SUMMARY
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4 Days / 3 Nights
Hard
3,800m to 5,050m
Approximately 40km
OVERVIEW
The Quilcayhuanca – Cojup trek is a challenging one as you are taken through steep inclines and narrow, often unmarked trails during the course of the journey. This less commonly visited trek enables you to gain a deeper, more intimate appreciation for the beauty of the Cordillera Blanca through observation of the spectacular collection of glacial summits along the way and camping by the beautiful lakes of Cuchillacocha and Cojup.
You will get the chance to observe local culture and livelihood as you pass by the villages of Unchus and Llupa during the trek.
Huapi Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,050m/16,568ft, provides the perfect vantage point to view surrounding majestic peaks of Mount Pucaranra (6,147m/20,167ft), Mount Andavite (5,518m/18,104ft) and several others.
Due to the steep terrain and high altitude (on day 3), it is essential that trekkers are physically fit and well acclimatized to enjoy this trek.
SERVICES
Include
- Professional, certified guide (English spoken guide)
- Emergency horse (one only, where suitable)
- Freshly prepared, cooked meals (treks/climbs only)
- Clean drinking water and other refreshments
- Sleeping tent
- Kitchen and dining tent (with dining table(s), chairs and utensils)
- Cooking equipment
- Private toilet tent
- Daily snack pack
- Storage crates for luggage, including duffel bags (for treks/climbs only)
- Washing bowls, towels, soap (for treks/climbs only)
- Hot water bottle (for treks/climbs only)
- Night lamp (for treks/climbs only)
- Pillow and blanket (for treks/climbs only)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Privately-arranged transport to/from trip
- Admission fees for communities within the trip
- Portable oxygen canisters
Not Include
- Accommodation in Huaraz
- Food and drinks in Huaraz, outside of the trip
- Transport into, out of and within Huaraz, outside of the trip
- Personal sleeping bag*
- Sleeping mattress*
- Hiking poles*
- Client’s personal equipment (as provided in the client equipment list)
- Discretionary tips for the crew
- Additional sight-seeing trips and/or acclimatization day hikes
- Personal expenditures
- Any emergency evacuation fees, medical expenses and additional accommodation expenses
- Insurance policy (travel, personal, medical, etc.)
* We are happy to assist to rent these items for you.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Huaraz (3,090m/10,138ft) – Pitec (3,800m/12,467ft) – Yupanapampa (4,100m/13,451ft)
- We drive for approximately one hour eastwards from Huaraz to Pitec, the starting point of the trek. We will pass by the local villages of Unchus and Llupa along the way
- We hike for approximately five hours to our first campsite at Yupanapampa
Day 2: Yupanapampa (4,100m/13,451ft) – Lake Cuchillacocha (4,480m/14,698ft)
- It is a relatively easy day with a steady ascent to the next campsite by the iridescent Lake Cuchillacocha
- Total hiking time is approximately four hours
Day 3: Lake Cuchillacocha (4,480m/14,698ft) – Huapi Pass (5,050m/16,568ft) – Cojup Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
- Today is challenging – we kick off the day with a sustained climb to Huapi pass (5,050m/16,568ft), the highest point of the trek
- At the summit, soak in breathtaking views of some of the most majestic peaks in all of Cordillera Blanca, such as Mount Ishinca (5,550m/18,209ft), Mount Ranrapalca (6,612m/20,217ft) and Mount Andavite (5,518m/18,104ft)
- We then commence our descent through Cojup valley to our next campsite
- Total hiking time is approximately eight hours
Day 4: Cojup Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) – Portada Cojup (3,650m/11,975ft) – Huaraz (3,090m/10,138ft)
- We continue our descent through Cojup valley for approximately four hours to Portada Cojup, where our private transport awaits to transfer us back to Huaraz
MAPS
GALLERY
