Explore the Best Trek in Peru Huayhuash
The Huayhuash Trek 8 Days is a demanding high-altitude journey through one of Peru's most remote mountain regions. Starting and ending in Huaraz, the route crosses several high passes, follows remote valleys and reaches a series of glacial lakes and mountain viewpoints along the Cordillera Huayhuash.
Over eight days, you camp in remote locations and hike for several hours each day, with the route reaching elevations above 5,000 meters. This trek is best suited to experienced or well-prepared hikers who are properly acclimatized and comfortable with consecutive days of high-altitude hiking.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- FAQs
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
WHY HIKE THE HUAYHUASH TREK 8 DAYS?
The Huayhuash Trek 8 Days is for travelers looking for a demanding mountain journey where the experience comes from the effort, isolation, and constant change of scenery. Over eight days, you cross high passes, camp in remote valleys, walk beside alpine lakes, and experience the rhythm of life at high altitude.
It is not simply about reaching a destination, it is about adapting to long hiking days, carrying your essentials, and waking up surrounded by landscapes few travelers experience. For those seeking a serious challenge in Peru, Huayhuash offers a rewarding journey that feels far removed from the usual tourist routes.
- Challenge Yourself Every Day: Long hiking days and high mountain passes make this an adventure for travelers who want to test their endurance.
- Experience Real Remote Hiking: Spend days away from busy tourist areas, following trails through isolated valleys and mountain communities.
- Wake Up Somewhere Different Every Morning: Camping creates a completely different experience from staying in hotels—you finish the day in one landscape and wake up surrounded by another.
- See the Mountains Change With Every Pass: The scenery constantly evolves as you climb, descend, cross valleys, and approach different sides of the range.
- Disconnect From Your Normal Routine: Eight days on the trail give you time to step away from screens, traffic, and daily responsibilities and focus entirely on the journey.
- Finish With a Genuine Sense of Achievement: Completing Huayhuash is something you earn through consistency, physical effort, and determination, not simply by arriving at a destination.
- Expert Local Guides: Enjoy a personalized experience in small groups led by local guides who have completed the Huayhuash trek hundreds of times and know every section of the route.
Considerations: May to October
Note: Proper acclimatization is essential
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Huaraz - Cucanan Punta Pass - Mitucocha
Embark on authentic Andean experience in the Andes mountains of Peru
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Day02
Mitucocha - Carhuac Pass - Laguna Carhucocha
Cross first high pass; descend into a stunning valley with mirror-like lake beneath massive peaks.
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Day03
Laguna Carhucocha - Siula Pass - Huayhuash
Unforgettable lake-and-peak panorama; dramatic pass beneath towering Yerupajá and infamous Siula Grande.
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Day04
Huayhuash - Trapecio Pass - Cuyucpampa
Cross alpine terrain to soak in steaming hot springs with glacier views all around you.
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Day05
Cuyucpampa - Paso Santa Rosa - Huayllapa
Conquer highest pass; panoramic views of jagged peaks and remote, icy wilderness of southern range.
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Day06
Huayllapa - Tupush Pass - Gashpapampa
Descend into green valleys; enjoy riverside walking and visit remote village for snacks and resupply.
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Day07
Gashpapampa - Punta Yaucha - Laguna Jahuacocha
Steep climb to epic viewpoint; finish beside serene, glacial lake with towering mountains above.
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Day08
Laguna Jahuacocha - Pampa Llamac - Huaraz
Final reflections on alpine beauty; climb last pass before descending to civilization and warm meal.
Huaraz – Cacanan Punta Pass – Mitucocha
We will pick you up at 4 am – 4:30 am. from your hotel located in the city, After we will begin our trip for 5 hours by bus to Matacancha, passing through Chiquian, Llamac, and Pocpa. Upon arrival in Matacancha, we will get ready to begin our trek towards the Cacanapunta pass, which is at 4800 masl. At this altitude, you can see the beautiful reddish Pucacocha Lagoon surrounded by mountain peaks. From the pass, you can enjoy views of Pucacocha Lagoon surrounded by high mountain peaks. We then continue toward Mitucocha, completing approximately 8 km of hiking in 4–5 hours.
Highlight of the Day: Starting the most amazing hike through mountain peaks
Mitucocha - Carhuac Pass - Laguna Carhucocha
After breakfast, we will start the walk uphill until we reach Paso Carhuac at 4650 masl. It is an easy ascent of 2 hours approx. Up there, we will have time to rest and continue our descent until we reach the campsite, where we can have a spectacular view of high peaks that exceed 6000 masl and a beautiful lagoon (Laguna Carhuacocha at 4300 masl). This place is considered the most beautiful campsite in Huayhuash. It will be the place where we will camp.
