Huayhuash Circuit Trek 14-Day Cordillera Circumnavigation Huaraz

Trekking through turquoise lakes and high peaks, with time in Lima and Huaraz for acclimatization and rest.

A 14-day trek from Huaraz that circles the Cordillera Huayhuash over nine days of high-altitude trekking, crossing seven passes and camping beside glacial lakes like Carhuacocha and Jahuacocha. The itinerary includes two nights in Lima for arrival and departure, one acclimatization hike to Laguna Churup, and a final night back in Huaraz before the return bus. A certified English-speaking guide, cook, donkey drivers and all camp equipment are included. You carry only a light daypack and sleep in a personal tent.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and relax in Lima

• Arrive in Lima
• Relax at hotel or explore city

Day 2: Lima city tour and night bus

• Guided tour of Lima landmarks
• Visit Miraflores and Barranco
• Overnight bus to Huaraz

Day 3: Arrive Huaraz and acclimatize hike

• Arrive in Huaraz and transfer to hotel
• Acclimatization hike to Laguna Churup
• Return to Huaraz

Day 4: Start Huayhuash trek at Cuartelhuain

• Travel from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain
• Set up camp at 4,160 metres

Day 5: Ascend Cacanapunta Pass and camp

• Ascend to Cacanapunta Pass
• Descend to Janca campsite near Mitucocha Lagoon
• Optional walk to lagoon

Day 6: Carhuac Pass and Carhuacocha camp

• Ascend Carhuac Pass
• Follow high-altitude trail past lagoons
• Camp at Carhuacocha lagoon

Day 7: Siula Valley and camp at Huayhuash

• Follow Carhuacocha shore
• Ascend Siula Valley and Siula Pass
• Descend to camp at Huayhuash

Day 8: Trapecio Pass and Camp Elephant

• Ascend Trapecio Pass
• Optional climb to viewpoint
• Descend to Camp Elephant

Day 9: Santa Rosa Pass and Huayllapa village

• Ascend Santa Rosa Pass
• Descend to Huayllapa Valley
• Camp or stay in village

Day 10: Tapush Pass and Gashpapampa camp

• Climb through Quebrada Huancho
• Reach Tapush Pass
• Descend to Gashpapampa campsite

Day 11: Yauche Pass and Jahuacocha camp

• Descend then climb to Yauche Pass
• Traverse ridge with mountain views
• Descend to Jahuacocha lagoon camp

Day 12: Exit trek and return to Huaraz

• Pack camp and trek out
• Meet transport at roadhead
• Return to Huaraz

Day 13: Bus from Huaraz to Lima

• Travel by bus to Lima
• Transfer to Miraflores hotel
• Explore or dine locally

Day 14: Transfer to Lima airport

• Transfer to Lima Airport
• Reflect on trek experience

The experience

The trek itself covers about 170 km and demands moderate to strong fitness, surefootedness, and comfort with high altitude. You'll camp at elevations between 4,160 and 5,050 metres, crossing passes like Siula at 4,810 metres and Santa Rosa at 5,050 metres. Each day balances climbing and descent, with stops at named lagoons (Mitucocha, Alcaycocha, Carhuacocha, the trio of Siula lakes, Juraucocha, Susococha, and Jahuacocha), where the landscape shifts from glaciated peaks to hanging glaciers to lush meadows. Wildlife includes condors, vicuñas, and other mountain species. The trek ends with a two-hour walk out to the roadhead on day nine.

Before the trek, you arrive in Lima and spend a day at a three-star hotel in the city centre. On day two, a guided tour covers the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, Government Palace, and San Francisco Monastery, plus the neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco, before an evening transfer to the bus station for the eight-hour overnight journey to Huaraz. On arrival, an acclimatization hike to Laguna Churup at 4,550 metres lets you adjust to altitude and see the turquoise lake beneath Mt. Churup before the main trek begins. After the nine-day circuit, you return to Huaraz by private transport and spend a final night there before the public bus carries you back to Lima and your hotel in Miraflores.

All transfers run from Lima airport to hotel and back. Entry fees to Huayhuash Community National Park and Huascaran National Park are covered. The expedition includes a cook, certified trekking guide, and donkey drivers who manage the pack animals so you trek with only a light daypack. Meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and a substantial dinner) are provided throughout the trek, along with snacks and all cooking equipment. Personal tents sleep two people. Single-occupancy tents cost an extra $225. A mountain rescue team (Socorro Andino Peruano) is on standby. The guide speaks English and Spanish.

What’s included

• All airport and hotel transfers in Lima and Huaraz.
• entry fees to Huayhuash Community National Park and Huascaran National Park.
• a certified English-speaking trekking guide.
• a cook and donkey drivers.
• all meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snacks).
• cooking equipment and utensils.
• personal tents for two people.
• mountain rescue team support.
• and private transportation to and from the trek trailhead.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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 3 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 14-day span gives you two days to acclimatize in Lima and Huaraz before the trek and one night to recover after. A buffer that matters at high altitude. If you need to fit a shorter trek into a tighter schedule, the nine-day circuit alone demands the full commitment. This version builds in the city time that makes altitude sickness less likely.

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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.

What fitness level do I need for the Huayhuash Circuit trek?

The trek demands at least moderate physical fitness, surefootedness, and comfort with high altitude. You'll trek at elevations up to 5,050 metres and cross seven passes, with daily climbs and descents over nine consecutive days. The operator does not recommend this trek for travellers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travellers.

How much of the 14 days is actually spent trekking?

Nine days are spent on the trek itself, circling the Cordillera Huayhuash. The remaining five days cover arrival and departure: two nights in Lima, one acclimatization hike near Huaraz, one night in Huaraz before the trek starts, and one night in Huaraz after it ends.

What do I carry, and what do the donkeys carry?

You carry only a light daypack with water, snacks, and personal items for the day. Donkeys and donkey drivers manage all camp equipment, cooking gear, food, and your personal belongings. A cook prepares all meals at camp, and a certified guide leads the route.

Are meals included during the trek?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are provided every day of the trek, along with snacks. Meals in Lima and Huaraz are not included and are your own expense.

What are the highest passes on the circuit?

The Huayhuash Circuit crosses seven passes. The highest are Santa Rosa at 5,050 metres and Trapecio at 5,010 metres. Others include Siula at 4,810 metres, Yauche at 4,830 metres, Tapush at 4,770 metres, Cacanapunta at 4,650 metres, and Carhuac. Each crossing offers views of glaciated peaks and turquoise lagoons.

Do I need my own tent and sleeping bag?

Personal tents for two people are included. A sleeping bag, mat, boots, and other personal mountaineering equipment are not included and must be brought or rented separately. Single-occupancy tents cost an extra $225 if you prefer not to share.