Trek the Cordillera Huayhuash - 8 Day Mini Trek
Having fun at Carhuacocha lake!!
Inkaland Journeys is fluent in Andean adventure and we have designed this special short trek into the heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range. It offers a new opportunity for those who don’t have the time to do the longer, classic traditional routes. The trekking routes we have developed include the most breathtaking areas of the Cordillera Huayhuash with campsites on the shores of beautiful mountain lakes with astonishing views.
Trek features a visit to the historically significant Inca ruins at Huánuco Viejo which is situated on a grand plateau. This Inca city, one of the major settlements of the Incas outside of Cusco, is strategically situated on the main Inca road that leads from Quito, Ecuador to Bolivia.
We highly recommend to our clients that they need to be in good physical condition because trekking around this stunning mountain range requires decent physical fitness and proper acclimatization to altitude.
Timing: 8 days
Grade: Medium
Itinerary Description day by day:
Day 01:Huaraz / Huanuco Pampa
We start with a six hour drive on a paved road to La Union. From La Union, we drive a half hour further to Huanuco Pampa 3736m situated on a grand plateau area. In the afternoon we visit this intriguing and captivating ancient Inca city of Huanuco Viejo.
Day 02: Queropalca / Carhuacocha
After a 3 to 4 hour drive through Rondos and Baños to Queropalca at 3800m, we meet our Arrieros (donkey driver) and donkeys. We then hike to Lake Carhuacocha at 4150m where we have close up views of the snow-capped peaks of Jirishanca and Yerupajá which are reflected in the lake water where we camp on the shores of Lake Carhuacocha. 4 hours
Day 03:Carhuacocha - Rest Day
We have chosen a rest day at Lake Carhuacocha for the magnificent scenery and surrounding attractions this beautiful site offer our clients. We have the option to do a half day hike to visit the beautiful Laguna Siula at the base of Siula Grande where the famous movie Into the Void was filmed.
Day 04: Carhuacocha / Mitucocha
Leaving our campsite, we hike over the first pass of Carhuac at 4,650m with great views of the surrounding area. We then descend to another camp at Mitucocha Lake 4250m. We arrive in the early afternoon with an opportunity to walk around the lake and get closer views of the surrounding Andes peaks. 5 hours.
Day 05:Mitucocha / Rondoy Valley
Leaving our camp we head towards Cacanampunta Pass at 4750m. From this point we will enjoy the spectacular view on the other side back of the valley and we might have an opportunity to observe majestic condors flying above the pass.We then descent down to our camp at Rondoy Valley 4350m. 6 -7 hours.
Day 06: Rondoy Valley / Jahuacocha Lake
This is a demanding day but well worth the energy for what you will personally capture this day in breathtaking majestic scenic views as we gradually ascend up through the Rondoy Valley. After ascending to the top of the Rondoy Pass at 4750 m, we then descend towards the beautiful Laguna Jahuacocha on the way to our camp at the head of the lake 4050m. 6 to 7 hours.
Day 07: Jahuacocha Lake / Rest Day
We spend our last trek day on this circuit resting at Lake Jahuacocha. This is one of the special days for the pleasant and impressive landscape that surrounds and “wows” you by its awesome majestic beauty. There is an option to do a half day trek to Paso Yaucha at 4800m where we have a breathtaking view of the surrounding spiraling peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash or just chill-out resting at Jahuacocha camp.
Day 08: Jahuacocha / Llamac- Huaraz
With successfully completing our special version of the shortest Huayhuash trekking circuit,after breakfast we leave camp early for our return back to Llamac. We’ll ascend a steady but gradual climb up to Punta Pampa Llamac at 4300m. After a brief rest at this vantage point taking in the surrounding Andean ranges, we then descend down the steep gravelly trail to Llamac Village 3300m where our private transportation now transfers us back to Huaraz.
The Andes is our space…..come trek and climb in it with us
Contact Us for a detailed information and prices.