Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights
Difficulty: Difficult
Start/End Point: Huaraz
Price: From $500 USD
Overview:
The Huayhuash Trek is a breathtaking adventure through one of Peru’s most spectacular mountain ranges, known for its dramatic peaks, turquoise lakes, and remote alpine beauty. This shorter version of the classic Huayhuash Circuit offers a condensed yet unforgettable experience, combining high-altitude passes, panoramic views of snowcapped giants like Yerupajá and Siula Grande, and encounters with local Andean communities.
Perfect for experienced hikers with limited time, the 5-day route delivers rugged wilderness, crisp mountain air, and some of the most stunning scenery in the Peruvian Andes—all in one epic journey. so unique, it will leave you speechless.
*This is a full-service trek. A duffel bag will be provided prior to hiking for your personal items and our staff will transport the bag and all other equipment (tents, food, cooking supplies) from campsite to campsite. All you will need to carry is your day pack.
PRICE
2 Trekkers (Private): $900 USD per person
3+ Trekkers: $500 USD per person
Only your $200 non-refundable deposit is due to reserve your space! Final payments are due 30 days before your trek.
Includes:
✓ Transportation from end to end in Huaraz
✓ English speaking guide
✓ All meals as listed (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners) + (can accommodate dietary restrictions with proper notice)
✓ One Duffle bag per clients for items to be carried by porters (up to 22lbs/10kilos per person).
✓ Clean water for drinking provided at every meal stop + daily Snack.
✓ 4 nights camping in the wilderness.
✓ All entrance fees and permits (permits for Huayhuash Community)
✓ Camping equipment (dining-kitchen tents, tents – 2 people/tent) (single occupancy available for additional charge)
✓ Professional Chef
✓ Pack animals to carry duffles + equipment (horse)
✓Emergency horse available for anyone who needs to take a break from hiking due to illness or injury
✓ Sleeping Mattress
✓ Basic First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Does not include:
X Gratuity for staff (Guide, chef, porters, horsemens)
X Accommodation in Huaraz or Lima
X Airfare & transportation from Lima to Huaraz
X Travel insurance
X Lunch & Dinner Day 5
X Walking sticks (available for rent for $20)
X Sleeping Bag (can be rented for $50)
X Private Tent ($50) – optional
X Sales Tax
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- PLEASE NOTE : The Huayhuash Trek starts and ends in Huaraz. Please see below for information about how to travel to Huaraz.
- Participants must be in good physical condition. Previous hiking experience is required and previous backpacking experience is highly recommended but not required.
- We’ll be hiking for the better part of 4- days (about 5- 9 hours per day).
- We’ll sleep at elevations over 4,000m/13,123ft every night.
- Huaraz is at 3,000m/9,842 ft. Because of this, we highly recommend staying in Huaraz a few days before hiking to get acclimated to the altitude before beginning the hike.
- DON’T let fear of altitude sickness stop you from joining! Altitude sickness is an illness caused by exposure to low air pressure, which many people experience at high altitudes. Exerting yourself at high altitudes, especially if you have not been properly acclimated, can cause it, but with proper preparation, you can be ready for the trek.
- During the hike, you will only be expected to carry a day pack (not all your baggage), we will have 3 meals prepared by chefs daily on the trail plus snacks and purified water at each stop. There will be a toilet available at each campsite.
- We do offer an optional upgrade for +$50 USD to return you to Lima instead of Huaraz on day 5. Please ask during booking if this is something that interests you.
HOW TO GET TO HUARAZ:
- You will need to fly or take a bus for 8 hours from Lima to Huaraz. We recommend the Cruz del Sur bus line which has several departures from Lima and Huaraz per day.
Full Itinerary
DAY 1- HUARAZ (3100m)–– LLAMAC – CUARTELHUAIN (4,180M/ 13,713)- MITUCOCHA (4100M)
Are we ready for the adventure?
- Your guide will come to pick you up from your hotel to jump on the our van for 5 hours, making our way to Chiquian with a stop for a quick breakfast along the way – enjoyed by the river and prepared by the trekking chef (oh yeah!).
- Once we arrive to Cuartelhuain starting point of the expedition. It begins immediately with an ascent to the first mountain pass (3 hours up).
- After the first pass, the rest of the trail is easy, down and flat (3 hours). Once we reach our first campsite at Mitucocha, you’ll have the chance to relax and get to the altitude until our amazing chef calls us for dinner.
- Today you’ll be rewarded with a gourmet dinner at a stunning campsite at the foot of a glacial lake.
Are you still excited?
- Walking distance: 6-7 hours/ 9km/ 5.59 ml
- Camp elevation: 4,150m/13615ftt
- Includes: B/L/D
- Weather: morning cold, noon warm, afternoon windy, night cold
DAY 2- MITUCOCHA (4100m/13451ft) – CARHUAC PASS (4,750M/15,583ft)– CARHUACOCHA (4,150m/13,615ft)
Are you ready for another day of nature’s masterclass?
- After a good breakfast, the staff will pack up your gear and we’ll start our 7-8 hour walk with stunning mountain and lake views covering two summits in a day – Cacanan Pass (4,700m/15,419ft) & Carhuac pass (4,600m/15,091ft).
