Description
Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 3:30 AM – 3:00 AM Pickup from selected hotels or zones Pickup location: Stays in Huaraz city center See included Details: At the briefing, your exact pickup or meeting time is shared.
- Arrival in Huaraz
- 5:00 PM Approximate arrival time in the city where the tour ends
- Drive time to trailhead
- 8 hrs Typical one-way driving time to the tour start
- Hiking distance
- 39.4 km / 24.5 mi Total distance covered on foot during the tour
Highlights
- Visit the famous Three Lakes Viewpoint, camp at Carhuacocha and return to Huaraz
- Including 4-season tent, sleeping bag and all other camping and cooking equipment
- Licensed, English-speaking guide, cook and donkeys to carry personal luggage
- Less physically demanding than longer Huayhuash treks
Upcoming Mini Huayhuash Trek 4 days departures
November 2026
- Need 4 more to confirm
Do not see your date? We are constantly forming new groups and can also arrange this tour privately. Contact us on WhatsApp
A tour just for your group
Private Mini Huayhuash Trek 4 days?
Choose your own departure date, travel only with your group, and enjoy a pace shaped around you.
What is included
Included
Before the trek
- Pre-trek briefing at the Wander Free Peru office in Huaraz
- Personalized pre-trek advice and packing consultation
- Luggage storage in Huaraz at our office for items not needed on the trek
Transport
- Pick-up from your hotel in Huaraz on departure day
- Private transport with your group to the starting point of the trek
- Return transport from the trek endpoint back to Huaraz
Staff and support team
- Licensed professional trekking guide (English and Spanish speaking)
- Specialized high-altitude cook
- Donkey drivers and pack animals to carry camping equipment and personal luggage (up to 4 kg per person)
- Emergency horse for safety support
- Staff meals and accommodation fully covered
Camping equipment
- Sleeping tent (4-seasons tent, shared by default between 2 persons)
- Sleeping bag (down feather, -11 degrees C, limit ISO rated)
- Sleeping pad (inflatable, R-value 4.6)
- Foam mattress (for underneath sleeping pad, R-value 1.8+)
- Duffle bag (up to 4 kg) for your personal belongings during the trek
- Tables and chairs
- Dining and kitchen tents for protection against wind, rain, and cold
- All cooking equipment and utensils
Meals and drinking water
- All meals during the trek: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
- Water and tea served with each meal
- Special diets accommodated on request in advance
- Refill of boiled and treated drinking water from day 2 onward
Safety and logistics
- Basic medical kit including emergency oxygen
- Basic first-aid support during the trek
- Radio communication for safety
- Management of community entry points and fees
- Organization of emergency evacuation if needed (all medical, transport, and extra costs are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler)
Not included
- Entrance fees to local communities and control points (approximately 220 soles, subject to change each year, paid in cash at the briefing or booked in advance through us)
- Hotel accommodations in Huaraz (packages available)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended, available for rent)
- Day pack (30–40 liters recommended, available for rent)
- Day 1 breakfast and last day dinner
- Travel, personal, and/or medical insurance
- Personal clothing and gear
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, and extra beverages
- Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, and other personal toiletries)
- Tips for staff (optional)
- Additional expenses due to early departure, emergency rescue, or evacuation
- Cost of damage or loss of rented equipment
Optional extras
These optional extras are not included in the tour price. You choose them inside the WeTravel booking process: after you click Book now, the booking form lists every extra below with its price, and you add the ones you want before you pay.
