In the morning, we headed south along the asphalt road for about two hours to Chiquian town. Way to this place, we will make a stop in a beautiful lockout to appreciate part of the Cordillera Huayhuash including Yerupaja, the second-highest peak in Peru. Continuing our journey, we follow a dirt road towards Llamac Village, the gateway of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Crossing Pocpa village and Pallca mining we approach the entrance of Rondoy Valley at 4050m, it opens into a rolling grassy area where we will have the first views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash. We set up our camp in Cuartelhuain at 4198m.

Driving time: Approx. 5 hours

We start the day climbing Cacananpunta Pass (4684m), at the northern end of the range. It is the continental divide, where the water now flows to the Amazon and the Atlantic. This is a favorite spot for the Andean condor, and we may well spot the huge birds soaring over our heads. From here, a rough descent through a multicolored landscape leads us to a beautiful flat and grassy campsite at Janca (4244m) not far from Lake Mitucocha, below Ninashanca, Rondoy, and Jirishanca. This is a short walking day to aid our acclimatization, but for those still feeling energetic we can take the short walk to the lake in the afternoon.

Hiking time: Approx. 5 / 6 hours

Hiking kilometers: Approx. 8 km.

Today's pass is longer but not too steep, with splendid views of Yerupaja, the highest mountain in the Cordillera Huayhuash (6634m), Yerupaja Chico, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, etc. Chance to appreciate some fossils in this beautiful Carhuac pass (4633m). Descending, we finally arrive at the rim of the hanging valley, from where we look at a beautiful turquoise lake, Carhucacocha. Our campsite below Lake Carhuacocha (4179m) faces an incredible vista of peaks and hanging glaciers: a view that proves you do not need 8000m peaks to have the most inspiring mountain scenery.

Hiking time: Approx. 5 / 6 hours

Hiking kilometers: Approx. 9.5 km.

Photographers are advised to wake up before dawning this morning to watch the sunrise over the Lake and Peaks from our campsite. The sun’s first rays catching the peak of Mt Yerupaja (6634m) certainly make the effort more than worthwhile. Today is a long gradual climb up a beautiful valley surrounded by the splendor of Yerupaja, Yerupaja Chico, Siula Grande, Jirishanca, Santa Rosa, and Carnicero and past the lakes Gangrajanca, Siula, and Quesillacocha. Then we climb steeply to the top of the rocky Siula Pass (4836m). Descend to Huayhuash Campsite (4353m) surrounded by other mountains such as Trapecio and the three Jurau peaks.

Hiking time: Approx. 8 / 9 hours

Hiking kilometers: Approx. 13.8 km.

Continuing our trip, we will ascend 700m elevation to reach the fourth pass and one of the highest passes in our trek called Trapecio located at 5029m. From the top of the pass, we have excellent views of the peaks of Trapecio, Puscanturpa, and some peaks of Cordillera Raura located to the south. It is quite a “breath-taking” view. Then, we follow a quiet trail very steep and rocky descent for the first 250m and after that, we walk on an old glacier moraine before reaching camp in a grassy valley below the spectacular peak of Cuyoc. Camp en pampa Cuyoc at 4530m.

Hiking time: Approx. 6 / 7 hours

Hiking kilometers: Approx. 11 km.

We start the days climbing very steeply toward Santa Rosa Pass (San Antonio) located at 5065m. A wonderful lockout from where we can appreciate some mountains such as Yerupaja, Siula Grande, Sarapo, Rasac, Jurau, etc. Then, we descend to Cutatambo camp located in Calinca Valley at 4288m, not far from Joe Simpson's base camp before his climb to Siula Grande. Splendid views of Sarapo, Carnicero and Trapecio.

Hiking time: Approx. 5 / 6 hours

Hiking kilometers: Approx. 6.7 km.

Optional hike or rest at the campsite.

A relaxing day to explore this dramatic area of glaciers and lakes or to explore Joe Simpson's Base Camp. Chance to climb the Cerro Gran Vista, a panoramic lockout from where we can see some mountains of the Cordillera Huayhuash

We retrace our steps down the Sarapococha valley and drop to warmer climes of the cultivated valley of the remote village of Huayllapa (3596m.), with beautiful views of the waterfalls. In the afternoon, we climb steeply again to spend the night at 4298m at Huatiac camp, a high grazing meadow under the shadow of Diablo Mudo, the 'Dumb Devil'. This is probably the hardest day, with a tough afternoon, and often-hot weather.

Hiking time: Approx. 8 / 9 hours

Hiking kilometers: Approx. 16.4 km.

Short and easy day. We climb gradually to Punta Tapush pass (4790m), and then we descend for approximately one hour to our next camp located in Gashpapampa at 4556m. From the campsite, we appreciate the sunset in the Mount Diablo Mudo.

Hiking time: Approx. 4 hours

Hiking kilometers: Approx. 6.5 km.

We walk down to Angoshcancha Valley a forest of Quenual trees. Then we ascend to our next pass (Yaucha) following steep sections and a scree-covered pass at 4848m. On a clear day, there are magnificent views of the highest peaks of the Huayhuash range and long-distance panoramas to the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Here is another good spot for sighting condors. A long descent brings us eventually to Laguna Jahuacocha, widely held to be the scenic gem of the whole range. Camp at 4076m.

Hiking time: Approx. 6 hours

Hiking kilometers: Approx. 10 km.

Jahuacocha lies at 4076m beneath the glacier-covered west faces of Yerupaja, Jirishanca, Rasac, Rondoy, and El Toro. By day and by moonlight it is an indescribably beautiful place; there is abundant bird life (Puna ibis, Andean geese, and more), and some fine walks around and above it. The lake and rivers hold plenty of trout and we hope to catch enough for dinner. We spend a rest day here, although this extra day is partly to allow for delays in route. There are some hikes around the camp, which could be optional for this day.

After completing our version of the Huayhuash trekking circuit, after breakfast, we leave camp early for our return to Huaraz. We will ascend a steady but gradual climb up to Mancanpunta Pass at 4572m and then after a brief rest at this vantage point taking in the surrounding Andean ranges, we will descend a steep gravelly trail to Pocpa (3483m). In Pocpa, our private transportation awaits to transfer us back to Huaraz.

Hiking time: Approx. 5 ½ hours

Hiking Kilometers: Approx. 9.4 km./5.8 miles.

Driving time: Approx. 4 ½ hours