Cordillera Huayhuash — Full loop
The circuit, day by day
The Cordillera Huayhuash is only 30km across but packs in towering peaks, ice walls, glacial lakes and Andean condors — including Siula Grande (6,344m), the setting for "Touching the Void." This 10-day version covers 120km and completes the full loop with plenty of time to acclimatize, cross Punta Cuyoc Pass and enjoy the Viconga hot springs. Tap a day to see it on the map.
Huaraz → Chiquián → Llamac → Pocpa → Cuartelhuain
Very early departure (~5am) heading south via Recuay, Ticapampa, Catac and Conococha (4,100m), with a stop in Chiquián (3,400m, ~2h). A ~1h descent and climb past Llamac to the village of Pocpa, where you meet the local staff. 4–5h hike from 3,600m up to Cuartelhuain (4,180m), passing the small Pallca mine, with views of Ninashanca. Arrival around 4:30pm.
Cuartelhuain → Cacananpunta Pass (4,700m) → Mitucocha
Crossing of Cacananpunta Pass, the continental divide, to the Mitucocha camp, with views of Jirishanca and Ninashanca (5–6h of hiking).
Mitucocha → Punta Carhuac Pass (4,650m) → Carhuacocha
Crossing of Punta Carhuac Pass, with views of Yerupajá (6,617m), Siula Grande (6,344m) and Jirishanca. Descent to Lake Carhuacocha, one of the circuit's most photogenic camps (5–6h).
Carhuacocha → Siula Lookout → Siula Pass (4,830m) → Huayhuash Camp
Siula Lookout with views of three glacial lakes (Siula, Quesilococha and Cangracocha), climb to Siula Pass, and descent along Lake Carnicero to the Huayhuash camp (6–7h).
Huayhuash → Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass (4,750m) → Viconga
Crossing of Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass with views of Puscanturpa, Trapecio and the Cordillera Raura. Descent to Lake Viconga, the largest of the circuit. In the afternoon, an opportunity to soak in the hot springs next to camp (4–5h).
Viconga → Punta Cuyoc Pass (5,000m) → San Antonio Lookout (5,100m) → Pampa Elefante
The trek's second-highest pass — well acclimatized by now. Descent down a steep stretch to a flat valley, and climb to the San Antonio lookout (5,100m), famous for its sunset. Return by the same route to the Pampa Elefante camp (~4,500m, 8–9h).
Pampa Elefante → Santa Rosa Pass alpine route, traverse (5,200m) → Huayllapa
Close-up views of Siula Grande from the Santa Rosa alpine route, crossing of the Cutatambo valley and descent to the village of Huayllapa (21km, 9–10h). That night is spent at typical lodging in the village, courtesy of the agency.
Huayllapa → Tapush Pass (4,750m) → Caspapampa
Climb toward Tapush Pass with views of Cerro Diablo Mudo and Lake Susucocha, with distant views of the Cordillera Blanca. Descent to camp, near a queñual forest (5–7h).
Caspapampa → Punta Yaucha Pass (4,830m) → Jahuacocha
Crossing of Punta Yaucha Pass with views of Yerupajá and, with luck, Andean condors. Descent toward Lake Jahuacocha and Jirishanca, with a free afternoon by the lake (5–6h).
Jahuacocha → Pampa Llamac Pass (4,300m) → Llamac → Huaraz
The trek's final pass, Pampa Llamac, with a stop to rest and take photos. Steep descent to Llamac, where private transport waits to return to Huaraz (4–5h hiking, 4h by car).
Before you book
Everything you need to walk the circuit worry-free — personal gear is on you.