| Extra | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Entrance to Huayhuash region
Or pay 220 soles at the briefing... This add-on covers the required entrance and community access fees for the Huayhuash region throughout your selected trek. The Huayhuash Circuit crosses land managed by several local Andean communities. These entrance fees support the communities that maintain the trails, campsites, access roads and natural areas used during the trek. The exact fees depend on your chosen itinerary, the number of trekking days and the communities visited. By adding this option, Andes Treks will arrange and manage the applicable entrance payments for your complete itinerary, so you do not need to carry separate amounts or organize payments at each checkpoint. Recommended for a smooth and worry-free trekking experience. Subject to availability and possible changes in local community fees or access conditions. |
$ 79.00 |
|
Professional trekking poles
Rent a pair of professional trekking poles for the full duration of your Huayhuash trek... The Huayhuash Circuit includes steep ascents, long descents, rocky trails, loose gravel and uneven mountain terrain. Trekking poles provide additional balance and stability while helping to reduce pressure on your knees, ankles and leg muscles. They are especially useful during long downhill sections, high mountain passes and wet or slippery conditions. The poles are adjustable, lightweight and suitable for multi-day trekking at high altitude. We provide professional trekking poles from trusted brands such as Leki or Black Diamond. The exact brand and model provided may vary. Your trekking poles will be provided before departure and can be used throughout your complete trek. Highly recommended for greater comfort, stability and confidence on the trail. Subject to availability. |
$ 20.00 |
|
Daypack 32L
Rent a comfortable 32-litre daypack for the full duration of your trek... A 32L daypack offers enough space for the essential items you need during each trekking day, including water, snacks, rain protection, warm layers, sun protection, personal medication, a camera and other small belongings. The practical size makes it spacious enough for mountain conditions without being unnecessarily large or heavy. It is ideal for carrying your daily essentials while the main luggage allowance is transported separately according to the conditions of your selected trek. The daypack will be provided before departure and remains available for your complete Huayhuash itinerary. A convenient choice for travelers who do not want to bring or purchase their own trekking backpack. Subject to availability. The exact brand, model and design may vary. |
$ 16.00 |
|
Premium sleeping bag -18 degrees celsius
Rent a premium cold-weather sleeping bag for the full duration of your Huayhuash trek... Nights in the Huayhuash mountains can be extremely cold, particularly at high-altitude campsites. This premium sleeping bag is designed for cold mountain conditions and has a temperature rating of approximately -18°C limit. It provides significantly more warmth and insulation than a standard trekking sleeping bag, helping you rest and recover properly between demanding trekking days. The sleeping bag is lightweight for its warmth level and suitable for multi-day camping in the high Andes. Your sleeping bag will be prepared before departure and available for every camping night included in your trek. Please note that temperature ratings are general manufacturer guidelines. Individual comfort can vary depending on weather conditions, altitude, clothing, sleeping mat and personal sensitivity to cold. One of the most valuable comfort upgrades for a warm and restful night in the mountains. Subject to availability. The exact brand and model may vary. |
$ 24.00 |
|
Private 4-seasons tent
Enjoy additional privacy and personal space with your own tent throughout the trek... Standard accommodation is normally based on two travelers sharing one tent. By selecting the private tent add-on, you will have a tent reserved exclusively for your individual use for every camping night included in your itinerary. A private tent gives you more room to organize your belongings, change clothes and relax comfortably after each trekking day. It is especially recommended for solo travelers, light sleepers or anyone who values greater privacy during a multi-day mountain adventure. Your private tent will be transported, installed and packed away by the trekking team at each campsite. Upgrade your trek with more privacy, space and comfort at camp. Subject to availability. The exact tent brand, model and size may vary. |
$ 36.00 |
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Queropalca – Carhuacocha Camp
Hiking distance: 9.7 km | Elevation gain: +358 m
- Morning: Leave Huaraz early for the scenic drive to Queropalca, the starting point of your four-day Huayhuash trek. Travel through Andean valleys and rural communities before reaching the trailhead.
- Afternoon: Begin hiking toward Carhuacocha Lake, following the valley on a gradual ascent into the Cordillera Huayhuash. As you approach camp, glacier-covered peaks rise above the surrounding grasslands.
- Evening: Settle into Carhuacocha Camp beside the lake. Enjoy the changing light on the mountains and rest before tomorrow’s hike to the Three Lagoons.
Day 2: Carhuacocha – Three Lagoons Viewpoint – Carhuacocha
Hiking distance: 12.6 km | Elevation gain: +505 m
- Morning: Depart from Carhuacocha Camp for a day hike toward the Three Lagoons, following the trail deeper into a landscape of glacial lakes and steep mountain walls.