Highlight of the Day: The stunning view from Carhuac Pass
Laguna Carhucocha - Siula Pass - Huayhuash
After breakfast, we will start walking in the direction of the Siula Lagoon through the Gangrajanca Lagoon, and after the Siula Lagoon, where we begin to walk uphill to the viewpoint of the three lagoons (Tres Lagunas). Here is the place, where you can rest and take pictures of the mountains that are in front of us. At this point, you can marvel at the imposing snowy Yerupaja Grande, the second-highest peak in Peru (6634 masl). This viewpoint is considered the second most beautiful view of the Huayhuash. After enjoying the view, we will continue walking until we reach the Siula pass at 4800 masl. Once there, we will rest for a moment and then begin our descent through the Carnicerococha Lagoon until we reach the Huayhuash campsite, making a journey of 6 to 7 hours in total (16 km).
Highlight of the Day Walking through herds of llamas and Alpacas
Huayhuash - Trapecio Pass - Cuyucpampa
This day will be one of the most difficult, but not impossible. After the group breakfast, we begin our walk to the viewpoint called Paso Trapecio at 5000 masl. Here is the mountain that bears the same name Trapecio. This viewpoint is considered the fourth most beautiful viewpoint in Huayhuash. From here, you can see the imposing snow-capped peaks and beautiful lagoons. We will have time to photograph and rest. Later, we continue along a steep and rocky trail toward our campsite. The descent requires careful footing before reaching Cuyucpampa.
Highlight of the Day : Breathtaking view from the highest pass
Cuyucpampa - Paso Antonio - Huayllapa
After breakfast, we begin a gradual ascent toward the San Antonio viewpoint, reaching approximately 5,000 meters after about four hours of hiking. From the viewpoint, the route opens to panoramic views across the Huayhuash range, including surrounding valleys, rivers and lagoons. After enjoying nature, we continue our trek downhill the road (2 hours) through the Calinca ravine until we reach the town of Huayllapa, making a journey of 18 km and 7 to 8 hours approx. at the end of the day.
Highlight of the Day: Impressive view from the highest pass
Huayllapa - Tupush Pass - Gashpapampa
After breakfast, we will start our walk uphill (3hrs) until we reach the Tapush pass at 4800 masl. At this point, we can see Diablo Mudo mountain, which has an altitude of 5223 masl. This mountain is very famous for its easy ice climbing. Here you can see Laguna Susucocha and the Cordillera Blanca in the distance. After a well-deserved rest, we get ready to descend for 3 hours until we reach the campsite (4500 masl). We will walk 14 km and 5 to 6 hours approx. at the end of the day
Highlight of the Day: Spectacular view of snow peaks in the Cordillera Blanca
Gashpapampa - Punta Yaucha - Laguna Jahuacocha
As usual, after breakfast, we will start the walk uphill towards Punta Yaucha (3hrs), located at an altitude of 4750 masl, where you can see the mountains of the Huayhuash range on the west side with their enormous peaks. Once up there, we will take time for a rest, and then continue with the tour until we reach the Jahuacocha viewpoint, where you can see the Jahuacocha and Solterococha Lagoons. This viewpoint is considered the third most beautiful view in the Huayhuash mountain range. After enjoying nature, we will descend (2hrs) to our campsite near the lagoon. We will walk 12 km for 4 to 5 hours at the end of the day.
Highlight of the Day Huayhuash Mountain Range
Laguna Jahuacocha - Pampa Llamac - Huaraz
After the usual breakfast, we will begin our last day of walking uphill towards the town of Pocpa, passing first at an altitude of 4600 masl (2hrs). Then, we will descend and arrive at the small town (2hrs), where our trek ends. Our bus will be waiting to transfer us to Huaraz (3hrs. 30min approx.). We will walk today 12 km and 4 hours approx at the end of the day.
Highlight of the Day Completing an 8-day journey through the Huayhuash mountains
At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your Huayhuash Trek 8 Days.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Vidal Expeditions Team Provide
Pre-Orientation
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-orientation. During this pre-orientation you will meet with your trekking and adventure guide and the tour group in our office
Professional Trekking Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism specialization from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. They are patient, responsible, knowledgeable, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas. We ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore Huaraz, and the famous Huayhuash Trek.
Transportations
Private Transport
All transportation during your trek is included. We will pick you up and drop you off to your hotel in Huaraz.
Accommodation
Camping
We will provide seven evenings of camping in our sustainable tents, which will be shared with only two people.
Meals
Food
During the Huayhuash Trek we included 7 Breakfast, 7 Lunch and 7 Dinner. We cater to all dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know your dietary restrictions at the time of your booking. Our team is well-trained to prepare the best food you've ever had with local and organic ingredients.
Water
Water
Vidal Expeditions will provide you with water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled, and cooled by our chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle, or camelback that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.
