22 Days/21 Nights May to November The trek is moderate and climb Tocllaraju demanding
The Cordillera Huayhuash (Huayhuash Range): The Huayhuash Range is the second highest tropical mountain chain in the world, after the Cordillera Blanca (White Range), immediately to the north. Even though it is located 120 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, the crest forms part of the Continental Divide of South America; the waters of the eastern slope flow to the Marañon River, a principal tributary of the Amazon.
Running from north to south, the main zone has some twenty summits within about 25 km, with a secondary mountain change of summits of lower elevation toward the west that is about 15 km long. Six of the peaks are higher than 6,000 meters. Among the peaks, Yerupajá (6,617 m) stands out - it is the second highest mountain in Peru (after Huascarán, at 6,768 m.) Also of note is Siula Grande (6,344 m), which achieved fame through the book and subsequent film “Tocando el Vacio“ (Touching the Void) by mountaineer Joe Simpson.
This area also hosts dozens of glacial lakes of incomparable beauty. The closest towns are Chiquián (3,400 m) and Cajatambo (3,375 m)
About the Ishinca Valley: We will hike through a beautiful valley of the Cordillera Blanca, which includes the best attractions of the central Andes in Peru. In our expedition to the Ishinca Valley, we will climb three mountains, which, while close to one another, possess different characteristics from the perspective of technique and aesthetics. Urus Peak (5,420 m) is the lowest of the three and will permit us to get well acclimatized to confront the coming challenges. It is also the rockiest of the three peaks, and to climb it we must hike first over slopes of ice and snow. Ishinca Peak (5,540 m) will be our next challenge: from our base camp, we set out on the trail to the summit to enjoy one of the best views of the entire valley and its surroundings. Tocllaraju (6,034 m) is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Cordillera Blanca. This incredible frozen pyramid shows us the true extent of the mountains of Peru.
Highlights of the Cordillera Blanca. The highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca is part of the spectacular Andes that form the spine of South America. A mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the region boasts over 50 peaks that exceed 15,000 feet, 700 glaciers and 300 lakes.
Day 1: Flight from Europe/USA to Lima. Overnight in the hotel
Day 2: Travel by bus to Huaraz (3100 m). The trip is 400km and takes 8 hours
Day 3: Huaraz - Trekking Laguna 69 (4450 m) - Huaraz
Day 4: Huaraz - Transfer Cordillera Huayhuash - Camp Matacancha (4150 m)
Day 5: Matacancha - Trekking to Cacanampunta (4700 m) - Laguna Mitococha (4300m)
Day 6: Mitucocha - Trekking to Punta Carhuac Pass (4640 m) - Laguna Carhuacocha (4200 m)
Day 7: Carhuacocha - Trekking to Siula Pass (4950 m) / Laguna Quesillococha - Huayhuash (4450 m)
Day 8: Huayhuash - Trekking to the village of Portachuelo de Huayhuash - Laguna Viconga / Hot Springs (4400 m)
Day 9: Laguna Viconga - Trekking to Punta Cuyoc Pass (5020 m) - Huanacpatay (4350 m)
Day 10: Huanacpatay - Trekking to Village of Huayllapa (3600 m) - Huatiac (4290 m)
Day 11: Huatiac - Trekking to Punta Tapush (4800 m) - Cashpapampa (4500 m)
Day 12: Cashgapampa - Trekking to Llaucha Pass (4750 m) - Laguna Jahuacocha (4066 m), Optional: Climb Diablo Mudo (5350 m)
Day 13: Rest Day at Jahuacocha Lake. Optional: Trekking to the Berlin Mountain overlook (5,094 m) or to Sambuya/Rondoy Pass (4,750 m) or to Solteracocha Lake
Day 14: Jahuacocha - Trekking to Jahuapunta Pass (4650 m) - Village of Pocpa (3600 m); Transfer to Huaraz
Day 15: Rest Day in Huaraz - Optional: Rock climbing at the walls of Chancos
Day 16: Huaraz - Transfer to Pueblo Pashpa - Laguna Cochapampa (3400 m); hiking with burros - Ishinca Base Camp (4200 m)
Day 17: Ishinca Base Camp - Trekking Moraine Camp (5000 m)
Day 18: Moraine Camp - Summit of Tocllaraju Peak (6.034 m); Return to Base Camp
Day 19: Base Camp - Trekking downhill to Laguna Cochapampa (3400 m) village of Pashpa - Transfer to Huaraz
Day 20: Transfer to the Anta Airport and flight to Lima (50 minutes.) Transfer from Lima Airport to hotel. Bus optional
Day 21: Stay in Lima - Transfer to the airport
Day 22: Arrive home!
