The Huayhuash Trek 10 days itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Pocpa – Cuartelhuain (4105m)
Distance: 5 km | Elevation gain: +300m approx
- Morning: Drive from Huaraz to Pocpa (5 hrs)
- Afternoon: Start the hike to Cuartelhuain (4–5 hrs)
- Evening: Set up camp and rest
Day 2: Cuartelhuain – Quaqanan Pass (4700m) – Mitucocha (4230m)
Distance: 10 km | Elevation: +600m / -480m
- Morning: Hike up to Quaqanan Pass with views of Jirishanca and Ninashanca
- Afternoon: Descend to Mitucocha and set up camp by the lake
- Evening: Dinner and rest at camp
Day 3: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass (4650m) – Carhuacocha (4138m)
Distance: 11 km | Elevation: +420m / -500m
- Morning: Trek to Carhuac Pass
- Afternoon: Descend to Lake Carhuacocha with views of Yerupajá and Siula
- Evening: Camp beside the lake
Day 4: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass (4850m) – Huayhuash (4330m)
Distance: 14 km | Elevation: +750m / -520m
- Morning: Hike past three glacial lakes (Siulacocha, Quesillococha, Qanrajancacocha)
- Afternoon: Climb to Siula Pass — one of the highlights of the trek
- Evening: Descend and camp in Huayhuash valley
Day 5: Huayhuash – Portachuelo Pass (4750m) – Viconga (4400m)
Distance: 12 km | Elevation: +420m / -450m
- Morning: Short climb to Portachuelo Pass
- Afternoon: Descend to Viconga hot springs and relax
- Evening: Optional soak in the hot springs and overnight at camp
Day 6: Viconga – Cuyoc Pass (5000m) – Elefante Pampa (4450m)
Distance: 11 km | Elevation: +600m / -550m
- Morning: Ascend to the highest point of the trek — Cuyoc Pass (5000m)
- Afternoon: Enjoy stunning views and descend to the Guanacpatay valley
- Evening: Camp in Elefante Pampa
Day 7: Elefante – San Antonio Pass (4990m) – Huayllapa Village (3500m)
Distance: 15 km | Elevation: +500m / -1500m
- Morning: Climb San Antonio Pass for one of the best views of the trek
- Afternoon: Long descent to Huayllapa village (about 9 hours hiking total)
- Evening: Sleep in the village, with optional shower and phone charging
Day 8: Huayllapa – Punta Tapush (4750m) – Gashpapampa (4400m)
Distance: 12 km | Elevation: +1250m / -400m
- Morning: Hike uphill again to Punta Tapush with great mountain views
- Afternoon: Descend to Gashpapampa and relax
- Evening: Camp under the stars
Day 9: Gashpapampa – Yaucha Pass (4847m) – Jahuacocha Lake (4066m)
Distance: 10 km | Elevation: +450m / -750m
- Morning: Last major pass — Yaucha — with panoramic views
- Afternoon: Arrive at beautiful Lake Jahuacocha, full of birds and wildflowers
- Evening: Celebrate your final night in the mountains
Day 10: Jahuacocha – Llamac (3300m) – Huaraz (3000m)
Distance: 12 km | Elevation: -700m
- Morning: Hike down to Llamac village
- Afternoon: Private transport to Huaraz (4–5 hrs)
- Evening: End of the adventure, arrive around 17:ooh (05:00 PM)
Description of Huayhuash Trek 10 days
The Huayhuash Trek 10 Days is one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in the Andes. This classic trekking route takes you deep into the Cordillera Huayhuash, a remote mountain range in northern Peru. You’ll walk through peaceful valleys, cross high mountain passes, and camp beside crystal-clear glacial lakes.
During the 10 day Huayhuash trek, you’ll see Peru’s second-highest mountain (Yerupajá), meet friendly people in traditional Andean villages, and enjoy views of snowy peaks like Siula Grande — made famous by the book and movie Touching the Void.
This cordillera huayhuash trek is best for travelers who love real adventure. The path is long and the altitude is high, but the reward is unforgettable.
