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Day by day…
The Huayhuash Cordillera is situated approximately 50km south of the Cordillera Blanca and 250km north of Lima. Huayhuash is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. It extends over 30km in a north-south direction and includes a range of snow-capped peaks, including the magnificent Yerutaja as well as breathtaking lagoons (Jahuacocha y Soteracocha). This is considered to be one of the most beautiful trips in the world. This trip is considered difficult. Do not forget your camera!
Day 1: HUARAZ – MATACANCHA (4080 m)
On Day 1 we will travel by private bus to Matacancha. Along the way, we will cover almost the entire eastern side of the Cordillera Blanca and we will discover the Cordillera Huayhuash. We will camp at night.
Day 2: MATACANCHA – MITUCOCHA LAGOON (4230 M)
We will begin Day 2 with a short walk to the first clearing at Cacananpunta at 4685 m.a.s.l. Then we hike for 6 hours to the Mitucocha lagoon where we will camp overnight, next to the mighty 6094 meter Jirishanca mountain.
Altitude Change: +585 meters / -455 meters
Distance: 11 ½ km; Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Day 3: MITUCOCHA LAGOON – CARHUACOCHA LAGOON (4138 M)
On Day 3 we will pass through the clearing of Carhuac at 4650 m.a.s.l. and then descend to Carchuacancha where we will set up camp for the night. We will be right at the foot of the majestic Yerupaja mountain with its 6617 meter peak – the second highest mountain in Peru after Huascaran. If we are lucky we will enjoy some delicious trout from the lagoon.
Altitude Change: +420 meters / -512 meters
Distance: 10 km; Duration: 4 to 6 hours.
Day 4: CARHUACOCHA – HUAYHUASH (4330 M)
On Day 4 the moment will have arrived to get close to the magnificent Cordillera and discover its lagoons with amazing colors. We will pass a summit of 4800 m.a.s.l. and make camp in a place called Huayhuash.
Altitude Change: +662 meters / -470 meters
Distance: 14 km; Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Day 5: HUAYHUASH – THERMAL BATHS AT VICONGA (4430 M)
On Day 5 we will pass through the Portachuelo of Huayhuash at 4750 m.a.s.l. and make camp on the banks of the Viconga lagoon where we can enjoy the open air thermal baths.
Altitude Change: +420 meters / -320 meters
Distance: 17 km; Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Day 6: EXCURSION TO THE PUNTA SURASACA (4800 M) OR RELAXING DAY
On Day 6 we will walk to the Punta Surasaca where we will discover five enchanting lagoons. Here we can again enjoy open air thermal baths. For those who prefer to relax they can enjoy this day at Punta Surasaca, which marks the half-way point on our trek.
Altitude Change: +450 meters / -450 meters
Distance: 12 km; Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Day 7: WALK TO THE HUANACPATAY VALLEY (4300 M)
On Day 7 we will walk to the highest summit on this circuit: Punta Cuyoc which sits at 5000 m.a.s.l., from where we can take-in amazing views of the Cordillera and Cuyoc glacier.
Altitude Change:: +570 meters / -700 meters
Distance: 12 km; Duration: 4 to 5 ½ hours
Day 8: WALK TO THE JURAU LAGOON (4250)
Day 8 will be a walk well off the beaten path to a pass at 5000 m.a.s.l. where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the Huayhuash Cordillera. Our mules will not be able to accompany us, but will take another route and us again later. We will continue our journey onward to the Sarapococha Lagoon (4505 m.a.s.l.).
Altitude Change: +800 meters / -900 meters
Distance: 11 km; Duration: 5 to 6 hours.
Day 9: WALK TO THE HEIGHTS OF HUAYLLAPA (4350 M)
Walk to the community of Huayllapa (3500m). We will climb uphill to a grassy field where we will camp.
Altitude Change: +850 meters / -750 meters
Distance: 15 km; Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Day 10: WALK TO THE PUNTA YAUCHA (4847 M)
Walk to the Punta Tapush (4750 m.a.s.l.) and afterwards to the Punta Yaucha (4847m) where the Condor flies. It is possible that we will find fossils (ammonites) around the Susucocha lagoon, showing that the sea was once in this place, millions of year ago. We will enjoy the sunset over the most beautiful view in the Huayhuash Cordillera. Our campsite tonight will be the highest in the circuit.
Altitude Change: +847 meters / -350 meters
Distance: 9 km; Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Day 11: WALK AROUND THE JAHUACOCHA LAGOON (4066 M)
On Day 11 we will walk around the Jahuacocha lagoon and then hike onward to the Solterococha lagoon. Along the way, we will see a wide variety of local fauna and flora.
Altitude Change: +0 meters / -781 meters
Distance: 5 km; Duration: 2 hours
Day 12: WALK TO LLAMAC (3300 M) AND RETURN TO HUARAZ
On Day 12 we will walk to the town of Llamac where we will leave out mules and their handlers and then travel by bus to Huaraz.
Altitude Change: +0 meters / -780 meters
Distance: 13 km; Duration: 5 hours
Free meals
Included:
Transport and subsequent transfers from your hotel in Huaraz, English speaking guide (+ 1 assistant if the group is > 8 people), 1 cooker (+ 1 assistant if the group is > 8 people), food during the treks, hiking and mountain equipment (tents, camping equipment, ropes, ice-picks, snow-brushes, first-aid kit), transport of collective equipment (by mules and porters).
Not Included:
International flight; Bus trip Lima-Huaraz; Hotels in Lima and Huaraz; Entrance fees to national parks and museums in Huaraz; Airport tax ($28 per person); Food purchases in restaurants in Huaraz and in the towns not included in the trek (food costs approximately $8 per person in a good restaurant). Personal equipment is also NOT included, such as a sleeping bag rated to –10˚ C; Mattresses; Hiking/Walking shoes; Helmut with light; Pick; Crampons, etc. These items CAN be rented. Note: Personal insurance is obligatory.
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