Day 1: Flight from Europe to Lima. Overnight in the hotel
Arrival in Lima - a large city with a population of approximately 11 million - the largest city in South America. Rest. If you wish, explore the city on your own. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2: Travel by bus to Huaraz (3100m). The trip is 400km and takes 8 hours
This will be a varied and interesting voyage First we go to the Pan American highway toward the north, across the impressive Pacific coastal desert. We continue toward the high terrain and at Conococha Pass (4020 m) we pass through the Cordillera Negra into the Santa Valley to Huaraz (3100m.) Once we cross the pass, you’ll see the charming view of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, without a doubt some of the most impressive scenery in the world. You can also fly via LCPERU - flight duration 50 minutes. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 3: Huaraz - Trekking Laguna 69 (4450 m) - Huaraz
Laguna 69 has been called the most famous and well known lake in the Cordillera Blanca. Our trail winds through picturesque montane forests and a somewhat marshy area, always alongside a steep and daunting ridge. Behind us, the fortress-like peak of the ice giant Huascarán looms. Winding trails lead us past several wild foaming waterfalls to the lake. Laguna 69 is flanked by glacial moraines. Immediately above the deep blue surface of the lake, we see the steep ice walls of Chacraraju, one of the most beautiful, but also most difficult of the 6000 peaks in the Cordillera Blanca. After rest and pictures, we return to Huaraz. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 4: Huaraz - Transfer Cordillera Huayhuash - Camp Matacancha (4150 m)
Transfer in van via the Santa Valley across the Pachacoto Bridge, then continue on the mountain road in Puja Raimondi National Park (4780 m) to Huarapasca Pass. Along this road we see giant plants in the form of a candle which flourish only in the south of the Cordillera Blanca. At the top of the pass, you’ll see the Pasto Ruri glacier. Continuing over 2 more passes to the village of Matacancha (4150 m) in the Huayhuash region, the starting point of the trekking circuit. Meet with the team of guides, the mule drivers (and their burros) and first camp. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 5: Matacancha - Trekking to Cacanampunta (4700 m) - Laguna Mitococha (4300 m)
First day of trekking: Climb the steep slope of Matacancha to Cacanampunta Pass (4700 m), which forms the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and the spectacular open views of the wild mountains of Huayhuash, in particular the peaks of Rondoy and Jirishanca. Descent over wide fields and a beautiful camp at Laguna Mitococha (4300 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 6: Mitucocha - Trekking to Punta Carhuac Pass (4640 m) - Laguna Carhuacocha (4200 m)
An inviting climb to Punta Carhuac Pass (4,650 m) and descent over smooth rolling grasslands to Carhuacocha Lake (4,200 m), one of the best campsites on the route. If there is no wind, we’ll see the peaks of rock and ice (Jirishancas and Yerupajá Grande y Chico) reflected on the surface of the calm waters. At the lake live indigenous farmers - with their permission we may get to catch fresh trout for dinner! Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 7: Carhuacocha - Trekking to Siula Pass (4950 m) / Laguna Quesillococha – Huayhuash (4450 m)
This part of the route is strenuous and has no obvious road. It passes through remote peaks and glaciers of Huayhuash, with the most magnificent panoramic view of the excursion. We pass Lake Carhuacocha and beyond that is the ice fall and retreating glacier of Sarapo Peak (6127m). We cross Siula Pass (4,950 m) with overwhelming panoramic views. The descent into camp at Quesillococha Camp (4,450 m), close to the small village of Carnicero, seems effortless after the climb.
Alternative: If you prefer an easier day, there is a route that is a little longer but less demanding and less steep: flat along the east edge of Lake Carhuacocha, climb through the Quebrada Acoshpado to the summit of Carnicero Point (4,580 m) and the smooth descent to the two lakes of Atocshaiko to Carnicero Camp or Camp Huayhuash at Quesillococha Lake (4.450 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 8: Huayhuash - Trekking to the village of Portachuelo de Huayhuash – Laguna Viconga / Hot Springs (4400 m)
A wide commercial route extends to the south to the small village Portachuelo de Huayhuash, then to the headwaters of the Huayhuash River - the very green Suirococha Lakes (4,500 m.) The climb to the south extends past Portachuelo de Huayhuash (4,795 m) again dominated by impressive mountain panoramas, this time the ice covered peaks of the southern Huayhuash Range. Descend to the largest lake, and the southernmost point of the trek - Lake Viconga (4,400 m), one of the many water reservoirs for Lima. Viconga Hot Springs Camp (4,400 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 9: Laguna Viconga - Trekking to Punta Cuyoc Pass (5020 m) - Huanacpatay (4350 m)
Today is the highest pass of the Huayhuash Trek over Punto Cuyoc (5, 020 m). From the lake of Puscanturpa Gorge, we scramble over rocks and sand to the pass. The spectacular view is of the Raura Range to the east. The Puscanturpa Peaks loom very close along with the “giants” of Huayhuash, Sarapo, Siula and Yerupajá. We drop sharply to Huanacpatay Gorge and camp in fields close to the houses of Huanacpatay (4,350 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 10: Huanacpatay - Trekking to Village of Huayllapa (3600 m) - Huatiac (4290 m)
We hike along the river to the Calinca Valley (Rio Huayllapa) and continue to the village of Huayllapa (3,600 m). In the relatively low elevation, the trail takes us through dense vegetation with many colors of flowers - especially the shrubs called huishllac, named for their yellow color and open purple flowers, one of the sacred flowers of the Incas. We then have steep 3-hour climb to the north to camp in Huatiac (4,290 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 11: Huatiac - Trekking to Punta Tapush (4800 m) - Cashpapampa (4500 m)
At times the climb is steep and strenuous, under the steep glaciated cliffs of the high massif of Raju Collota to Punta Tapush Pass. Once again, magnificent views, including Nevado Diablo Mudo (Silent Devil) (5,350 m), tomorrow’s destination for the ambitious and physically strong climbers among us. Short descent from the pass north to Susococha Lake (4,600 m) and a little farther to Cashgapampa Camp (4,500 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 12: Cashgapampa - Trekking to Llaucha Pass (4750 m) - Laguna Jahuacocha (4066 m), Optional: Climb Diablo Mudo (5350 m)
Those climbing Diablo Mudo (5,223 m) begin very early and will have a long day. From the north side on the last steepest slopes, some with “penitentes“, we’ll use crampons, ice axe and harness. The feeling of success at reaching 5000 meters, and awesome views in the true sense of the word, Diablo Mudo is a well-deserved reward for the effort. The huge wild mountains of Huayhuash are laid out in front of you. Descent to the camp still follows the long route to Jahuacocha Lake.
