Santa Cruz Trek
Difficulty
High
Duration
8 Days
Highest point
Sant Antonio Pass | 5.020 m.
Price
Ask us
Classic Huayhuash Trek in 8 Days
The Huayhuash Trek, regarded as one of the most beautiful treks in the world, captures the hearts of adventurers with its towering snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lagoons, and stunning Andean landscapes.
This 8-day trek takes you through one of Peru’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions. Each day unveils breathtaking scenery, from majestic mountains to serene alpine lakes, making the Huayhuash Trek a truly unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Day 1: Departure from Huaraz to Matacancha - Janca Mitucocha Camp (6 hours hiking).
Our trip begins at 4 in the morning, departing from the city of Huaraz. On a 6-hour bus journey, we will enter the Huayhuash Mountain Range, taking in stunning landscapes along the way. Upon arriving at Matacancha, we will begin our hike towards the first pass, Cacananpunta (4,695 m). Afterward, we will descend to reach our first camp, Janca Mitucocha, where we’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the majestic snow-capped Rondoy and Ninashanca, which will remain with us until sunset. Once at camp, we’ll prepare a comforting dinner and enjoy a restful night, immersing ourselves in the serenity of this special place.
Day 2: Janca Mitucocha Camp – Carhuacocha Campsite (6-7 hours hiking).
We will wake up early at the camp to enjoy the beautiful sunrise, known as the «firebird» in the native language of the Yarowilca civilization. Afterward, we will have a delicious breakfast to fuel us for the impressive day ahead. We will begin our hike, ascending towards the alpine route at an altitude of 4,770 m, where we will take a well-deserved rest and enjoy the panoramic view of Mituraju, Rondoy, Ninashanca, and Jirishanca Chico. Following this, we will descend towards Carhuacocha Lake, where our campsite will be located.
Day 3: Carhuacocha to Huayhuash Campsite (7-8 hours hiking).
We wake up early to enjoy an energizing breakfast and begin our walk towards new adventures. The path we will follow is different from that of the pack donkeys, ensuring us exclusive and spectacular views of the nearby mountains, which will accompany us throughout the day. Along the way, we will pass lakes with surprising colors, adding a magical touch to the landscape. After this visually stunning journey, we will arrive at the viewpoint of the three lagoons and then continue towards the Siula Pass, at 4,846 m above sea level, where we can admire the panorama in all its splendor. Finally, we will descend to our Huayhuash camp, a peaceful spot where we will enjoy dinner and rest, ready for the upcoming days.
Day 4: Huayhuash to Cuyoc ( camp elephant) (6 -7 hours hiking)
After a hearty breakfast at the camp, we will begin our hike towards the imposing Trapezium Pass, located at 5,010 m. Next, we will ascend to the Trapecio viewpoint, the highest point of our route, at 5,154 m. From here, we will be rewarded with a stunning view: a valley surrounded by mountains, with the Raura Mountain Range on one side and the majestic Huayhuash Mountain Range on the other. After taking in this spectacular landscape, we will descend to our camp, letting ourselves be enchanted by beautiful turquoise and blue lakes along the way.
Day 5: Cuyoc Elephant – Huayllapa Village (8-9 hours hiking).
We will get up early to make the most of the day, starting our uphill walk towards the San Antonio Pass (5,020 m), considered by many to offer the best view of the Huayhuash mountain range. Afterward, we will descend to the Calinca Valley, heading towards the town of Huayllapa. During the descent, we will enjoy spectacular views of the imposing mountains before us, such as Rasac, Yerupaja Grande, Siula Grande, Sarapo, and more. Additionally, we will pass by beautiful lagoons like Jurau and Sarapococha. After this long journey, we will indulge in a wonderful dinner featuring a delicious Andean dish: our famous pachamanca.
Day 6: Huayllapa – Gashpa Pampa Campsite (7 hours hiking).
On this day, we prepare for a challenging uphill hike with a gradient of 1,300 m, starting from the height of Huayllapa (3,490 m) to the Punta Tapush pass (4,770 m), and then descending to the Gashpa Pampa campsite, the highest point on our entire route, where we will sleep at 4,570 m. Along the way, we will see the Diablo Mudo mountain, considered the easiest mountain to climb in Huayhuash.
Day 7: Gashpa Pampa – Jahua Cocha Campsite (6-7 hours hiking).
We begin the day with a relaxed walk to the Yaucha Pass, located at 4,880 m. Then, we will visit two viewpoints from where we can appreciate the other side of the Huayhuash, being rewarded with a spectacular view of both the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Huayhuash in all its splendor. Afterwards, we will descend 700 m in altitude to reach the Jahua Cocha campsite.
INCLUSIONS:
- Transportation
- Guide & Cook
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
- Equipment (mat, sleeping bag, tent)
- Donkeys and emergency horse
- Water
- Duffel bag
- Donkey Driver
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Entrance fees (320 soles for 11 days)
- Trekking poles
- Daily backpack
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Our trek offers a unique experience through stunning landscapes, exciting trails, and memorable moments. To learn more about the trek, including details on the itinerary, packing tips, and more, download our PDF brochure by clicking the link below:
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