Cordillera Huayhuash — Mini Trek
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 Mini Trek covers the most spectacular stretches of the classic circuit without completing the full loop. It's not an easy trek, but the views make up for it. Tap a day to see it on the map.
Huaraz → Cuartelhuain (4,180m) → Cacananpunta Pass (4,700m) → Mitucocha
Very early departure (~4am) from Huaraz via Recuay, Ticapampa, Catac and Conococha, with a stop in Chiquián before reaching Cuartelhuain (4,180m), where the hike begins. Crossing of Cacananpunta Pass — the continental divide — and descent to the Mitucocha camp, with views of Jirishanca and Ninashanca (5–6h of hiking).
Mitucocha → Punta Carhuac Pass (4,650m) → Carhuacocha
Easy terrain up to Punta Carhuac Pass, with views of the Huayhuash's highest peaks: Yerupajá (6,617m), Siula Grande (6,344m) and Jirishanca. Descent to Lake Carhuacocha, one of the circuit's most photogenic camps (5–6h). Optional alpine route of the three lakes, with fossils along the way and a panoramic view of Carhuacocha (6–7h, highest point 4,800m).
Carhuacocha → Siula Lookout → Siula Pass (4,830m) → Huayhuash Camp
Spectacular sunrise with the lake reflecting the mountain. Siula Lookout with views of three glacial lakes (Siula, Quesilococha and Cangracocha), climb to Siula Pass with the Cordillera Raura in the background, and descent along Lake Carnicero to the Huayhuash camp (6–7h).
Huayhuash → Trapecio Pass (5,041m, optional alpine route) → Pampa Elefante
Early climb to Trapecio Pass — an optional alpine route, not part of the classic circuit — with the option of 40 extra minutes to a glacier viewpoint. Descent past 5 lakes to the Pampa Elefante camp (6–7h). Option of 2 extra hours to the San Antonio lookout (5,100m), one of the circuit's most famous views.
Pampa Elefante → Santa Rosa Pass alpine route (5,200m) → Huayllapa
The highest crossing of the entire trek — the Santa Rosa alpine route passes very close to Siula Grande, the mountain from "Touching the Void." Crossing of the Cutatambo valley to Huayllapa (19km, 9–10h). That night is spent at typical lodging in the village, courtesy of the agency, to support the local community.
Huayllapa → Barranca → Lima or Huaraz
Breakfast and private transfer to Barranca (~5h, the midpoint between Lima and Huaraz), then a switch to a public bus to Lima (~4h more) or direct return to Huaraz. Arrival around 6pm. No pass to cross — this is entirely a transfer day.
Before you book
Everything you need to walk the circuit worry-free — personal gear is on you.