- Afternoon: Climb to the Three Lagoons viewpoint, also known as Mirador Tres Lagunas, for panoramic views across the lakes and surrounding peaks. Pause for photographs before retracing the trail to Carhuacocha.
- Evening: Spend a second night at Carhuacocha Camp. Relax beside the lake after one of the scenic highlights of this short Huayhuash itinerary.
Day 3: Carhuacocha – Carhuac Pass – Janca Camp
Hiking distance: 9.2 km | Elevation gain: +459 m
- Morning: Leave Carhuacocha behind and begin the ascent toward Carhuac Pass. Follow the mountain trail through open alpine terrain, with opportunities to look back across the valley.
- Afternoon: Cross Carhuac Pass and descend toward Janca, enjoying a new perspective on the northern Cordillera Huayhuash. Continue across highland grasslands to reach camp.
- Evening: Settle into Janca Camp and enjoy the quiet mountain setting. Rest ahead of the final pass crossing and return journey to Huaraz.
Day 4: Janca – Cacanan Punta Pass – Cuartelhuain – Huaraz
Hiking distance: 7.9 km | Elevation gain: +461 m
- Morning: Begin your final ascent from Janca to Cacanan Punta Pass. Take in the surrounding mountain scenery as you complete the last major climb of the trek.
- Afternoon: Descend to Cuartelhuain, where the hiking route ends. Meet your return transport and begin the drive back to Huaraz.
- Evening: Arrive in Huaraz, completing your Huayhuash trek in 4 days.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Booking details
- Minimum group
- 6 participants
Before you go
- Passport or ID
- Copy or photo accepted
- Travel insurance
- Recommended
Meeting and timing
- Pickup
-
Pickup from selected hotels or zones
Stays in Huaraz city center
- End point
-
Huaraz · 5:00 PM
- Languages
- English, Spanish
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Tour duration
- 4 days
- Average group size
- 6 people
- Drive distance to trailhead
- 267 km / 165.9 mi
- Maximum altitude
- 4,650 m / 15,256 ft
On the trail
- Route type
- Point to point
- Trail surface
- Dirt trail, Rocky, Steep sections, Many steps, Mud possible, Snow or ice possible
- Fitness level
- Good - regular cardio or hiking
- Experience
- Basic hiking experience recommended
- Starting altitude
- 3,840 m / 12,598 ft
- Drinking water
- Natural sources; treatment required
- Toilets
- Limited or basic toilets
- Acclimatization
-
Spend at least 4 days in Huaraz before the trek. Start with easy walks, then try 2 or more day hikes at higher altitudes to help your body adjust.
Comfort and facilities
- Dietary options
- Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Food allergies on request
- Luggage storage
-
Available
Store your luggage with us at the briefing
- Mobile signal
- No mobile signal
- Device charging
- Bring a power bank
Mini Huayhuash Trek 4 days map
Full tour description
The mini Huayhuash Trek 4 days takes you into the Cordillera Huayhuash for glacial lakes, panoramic mountain passes, and camping beneath snow-capped peaks. Starting in Queropalca, this 4 day Huayhuash trek visits Carhuacocha Lake and the famous Three Lagoons viewpoint before crossing Carhuac Pass and Cacanan Punta Pass on the way to Cuartelhuain. During this four-day adventure, you hike approximately 39.4 km through remote Andean valleys and open mountain grasslands. Spend two nights at Carhuacocha Camp, giving you a full day to explore the Three Lagoons and return to the same campsite. Your third night is at Janca Camp, followed by a final pass crossing and the return drive to Huaraz. This short Huayhuash trek is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience some of the region’s best-known scenery. Although the itinerary is shorter than the longer circuits, the high altitude and mountain terrain make it a demanding adventure that requires good fitness and acclimatization.
Huayhuash Trek 4 days route
- Day 1: Huaraz to Queropalca, followed by a hike to Carhuacocha Camp.
- Day 2: Hike from Carhuacocha to the Three Lagoons viewpoint and return to Carhuacocha Camp.
