SUMMARY
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8 Days
Moderate
3,736m to 4,750m
Approximately 55km
OVERVIEW
The 8D7N Huayhuash Mini Trek is an extension of the 6D5N Huayhuash Mini Trek , inclusive of two additional days at the beautiful campsites located by the Carhuacocha and Jahuacocha lakes.
The two extra days have been specially included to space out the hiking schedule so as to allow hikers more time to relax and soak in the sights of the spectacular Cordillera Huayhuash range. You can also choose to do short side-trips to see the Siula and Rasac lakes or climb the Llaucha Pass.
The 8D7N Huayhuash Mini Trek has been specially curated for hikers who do not have sufficient time to complete the full 10D9N or 12D11N Huayhuash Classic Trek , but would like to have the opportunity to experience the key highlights of the Cordillera Huayhuash. The Huayhuash circuit was recently voted “the second most beautiful trek in the world” by the National Geographic Society.
Located south of the Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Huayhuash is considered the more remote and comparatively unexplored smaller cousin, with a spectacular collection of mountains, meadows, glaciers and lakes compacted into an area that measures a mere 30 kilometres in length. The most famous peak is the almighty Mount Yerupaja (6,617m/21,709ft), the second highest mountain in Peru. Be prepared to experience nature at its finest and possibly, unrivalled anywhere else in the world.
This abridged version of the Huayhuash circuit takes you through some of the most memorable sites found in the region. Camp by spectacular lakes such as Carhuacocha, Mitucocha and Jahuacocha, ascend to the Cacanan and Rondoy passes and enjoy breathtaking views of famous peaks such as Mount Jirishanca (6,094m/19,993ft), Mount Siula Grande (6,344m/20,814ft) and the crown jewel, Mount Yerupaja (6,617m/21,709ft).
Trekkers must be well acclimatised for this trek so as not to compromise the experience of navigating the magical Cordillera Huayhuash.
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) – Huanucopampa (3,736m/12,257ft)
- Our trip begins with an approximately six to seven hour drive south-east from Huaraz to Huanucopampa, where we will spend our first night
- Make a side trip to visit the Inca ruins of Huanuco Viejo, an archaeological site with over 1,000 ancient buildings and storehouses spread over a vast area
Day 2: Huanucopampa (3,736m/12,257ft) – Queropalca (3,830m/12,567ft) – Carhuacocha (4,138m/13,576ft)
- We continue driving south for approximately three to four hours to Queropalca, where we begin our trek with the rest of the crew
- Ascend gradually to our next campsite, located by the gorgeous Carhuacocha lake from where you can observe the giant snow-capped summits of Mount Yerupaja (6,617m/21,709ft) and Mount Siula Grande (6,344m/20,814ft)
- Total hiking time is approximately four to five hours
Day 3: Carhuacocha (4,138m/13,576ft)
- Spend the day unwinding by the beautiful lake, try your hand at trout fishing or embark on a short hike (approximately 3.5 kilometres) to the Siula lakes, located at the foot of the famous Mount Siula Grande (6,344m/20,810ft), made famous by Joe Simpson in “Touching the Void”
Day 4: Carhuacocha (4,138m/13,576ft) – Carhuac Pass (4,630m/15,190ft) – Mitucocha (4,270m/14,009ft)
- We head to the first pass of the trek, the Carhuac Pass, where you will be treated to panoramic views of surrounding peaks such as Mount Ninashanca (5,607m/18,396ft) and Mount Jirishanca (6,094m/19,993ft)
- Make a long and gradual descend to the next campsite at Mitucocha, where we can walk around the lake and maybe try our hand at trout fishing
- Total hiking time today is approximately five to six hours
Day 5: Mitucocha (4,270m/14,009ft) – Cacanan Pass (4,690m/15,387ft) – Quartelhuain (4,170m/13,681ft) – Rondoy Valley (4,050m/13,287ft)
- Ascend to the second pass of the trek, the Cacanan pass (4,690m/15,387ft), where you will get unobstructed views of the colourful mountain-ringed Pucacocha lake, as well as its spectacular surroundings
- Descend by way of a narrow, rocky switchback to Quartelhuain, before continuing on to the next campsite at a small plateau at Rondoy Valley
- Total hiking time today is approximately five to six hours
Day 6: Rondoy Valley (4,050m/13,287ft) – Rondoy Pass (4,750m/15,584ft) – Jahuacocha (4,050m/13,287ft)
- A long and challenging but rewarding day as we traverse and climb to Rondoy pass (4,750m/15,584ft), the highest point of the trek
- We are awarded with breathtaking views of Mount Rondoy (5,870m/19,259ft) at the top of the pass, the best spot for condor watching!
- Descend via a series of zigzag trails, pass by Sotteracocha lake before arriving at Jahuacocha lake, which is well regarded as one of the most beautiful and popular campsites in all of Cordillera Huayhuash
- Total hiking time today is approximately six to seven hours
Day 7: Jahuacocha (4,050m/13,287ft)
- Spend the day unwinding by this scenic lake and taking in the sights. Side trips to the Llaucha pass (4,850m/15,912ft), Solteracocha lake or Rasac lake are also available
Day 8: Jahuacocha (4,050m/13,287ft) – Pampa Llamac Pass (4,300m/14,108ft) – Llamac (3,250m/10,663ft) – Huaraz (3,090m/10,138ft)
- After breakfast, head towards the Pampa Llamac pass (4,300m/14,108ft), which is the final pass of the trek. Enjoy some last-minute views of the spectacular Huayhuash mountain range
- Descend by way of a long switchback to the village of Llamac, where our private transport awaits for our return to Huaraz, which concludes your unforgettable experience traversing the range of the Cordillera Huayhuash
- Total hiking time today is approximately five to six hours
MAPS
GALLERY
