HUAYHUASH
CIRCUIT
Main trekking on the planet, Peru
-
Good physical condition
-
Previous mountaineering experience (not mandatory but recommended)
Considered one of the three main treks on the planet, it cannot be left off the bucket list of any mountaineer worldwide. It is located near the city of Huaraz, in northern Peru, in a place nicknamed the Andean Himalayas due to the predominantly pyramidal formation of the mountains that make up the circuit. It's a 7-day trek passing through average altitudes of 4,500m, glacial lagoons, snow-capped peaks, and contact with a rich and ancient South American culture, making this route unique. Our camps offer complete food and logistics services, with 4 meals a day and transportation by mules to facilitate the challenge.
The initial acclimatization strategy is based on two easy hikes in the Huaraz area.
Physics: average
Technique (climbing): none
-
July 5th to 14th, 2027
-
customized dates on demand
starting from US$ 3,880 per person (promotional price for the first batch)
DAY 0 (before the expedition) : Meeting in Huaraz, our base city, to get to know the group, align necessary items, and receive a briefing on the itinerary for the next few days. Road transport from Lima to Huaraz, approximately 8 hours, is included, but there is the possibility of a flight on the same route, reducing the duration to 1 hour (not included). Meals are not included.
DAY 1 : Huaraz (3,052m) - Wilcacocha (3,750m) - Huaraz (3,052m)
First hike used as an acclimatization strategy. Breakfast at the hotel and departure by transfer at 9:00 AM to the start of the trail. After reaching the lagoon, taking photos and having a short snack, the group returns to the hotel in Huaraz for overnight stay. Breakfast included.
Accumulated elevation gain : 600 m
Distance : 7 km
Activity Time : 3-5 hours
DAY 2 : Huaraz (3,052m) - Parón lagoon (4,155m) or Churup (4,450m) - Huaraz (3,052m)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure by transfer at 8:00 AM to the start of the trail. An important stage of the cycle, it will be fundamental to improving the team's night at the first high-altitude camp. After a snack amidst the incredible scenery, return to the hotel in Huaraz for overnight stay. Breakfast included.
Accumulated elevation gain : 650 m
Distance : 6 km
Activity Time : 4-6 hours
DAY 3 : Huaraz (3,052m) - Quartelhuian - Cacanapunta pass (4,696m) - Janca ( 4,230m )
The group will leave the hotel early, at 4:00 AM, for a 5-hour car journey to the start of the trek in Quartelhuian. After organizing the duffel bags with muleteers, the trail will begin with an ascent to the ridge, passing through the Cacanapunta pass at 4,696m, for an overnight stay at the Janca campsite at 4,230m. Breakfast, trail snacks, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are included.
Accumulated elevation gain : 600 m
Distance (walking): 7.13 km
Estimated time (hiking): 4 hours of transport + 4-6 hours of hiking
DAY 4 : Janca ( 4,230m ) - Carhuac (4,632m) - Carhuacocha (4,200m)
One of the most beautiful days of the entire circuit. After breakfast in a dining tent, around 9:00 AM the group will begin the trek to the Carhuacocha camp, skirting important peaks of world-class mountaineering, such as Siulla Grande, Jirishanca, and Rondoy. After passing through the Carhuac pass at 4,636m altitude, the day ends at the Carhuacocha camp at 4,200m with the famous view of the Carhuacocha lagoon surrounded by the most emblematic mountains of the Huayhuash mountain range. Trail snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are included.
Accumulated elevation gain : 427 m
Distance : 9.55 km
Estimated trekking time : 4-6 hours
DAY 5 : Carhuacocha (4,200m) - Viewpoint of 3 lagoons (4,800m) - Huayhuash (4,400m)
This is considered one of the most beautiful trekking routes on the planet. Departure around 9:00 AM towards the main viewpoint of the circuit: 3 Lagunas. A panoramic view of 3 aligned glacial lagoons. The pass will be Siulá at 4,800m altitude and descent to the bustling Huayhuash camp. View of the snow-capped peaks Carnicero, El Toro and Siula Grande. It will be one of the longest days of the entire itinerary. Trail snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation gain : 850 m
Distance : 14 km
Estimated time : 6-8 hours
DAY 6 : Huayhuash (4,400m) - Paso Trapecio (5,034m) - Elephant Camp (4,500m)
After a meticulous acclimatization strategy initiated in Huaraz, the group will be prepared to face the toughest day with an overnight stay and the highest passes of the entire circuit. Views of Trapecio, Carnicero, and Cuyoc. Lunch will be in one of the most beautiful locations along the entire route, on the edge of a lagoon with clear green water. Trail snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are included.
