Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit

Also known as: Huayhuash Circuit / Huayhuash Trek

Distance: 130 km
Duration: 10 - 12 days
Country:
Peru flagPeru
The Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit offers a breathtaking journey through one of Peru's most stunning mountain ranges, complete with turquoise lakes and high-altitude passes. The trek is a less-traveled alternative to the more famous Inca Trail, providing a more solitary experience in the Andes.

Trekking Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit

Prepare for an adventure treking Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful trek.

Distances

  • 10 - 12 days, 130 km, +5,000 m, 5,000 m high point
  • daily: 5 - 7 hours, 10 - 15 km, +400 - 500 m gain

Route

  • circuit
  • starting in Pocpa
  • ending in Llamac

Pictures from trekking Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit

These are pictures taken while trekking Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit itinerary

Trekking the breathtaking Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit in the Peruvian Andes.
Day 1

Pocpa to Matacancha (4,150 m)

Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +700 m
Drive to Pocpa and start trekking to Matacancha. Begin with gentle terrain, gradually gaining altitude.
Day 2

Matacancha to Mitucocha (4,230 m)

Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +80 m
Hike through the stunning Cordillera landscape to reach Mitucocha, a serene mountain lake.
Day 3

Mitucocha to Carhuacocha (4,138 m)

Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -92 m
Continue along the circuit, passing several beautiful lakes and enjoying panoramic views.
Day 4

Carhuacocha to Huayhuash (4,350 m)

Distance: 8 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hoursElevation change: +212 m
Trek to the village of Huayhuash, where you'll experience the local culture and hospitality.
Day 5

Huayhuash to Viconga (4,400 m)

Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +50 m
Resume the trek and head to Viconga, a remote high-altitude village.
Day 6

Viconga to Huanacpatay (4,500 m)

Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +100 m
Trek to Huanacpatay, passing through challenging terrain and experiencing the rugged beauty of the Huayhuash.
Day 7

Huanacpatay to Huayllapa (3,600 m)

Distance: 8 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -900 m
Descend to Huayllapa, a quaint Andean village with traditional architecture.
Day 8

Huayllapa to Jahuacocha (4,066 m)

Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +466 m
Hike to Jahuacocha, a stunning lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Day 9

Jahuacocha to Llamac (3,250 m)

Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: -816 m
Complete the circuit by trekking back to Llamac. Bid farewell to the Huayhuash mountains.

Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Videos

Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit. From route highlights to summittrail views, these clips showcase the treks beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future trekkers.