Cordillera Huayhuash — Mini Trek
The circuit, day by day
The Cordillera Huayhuash is only 30km across but packs in towering peaks: almost every bend in the trail reveals vertical walls of ice, snow and rock. Turquoise-blue lakes, various bird species and, with luck, Andean condors — all beneath the gaze of Siula Grande (6,344m), the setting for "Touching the Void." It's not an easy hike, with moderate-to-difficult grading, but the views make every effort worth 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 (5,040m, alpine route) → Pampa Elefante → San Antonio lookout (5,100m, optional)
Early climb to Trapecio Pass — an 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 from camp 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, a village in the heart of the Huayhuash (21km, 9–10h). That night is spent at typical lodging in the village, courtesy of the agency, to support the local community.
Huayllapa → Tapush Pass (4,750m) → Caspapampa
After breakfast, hike from Huayllapa toward Tapush Pass, with views of Cerro Diablo Mudo and Lake Susucocha, and of the Cordillera Blanca in the distance while descending to camp, near a queñual forest (5–7h).
Caspapampa → Yaucha Pass (4,830m) → Jahuacocha
One of the best-view days of the whole trip. Climb to Punta Yaucha Pass, with spectacular views of Yerupajá and, with luck, Andean condors. Descent to Lake Jahuacocha with Jirishanca in the background — arrival at camp around noon and a free afternoon to enjoy the lake (5–6h).
Jahuacocha → Pampa Llamac Pass (4,300m) → Llamac → Huaraz
Final day: climb to Pampa Llamac Pass, where you stop for the last photos, followed by a steep descent to the village of 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.