Accumulated elevation gain : 800 m
Distance : 11 km
Estimated Time : 6-8 hours
DAY 7 : Elephant Camp (4,500m) - Huayllapa (3,500m)
The most relaxed day of the entire itinerary, focused on recovery and arriving as early as possible at the village of Huayllapa at 3,500m for accommodation in a guesthouse with a bed, hot shower, Wi-Fi, and cold drinks. Although the route covers 14 km, it will be entirely downhill, with overnight stays at the lowest altitude of the entire circuit. An opportunity to contact family and recover after 6 days of hiking. Trail snacks, breakfast , lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are included.
Accumulated elevation : 50 m
Distance : 14.22 km
Estimated Time : 4-6 hours
DAY 8 : Huayllapa (3,500m) - Paso Tapush (4,790m) - Gashpapampa (4,400m)
Intense climb back to the crest of the mountain range passing through the Tapush pass. The last camp of the trek will be Gashpapampa at 4,400m altitude. Trail snacks, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner included.
Accumulated elevation gain : 1,304 m
Distance : 11 km
Estimated Time : 5-7 hours
DAY 9: Gashpapampa (4,400m) - Paso Yaucha (4,892m) - Pacllón - Huaraz (3,100m)
Last and one of the most incredible days of the entire trek. The group will have a privileged view of Yerupajá, the 2nd highest mountain in Peru and the 9th highest in the Andes, at 6,634m. After a snack at the Yaucha pass and a view of the Jahuacocha lagoon, the final descent to the end of the circuit in Pacclón, where private transport will be waiting for the return to Huaraz. Arrival is expected around 10:00 PM. Transportation, trail snack and breakfast included.
Accumulated elevation gain : 500 m
Distance : 10.5 km
Estimated time : 5h – 7h trekking + 4h transport
DAY 10: Huaraz - Lima
Return to the country of origin.
INCLUDED
-
Stay in Huaraz (1 night pre-expedition and one night post-expedition)
-
Transportation in and out of the mountain from Lima (land)
-
1 Brazilian leader guide in Portuguese, English and Spanish (up to 05 participants)
-
1 auxiliary guide in Spanish (from 06 participants)
-
Mules for transport between camps for up to 15kg per person
-
Tents and thermal insulation in the camps
-
Kitchen equipment
-
Shit tube for collective use
-
Breakfast days 1 to 9
-
Lunch days 1 to 8
-
Dinner days 1 to 7
-
Trail snack days 1 to 8
-
Assistance in purchasing and renting equipment before the trip
-
First aid kit for collective use
-
Online satellite tracking
NOT INCLUDED
-
Flights to Lima, Peru (roundtrip)
-
Transportation in Lima to and from the airport
-
Food in Lima and Huaraz (except hotel breakfast)
-
Mandatory travel and rescue insurance
CLOTHING
-
Dry-fit T-shirt - 4 to 6 units
For use during hiking. Made of polyamide and with long sleeves for extra protection against sun radiation and scratches from branches.
-
Thin thermal base layer T-shirt - 1 unit
These are very thin, tight-fitting clothes that lie completely close to the body. This feature increases heat retention. They will be used to withstand the frigid nights at altitude, but only while camping.
-
Fleece blouse 200 - 1 unit
Fleece is a type of fabric with high warmth, low weight, and good compression. If you want to invest in an even lighter and more compressible material, but much more expensive, opt for goose down jackets. But be careful! There are several types of down jackets, and many are NOT SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS. For more information, contact our team. If you DO NOT want to invest, it can be replaced by a regular sweatshirt, but this is highly NOT recommended because it is heavier, bulkier, and slow-drying if it gets wet.
-
400 fleece blouse - 1 unit
It will only be used at the campsite, where temperatures can reach -5ºC at the height of winter.
-
Goose down jacket for -10ºC
It can be located in the base city.
-
Anorak - 1 unit
This is the most important item in your backpack. It can literally save your life, as it will protect you from hypothermia. It must have a hood, be water-resistant, and preferably breathable, meaning it allows sweat to escape without letting rainwater in. A regular raincoat is NOT recommended, but can be substituted.
-
Hiking pants - 2 to 3 units
-
Thin base layer pants - 1 unit
To withstand the frigid nights at altitude. It will only be used at the campsite.
-
200 fleece pants - 1 unit
To withstand the frigid nights at altitude. It will only be used at the campsite.
-
400 fleece or goose down pants - 1 unit (optional)
To withstand the frigid nights at altitude. It will only be used at the campsite.
-
Underwear
-
Trekking boot - 1 unit
Ideally, the boots should be specifically designed for mountaineering, with a good sole (ideally Vibram® ), a high top, water resistance, and preferably a breathable Gore-Tex® membrane. Some people hike in regular sneakers, but this is NOT RECOMMENDED.
-
Thin liner stockings - 3 to 4 units
Opt for technical socks specifically designed for mountaineering. They should be highly breathable, which helps to minimize contact between your foot and sweat, one of the three factors that cause blisters.
-
Thick sock - 1 unit
For use at camp.
