Explore Peru's remote Huayhuash range in the northern Peruvian Andes during this 9-day adventure. Start in metropolitan Lima, then transfer to Huaraz in the north. Join your trekking group and support team in the village of Pacllón, then hit the trail for a spectacular 5-day hike. You will trek through rugged landscapes, camp beneath a spectacular night sky, and spend afternoons relaxing by turquoise mountain lakes. Alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains that reach 19,685 ft (6,000 m) are the backdrops for this adventure. At night, relax at camp to a hot meal prepared by the camp cook. 

Highlights

  • Enjoy spectacular glacier views and sleeping under the stars
  • Trek for 4 days through remote mountains
  • Hike light and relax in the evenings with help from the support team
  • Get an adrenaline rush with an icy dip in a glacial lake
  • Explore Peru's diversity, from metropolitan Lima to small mountain towns

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrival in Lima, Transfer to Huaraz Huaraz
Day 2 Arrival in Huaraz & City Tour Huaraz
Day 3 Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 1/5: Huaraz - Chiquian - Pacllón Pacllón
Day 4 Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 2/5: Pacllón - Corral Pampa Corral Pampa
Day 5 Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 3/5: Corral Pampa - Laguna Jahuacocha Laguna Jauacocha
Day 6 Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 4/5: Rest day at Laguna Jahuacocha Laguna Jauacocha
Day 7 Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 5/5: Laguna Jahuacocha - Llamac - Huaraz Huaraz
Day 8 Arriving in Lima: Huaraz - Lima Lima
Day 9 Departure from Lima  

Detailed overview

Day 1: Arrival in Lima, Transfer to Huaraz

Aerial view of Huaraz
Aerial view of Huaraz

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to the bus station to board the overnight bus to Huaraz. This bus ride is about 8-hours long. You will arrive in Huaraz early tomorrow morning.

Day 2: Arrival in Huaraz & City Tour

Street vendors in Huaraz
Street vendors in Huaraz

Upon arrival in Huaraz this morning, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After you get settled in, you will tour around the town of Huaraz. Including stops at the Plaza Mayor, the Archaeology museum of Ancash, Temple of Señor de la Soledad. Get a glimpse of what old Huaraz looked like on Jose Olaya street, which is the only street that remained intact after many earthquakes. Stop at the Pinar viewpoint, to get a panoramic view of Huaraz.

In the evening, return to your hotel in Huaraz. 

Day 3: Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 1/5: Huaraz - Chiquian - Pacllón

Mountains of the Cordillera Blanca
Mountains of the Cordillera Blanca

Get an early start from Huaraz for your 4-hour drive toward the small mountain village of Chiquian. You'll take the highway towards Callejón de Huaylas, where you will get your first look at the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Turn east from here through the pampas (grass plains) onto a dirt road that brings you to Chiquian. Stop here to rest and gather last-minute supplies, then continue to the town of Pacllón, where you will begin your trek. 

You'll camp in Pacllón for the night - make sure to get plenty of rest to prepare for your upcoming trek. Located at 10,990 ft (3,350 m), the camp gives you majestic views of the surrounding mountains and the clear night sky.

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Day 4: Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 2/5: Pacllón - Corral Pampa

Alpine landscape in the Cordillera Huayhuash
Alpine landscape in the Cordillera Huayhuash

Meet the rest of the trekking group in the morning, including the guides, cooks, muleteers, and other trekkers. After transferring the load to the mules, the entire expedition begins the trek. Climb slowly on the first day as you adjust to the altitude, making sure to drink enough water. 

Hike for 5 hours to the Corral Pampa, located at 13,779 ft (4,200 m) and stop to make camp for the night. Enjoy the spectacular views of the glaciated Diablo Mudo peak in the background as you enjoy a hot meal and good night's rest.

Day 5: Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 3/5: Corral Pampa - Laguna Jahuacocha

Laguna Jahuacocha
Laguna Jahuacocha

Follow the trail today uphill for 3 hours to reach Yaucha Pass, at 15,750 ft (4,800 m). From here you will have impressive views of the Cordillera Huayhuash, and the surrounding mountains—Ninashanca, Hirishanca, Yerupaja Chico, and others. Stop for a rest and photographs before continuing down. 

Descend for 2 hours toward the Laguna Jauacocha, where you will set up camp for the night. Spend the night at 13,287 ft (4,050 m) next to the bright turquoise lagoon, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. 

Day 6: Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 4/5: Rest day at Laguna Jahuacocha

Camp near Laguna Jahuacocha
Camp near Laguna Jahuacocha

Today is a free day to rest and explore the surrounding landscape. Relax in camp, or hike to Laguna Solterococha and Yerupaja Glacier Base Camp. From Laguna Solterococha, you can choose to take a side trail to Sambunya, located at 15,580 ft (4750 m) where you will be treated to sweeping views of the Cordillera Huayhuash. 

Return to the camp at Laguna Jahuacocha to enjoy a hot meal and relaxing evening. If you're feeling adventurous, get your blood pumping with an icy dip in the glacial waters before diving into your warm sleeping bag for the night. 

Day 7: Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Day 5/5: Laguna Jahuacocha - Llamac - Huaraz

Views of Yerupaja peak
Views of Yerupaja peak

Today is the last day of your trek. Hike through the Huayllan Gorge along the river and descend from Laguna Jahuacocha with the mountains at your back. Along the way, enjoy colorful displays of nature and splendid views of Rondoy, Hirishanca, Yerupaja Chico, and Yerupaja Grande mountains. The path begins with a slight slope and gradually changes to a steep and sloping path as you approach Llamac

Reach Llamac after trekking for 4 hours to meet your car, which will transfer you back to Huaraz. Stop in Chiquián along the way for a cup of hot coffee and a quick meal before continuing on. 

Day 8: Arriving in Lima: Huaraz - Lima

Lima coastline
Lima coastline

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then transfer to the bus station for your 8-hour ride back to Lima. You'll arrive in Lima in the evening. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take time to relax.

Day 9: Departure from Lima

A pretty street view in Lima
A pretty street view in Lima

Today is your last day in Peru! You will be met at your hotel for a transfer to the Lima Airport, where you will transfer to your international departure. Alternatively, stay and extend your time in Peru — there's so much to see and explore. ¡Buen viaje!

Map

Map of Huaraz & Cordillera Huayhuash Trekking - 9 Days
Map of Huaraz & Cordillera Huayhuash Trekking - 9 Days