Activities included
- Multi-day high-altitude trekking (up to 5,000 meters)
- Visiting traditional Andean villages like Huayllapa
- Camping under the stars in scenic wilderness spots
- Soaking in hot springs at Viconga
- Seeing famous peaks like Yerupajá and Siula Grande
- Crossing beautiful mountain passes every day
- Wildlife watching (condors, llamas, vizcachas)
- Photo stops at glacial lakes (Carhuacocha, Jahuacocha)
Overview of the Huayhuash Trek 10 days
The Huayhuash Trek 10 Days is one of the most complete and rewarding trekking experiences in Peru. This route follows the full circuit through the Cordillera Huayhuash, a remote mountain range known for its sharp peaks, clear glacial lakes, and wild Andean beauty.
You’ll hike through valleys and over high passes with unforgettable views of Peru’s most iconic mountains, including Siula Grande and Yerupajá, the second-highest peak in the country. The route offers stunning scenery every single day.
Highlights of the Huayhuash Full Circuit
This 10-day adventure is designed for hikers who want to fully explore the Huayhuash Peru region. From the first camp at Cuartelhuain, you cross several impressive passes like Quaqanan, Carhuac, and Siula. Each camp reveals incredible views of snow-covered peaks and turquoise lakes.
You’ll camp beside beautiful lagoons such as Mitucocha and Carhuacocha, soak in natural hot springs at Viconga, and stand on the highest point of the trek: the Cuyoc Pass at 5,000 meters. A visit to the quiet village of Huayllapa adds cultural connection to this remote trek.
Challenge and reward
This Huayhuash classic trek covers around 120 kilometers in total. You’ll hike between 5 and 15 kilometers per day, crossing mountain passes over 4,600 meters. It is a physically demanding route, with some days involving up to 1,000 meters of elevation change.
But with every effort comes reward — whether it’s a peaceful campsite under the stars, a warm soak in natural hot springs, or the pure joy of watching the sun rise over the Andes. This is one of the most scenic treks in the world.
Final days at Jahuacocha and return to Huaraz
Near the end of your journey, you’ll hike over the Yaucha Pass and arrive at Jahuacocha — a lake surrounded by mountains, wildflowers, and birds. This is your final night under the stars before hiking down to Llamac, where your private transport will take you back to Huaraz.
The 10 day Huayhuash trek is perfect for experienced trekkers who want a full immersion into the Huayhuash circuit. It combines natural beauty, adventure, and culture, all in one unforgettable trip.
Huayhuash Trek 10 days price and cost
The huayhuash trek 10 days includes 9 nights of camping, all meals, guides, donkeys for your gear, and transport from Huaraz. Prices vary depending on the operator and group size. Expect the huayhuash trek cost to range between $600 and $900 USD per person. Our tour includes great service at a competitive huayhuash trek price for only $629, plus access to the natural hot springs at Viconga. Entrance fees to the Cordillera Huayhuash area are paid directly to the communities and cost around 280 soles per person. When booking, you can include the entrance fee.
Best time for the Huayhuash Circuit
The best time for huayhuash trek is between May and early September. These months offer the best weather for hiking, with low rainfall and clear skies. June to August are the peak trekking months. Outside this season, the huayhuash trail can become muddy or snowy, and visibility drops. This is why the dry season is known as the official huayhuash trek season.
Huayhuash weather and temperature
The best time for the Huayhuash trek 10 days is during the dry season, from May to September. This is when the Huayhuash weather is most stable and the Huayhuash trail is safest. During the day, temperatures range between 13°C and 23°C. At night, especially at campsites around 4,000 meters, the Huayhuash temperature can drop to -3°C or lower. Good hiking gear is important to stay warm.
May
May is the start of the dry season. The Cordillera Huayhuash Peru is green and beautiful after the rains. Trails might still be a little muddy, but skies are often clear and there are fewer trekkers.
June to August
These are the best months for the Huayhuash circuit. Days are sunny, and there is almost no rain. This is the best time for good views of the mountains. Nights are cold, sometimes below -5°C. It’s the most popular season, so expect more people on the trail.
September
September is still a good time for the Huayhuash trek. The weather is mostly dry, but some clouds and light rain may return. Wildflowers start to bloom, and there are fewer trekkers than in August.
October to April
This is the rainy season. Rain is common, and the Huayhuash trail can be slippery. Snow at high passes and blocked roads are also possible. This is not a good time for the Huayhuash trek 10 days unless you have experience in tough mountain weather.