- We’ll have lunch half way though and finish the day at our second campsite Carhuacocha (4,150m/13,615ft)
- Walking distance: 7-8 hours/ 15 kilometers (9.32 miles)
- Highest altitude: 4,750 m/15,583ft
- Campsite altitude: 4,150m/13615ft
- Includes: B/L/D
- Weather: morning cold, noon warm, afternoon windy, night cold
DAY 3- CARHUACOCHA(4,150m/13,615ft) – SIULA PASS (4,800M/ 15,748FT) – HUAYHUASH(4,350M/14,271FT)
This morning promises to be pretty epic as we hop out of our tents in search for more vistas.
- After breakfast we’ll try to leave the campsite early to have more time to enjoy the ascent to the Carnicero and Silula Pass-4,800m/ 15,748ft.
- From here, the majestic view of the Andes mountains and the Huayshuash village never ceases to impress, and we know you’ll leave feeling like you’ve witnessed something truly special.
- After enjoying the view, we’ll get back on the road, rolling passed quaint villages on the way to the campsite at Huayhuash – 4,350m/14,271ft.
- Walking distance: 7-8 hours/ 16 kilometers (10 miles)
- Highest altitude: 4,800m/ 15,748ft
- Campsite altitude: 4,350m/14,271ft
- Includes: B/L/D
- Weather : morning cold, noon warm, afternoon windy, night cold
DAY 4– HUAYHUASH (4,350m/14,271ft) – PORTACHUELO PASS (4,750M/15,583ft) – VICONGA-HOT SPRING (4,400M/ 14,435 ft)
After breakfast and tying our shoes tight, we’ll take off on our 4th day of the expedition and you can bet it is going to be more exciting.
- The hike from the Huayhuash campsite to Viconga hot springs is is steady but not overly steep, leading you from wide valleys into higher ground with one pass Portachuelo (4,750m). and rewarding you at the end with natural thermal baths.
- You will descend into the Viconga valley where the trail drops gently with the dammed Laguna Viconga stretching below. The landscape feels wilder here — big open spaces, fewer sharp peaks, more rolling hills.
- Ending the day with a hot spring soak at 4,400 m — a rare luxury on such a rugged trek.
- Walking distance: 5-6 hours/ 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
- Highest altitude: 4,750m/ 15,583 ft
- Campsite altitude: 4,400m/ 14,435ft
- Includes: B/L/D
- Weather : morning cold, noon warm, afternoon windy, night cold
DAY 5- VICONGA-HOT SPRINGS (4,400M/ 14,435 ft) – BACK TO HUARAZ.
Today our Amazing Adventure comes to the end!
- After breakfast we will pack our duffle bags and soak up the last view of the mountains.
- We’ll jump on the van that will take us to nearest town Cajatambo (2hr) then we continue riding until we get back to Huaraz (9 hrs)
- Van ride: 9-10 -rough Andean road.
- Weather: morning cold
- Includes: Breakfast
Why Book with First Step Expeditions?
- Expert Local Guides & the famous Red Army (horsemen)
- Top Quality camping Gear.
- Gourmet meals on the trail.
- Committed to Staff Welfare.
- Committed to Sustainability.
- 5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor from hikers worldwide.
Huayhuash Trek 5- days – Group Dates -2026 Season -($500USD)
- April 20-24
- April 30-May 4
- May 10-14
- May 20-24
- May 30-June 3
- June 9-13
- June 19-23
- June 29-July 3
- July 9-13
- July 19-23
- July 29-August 2
- August 8-12
- August 18-22
- August 28-September 1
- September 7-11
- September 17-21
- September 27- October 1
- October 7-11
FAQS
How difficult is the route?
Each individual day has a moderate-to- challenging hike with a significant amount of elevation gain. In addition, we’ll spend every night over 4,000m/13,123ft. and going as high as 5,020m/16,469ft during the day which means that altitude becomes a big factor.
How much weight will I have to carry every day?
You’ll need to carry your daily personal items (water, toilet paper, sunblock, ChapStick, rain gear, sun hat, sun glasses, light down jacket, etc) make sure your day pack is under 5 kilos. The rest of your belonging will be packed by you in one of our duffle bags and our staff and horses will transport it directly to the campsite.
How many miles will be walking each day?
Daily miles walked will range from 8-11 miles.
Should I be taking acetazolamide (Diamox) for this high altitude trek?
For this question, please ask your physician. Some trekkers have done it without taking any pills, but if you haven’t been to 16,469ft before, there is no telling how your body will react to extreme altitude.
Diamox takes 24-48 hours to become effective (please consult with your doctor!)
Is traveling in Peru safe?
Mostly yes, Peruvians are overall welcoming and tourist friendly. Peru has one of the lowest overall crime rates compared to other countries in South America. Of course, please travel with caution and make sure to take standard safety precautions, don’t leave your belongings unattended, and avoid venturing solo after dark.
What is the weather like on the trek?
The weather in Huaraz is consistent all year round with warm days (70-75F) and cold nights (30-40F). The mountains are unpredictable though so you should always pack layers and be prepared for rain.
What is the best time to hike Huayhuash trek?
The best time to hike Huayhuash is from April to October.
