Huayhuash Classic / 11 Days
An unforgettable adventure in the awe-inspiring Cordillera Huayhuash.
A full 15-day itinerary (11 days in the mountains). A unique, one-of-a-kind, immersive Highland adventure.
$2750 us
Available: June – August
Get in touch for specific questions about routes, difficulty, and expedition lengths.
A full 15-day itinerary (11 days in the mountains). A unique, one-of-a-kind, and immersive Highland adventure.
$2750 us
Available: June – August
Get in touch for specific questions about routes, difficulty, and expedition lengths.
More about this trek!
Zoom In
● Double Click Where you Want to Zoom in
● Make a Selection while Holding the ⇧ Key
● Use your Mouse Wheel
Zoom Out
● Double Click While Holding the ⇧ Key
● Use your Mouse Wheel
Pan Left or Right
● Click, Hold and Drag Left or Right
Pan Up or Down
● Click, Hold and Drag Up or Down
Rotate the Map
● Right Click, Hold and Drag Left or Right
Tilt Map
● Right Click, Hold and Drag Up or Down
One Finger
Zoom In
● Double Tap
Pan Left or Right
● Press, Hold & Drag Left or Right
Pan Up or Down
● Press, Hold & Drag Up or Down
Thumb & Forefinger
Zoom In or Out
● Touch & Pinch or Spread
Rotate the Map
● Touch & Spin
Two Fingers
Tilt the Map
● Touch & Drag Up or Down
One Finger
Zoom In
● Double Tap
Pan Left or Right
● Press, Hold & Drag Left or Right
Pan Up or Down
● Press, Hold & Drag Up or Down
Thumb & Forefinger
Zoom In or Out
● Touch & Pinch or Spread
Rotate the Map
● Touch & Spin
Two Fingers
Tilt the Map
● Touch & Drag Up or Down
Zoom In
● Double Click Where you Want to Zoom in
● Make a Selection while Holding the ⇧ Key
● Use your Mouse Wheel
Zoom Out
● Double Click While Holding the ⇧ Key
● Use your Mouse Wheel
Pan Left or Right
● Click, Hold and Drag Left or Right
Pan Up or Down
● Click, Hold and Drag Up or Down
Rotate the Map
● Right Click, Hold and Drag Left or Right
Tilt Map
● Right Click, Hold and Drag Up or Down
One Finger
Zoom In
● Double Tap
Pan Left or Right
● Press, Hold & Drag Left or Right
Pan Up or Down
● Press, Hold & Drag Up or Down
Thumb & Forefinger
Zoom In or Out
● Touch & Pinch or Spread
Rotate the Map
● Touch & Spin
Two Fingers
Tilt the Map
● Touch & Drag Up or Down
One Finger
Zoom In
● Double Tap
Pan Left or Right
● Press, Hold & Drag Left or Right
Pan Up or Down
● Press, Hold & Drag Up or Down
Thumb & Forefinger
Zoom In or Out
● Touch & Pinch or Spread
Rotate the Map
● Touch & Spin
Two Fingers
Tilt the Map
● Touch & Drag Up or Down
The Huayhuash Classic
The Huayhuash Classic Trek—renowned for its remote, breathtaking scenery, and challenging terrain.
Altitude: 5,067 m / 16,404 ft.
Route: Huayhuash Classic
Available: June – August
Difficulty: Challenging to Physically Demanding
Distance: ca. 110 km (69 mi)
Overview of the Trek
Typically, 8 to 12 days, and between 110 and 135 kilometers (69 to 84 miles) depending on the chosen route and specific itinerary. The Huayhuash Classic involves crossing numerous high passes, many exceeding 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Depending on the specific route, higher passes like Paso Santa Rosa can exceed 5,100 meters and offer breathtaking views of the Cordillera Huayhuash Reserve.
