Are you ready for one of the most breathtaking high-altitude treks on Earth?
The 5-day Huayhuash Circuit Trek takes you deep into the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range — a remote and dramatic mountain range in the Peruvian Andes that many experienced hikers consider even more spectacular than the Cordillera Blanca.
Jagged granite peaks pierce the sky, massive ice walls glow in the sunlight, and turquoise glacial lakes sit in perfect silence.
This intensive Cordillera Huayhuash trail delivers the very best of the classic circuit in just five unforgettable days.
You will cross high mountain passes above 4,700 m, stand before the world-famous Siula panorama, camp beside pristine alpine lakes, and finish with a relaxing soak in the natural Viconga hot springs.
Wake up to views of Yerupajá (6,635 m) and Siula Grande (6,344 m) — two of the most iconic peaks in South America.
Designed for well-acclimatized, experienced hikers, this trek is challenging, raw, and deeply rewarding.
Expect long days on the trail, thin air, and scenery so powerful it stays with you forever.
If you are searching for a true wilderness adventure in Peru starting from Huaraz, the Huayhuash circuit Trek is waiting for you.
Day 1: Huaraz – Llamac – Cuartelhuain – Mitucocha
Your adventure begins early when your guide picks you up from your hotel in Huaraz.
Climb into the private van for a scenic 5-hour journey toward Pocpa, with a stop for a quick breakfast at a local restaurant enroute
Upon arrival at Cuartelhuain (4,180 m), the official starting point of the expedition, the trek begins immediately with a steady 3-hour ascent to the first mountain pass. After crossing the pass, the trail becomes easier — mostly downhill and flat for another 3 hours — as you enter the beautiful Mitucocha valley.
You reach your first campsite at Mitucocha (4,150 m), nestled at the foot of a stunning glacial lake. Enjoy time to rest, adapt to the altitude, and take in the surroundings before a gourmet dinner under the Andean sky.
- Walking time: 6–7 hours
- Distance: approx. 9 km (5.6 miles)
- Camp elevation: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Weather: Cold mornings, warm midday, windy afternoons, cold nights
Day 2: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass – Carhuacocha
After a hearty breakfast, the team packs camp and you set off on a spectacular 7–8 hour hike. Today you cross two high points: Cacanan Pass (4,700 m) and Carhuac Pass (4,750 m), with continuous views of dramatic peaks and turquoise lakes.
A well-deserved lunch is served along the trail. In the afternoon you descend into the Carhuacocha valley and arrive at one of the most beautiful campsites on the entire Cordillera Huayhuash circuit – Laguna Carhuacocha (4,150 m).
The lake sits in a perfect amphitheater of rock and ice, with Yerupajá and Siula rising directly above.
- Walking time: 7–8 hours
- Distance: approx. 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Highest point: 4,750 m / 15,583 ft
- Camp elevation: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Weather: Cold mornings, warm midday, windy afternoons, cold nights
Day 3: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass – Huayhuash Camp
This morning is pure magic. After an early breakfast you leave Carhuacocha and begin the climb toward Siula Pass (4,800 m), one of the most iconic viewpoints of the Huayhuash Trek. From the top you are rewarded with the classic panorama of three turquoise lakes — Quesillococha, Siula, and Gangrajanca — set against the sheer ice walls of Siula Grande.
After soaking in the views, continue descending past traditional Andean landscapes toward the Huayhuash campsite at 4,350 m. The day is long but filled with some of the most unforgettable scenery in the Peruvian Andes.
- Walking time: 7–8 hours
- Distance: approx. 16 km (10 miles)
- Highest point: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
- Camp elevation: 4,350 m / 14,271 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Weather: Cold mornings, warm midday, windy afternoons, cold nights
Day 4: Huayhuash – Portachuelo Pass – Viconga Hot Springs
After breakfast you lace up your boots for another exciting day on the Cordillera Huayhuash. The trail climbs steadily but not too steeply over Portachuelo Pass (4,750 m), then descends into the wide Viconga valley.
The landscape changes — big open spaces, rolling hills, and the long Laguna Viconga stretching below. You finish the day at Viconga Hot Springs (4,400 m), where a natural thermal bath at high altitude becomes a rare and welcome luxury after four days of hard trekking.
- Walking time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: approx. 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Highest point: 4,750 m / 15,583 ft
- Camp elevation: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Weather: Cold mornings, warm midday, windy afternoons, cold nights
Day 5: Viconga Hot Springs – Cajatambo – Return to Huaraz
After breakfast, pack your duffle bags and enjoy the last mountain views. Board the private van for the journey home: first a 2-hour drive to Cajatambo, then continue along the scenic Andean road back to Huaraz (total travel time approximately 9–10 hours).
