is free for rest or final exploration. Accommodation: Dazzler Miraflores Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. The trip concludes today.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What's included?

Included

18 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 13 dinners
Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and departing on Day 19
Expert bilingual guide
Comfortable and central hotels
All internal transportation via private vehicle, except for Lima to Huaraz which is on a comfortable tourist class coach for groups up to 9 travellers. Your guide will accompany you throughout.
The use of a gear pack including sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket and thermarest sleeping mat
Group camping equipment
Pack animals or porters on trek to carry personal gear
Portable altitude chamber carried on trek
Accommodation in our fully serviced wilderness campsites on trek
Group medical kit
Filtered drinking water

Not included

International flights
Medical treatment
Excess baggage costs
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Personal items such as laundry and alcoholic beverages (except wine on last trek day)
Any items not listed as included