Scenic Highlights
The Huayhuash offers stunning landscapes and panoramic views of glacier-covered peaks, including prominent summits like Yerupaja (the second-highest mountain in Peru) and Siula Grande of Touching the Void fame. Along this route, trekkers will encounter numerous glacial lakes like Mitucocha, Carhuacocha, and Viconga. The region is also rich in biodiversity, with opportunities to observe unique wildlife and plant species endemic to the Andes.
Daily Experiences
Known for its challenging mountain passes and vistas, a typical day in the Huayhuash involves ascending and descending challenging trails. The Qaqanan Pass at 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) offers an incredibly rewarding view after a strenuous climb. Camps are often set near beautiful lakes or under towering mountains, providing a serene environment to relax after a day of hiking. The route passes through traditional Andean villages and local communities, adding a unique dimension to the journey and allowing for a more immersive experience.
Physical Demands
Challenging to physically demanding, this trek requires good physical condition and prior hiking and trekking experience. Daily hiking times can range from 5 to 9 hours, depending on the itinerary and group pace. Trekkers should be prepared for high altitudes, which can pose risks like altitude sickness. This trek can be strenuous and sometimes quite demanding.
We recommend doing a couple of acclimatization hikes at altitude before starting this trek. Your itinerary includes two of the options below.
Quebrada Paron
Sphinx Base Camp
Laguna Paron
Laguna Chacra
Laguna Congelada (Artesonraju Morain)
Laguna 69
Laguna 513
Day 1 – Arrive in Lima
Day 2 – Travel to YakuRumi (Caraz)
Day 3 – Orientation & Acclimatization
Day 4 – Acclimatization
Day 5 – Caraz to Quartelhuain (Start)
Day 6 – Quartelhuain to Mitacocha
Day 7 – Mitacocha to Carhuacocha
Day 8 – Rest / Exploration Day
Day 9 – Carhuacocha to Huayhuash
Day 10 – Huayhuash to Guanacpatay
Day 11 – Guanacpatay to Cutatambo
Day 12 – Rest / Exploration Day
Day 13 – Cutatambo to Huitiac
Day 14 – Huitiac to Jahuacocha
Day 15 – Jahuacocha to Llamac/YakuRumi (Caraz)
Day 16 – Return to Lima
All in-country transport during the program, including private transport to itinerary destinations
Private transportation between Lima and Caraz
Hotel accommodations for specified time in Lima, double occupancy
Professional, English-speaking trekking guides for acclimatization activities
Professional, English-speaking trekking guides
Professional expedition cooks
Three healthy meals a day plus snacks during the wilderness components of the trip
National park entry & all community/camping fees
Tents and sleeping mats
Dining tent, table, chairs, and cook tent
Bathroom tent at all camps
All cooking and eating utensils
Donkeys to carry the load
First aid kit stocked for wilderness expeditions
Satellite telephone or InReach for emergency use
Feast, Fire and Sweat Lodge at YakuRumi
What’s Not
▷ International flights to/from Lima and applicable airport taxes
▷ Personal clothing and equipment (see gear list)
▷ All food during in-town days or extra food/beverages ordered from hotels
▷ Incidental expenditures, including emergency evacuations and medical costs
▷ Extra nights in hotels, additional transportation not indicated in program itinerary
▷ Travel, personal, and/or medical insurance
▷ Long-sleeve shirts
▷ Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
▷ Fleece or wool sweater and/or trousers
▷ Lightweight pants
▷ Long (thermal) underwear
▷ Medium-weight parka (fibber or down)
▷ Light cap and wool hat
▷ Rain gear (or poncho)
▷ Water bottle
▷ Light gloves
▷ Medium-weight socks
▷ Hiking boots
▷ Sleeping bag (-5º to 0ºC)
▷ Small day-pack
▷ Strong waterproof duffel bag
▷ Sunglasses, sunblock, lip balm
▷ Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
▷ Personal hygiene items, towels, etc.
Getting Started
If you have any questions about this trek, available dates and options, please get in touch.