9 DAYS: HUAYHUASH FULL LOOP
Huayhuash is located south of the White Range (Cordillera Blanca), between Huánuco, Ancash, and Lima provinces, and its great attraction are its huge and steep white peaks, its turquoise lagoons and green valleys, situated in a wilder nature with very few number of tourists coming. The trekking to Huayhuaysh Range is considered by international guides and travelers as the second in beauty of the world after the Anapurna Trek in Nepal. Besides, Huayhuash is a suitable place for Andean bird watching, curiously there is more concentration of birds in this area than in Cordillera Blanca. Almost in all Huayhuash lagoons it is possible the rainbow trout fishing. The most known mountains are Yerupaja (6635 masl), the second highest of Peru, Jirishanca (6094 masl) and Siula Peak (6344 masl), scenery of the film and book “Touching the Void” of the English climber Joe Simpson, who lived one of his hardest experience in this mountain. Huayhuash’s main lagoons are Carhuacocha, Siula, Jurau, Sarapococha and the famous Jahuacocha, ideal place for Andean bird watching. This is the best option to visit the Huayhuash Range. The trail starts in Quartelwain and finishes in Llamac. Besides, it includes the visit to the most beautiful lakes of Huayhuaysh: Jahuacocha and Carhuacocha and the impressive 6000 peaks: Yerupaja and Jirishanca. It is possible to take a glance of Jurau Lake from San Antonio view point and also Diablo Mudo, Sacras and Rasac peaks. Level: Difficult Distance: 163 km. Maximal elevation: 5000 m.s.n.m. (masl)
Maximal Temperature: 25°C
Minimal Temperature: -2°C
Departure time: 07:00
Duration: 4 – 7 hours per day
Arrival in Huaraz: 17:00 – 18:00
Day 01 HUARAZ – QUARTELHUAIN – MITOCOCHA
Early in the morning pick up from your hotel and transfer towards south of the Callejón de Huaylas to Chiquian Town where the rough tracks start towards Llamac Village and the Quartelhuain (4 hours). From Quartelhuain, a small hamlet, the trail ascents about 2 hours towards Cacananpunta Pass (4685 masl) and then descents for 2 hours more towards Mitococha Lake at the feet of the small Jirishanca and Ninashanca peaks. Taking the normal route you arrive to Janca campsite. (Lunch – Dinner).
Day 02 MITOCOCHA – CARHUACOCHA
Alter breakfast it starts the ascent of 2 to 3 hours to Carhuac Pass (4650 masl) where you can have a glimpse of the small Jirishanca. Then trail goes down towards Carhuacoha Lake in approximately 1 hour, during the trail you appreciate Jirishanca and Yerupaja peaks. Dinner and overnight at the campsite at the shores of the lake.
(Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner).
Day 03 CARHUACOCHA – HUAYHUASH
This day there are two options: the first one taking the normal route of the donkeys (4 -5 hours) towards Punta Carnicero Pass (4600 masl) and then descents to Huayhuash campsite and the second option is to climb up Siula Pass (4800 masl) by a steep trail but with a magnificent views of the three turquoise lakes at the feet of Siula Peak (6 -7 hours). On the way, it is also possible to appreciate Carnicerococha Lake at the feet of the impressive Carnicero Peak. Dinner and overnight campsite. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner).
Day 04 HUAYHUASH – VICONGA
Early in the morning it starts the ascent to Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass (4750 masl). On the way you can appreciate Trapecio (5653 masl), Sueroraju (5439 masl) and the Puscanturpas peaks (5550 masl) and the dam-lake of Viconga. Arrival to the campsite in Viconga after 5 or 6 hours. There it is also possible to take a bath in the natural thermal water rivers of Viconga. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner).
Day 05 VICONGA – HUANACPATAY
Early in the morning ascent to Cuyoc Pass (5000 masl) very close to Cuyoc Glaciar (3 – 4 hours). Then starts the descent towards Huanacpatay Valley. During the trail you can appreciate Trapecio (5653 masl) and Jurau (5600 masl). Then you can climb up by a steep way to San Antonio point view (3 – 4 hours up and down) where you can appreciate the Jurau Peak and Lake, and then continue for 1 or 2 hours more to Huanacpatay campsite. Dinner and overnight campsite. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner).
Day 06 HUANACPATAY – HUATIAC
Early in the morning, you start descending until Huayllapa Town and then it starts the ascent to Huatiac (4 -5 hours). Dinner and overnight campsite. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner).
Day 07 HUATIAC – LAGUNA JAHUACOCHA
From Huatiac takes 6 to 7 hours to arrive to Jahuacoha Lake, passing the Tapush Punta (4800 masl) and Yaucha passes (4800 masl). On the way you can appreciate Diablo Mudo, Huacrish (5774 masl) Sacra (5548 masl), Rasac (6017 masl), Yerupaja (6634 masl), Jirishanca (6094 masl) and Rondoy (5870 masl). Dinner and overnight at the campsite at the shores of the lake. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner).
Day 08 LAGUNA JAHUACOCHA
Day at leisure to walk around the lake to observe variety of Andean birds, or climb up to the Solteracocha Lake (2-3 hours). There is also the possibility that you can buy a lamp to prepare Pachamanca (typical Peruvian Andean dish of the campesinos where the meat is cooked with firewood and warm stones underground), that cost about 45 soles around US$ 14. Dinner and overnight campsite at the shores of the lake. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner).
Day 09 LAGUNA JAHUACOCHA – LLAMAC – HUARAZ
Early in the morning departure by Pacllón Valley trough a pass of 4300 masl to descent to Llamac Village (4-5 hours), where the transportation waits to take you back to Huaraz city. Arrival in Huaraz about 5 PM and transfer to your hotel. (Breakfast – Dinner). End of service