Option: Trekking without climbing Diablo Mudo. Short descent from Cashgapampa, turning into Angocancha Gorge (4,350 m) and ascent to Yaucha Pass (4,750 m), where we again stop and enjoy the impressive view. Steep descent toward the northeast in Huacrish Gorge (4,066 m), leading to Jahuacocha Lake (4,066 m). Camp on the edge of the lake, with a view dominated by Rondoy, Jirishanca and Yerupajá. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 13: Rest Day at Jahuacocha Lake. Optional: Trekking to the Berlin
Mountain overlook (5,094 m) or to Sambuya/Rondoy Pass (4750 m) or to Solteracocha Lake
Rest day or 3 possible activities: Unhurried hike to Solteracocha Lake, or the ultimate mountaineering tour with an ascent of the very easy (non-technical) Cerro Berlin (5,094 m) or to Sambuya/Rondoy Pass (4,750 m). Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 14: Jahuacocha - Trekking to Jahuapunta Pass (4650 m) - Village of Pocpa (3600 m); Transfer to Huaraz
Last day of this trek. Climb the last pass - Jahua Punta - and a long descent to the camp in the village of Pocpa. In this village we finish our great adventure filled with so many experiences. Here we leave our team of mule drivers and burros. Our private transport is waiting to return to the capital of Andes mountaineering, Huaraz. Overnight Camp (B/L/-)
Day 15: Rest Day in Huaraz - Optional: Rock climbing at the walls of Chancos
Relaxing day in Huaraz. Optional: A classic location for many who like to practice rock climbing. This area is 40 minutes north of Huaraz. It was developed thanks to the guides of Don Bosco in the Andes in 1997. It has 8 developed routes of different difficulties. This is a good place to spend a quiet day in nature and at the end visit the hot springs to relax aching muscles. Overnight Camp (B/-/-)
Day 16: Huaraz - Transfer to Pueblo Pashpa - Laguna Cochapampa (3400 m); hiking with burros - Ishinca Base Camp (4200 m)
Transfer from Huaraz to the village of Pashpa, in the direction of Tocllaraju peak (6,034 m). In the Ishinca Valley, there are two peaks over 5000 meters - Urus and Ishinca - some of the least technical and “non-extreme.“ There are also some mountains over 6000 m. The Ishinca valley ascent to Base Camp is with pack animals. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 17: Ishinca Base Camp - Trekking to Moraine Camp (5000 m)
Ascent to Tocllaraju Moraine Camp, very close to the glacier. First the trail is steep and winding, then rocky with boulders and finally through a short stretch to Moraine Camp. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 18: Moraine Camp - Summit of Tocllaraju Peak (6.034 m); Return to Base Camp
Summit day! We proceed over the glacier to the northwest ridge of the peak. Because the glacier changes from year to year, the technical ice climbing is also different from year to year. We might find small walls of ice, up to 60 degree surfaces. The summit ridge is secured with fixed ropes. From the 6000+ meter peak, the view opens on the entire Cordillera Blanca. Descend to Base Camp. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)
Day 19: Base Camp - Trekking downhill to Laguna Cochapampa (3400 m) village of Pashpa - Transfer to Huaraz
After breakfast we leave at 8am for an easy return walk to Pashpa. Today burros will be carrying our camping and personal equipment. We’ll return via a hillside covered with queñuales trees (Polylepis spp.), native to the high Andes. Here our private transport will be waiting. It’s likely we’ll arrive early and have lunch in Huaraz. Lodging in the hotel. Overnight Camp (B/L/-)
Day 20: Transfer to the Anta Airport and flight to Lima (50 minutes.) Transfer from Lima Airport to hotel. Bus optional
Options: Flight or bus. Flights are via LC-Peru and last 50 minutes.
Day 21: Stay in Lima - Transfer to the airport
Free day, depending on your departure schedule. Return to Europe or your country of origin. Overnight flight (B/-/-)
Day 22: Arrive home!
Arrival in USA or Austria, Switzerland,Germany, etc. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
Season: May to November
Difficulty: The trek is moderate and climb Tocllaraju demanding
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