- Day 3: Trek from Carhuacocha over Carhuac Pass to Janca Camp.
- Day 4: Cross Cacanan Punta Pass, descend to Cuartelhuain, and return to Huaraz by road.
Private Mini Huayhuash Trek departures
The Huayhuash Trek 4 days can be arranged as a private trek, with a confirmed departure on any chosen date when booked in advance. This option is ideal for couples, families, friends, and travelers who want to fit the trek into their own Peru itinerary without waiting for a group departure. Contact Wander Free Peru with your preferred date and group size to arrange your private mini Huayhuash trek.
Longer Huayhuash Treks and popular group departures
If you have more time and would like to trek with other travelers, our Huayhuash Trek 6 days and Huayhuash Trek 8 days are our more popular options for group departures. These longer itineraries give you additional days to explore the mountain scenery, high passes, and remote camps of the Cordillera Huayhuash. For a more extended adventure, explore our Huayhuash Trek 10 days. Choose the route that best suits your available time, fitness, and trekking experience.
Main activities on the Huayhuash Trek 4 days
- High-altitude trekking through the Cordillera Huayhuash.
- Visiting Carhuacocha Lake and the Three Lagoons viewpoint.
- Crossing Carhuac Pass and Cacanan Punta Pass.
- Camping for two nights at Carhuacocha and one night at Janca.
- Photographing glacial lakes, mountain valleys, and snow-covered peaks.
- Looking for Andean birds and other wildlife along the trail.
- Passing through Andean communities during the road journey.
- Stargazing from mountain camps when skies are clear.
Huayhuash Trek altitude and acclimatization
The hiking route ranges from approximately 3,800 to 4,750 meters above sea level, based on the mapped elevation profile. The highest crossing is Cacanan Punta Pass on the final day. Overnight camps are approximately 4,100 to 4,250 meters, with two nights at Carhuacocha and one at Janca. Elevation readings vary between maps and GPS devices. Plan at least four days in Huaraz before departure to allow time for acclimatization and gradual hikes to higher elevations. Individual adjustment varies, and spending time in Huaraz does not eliminate the risk of altitude illness. Arrive prepared for sustained walking at high altitude and discuss your acclimatization plan with your guide before starting.
Mini Huayhuash Trek weather and temperature
Weather in the Cordillera Huayhuash can change quickly. Sunshine can feel warm while hiking, but wind, cloud cover, and higher elevations can bring a sharp drop in temperature. Rain, hail, or snowfall are possible, and overnight temperatures can fall below freezing. Bring warm layers, waterproof outerwear, sun protection, and a sleeping bag suitable for freezing mountain nights. Prepare for cold mornings and evenings throughout your mini Huayhuash trek.
About the Cordillera Huayhuash
The Cordillera Huayhuash lies in the Peruvian Andes and is known for its steep peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes. Its mountain valleys and rural communities form the setting for some of Peru’s most memorable trekking routes. On this itinerary, Carhuacocha serves as your base for exploring the Three Lagoons viewpoint. The lakes, surrounding glaciers, and dramatic mountain backdrop make this day a highlight of the Huayhuash Trek 4 days and a rewarding destination for landscape photography.
What to bring
Clothing
- 2 quick-dry trekking shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- Warm fleece or light down jacket
- Rain jacket and pants
- Wool or fleece hat, and sun hat
- Light and warm gloves
- 4–5 pairs of hiking socks
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Waterproof (goretex) hiking boots
Basic equipment
- Daypack (around 30 L)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles or bladder (2–2.5 L total)
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Small quick-dry towel
Personal items
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toilet paper and a small trash bag
- Any personal medications
- Mini first aid kit (blister plasters
- Soles in cash for the entrance fee if not booked
- Optional: earplugs for sleeping
Recommended snacks
You’ll get meals during the trek, but it helps to bring a few lightweight snacks:
- Energy or protein bars
- Mixed nuts or trail mix
- Dried fruit (like mango or raisins)
- Hydration tablets or electrolyte powder
- A few sweets or chocolate
Choose snacks that are small, high in energy, and easy to carry.