Equipment
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in First aid. They receive training courses every 6 months on how to assist to someone in an emergency. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
Personal Duffel bag
We included a personal duffle bag for during the 8-day Huayhuash Trek. You will get this duffle bag at Vidal Expeditions office during your pre-departure briefing the night before your trek. This bag will be carried by our horses during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon when you arrive at the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag, and mattress, but the maximum allowable weight is 7 kg (17 lb). The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Water bottle
Every customer will need water during the activities. Before each activity we will stop at a shop, where you can purchase water and snacks.
Entrance fee
Hiking the Huayhuash trek need a extra fees for the entrance tickets which is S/ 290 soles and it must to be paid in cash during the check point.
Meals
First breakfast and last lunch are not included during this trek
Flights
Flights to Lima and onward transportation to Huaraz should be planned in advance. We recommend arriving in Huaraz before the trek to allow enough time for acclimatization.
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen during your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work
What to pack for Huayhuash Trek 8 Days
At Vidal Expeditions we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack?Essential Gear
- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
For your duffel bag:
Extra thing that shourld go in your duffel bag.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Waterproof gloves
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Your daypack should be large enough for water, rain gear, warm layers, snacks, sunscreen, personal medication and other essentials needed during the day's hike.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
Huayhuash Trek FAQs
Here some frequently asked question about the Huayhuash Trekking tour
OUR BOOKING SYSTEM
At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the best of us to booking system works as easy as possible for you, once you decided to do the Huayhuash Trek, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required detail which can’t be changed once it been confirmed, we need a previous deposit of $200USD per person. Once as soon as you paid it we immediately book a spot for the Huayhuash once we have done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that all the booking process has set up satisfactorily.
HUAYHUASH ENTRANCE TICKETS
To hike in Huayhuash you need to pay the entrance fees which is S/290 Peruvian Soles, this must to be paid directly at the checkpoint, you guide will let you know about it.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN HUARAZ BEFORE THE HUAYHUASH TREK?
Huaraz is a big city enough to find different categories of hotels and hostels from 2 stars to 5 stars also there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. You will meet with your trekking guide a night before thge trip, we will confirm you the exactly time to pick you up.
IS THIS TREK RECOMMENDED FOR KIDS OR FAMILY GROUP?
The Huayhuash Trek is a challenging high-altitude route and is not generally recommended for young children. Families with older teenagers who have previous hiking and high-altitude experience should contact us to discuss whether the itinerary is appropriate.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE HUAYHUASH TREK 8 DAYS?
The Huayhuash Trek 8 Days is a challenging high-altitude route. The itinerary includes several passes above 4,500 meters and reaches approximately 5,000 meters. Proper acclimatization, previous hiking experience and preparation are strongly recommended.
CAN I CHANGE THE ORDER OF THE TOURS?
Yes! You can modify the tour departure according to your preference; however, we always recommend starting with the easiest tour..
WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR IS BEST FOR THE HUAYHUASH TREK ?
The best time to hike along the Huayhuash trek is during the dry season which usually is from May to October, during thid period the views usually are spectacular.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE WEATHER ON THIS TREK?
Expect changing high-mountain weather on the Huayhuash Trek. Days are usually cool and sunny (10–20°C), while nights are cold, often below freezing. Strong winds are common at high passes. The best season is May to October, with drier conditions and cold nights.
WHAT IS THE HIGHEST ELEVATION IN HUAYHUASH TREK 8 DAYS?
The highest elevation that this trek reaches is 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) which is mostly along the day five.
IS THE HUAYHUASH TREK SAFE?
The Huayhuash Trek is a remote and physically demanding route. Conditions can change quickly at high altitude, so preparation, acclimatization, appropriate equipment and an experienced trekking team are important. Our guides accompany the group throughout the route and carry first-aid and emergency equipment.
CAN I JOIN THE TREK IF I AM SOLO TRAVELER?
Definitely, you can join our trek without any problem if you are traveling solo; just contact us, and we will let you know about the existing groups on the date you are planning to hike.
CAN I HIKE THE HUAYHUASH TREK WITHOUT A GUIDE?
It is possible to hike the Huayhuash route independently, but the trek is remote and involves difficult navigation, high elevations and changing mountain conditions. For travelers unfamiliar with the route, hiking with an experienced local guide provides additional logistical and safety support.
WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE DURING THE 8-DAY HUAYHUASH TREK?
All of your luggage is not needed during the trek and should stay in Huaraz. All the hotels and hostels have a storage or lockers where you can leave your luggage without any charge. Another option is to store with Vidal Expeditions team.
From: USD 620.00 Per Person
* Additional Private Tent $40 USD
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Vidal Expeditions will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at vidalexpeditions@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
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8 Days / 7 Nights
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