Always bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket. The Huayhuash altitude makes weather change quickly, so you need to be prepared for sun, wind, and snow in one day.
Difficulty of the Huayhuash Trek 10 days
The huayhuash trek 10 days is rated challenging but moderate compared to the 6-day and 8-day Huayhuash trek. It’s not a technical climb, but the combination of high altitude, long hiking days, and daily elevation changes makes it physically demanding. The huayhuash trek difficulty increases with weather conditions and pack weight. Fortunately, our guided treks include donkeys to carry your gear (up to 5 kg), which makes hiking much easier. If you are used to hiking and spend time to acclimatize, the huayhuash circuit will be a rewarding adventure.
Altitude and elevation of the 10 day Huayhuash Trek
The Cordillera Huayhuash Peru is a high-altitude region. During the huayhuash trek 10 days, most nights are spent above 4,000 meters. The highest point is Cuyoc Pass at 5,000 meters. The trek includes seven mountain passes in total. This makes the huayhuash trek elevation one of the biggest challenges of the trip. Proper acclimatization is key. You should arrive in Huaraz at least 3-4 days before the trek starts.
The 8-day Huayhuash trek vs the Huayhuash trek 10 days
If you’re deciding between the 8-day and 10-day Huayhuash trek, the 10-day version is the more complete and comfortable experience. While both routes cover iconic passes like Siula, Tapush, and Yaucha, the 10-day Huayhuash trek includes two extra mountain passes, Qaqanan and Carhuac. Also, the 10 day huayhuash trek starts the hike further out, in Pocpa, allowing for better acclimatization. The pace is more relaxed, with shorter hiking days and more time to enjoy each campsite. One of the biggest advantages is the chance to stop at Viconga hot springs. These hot springs are a reward mid-trek that the 8-day itinerary skips. Both versions reach 5,000 meters at their highest point, but the 10-day trek spreads out the difficulty for a better overall experience. If you’re short on time and ready for long days, the 8-day Huayhuash trek may suit you. But if you want the full circuit with a smoother pace, the 10-day trek is the better choice.
Comparison 8-day vs 10-day Huayhuash trek
| Feature |
8-day trek |
10-day trek |
| Duration |
8 days / 7 nights |
10 days / 9 nights |
| Hiking starts at |
Cuartelhuain |
Pocpa |
| First campsite |
Mitucocha |
Cuartelhuain |
| Pace |
Faster, longer hiking days |
Slower, more evenly paced effort |
| Highest point |
Trapecio Pass (5000 m) |
Cuyoc Pass (5000 m) |
| Included passes |
Siula, Trapecio, San Antonio, Tapush, Yaucha |
Qaqanan, Carhuac, Siula, Cuyoc, San Antonio, Tapush, Yaucha |
| Viconga & hot springs |
❌ Not included |
✅ Yes, with time to rest and enjoy hot springs |
| Total mountain passes |
5 |
7 |
| Physical challenge |
More intense per day |
Higher total challenge, but better distributed |
| Ending point |
Pocpa |
Llamac |
Background information – Cordillera Huayhuash
The Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the most beautiful and untouched mountain ranges in Peru. While it’s smaller than the more famous Cordillera Blanca, many hikers believe it offers even more impressive scenery. The mountains are tall and sharp, with snow-covered peaks rising above deep valleys and blue glacial lakes. Because the area is so remote, you’ll feel like you’re truly in the wild.
One of the highest and most striking peaks in the Huayhuash range is Yerupajá, which reaches 6,635 meters. It’s the second-highest mountain in all of Peru. Another famous peak here is Siula Grande. It became known around the world through the dramatic survival story Touching the Void, written by mountaineer Joe Simpson. Seeing this mountain in real life is a special moment for many travelers.
The local communities along the Huayhuash route have preserved their traditional way of life. You may see villagers wearing handmade clothes, herding alpacas, or working in their small farms. These quiet Andean villages are a chance to connect with a different rhythm of life and meet people who live closely with the land.
Because the route stays mostly above 4,000 meters, this trek is considered one of the highest long-distance hikes in the world. But it’s not just about altitude. It’s also about silence, stars, cold mornings, steaming hot springs, and the feeling of reaching a mountain pass and seeing an entire range unfold beneath you. This is the spirit of the Huayhuash full circuit.
