8-day Cordillera Huayhuash trek from Huaraz: Seven high passes

Seven mountain passes in eight days at the roof of the Andes

An 8-day trek around the Cordillera Huayhuash, a compact 30-kilometer mountain range south of Huaraz with six peaks over 6,000 meters. The circuit covers 170 kilometers and crosses seven passes between 4,300 and 5,000 meters, staying above 4,000 meters throughout. A live guide in English or Spanish leads groups of at least two. A cook, helpers, and mule drivers manage the camp and carry gear. All meals, tents, and transportation from Huaraz are included. Minimum age is 18. Moderate to good physical fitness and comfort at high altitude are required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to campsite

• Leave Huaraz at 9 am
• Stop for lunch in Chiquian
• Arrive at first campsite at 3 pm
• Relax and enjoy Rondoy mountain view

Day 2: Hiking to Carhuacocha campsite

• Wake up early
• Hike 2.5 hours to Pass Cacanan Punta (4700 m)
• Hike downhill 400m
• Hike uphill to second pass (4650 m)
• Arrive at Carhuacocha campsite

Day 3: Trek to Huayhuash campsite

• Wake up early
• Hike uphill to Pass Siula (4830 m)
• Visit 3 Lagunas viewpoint
• Arrive at Huayhuash campsite (4350 m)

Day 4: Pass Trapecio and lakes hike

• Wake up early
• Hike to Pass Trapecio (5035 m)
• Optional hike to glacier
• Descend past 5 lakes
• Arrive at Camp Elefante (4360 m)
• Optional hike to San Antonio pass (5100 m)

Day 5: Santa Rosa pass to Huayllapa village

• Hike to Pass San Antonio (5020 m)
• Walk 19 km via Valley Cutatambo
• Arrive at Huayllapa village campsite (3360 m)

Day 6: Trek to Cashgapampa camp

• Wake up early
• Hike 4-5 hours to Tapush Pass (4800 m)
• Lunch stop near pass
• Continue to Cashgapampa campsite (4500 m)

Day 7: Pass Yaucha and lakes viewpoint

• Hike to Pass Yaucha (4830 m)
• Side trip to mirador of 2 lakes
• Descend to Camp Jahuacocha (4050 m)

Day 8: Final pass and return to Huaraz

• Climb Pass Jahuapunta (4650 m)
• Descend to village of Pocpa (3600 m)
• Leave mule team and burros
• Private transfer to Huaraz

The experience

The trek leaves Huaraz at 9 am on day one and reaches the first camp at Cuartelhuain (4,180 meters) by 3 pm after a lunch stop in Chiquian: no hiking that first day, just the drive and time to settle. From day two onward, the route climbs to a pass each morning, descends into a valley, and camps at the next site. The passes come in sequence: Cacanan Punta and a second pass on day two; Siula on day three, famous for the 3 Lagunas viewpoint and an 8-hour hike; Trapecio on day four at 5,041 meters with an optional glacier detour; San Antonio on day five, where Siula Grande (the peak from the film Touching the Void) comes into view; Tapush on day six; Yaucha on day seven; and Jahua Punta on the final day. The last descent ends in the village of Pocpa, where a private transfer returns you to Huaraz.

The Cordillera Huayhuash is home to Andean condors and at least 85 other bird species, viscachas, vicuñas, and a dozen more mammals. Camps are set up each evening. You sleep in shared two-person tents and eat in a dining tent. A cook prepares all meals from the camp kitchen, and helpers manage water and firewood. Mule drivers and donkeys carry the heavy gear so you trek with only a day pack. The guide navigates the route, manages the pace, and interprets the landscape. Most days run 6 to 9 hours of hiking depending on the pass and the terrain.

This trek demands surefootedness and a head for heights. Altitudes stay above 4,000 meters, and five of the seven passes exceed 4,800 meters. The physical demand is high: early starts, long days, steep climbs, and the effects of altitude combine to make this a serious undertaking. Acclimatization options and entrance fees to the Huayhuash community are available to add at checkout. Personal gear (boots, sleeping bag, mat, rain jacket) is your own unless you arrange rentals separately.

What’s included

• All meals during the trek.
• camping tents (two-person).
• kitchen equipment and dining tent.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• cook and camp helpers.
• mule drivers and donkeys to carry gear.
• transportation from Huaraz to the trailhead and back to Huaraz at the end.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 01:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Peru Expeditions Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish. Choose the language that lets you follow the commentary and ask questions comfortably. This trek demands moderate to good physical fitness, surefootedness at altitude, and willingness to camp and hike at 4,000+ meters for eight consecutive days. It is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many hours of hiking happen each day on the Cordillera Huayhuash trek?

Days range from 5 to 9 hours of hiking depending on the pass and descent. Day three to the Siula pass runs the longest at approximately 8 hours. Day one is a drive only with no hiking. Most days fall between 6 and 7 hours.

What altitude do the passes reach on this trek?

The seven passes range from 4,300 to 5,041 meters. Trapecio pass on day four is the highest at 5,041 meters, and an optional side hike to San Antonio pass reaches 5,100 meters. All camps sit between 3,360 and 4,500 meters.

What animals live in the Cordillera Huayhuash?

The range is home to Andean condors, viscachas (small rodents similar to chinchillas), vicuñas, and at least 85 bird species plus a dozen other mammal species. Condors are often spotted from the high passes.

Do I carry my own gear, or do mules carry it?

Mule drivers and donkeys carry all heavy gear and camp equipment. You trek with a day pack containing only what you need during the hike: water, snacks, layers, camera. The mules meet you at each campsite.

What meals are provided during the trek?

All meals are included and prepared by a camp cook using kitchen equipment and a dining tent. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner happen at camp or during the hike. Meals in restaurants in Lima and Huaraz are optional add-ons at checkout.

Is the guide fluent in English?

Yes. A live guide leads the trek and speaks either English or Spanish. You choose at checkout. The guide navigates the route, manages the pace, and interprets the landscape and wildlife.