Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit

Also known as: Huayhuash Circuit / Huayhuash Trek

Distance: 130 km
Duration: 10 - 12 days
Country:
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

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

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.