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Trekking tours in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash
Cordillera Huayhuash Trek
The Huayhuash range is the setting for our spectacular, demanding and rewarding 14-day trekking circuit (190 km), during which the range of altitudes (2,750m to 5,000m) and tropical latitude combine to reveal many Andean ecosystems. From Llamac (start and finish point), we head deep into the pristine wilderness. We are soon amid mighty snow peaks. This clockwise circuit takes us over 9 high passes (between 4,650m and 5,000m), with repeated panoramas of sheer, towering snow peaks. It also allows rewarding side trips into valleys and the option to ascend the non-technical, but physically challenging, Suerococha snow peak (5,350m).
Day 1
From Huaraz we drive south past the southern Cordillera Blanca peaks. The Huayhuash first appears as we approach Chiquian. We follow a country road through cactus-and-scrub to Llamac village, where we camp (3,300m).
For most of the next 13 days we walk and camp at altitudes in excess of 4,000m.
Day 2
From Llamac - one of 2 villages encountered - we climb south high above the valley, reach a col at 3,900m & head east, traversing through quenual forest high above the Achin river. Superb panorama with Rondoy (5,870m), Jirishanka (6,094m) and Yerupaja (6,634m, the second highest peak in Peru). Finally reach camp at Lake Jahuacocha (3,950m).
Day 3
The landscape is dominated by the sheer snow peaks of the Cordillera. We head towards the glaciers, climbing north towards Sambunya pass (4,750m). The views get better & better as we ascend. We descend Quebrada Rondoy, enter the Cuncush valley and ascend gently to our camp at Matacancha (4,150m).
Day 4
Climb to Cacanampunta pass (4,700m) & descend eastern slopes of the continental divide. Soon get first awesome views of the east faces of the northern summits. Drop to camp (4,200m) beside Laguna Mitucocha. Stunning views of Jirishanca.
Day 5
We skirt a floodplain (wading birds, like puna ibis) & cut up a narrow valley which we follow to Punta Carhuac (4,650m). Descend to camp at Lake Carhuacocha (4,150m) with incredible views of a Siula (6,344m) and Yerupaja.
Day 6
2 alternative routes to camp: (1) via Carnicero pass (4,650m) or (2) the more demanding route via Laguna Siula. We might spot the elusive vicuna. Spectacular views of Yerupaja, Siula & Carnicero. Camp at Huayhuash (4,350m).
Day 7
Approach the southern end of the range today, cross Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass (4,750m) and are rewarded with views of Cordillera Raura, a neighbouring range of smaller peaks. Descend to LakeViconga (4,400m). We camp nearby.
Day 8
Ascend to Punta Cuyoc pass (5,000m), the trek’s highest pass, & re-cross the Andean watershed. Views of southern Huayhuash & Cordillera Raura peaks are spectacular. Descend to HuanacpatayValley & continue to camp (4,400m).
Day 9
Head to a remote corner of the range by a rarely-used path up to Cerro San Antonio (4,900m). Awesome views west face Yerupaja, Siula Grande & Sarapo. Descend to Quebrada Calinca and camp for 2 nights (4,300m).
Day 10
Free for R & R or exploration. Head up stunning Quebrada Sarapococha to enjoy wonderful views. Valley made famous by Joe Simpson in Touching the Void. Valley was scene of Simpson’s dramatic retreat from W face of Siula Grande.
Day 11
A long day’s walk. Follow Quebrada Calinca then Quebrada Huayllapa below 4,000m for first time since day one, to village of Huayllapa (3,500m). We resume with ascent of TapushValley to camp at Huatia (4,300m).
Day 12
Relatively short day’s walk today, ascending to Tapush pass (4,800m), then a 1-hour descent to camp at Cashpapampa (4,400m). From here, Suerococha can be seen clearly to the southeast.
Day 13
Two alternative routes to next camp: (1) via Yaucha pass (4,800m) or (2) the demanding but non-technical ascent of Suerococha (5,350m) - longest & most demanding day of trek. Ascent requires use of crampons, harness and ice axe. Descend other side of mountain, then down HuacrishValley to LakeJahuacocha (3,950m) & camp. Fine views.
Day 14
Leave camp early and descend the Achin valley before picking up trail up to Pampa Llamac pass (4,300m). Descend far side to Llamac, where we rendezvous with vehicle for drive back to Huaraz via Chiquian.