Itinerary:
Day 1: Acclimatization Churup lake
This is a very good hike for acclimatizing. From Huaraz we go by car to the village of Pitec. On the way we pass several picturesque villages, such as Unchus and Llupa.
At 3850 meter we start our easy hike up to Lake Churup with its blue colors sitting at an altitude of 4440 m underneath snow-capped Churup mountain (5495). The last 100 meter before arriving to the lake involves some scrambling over steep rocks. And then come back to Huaraz for the same way.
Day 2: Huaraz - Matacancha/Quarterhuain (4200 m)
Starting from Huaraz, we drive through Huaylas alley to Conococha, which offers impressive panoramic views over Huayhuash mountain range. We observe many snow peaked mountains, such as Yerupaja, Jirishanca, Rondóy and others. We then drive through villages Llamac and Pocpa. Finally, we set up our camp. 5 hours of driving aprox.
Day 3: Quarterhuain - Lake Mitucocha (4220 m)
We start our trek with a zig-zag track that leads up to Cacananpunta pass at 4750 m. We descend through a large picturesque valley that opens to a beautiful lake Mitucocha (4200 m), where we set our camp right at the lake banks. We then do a lateral trek on the moraine. 5 hours aprox.
Day 4: Lake Mitucocha - Lake Carhuacocha (4150 m)
We start the third day walking through Mitucocha valley, ascending up to Carhuac pass (4650 m) which offers an excellent panoramic view of Siula and Yerupaja mountains. We descend down to a beautiful lake Carhuacocha to set up our camp on an idilic spot with a splendorous view over Siula mountain, complemented with Yerupaja and Jirishancas mountains. 5 hours aprox.
Day 5: Lake Carhuacocha - Huayhuash (4350 m)
This is a long day of walking, starting at the beginning of Queropalca valley. We ascend up to Siula pass (4800 m) with excellent views over the surrounding mountains. Yerupaja (6634 m) is the second highest peak in Peru and Siula (6356 m) is an impressive mountain that was made famous by Joe Simpson’s book Touching the Void in which he recounts his successful but disastrous and nearly fatal climb to this mountain. We also get excellent views over Carnicero and Trapecio. We descend to Huayhuash to set our camp. 7-8 hours aprox.
Day 6: Huayhuash - Lake Viconga (4400 m)
This day we reach the most southern point of Huayhuash mountain range, ascending to Huayhuash pass at 4700 m. We get excellent views over Cordillera Raura mountain range at one side and southeastern face of Trapecio at the other. We descend south and walk along lake Viconga until we reach thermal baths. This is a great opportunity to rest and take a relaxing hot bath. 4-5 hours aprox.
Day 7: Lake Viconga – ascent to Pumarinri (5485 m)- Elefante
We start hiking at 3:00 am to reach Pumarinri peak with its excellent views over Cordillera Huayhuash, including Rasac, Yerupaja and Sarapo mountains. We ascent on a glacier to reach the top. We descend in direction of Cuyoc pass where we are once again rewarded with beautiful views. We walk down to Elefante camp base, where we spend the night. 7-8 aprox.
Day 8: Elefante - Cutatambo
We continue our trek passing San Antonio pass at 5080 m. Beautiful views over Yerupaja, Sarapo, Jurao and Huacrish open in front of us. We descend to Cutatambo valley, where we spend the night. 5-6 hours aprox.
Day 9: Cutatambo – Huayllapa (3350m)
We start walking up through Huanacpatay valley (river Calinca) until we reach Huayllapa. Huayllapa is a village located right at the middle of Huayhuash trek and many hikers fill up their food supplies here. 5 hours aprox.
Day 10: Huayllapa - Gashpampa (4500 m)
We start ascending through Tapush valley until we reach Tapush pass at 4750 m. We then descend, passing lake Susucocha and continuing until our camp at Cashapampa (4600 m). 6 hours aprox.
Day 11: Gashpampa - Jahuacocha (4150 m)
We ascend to Gaucha pass at 4800 m, where we get to admire magnificent views over Yerupaja, Rasac and other mountains. We then descend to Jahuacocha, a beautiful lake where we set our camp in Andean meadows. We spend 2 nights here, in wonderful nature close to the lake.
Day 12: Rest day (hike to lake Soltercocha)
This is a rest day. We take our time in the morning to relax, then we do a short walk to lake Soltercocha. We prepare a delicious lunch called pachamanca, which is a typical Peruvian dish, prepared in a natural way.
Day 13: Laguna Jahuacocha - Llamac – Huaraz
The last day we descend through Jahuacocha valley and then walk up to reach Pampa Llamac at 4250 m. Crossing the pass, we descend to Llamac village where we take a bus to Huaraz. 6 hours.
Day 14: Rest in Huaraz
Free in Huaraz
Day 15: Huaraz – Pashpa – Base Camp (4350m)
From Huaraz we will drive to Cochapamapa where our Donkey Driver will be waiting for us. From there we will start our hike, going through a forest of Quenuales trees until Base Camp. Approx. 4 hours
Day 16:Base Camp – Urus Summit – Base Camp
We will start our ascent at 3 am by a steep ridge until we reach the glacier, before climbing along a spectacular ridge to the summit, with views of the Tocllaraju and Ranrapalca peaks among others. After the summit, we will go down to base camp. Approx. 5 hours.
Day 17:Base Camp – Ishinca Summit – Base Camp
We will start our ascent at 3 am, taking a zigzag trail to the glacier, where we will begin our journey to the top. From there, we will have a truly panoramic view. Then, we will go down to base camp.
Day 18:Rest day
Rest day. Optional only. It is also possible to go on a 2 hour walk to Lake Milhuacocha this day.
Day 19:Base Camp – Campo Morena (5100m)
We will hike a zigzag trail for four hours until we reach 5100m, where we set up camp.
Day 20:Campo Morena – Tocllaraju summit (6034m) – Base Camp
We will start hiking the ascent at 1am along a large glacier until we get to the first 50m wall (55-65°). After climbing it, we will reach a ridge with views of the Callejon de Conchucos. We will carry on to the summit where we will be rewarded with a splendid view. In the afternoon, we will descend to base camp. Approx. 6 to 7 hours.
Day 21:Base Camp – Pashpa – Huaraz
On the last day we will go on an easy trail to go back to Chacapampa and return to Huaraz with our private vehicle. Approx. 3 ½ hours.