Your incredible 5-day Huayhuash Trek comes to an end as you return to Huaraz with unforgettable memories of high passes, glacial lakes, and the wild beauty of the Cordillera Huayhuash.
- Travel time: 9–10 hours (van)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Weather: Cold morning
What’s Included
- Private round-trip transportation from Huaraz (complete end-to-end service)
- Experienced English-speaking mountain guide
- All meals as detailed in the itinerary: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
(Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice) - One duffle bag per person for personal gear, carried by pack animals (maximum 8 kg)
- Fresh drinking water at every meal stop + daily trail snacks
- 4 nights of wilderness camping under the Andean sky
- All necessary entrance fees and community permits for the Cordillera Huayhuash
- Complete camping equipment, including dining tent, kitchen tent, and high-quality two-person sleeping tents
(Single tent available upon request for an additional fee) - Professional trek chef preparing fresh meals throughout the journey
- Reliable pack animals (donkeys) to carry all group equipment and personal duffle bags
- Comfortable sleeping foam mattress
- Basic first-aid kit with emergency oxygen
What’s Not Included
- Gratuities for the guide, chef, porters, and horsemen (always appreciated)
- Accommodation in Huaraz
- International or domestic flights, and transfers between Lima and Huaraz
- Comprehensive travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Lunch and dinner on Day 5
- Trekking poles (available for rent – $20)
- Sleeping bag (available for rent – $50)
- Private single tent (optional upgrade – $50)
Items to bring with you:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us) This is needed for night 1 only.
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses
- Camera with spare batteries (batteries run down faster at high altitudes)
- Binoculars
- Book to read (you will have some spare time at every camp)
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
- Insect repellent
HUAYHUASH TREKKING COST & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $1280 per person
Private: USD $1380 per person
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Action Peru Treks is able to join that person with additional groups.
Rentals
- Hiking poles – USD $60 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – USD $50 per person
Frequently Asked Questions – 5-Day / 4-Night Huayhuash Trek
How difficult is the 5-day Huayhuash Trek?
This is a challenging high-altitude trek. You will hike 5–8 hours most days on rough mountain trails, cross several passes between 4,700 m and 4,800 m, and camp at elevations above 4,100 m.
It is suitable for experienced hikers who are already well-acclimatized and in good physical condition.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
Previous multi-day trekking experience at high altitude is strongly recommended.
The combination of long days, steep climbs, and thin air makes this trek demanding even for fit hikers.
How important is acclimatization?
Extremely important. We recommend spending at least 2–3 full days in Huaraz (3,100 m) before the trek, ideally including a day hike to higher elevations (such as Laguna 69 or Pastoruri).
Proper acclimatization greatly reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
What is the best time of year for the 5-day Huayhuash Trek?
The best season is the dry season from May to September.
These months offer the most stable weather, clearer skies, and the best mountain views.
Outside this period, rain, snow, and cloudy conditions are more common.
What kind of weather should I expect?
Mornings and nights are cold (often below freezing at camp).
Midday can be warm and sunny, while afternoons are frequently windy.
Weather in the Cordillera Huayhuash can change quickly, so layered clothing is essential.
How much weight can I put in my duffle bag?
Each person may send up to 7 kg in the duffle bag carried by the pack animals.
You will only carry a small daypack with water, snacks, camera, and layers needed during the day.
Do I need to carry my own backpack?
Pack animals carry the main duffle bags and group equipment. You only hike with a light daypack.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be arranged if you inform us in advance.
Is travel insurance required?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation.
What should I pack?
Essential items include a good sleeping bag (rated to at least –10°C / 14°F), warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles (optional but recommended), sun protection, personal medications, and a headlamp.
A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.
How many people share a tent?
Standard tents are for two people.
A private single tent can be requested for an additional fee.
Is the trek suitable for solo travelers?
Solo travelers are welcome and will be matched with other group members for tent sharing (or can request a private tent).
What happens on the last day?
On Day 5 you enjoy breakfast at Viconga Hot Springs, then travel by private van via Cajatambo back to Huaraz (approximately 7 – 8 hours total travel time).
Why choose Action Peru Treks to trek the Huayhuash Circuit?
Local High-Altitude Expertise: Led by experienced local guides who know the Huayhuash circuit inside and out.
Uncompromised Safety: Comprehensive altitude protocols, radio communications, and pulse oximeters on every trek.
Premium Comfort & Gear: Top-quality mountain tents and warm gear built for freezing mountain nights.
Gourmet Mountain Dining: Dedicated trek chefs serving fresh, nutritious meals daily.
Rave TripAdvisor Reviews: Consistently rated 5 stars for outstanding organization, ethical treatment of support staff, and unmatched client care.
