Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel El Tumi
This clean, comfortable hotel is just a quick, 3-block walk from the main square in Huaraz. Spa services and a sauna are available, which might be of interest after 12 days on the trail!
Experience hiking the classic Cordilerra Huayhuash Circuit on this unforgettable 14-day guided trek
Experience the majesty of the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain chain on the Huayhuash Circuit Trek- the 14-day guided adventure that will take you on the full classic journey in the Peruvian Andes. This route will be a private, fully-guided tour for your group, so you can make memories with your family and friends.
This route is the classic Huayhuash Circuit route, though the days are a bit shorter than other tours. This allows you more time to enjoy the scenery and explore the regions around the pretty campgrounds.
During the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek, you will make your way over breathtaking mountain passes, through lush valleys, across fields of Peruvian grass where llamas feed, and along the shores of crystal-clear mountain lakes. Each day brings you deeper into the Cordillera Huayhuash to experience this impressive region up close.
Along this guided Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek, you will have the opportunity to enjoy hearty meals and camp in beautiful settings.
The 14-day tour starts and ends in Huaraz, Peru. Since most of this tour is above 4,000m in elevation, it is important to spend a few days prior to the Huayhuash Circuit trek getting acclimated to the altitude. A series of acclimatization hikes around Huaraz is strongly recommended.
If you are interested in the standard version of this tour, check out the standard Cordillera Huayhuash trek.
If you are interested in a short version of this tour, see our Short Huayhuash Tour.
While this version of the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek is a bit longer at 14 days, the route itself is approximately 120-130 kilometres (75-80 miles). This trek will take you through the rugged terrain of the Andes Mountains of Peru and will expose you to often unrelenting weather conditions, meaning it is not a trek for the faint of heart.
The question of if you will be able to do the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trek is a bit of a personal one, as every person has a different level of physical fitness and limitations. Overall, this is a very challenging trek that traverses rugged terrain at high altitudes. Anyone looking to complete the Huayhuash Circuit Trek should have plenty of experience hiking/trekking in mountainous areas and should spend several days at high altitude prior to the start of the tour in order to acclimatize.
Arrive in Huaraz and check into your guesthouse. Enjoy exploring Huaraz on foot as you get used to the altitude. If you are coming from a lower elevation, it is strongly recommended to spend 2-3 days acclimatizing to the altitude, and you can book a 3-day acclimatization tour during the booking process, or you can plan your acclimatization before the trip on your own. The option acclimatization tour you can book takes you out to some of the most beautiful hikes around Huaraz. You can also arrange bus travel from Lima to Huaraz in the booking process.
A private van will pick you up in the hotel in Huaraz at 8:30 AM and take you to Cuartelwain (4,150 m / 13,615 ft). The drive takes about 5 hours plus a lunch stop along the way. At Cuartelwain, set camp and make dinner. Get a great night’s rest to prepare for the first hiking day!
After breakfast, the trekking starts as you undertake the complete Huayhuash Circuit. Start with a 3-hour hike up to Qaganan Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). Enjoy the view as you rest and eat lunch. From there, you will descend down the eastern side of Cordillera Huayhuash. After 2 more hours of hiking, you will reach the shores of Mitucocha Lake (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), where you will eat dinner and camp for the night beside the impressive Hirishanca and Rondoy mountains.
This morning on the Huayhuash Circuit Trek begins with a climb up to the Carhuac Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). The hike takes about 2.5 hours and promises beautiful views of the Yerupaja Chico, Yerupaja, and Siula mountains. It is a perfect place to rest and eat lunch. From here, another 2 hours of hiking brings you to the shores of Carhuacocha Lake (4,150 m / 13,615 ft). This stunning location is where you will camp and enjoy your dinner tonight.
Get an early start today as you hike up to the Siula Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The trail begins along the shores of Carhuacocha Lake, where you have just spent the night, and passes three more lakes along the way: Qanrajancacocha, Siulacocha and Quesillococha. The hike to Siula Pass takes about 4 hours, with spectacular views of the Hirishanca chico, Yerupaja and Siula mountains visible the whole time. The Siula Pass offers a panoramic view of an array of snow-covered peaks, Siula Mountain in particular, and it is the perfect place to rest, eat lunch, and take photographs. The trail then continues down again for about 3 hours to a well-earned dinner and night of rest at the Huayhuash campsite (4,300 m / 14,108 ft).
