the best of huayhuash

We pick you up from your hotel and we drive to the south east, passing small villages such as Recuay, Ticapampa, Catac and Conococha. Also, we pass some mining places such as Pachapaqui, Huanzala, Huallanca and finally we will arrive to the Archeological Center of Huánuco Pampa. One of the many administrative centers which is built along the highland Inca highway between Cusco and Quito. The land administrated at least five, and perhaps many more, ethnic group. We will visit this interesting place. Then we continue our drive to Queropalca, where we spend the night at 3830m.

A half-day hike takes us to the shore of Laguna Carhuacocha, in a beautiful location. On a calm day, the snow-capped peaks of Jirishanca and Yerupajá are reflected in the water, creating a stunning visual effect. We camp by the lake at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level (13,780 feet).

Leaving our campsite behind, we hike over a Pass at 4,620m (15,157ft) with great views of the surrounding area. Once over the Punta Carhuacocha Pass we come into view of Lake Mitucocha and again in the background Mt. Yerupaja, Rondoy and Ninashanca from the backdrop of our day’s hike. Lunch on route or in the camp. We arrive in the early afternoon with a chance to walk around the lake and get closer views of the mountain. Overnight and camp at Mitucocha. 4,100m.a.s.l.

Leaving our camp, we head towards Cacananpunta Pass at 4, 700m (15,420ft). The trail winds up to the pass, the aquarium divortium and after that we start our descent on the other side, to Cuartelhuain where we have lunch. Continue over to Matacancha, camp below tomorrow’s pass, at 4,200m.a.s.l.

We ascend through the Rondoy valley towards Sambuya pass at 4,750 m.a.s.l (15,583 ft), from where we can see the snow-capped peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupaja, Rasac, and Solteracocha. Then we descend towards Lake Jahuacocha, camp 4050m.a.s.l (13,287 ft) near the lake, below a beautiful cirque.

Following our customized Huayhuash trekking circuit, the morning after, we set off from camp after breakfast to head back to Huaraz. Our journey begins with a consistent yet manageable ascent towards Mancanpunta Pass, situated at an altitude of 4572m. Once at the pass, we'll take a short break to appreciate the breathtaking vistas of the encompassing Andean mountain ranges before descending via a steep, gravel-laden trail leading us down to Pocpa at 3483m. At Pocpa, our private transportation will be ready and waiting to transport us back to Huaraz.