Huayhuash Circuit Trek: 8 Days Alpine Wilderness Expedition
8 days of continuous alpine circuit hiking over 6 passes above 4,600m (15,090 ft) alongside turquoise glacial lakes.
Huayhuash Circuit Trek: 8 Days Alpine Wilderness Expedition
8 days of continuous alpine circuit hiking over 6 passes above 4,600m (15,090 ft) alongside turquoise glacial lakes.
Direct dedicated pickup from any hotel or Airbnb in Cusco or the Sacred Valley—including accommodations located outside the historic center. If your lodging is located along a narrow pedestrian cobblestone alley, our private assistant meets you right at your door, assists with luggage, and escorts you directly to your private vehicle.
Experience overview
A rigorous high-altitude wilderness trek around the Cordillera Huayhuash massif in central Peru. The route circumnavigates glaciated spires including Yerupajá (Peru's second highest peak) and Siula Grande. Traversing remote passes like Punta Carhuac, Siula, and San Antonio, you camp beside pristine alpine lakes including Laguna Carhuacocha and Jahuacocha. This route requires solid acclimatization, cold-weather camping equipment, and seasoned mountain pacing.
High-Altitude Safety Profile
Effective O₂ at 5,000m
Prior rest recommended
+2,789 ft vertical gain
Physiological Altitude Curve & Biomes
Select any day or milestone on the interactive graph to view its atmospheric altitude, effective oxygen pressure, and terrain biome.
Huaraz
Peak Altitude
4,700 m
Effective O₂ Level
~56% vs sea-level
Extreme high puna. Pure glacial atmosphere with ~56% oxygen.· Cacananpunta Pass
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (8D / 7N)
- Day 14,700 m(15,420 ft)
Huaraz – Cuartelhuain – Mitucocha
Overland drive from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain. First hike over Cacananpunta Pass (4,700m) to camp beside Laguna Mitucocha.
Key highlights
- Day 24,650 m(15,256 ft)
Mitucocha – Carhuac Viewpoint – Carhuacocha
Hike over Carhuac Pass (4,650m) with direct views of the eastern face of Yerupajá. Camp along the shores of glacial Laguna Carhuacocha.
Key highlights
- Day 34,800 m(15,748 ft)
Carhuacocha – Tres Lagunas – Siula Pass – Camp Huayhuash
Challenging ascent past the three glacial lakes (Gangrajanca, Siulacocha, Quesillococha) to Siula Pass (4,800m). Descend to Huayhuash camp.
Key highlights
- Day 45,000 m(16,404 ft)
Huayhuash – Trapecio Pass – Elephant Camp
Ascend past glacial moraines to Trapecio Pass (5,000m) with up-close views of glaciers and turquoise meltwater tarns.
Key highlights
- Day 55,020 m(16,470 ft)
Elephant Camp – San Antonio Hill – Huayllapa Village
Trek over the dramatic San Antonio Pass (5,020m) for legendary 360-degree vistas of the entire range. Descend to the farming hamlet of Huayllapa.
Key highlights
- Day 64,800 m(15,748 ft)
Huayllapa – Tapush Pass – Gaspa Camp
Climb through Andean quenual forests up to Tapush Pass (4,800m). Camp at Gashpampa under Mount Diablo Mudo.
Key highlights
- Day 74,850 m(15,912 ft)
Gaspa Camp – Yaucha Pass – Jahuacocha
Cross Yaucha Pass (4,850m) and hike along the dramatic ridgeline overlooking Laguna Jahuacocha—considered the most beautiful lake in the range.
Key highlights
- Day 84,050 m(13,287 ft)
Jahuacocha – Llamac Pass – Huaraz
Final gentle descent down the valley through Llamac village. Farewell lunch and private transfer back to Huaraz.
Key highlights
What's Included & Excluded
What is Included
100% Pre-PaidPre-paid services verified & delivered on route
- Transportation from end to end in Huaraz
- English speaking licensed mountain trekking guide
- All meals as listed (8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners)
- All entrance fees and permits for Huayhuash rural communities
- 1 duffle bag carried by pack animals (up to 22 lbs / 10 kg per person)
- Purified drinking water provided at meal stops + daily trail snacks
- 7 nights camping in high mountain expedition tents (2 people per tent)
- Professional expedition wilderness chef
- Pack animals and horsemen to carry duffels and camp gear
- Emergency saddle horse available for illness or injury
- Insulated sleeping mattresses
- Comprehensive wilderness first aid kit with medical oxygen tank
What is Not Included
Out-of-PocketPersonal expenses & discretionary gratuities
- Staff gratuities (guide, chef, horsemen)
- Accommodation in Huaraz or Lima
- Airfare & overland transport from Lima to Huaraz
- Personal travel and evacuation insurance
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles
Field Realities & Pocket Cash
Real ground notes from our team in CuscoIdeal Traveler Fit
Who enjoys this route mostHigh-alpine wilderness backpackers and mountaineers seeking jagged 6,000m peaks, glacial turquoise lakes, and remote glacial passes.
5 to 7 hours of daily alpine trail hiking across passes between 4,600m and 4,750m+ over rocky moraine paths.
Radical Honesty: Who This is NOT For
We prefer honesty over unsuitable bookings- ✕Travelers on their first 48 hours in Huaraz (strictly spend 2 full days acclimatizing at 3,052m before high trailheads).
- ✕Hikers lacking broken-in waterproof mountaineering boots, thermal layers, and rain shells.
- ✕Anyone seeking heated lodges (campsite temperatures drop below freezing, -5°C / 23°F at night).
Route Pocket Expenses (Carry Cash Soles in Daypack)
Mandatory checkpoint fees, community tickets & coin-operated restrooms
Huascarán National Park Ticket
SERNANP park entrance ticket purchased in cash Soles.
Communal Checkpoint Tolls
Mandatory access fees across individual indigenous communities.
Mountain Restrooms & Hot Water
Basic facilities at rural roadheads and campsites.
Luggage & Transit Rule: On multi-day expeditions, pack mules or donkeys carry your duffel bag (maximum 8 kg). For Laguna 69 day hike, carry a 20L daypack; main luggage stays in Huaraz.
What to pack for this journey
Tested on the trail by our team in CuscoEssential Terrain & Practical Ground Notes
- •Huaraz high altitude preparation
- •Complete wilderness camping
- •Glacial lakes and sheer mountain walls
Real Traveler Reviews & Experiences
Independent traveler feedback verified on TripAdvisor and Google Maps.
“Working with Daspe Travel was completely seamless. From our early morning hotel pickup in Cusco to the Vistadome train tickets and citadel entrance, our guide was exceptionally punctual, knowledgeable, and full of positive energy. Zero stress, everything was flawlessly organized.”
“I was looking for a trek along the Choquequirao route and contacted them. From the very start they gave me complete confidence, and I was not wrong. Of all the operators I have used across Peru, they were by far the most professional and attentive. The route is spectacular, perhaps the finest I have done. Standing up there taking in that beauty remains one of the best sensations of my life.”
“Truly a wonderful experience doing the Salkantay trek. The entire crew goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and the cultural immersion was truly eye-opening. Everything was smoothly organized from day one. ✨ Highly recommend trekking with them.”
Frequently asked questions
Have custom requests?
Dietary accommodations, hotel upgrades or a slower photography pace? Speak directly with our local Cusco specialists.