Today on your trek on the Huayhuash Circuit you will climb for about 2 hours up to the Portachuelo Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). This pass forms the boundary between two different mountain chains, the Cordillera Huayhuash and the Cordillera Raura, and offers spectacular views of both chains. The trail then descends through fields of Peruvian feathergrass (jarava ichu), which only grows at elevations above 4,000m (13,123 ft) in the Andes mountains. You may even spot some llamas and alpacas that feed on these grasses. Continue hiking past beautiful Viconga Lake until reaching the campsite for the night, which is located near the hot springs (4,400 m / 14,436 ft). The hike from the Portachuelo Pass to the campsite takes about 2 hours.
Today’s Cordillera Huayhuash hiking takes you to new heights! Climb 600 m in about 3 hours, up to the Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft) between Cuyoc Mountain and Pumarinri Mountain. The highest pass on this tour, the Cuyoc Pass offers amazing views of Cordillera Raura, as well as a section of the Cordillera Huayhuash. The trail then leads back down into the Guanacpatay Valley (4,400 m / 14, 436 ft), and the hike to your campsite there from the Cuyoc Pass only takes about 1.5 hours.
After breakfast, a 2.5 hour hike brings you to the spectacular San Antonio Mirador (lookout) point (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). From this overlook, you will enjoy clear views of five different mountains - Carnicero, Jurao, Siula Grande and Yerupaja – as well as two mountain lakes – Jurao and Siulacocha. Rest here and take plenty of pictures before hiking another 2 hours down into the Cutatambo Valley (4,250 m / 13,944 ft) to camp for the night.
After several days of demanding trekking on the Huayhuash Circuit, today you can either take a well-deserved rest day or go on a marvelous trek to the Siula Grande glacier base camp. This well-known mountain was the scene of the dramatic survival story of Joe Simpson, told in the book “Touching the Void,” and the film of the same name. The hike to Sarapococha Lake (4,550 m / 14,928 ft) and the glacier takes about 2.5 hours. Take time to walk around the lake and take pictures of the glacier before returning to the Cutatambo campsite by the same trail.
Today, the Huayhuash Circuit trail descends along the Huayllapa River through a beautiful valley filled with native trees and shrubs. After hiking for about 3.5 hours, you’ll reach the Huayllapa Village (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) where you can treat yourself to soft drinks or beer before camping nearby for the night.
Leave the valley today and hike back up into the mountains to the Tapush Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). The hike from Huayllapa Village to the Tapush Pass takes about 3.5 hours of steep climbing, but your efforts will be rewarded with views of the Cordillera Blanca and Tuco Mountain. Stop to rest and enjoy the view before hiking down for about 2 hours to reach Qashpapampa (4,500 m / 14,764 ft). This area is often used as a base camp for climbing the Diablo Mudo Mountain.
Have your camera ready for a day full of breathtaking vistas on the Huayhuash Circuit! After breakfast, a 2.5 hour hike will bring you to the Yahucha Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), which offers spectacular views of Cordillera Huayhuash’s western side. You can clearly see at least 6 different snow-capped peaks, including Ninashanca, Hirishanca, Yerupaja Chico, Yerupaja, and Rasac. Yerupaja (6,634 m / 21,765 ft) is the second-highest peak in Peru after Huascaran (6,768 m / 22,205 ft). Rest and take plenty of pictures while at the Yahucha Pass. Continue hiking about 2.5 hours through the Huacrish Valley until you reach Jahuacocha Lake (4,070 m / 13,353 ft). Enjoy your dinner and a good night’s rest here on the shores of Jahuacocha Lake against a stunning mountain backdrop.
On the final day of this circuit tour, hike for 3 hours up to Pampa Llamac Pass (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). From this lookout, get one last, up-close view of the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain chain. After pausing to rest, hike down for about 2 hours to Llamac Village (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). In Llamac Village, you will meet up with a car waiting to take you back to Huaraz City and your hotel.
Today you’ll depart Huaraz. Many guests take a bus back to Lima, though some stay on to complete another trek in the Huayhuash.
The guided Huayhuash Circuit is always run as a custom tour for you and your group. Please contact us with your preferred starting date and group size so we can help you make incredible memories on this private group tour. This route can also be altered depending on your group's capabilities.
The prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
Please note that the pricing might change depending on the size of your group
You will be staying in a hotel in Huaraz at the start and end of this tour. In between, you will be pitching camp at various scenic spots along the Huayhuash Circuit Trek. These campsites are owned by the rural communities in the Cordillera Huayhuash and provide revenue for these local communities. Camping allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings around you, as well as enjoy staying on the trail itself along the way.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a $100USD supplement to have a private room in a hotel. In some cases we can also get triple rooms for groups.
This clean, comfortable hotel is just a quick, 3-block walk from the main square in Huaraz. Spa services and a sauna are available, which might be of interest after 12 days on the trail!
You will be pitching camp at scenic spots along the Alpamayo Trek. Your campsites are owned by the rural communities in the Cordillera Blanca, and your staying there provides valuable revenue.
This clean, comfortable hotel is just a quick, 3-block walk from the main square in Huaraz. Spa services and a sauna are available, which might be of interest after 12 days on the trail!
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners
Accommodations along the Huayhuash Circuit Trekking tour are included, as are accommodations in Huaraz before and after the trekking tour.
This tour includes transportation at the beginning and end of the trek to and from Huaraz. You can also arrange transport from Lima to Huarez during the booking process.
How hard is the Huayhuash Circuit tour?
This tour is rated as a 5 out of 5 for difficulty, largely due to the altitude of the Huayhuash Circuit. Acclimatization to the altitude prior to the start of the tour is recommended.
Do I need a Visa?
Every country is different. It’s important to check with your country to see if they require a visa. You could also try this website, though it’s important that you verify with your government.
Are meals included?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners.
Do I need insurance?
In order to participate in this tour, it is mandatory that you have Health and Medical travel insurance. You can get travel insurance here.
How do I get to Huaraz to start this tour?
Most guests fly into Lima and then take a bus to Huaraz. You can add on the bus trip to Huarez from Lima during the booking process.
Where does the tour end?
The trek ends in Llamac Village, where you’ll get a transfer back to Huarez. You can book a bus back to Lima during the booking process.
Are the tours in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
Can I rent any gear?
There shouldn’t be any need to rent gear for this tour.
Do I need vaccines?
Check with your family doctor or a Travel Medical Clinic to confirm required immunizations or vaccines.
What kind of tents do you use?
The tents used are 3 season, 3-person tents, however tents are only shared for 2-participants. The specific tent used is typically the Doite Cara Kailas.
Can I bring my own tent?
Yes you can bring your own tent, however you won’t save any money.
Should I tip a guide on the Huayhuash Circuit tour?
Yes, tips are optional and based on good service.
What gear should I bring for the Huayhuash Circuit trek?
Please try to travel as light as possible. Although you do not need to carry your luggage while walking, you will still need to carry it over short distances. Also, remember you unpack and repack on most nights.
When is the best time to travel to this region of Peru for trekking?
The recommended months to travel to Huaraz are from May to September. This period is cold but dry. You should avoid travelling to this region for trekking during the rainy season as the snow makes some of the high passes impassable.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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55 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
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This Huayhuash Circuit tour is rated as a 5 out of 5 for difficulty, largely due to the altitude of the Huayhuash Circuit. Acclimatization to the altitude prior to the start of the tour is recommended.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Huaraz, Peru
Experience the majesty of the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain chain in the Peruvian Andes on this magical Cordillera Huayhuash trek. This trek is a bit shorter than the complete Huayhuash Circuit tour, however, this is a popular itinerary for those who have 2 weeks to get to Peru and complete the incredible Huayhuash Trek. This is a wonderful trip that has you trekking the majority of the Classic Huayhuash Circuit.
The 12-Day Guided Alpamayo Circuit Trek in Peru is as every bit rewarding as it is challenging. Voted one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, this Alpamayo tour is jam-packed with world-class trekking and will put you to the test as you climb the moraine up to Alpamayo base camp.
Spend a week experiencing the stunning Cordillera Blanca on this partial circuit around Alpamayo. This guided trek on the famous Alpamayo route takes you to stunning mountain lakes, close-ups to massive peaks and across stunning mountain passes in the Peruvian Andes. The Alpamayo trekking tour will take you through some of the most diverse landscapes in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca.
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