Huayhuash Loop Classic

Huayhuash Loop Classic

The Huayhuash Circuit is one of the best treks through one of the most spectacular ranges in the Andes. The trail passes a number of peaks over 6,000 metres, glaciers, beautiful lakes (cochas) and flat plains (pampas). The best known peak is Siula Grande, made famous by Joe Simpson following his fall and recovery, which he wrote about in Touching the Void. We cross a high pass almost every day, with stunning views of the Huayhuash and Raura ranges and opportunities to spot condors and other wildlife such as vizcachas. The walk is rated as moderate, as most of the passes have gradual ascents and some of the days are quite short. There is some exposure on one steep pass.

Day 1: Huaraz to Matacancha

 Day 2: Matacancha to Mitucocha
+600m, -510m, trekking 5-6 hrs

Accom camping (4230 masl)

 

Day 3: Mitucocha to Carhuacocha

 +400m, -470m, trekking 7 hrs

Accom camping (4140 masl)

 Day 4: Carhuacocha to Huayhuash
+460m, -270m, trekking 9 hrs

Accom camping (4330 masl)

 Day 5:  Huayhuash to Viconga
+400m, -330m, trekking 8 hrs

Accom camping (4410 masl)

Meals: B, L, D

 Day 6: Viconga to Huanacpatay

After 4 hours, we reach the highest pass on the circuit, the Cuyac pass at 5000 masl, with incredible views of the mountains including Jirishanco. Over the pass is a sandy and fairly steep descent for around ½ hour, followed by a long flat walk to the campsite.
+600m, -800m, trekking 07 hrs

Accom camping (4200 masl)

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Huanacpatay to Huatia

This is the hardest day on the circuit. Following a descent to 3600 masl, we have a moderately steep climb near the village of Huayllapa. The climb follows a river, where we stop for lunch on the way up.
+850m, -800m, trekking 9 hrs

 Accom camping (4450 masl)

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Huatia to Yaucha

This is a shorter day, when we cross the Punta Tapush pass at 4800 masl. After crossing the pass, it is a further 3 hours to camp.

Accom camping (4400 masl)

Meals: B, L, D

400m, -400m, trekking 5 hrs

Day 09:Yaucha to Jaguacocha

From Yaucha we cross our last pass at 4800 masl, before descending to Jaguacocha. The views of the mountains are stunning, as Jaguacocha comes into view.

400m, -700m, trekking 8 hrs

Accom camping (4070 masl)

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Jaguacocha Rest Day

While this is a rest day at the most beautiful campsite in the Huayhuash, there is an option for a 3 hour morning walk to Solteracocha. Lunch will be a pachamanca (Andean roast).

Optional trekking 3 hrs

Accom camping (4070 masl)

Day 11: Jaguacocha to Llamac  and  Huaraz

In the morning we walk from our last campsite back to the town of Llamac, where we are meeting our bus.  We will have lunch before taking the bus to Huaraz and our hotel.
-470m, trekking 4 hrs