Hike the Huayhuash mini circuit – Peru’s ultimate trek

Day 1: Arrival in Huaraz

Arrive in Huaraz and transfer to your hotel. Use the day to rest,
hydrate, and adjust to the altitude. A short briefing with your guide will be scheduled in the afternoon to review the trek logistics.

• Overnight in Huaraz
• Meals: breakfast

Day 2: Acclimatization Hike – Laguna Wilcacocha or Laguna Churup

To prepare for the high elevations ahead, take a moderate
acclimatization hike. Options include (more demanding), offering beautiful views of the Cordillera Blanca. Return to Huaraz for a relaxed afternoon and final gear
check.

• Overnight in Huaraz
• Meals: breakfast

Day 3: Huaraz → Queropalca → Carhuacocha Lake (4,150 m / 13,615 ft)

After breakfast, drive south across Andean valleys and high plateaus, passing small communities before reaching Queropalca. Begin the trek toward Carhuacocha Lake, one of the most scenic campsites in the Huayhuash, set beneath
towering glaciers and jagged peaks.

• Overnight at Carhuacocha Camp
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Carhuacocha – Rest Day (Siula Lakes Viewpoint)

Today is dedicated to exploring one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Andes. A half-day hike leads to the Siula Lakes viewpoint (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), where three turquoise lakes align beneath Yerupajá and Siula Grande. Return to camp for a peaceful afternoon by the lake.

• Overnight at Carhuacocha Camp
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Carhuacocha → Carhuac Pass → Mitucocha

Ascend steadily toward Carhuac Pass for panoramic views across
the Huayhuash range. A gentle descent brings you to Mitucocha Lake (4,250 m), another dramatic campsite framed by glacier-covered peaks.

• Overnight at Mitucocha Camp
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Mitucocha → Rondoy & Sambuya Passes → Rondoy Valley

A spectacular high-mountain day crossing Rondoy Pass and Sambuya Pass, both offering sweeping views of the entire Huayhuash chain. Descend into the quiet Rondoy Valley to camp surrounded by rugged alpine landscapes.

• Overnight at Rondoy Camp
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Rondoy Valley → Jahuacocha Lake

Hike through open valleys before ascending a final pass overlooking the full Huayhuash massif. A scenic descent leads to the famous Jahuacocha Lake (4,050 m), considered one of the most beautiful campsites in the Andes.

• Overnight at Jahuacocha Camp
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Jahuacocha → Llamac → Huaraz

Descend through the Jahuacocha valley, then climb to Llamac Pampa for final views before the long descent into the village of Llamac. Private transport returns you to Huaraz.

• Overnight in Huaraz
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Farewell & Departure from Huaraz

After an unforgettable journey across the Huayhuash range, enjoy a
relaxed morning before your private transfer takes you to the bus station or airport for your onward travel.

• Meals: breakfast

• Professional, certified mountain guide
• Private transport Huaraz ↔ trailhead
• 5 nights camping (double tents + insulated sleeping mats)
• 3 nights in hotel in Huaraz
• All meals during the trek (from lunch on Day 2 to dinner on Day 7) and all breakfasts except in day 1.
• Dining tent, cooking team, and full camp logistics
• Non-alcoholic beverages during meals
• Entrance fees and trekking permits for the Huayhuash region
  

• Travel insurance (mandatory for all Outer trips)
• Domestic flights or bus transport to/from Huaraz
• Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, poles, etc.)
• Snacks, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses
• Tips for guides, cooks, and support team
• Single-tent supplement (if requested)

• Broken-in trekking boots
• Trekking poles
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Waterproof outer shell (jacket & pants)
• Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
• Quick-dry trekking shirts and pants
• Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, sunglasses
• Sunscreen & SPF lip balm
• Headlamp + extra batteries
• 20–30 L daypack
• Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
• Personal medications & first aid items
• Sleeping bag rated to at least –10 °C (rental available)
  

High-mountain Andean climate with cold, dry nights that may reach freezing temperatures above 4,000 m, and mostly clear, sunny days during the dry season (April–October). The wet season (November–March) brings more cloud cover and occasional storms, but also greener landscapes and fuller lagoons.

• 3 nights in Huaraz City.
• 5 nights fully supported high-mountain camping in remote Andean locations, with double-occupancy expedition tents and insulated sleeping mats provided at each campsite.

The trek begins and ends in the city of Huaraz, located 8 hours by road from Lima, or 1 hour by domestic flight (seasonal) to Anta Airport. Private round-trip transportation between Huaraz and the trailhead is included.

What is the Huayhuash trek?

It’s one of the most stunning and challenging multi-day treks in the Andes, circling the Cordillera Huayhuash in northern Peru. The route offers breathtaking views of glacial peaks, alpine lakes, and remote high-altitude
landscapes.

How long is the trek?

The full circuit typically takes 10 to 12 days, covering more than 100 km (60+ miles) through remote mountain terrain. Shorter versions (6–8 days) are possible.

What’s the difficulty level?

Challeging. This trek is for experienced or fit hikers in excellent physical condition. Daily distances can be long, with elevation gains and losses, and multiple passes above 4,700 m (15,400 ft).

What altitudes will we reach?

You’ll hike between 3,300 m (10,800 ft) and 5,050 m (16,568 ft). Proper acclimatization is essential before starting.

Do I need to acclimatize beforehand?

Yes. At least 2–3 nights in Huaraz (3,050 m) or doing a warm-up hike is strongly recommended before starting Huayhuash.

Where does it start and end?

The trek starts and ends near Llamac, a remote Andean village. Transportation is usually provided from Huaraz, the main hub city in the region.

When is the best time to go?

The best trekking season is May to September, during the dry season when skies are clearer and trails are
more stable.

What should I pack?

• Warm layers for high-altitude nights
• Hiking boots and walking poles
• Sun protection (hat, glasses, sunscreen)
• Down jacket, waterproof gear, gloves
• Reusable water bottle and snacks
• A full packing list is provided before departure.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, and medical assistance is mandatory.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our adventures and you’ll need to share your policy details before departure. Your cover must include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation/repatriation, baggage and equipment, plus all the activities in your itinerary.

We also strongly recommend cancellation and curtailment cover in case illness or other unforeseen events prevent you from travelling.

Standard policies often exclude adventure activities, so please check the fine print. Many travelers choose World Nomads for adventure, focused protection, select the policy that fits your needs and fully covers your trip.