Visited in the 1960s–80s by world-class climbers such as Reinhold Messner, Walter Bonatti, and Riccardo Cassin, who opened new—and rarely repeated—routes to the main summits of these extremely demanding mountains.

​

⏳ Duration
6 days.

​

⛷️ Difficulty
Moderate — 5 high passes, one reaching 5,100 m.

​

🕑 Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival in Huaraz / Hotel in Huaraz
Day 2. Acclimatization hike to Wilcacocha (3,700 m). Depart Huaraz 8:00 a.m.; ~4 hrs round trip / Hotel in Huaraz
Day 3. Nevado Mateo (5,150 m). Depart Huaraz 3:00 a.m.; return ~4:00 p.m. / Hotel in Huaraz
Day 4. Rest day in Huaraz / Hotel in Huaraz

Day 5. Early departure from Huaraz (5:00–6:00 a.m.) by private vehicle. After ~5 hrs passing through traditional Andean villages, arrive at Pacllón (3,250 m), then continue ~40 min to 3,400 m. Begin a beautiful 3-hour trail along a river to the emblematic Jahuacocha Lagoon (4,010 m) for a spectacular sunset over the west faces of Yerupajá (Peru’s second-highest peak), Jirishanca, Rondoy, etc.

Day 6. After sunrise and breakfast, cross the length of the lagoon and climb the first high pass, Sambunya (4,670 m), often with sightings of the Andean condor. Descend to Matacancha camp (4,150 m). ~6 hrs total.

Day 7. Trek toward the first pass, Cacanán Punta (4,700 m), with gorgeous views over the lower valleys of the Huayhuash. Descend a scenic trail to a viewpoint over Mitucocha and Rondoy lagoons. Continue with constant views of the east faces of Jirishanca (6,094 m), Rondoy, and Ninashanca. After a break, climb the second pass, Carhuac (4,650 m), through a widening valley to take in the spectacular east faces of Yerupajá (6,636 m, Peru’s second-highest mountain) and Siulá Grande (6,354 m). Descend to the stunning Carhuacocha Lagoon (4,150 m) and set camp in one of the circuit’s most beautiful spots. ~8–10 hrs.

Day 8. One of the trek’s finest sunrises—the east faces of Yerupajá, Siulá Grande, and Jirishanca glow vivid orange (we’ll make sure you’re up!). Continue toward the fourth high pass, reaching the lookout over Gangrajanca, Siulá, and Quesillococha lagoons (all above 4,200 m). The thunder of avalanches from the hanging glaciers of Siulá Grande and Yerupajá is an unforgettable soundtrack. Climb the third high pass, Siulá (4,800 m), with added views of Nevado Carnicero (5,960 m) alongside the now-familiar giants—an exacting but unforgettable ascent. Descend to Huayhuash camp (4,455 m), the namesake area (local lore: “huayhuash” is a small Andean rodent said to feed on the blood of domestic animals). ~8–10 hrs.

Day 9. Trapecio Pass day (the fifth pass), another highlight of the circuit. Start early on a striking route to the pass at 5,050 m, then continue ~15 minutes to the Trapecio “mirador” for exceptional views of the sector’s peaks. Descend to “Pampa Elefante” camp for a brief rest before pushing to San Antonio or Santa Rosa Pass (5,150 m). A demanding, top-tier day on the trek. ~7–8 hrs.

Day 10. After breakfast, make an easy descent to Huayllapa village (3,500 m), where our transport takes us to Cajatambo (3,400 m). After a rest, board the vehicle back to Lima (~6 hrs). Walking time ~3 hrs.

​

✅ Included

• Meet & greet at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport

• Transfer to the bus terminal for Huaraz

• Acclimatization trek and ascent of Nevado Mateo

• Lima–Huaraz bus tickets

• Certified trekking guide (and certified mountain guide for Mateo)

• Cook

• Entry fees to the Huayhuash Reserved Zone

• All meals during the trek (except first breakfast and final dinner)

• Muleteers (arrieros)

• Pack animals (burros) for gear transport

• Emergency horse

• Dining tent and kitchen tent

• Double mountain tents and sleeping pads

• Kitchen, fuel, and dining equipment

• Private transport Huaraz–Matacancha and Huayllapa–Cajatambo; public vehicle Cajatambo–Lima

• 4 nights in a (*)** hotel** in Huaraz with breakfast

• ​

❌ Not Included

• Accommodation in Lima (ask us if you’d like to book through us)

• Meals in Lima and Huaraz

• Personal equipment (sleeping bags, warm clothing, boots, etc.)

• Optional rental of trekking gear (available)

• Any item not expressly mentioned in the program

​

🗨️ Language

Service in Spanish. A guide in another language is available on request in advance and may incur an additional cost, subject to availability.