-
Crocks or flip flops - 1 pair
For use at camp.
-
Hat - 1 unit
Opt for fleece models.
-
Bandana / expedition cap / hat - 1 unit
Choose a bandana as it is much more versatile and can withstand extreme environmental conditions.
-
Thin liner glove - 1 unit
Opt for those made of polyester.
-
Medium windproof glove - 1 unit
CAMPING
-
Sleeping bag -5ºC (comfort) - 1 unit
The "limit" temperatures indicated by all manufacturers are very relative from person to person. Ideally, you should always consider only the "comfort temperature". If this is similar to the outside temperature of the environment, you will be able to sleep comfortably wearing only the base layer. We have them available for rent.
-
Thermal insulating mattress - 1 unit
Preferably choose inflatable or closed-cell models. We have them available for rent.
-
Pillow (optional) - 1 unit
Use camping-specific bags, which are smaller and lighter than household bags. To avoid this extra weight, you can substitute a shirt instead.
ACCESSORIES
-
30-40L assault backpack - 1 unit
Camping equipment will be transported by mules, so a large pack saddle is not necessary. A hip belt is mandatory, and having a device adapted for hydration packs is highly recommended.
-
120L Duffle Bag
An 80L backpack would be sufficient for this route, but a 120L one is more versatile for future large-scale high-altitude expeditions.
-
Backpack rain cover - 1 unit
-
Headlamp - 1 unit
Having more free-flowing lights is not only more comfortable but also a matter of safety, especially if you have to navigate a more technical section with low light. On some routes, we make a short ascent to the summit in the late afternoon to admire the sunset, and the descent ends up being at night. If you insist on not investing in this item, it can even be replaced by a cell phone flashlight, but IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
-
Set of spare batteries - 1 unit
Opt for lithium batteries, as they are more resistant to low temperatures.
-
Sunglasses - 1 unit
An essential item to make your trip more comfortable. Radiation at altitude is higher than at sea level, so protect yourself!
-
Trekking poles - 1 pair
Avoid those with screw-type or automatic locking mechanisms. They are less durable.
-
3L Water Reservoir with Hose - 1 unit
This is an important item because dehydration at altitude increases the chance of altitude sickness (severe headaches and nausea, for example). This type of system avoids the constant taking off and putting on of the backpack, but can even be replaced by plastic bottles.
-
Waterproof dry bag 1L - 1 unit
To protect/organize small items and electronics.
-
8L Waterproof Dry Bag - 1 unit
To protect/organize clothes.
-
30L Waterproof Dry Bag - 1 unit
To protect/organize sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
-
Pee bottle (optional) - 1 unit
It may seem silly, but when you feel the urge to pee in the middle of the night, when you're warm and comfortable inside your sleeping bag, getting out of the tent can be a real pain. You'll have to put on several layers of clothing again to withstand the often sub-zero temperatures. Men can use just a wide-mouthed canteen, and women need a portable urinary funnel (there are reusable or disposable models).
-
Hand warmer (optional) - 3 to 6 units
If you want to avoid getting cold at all costs, we suggest taking hand and foot warmers. These are small bags with chemicals inside that, when removed from their original packaging, heat up when they come into contact with oxygen in the air, maintaining a temperature of approximately 40ºC for up to 6 hours.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
-
Sunscreen factor 50 or higher
-
Medicines for personal use
-
Toothbrush
-
Toothpaste
-
Toilet paper
-
Chlor-in - 30 units
No matter how pure the water from a mountain spring or stream is, wild animals often defecate near water sources. Chemical purification is the most practical option during a trek.
-
Deodorant
-
Anti-friction gel (optional) - 1 unit
Blister formation is necessarily caused by a combination of three conditions: heat, humidity, and friction. If you can eliminate one of these, blisters will not form. Humidity can be reduced by using socks with COLLMAX technology and breathable boots, but the easiest factor to avoid is friction by applying petroleum jelly directly to the skin.
DOCUMENTS
Brazilians
-
Original ID card (driver's license not accepted)
-
Valid passport with more than 6 months remaining until the expiration date, if applicable (recommended).
Non-Brazilians
-
Valid passport with more than 6 months remaining until the expiration date.
Some nationalities require a visa to enter Venezuela. Check with your nationality.
MINORS
-
Original ID card (driver's license not accepted)
-
Valid passport with more than 6 months remaining until the expiration date, if applicable (recommended).
-
They must be accompanied by their parents or guardians with the printed and completed international travel authorization form .
FAQs
Do I need prior high-altitude mountaineering experience for this itinerary?
I already practice high-altitude mountaineering. Should I take an ice climbing course?
Is the rope team leader Brazilian?
What is the minimum and maximum number of participants for this expedition?
Do I need to have all the climbing and glacier equipment?
What are the possible payment methods for itineraries and courses priced in dollars or euros?
