Cordillera Huayhuash Short Trek

Arrive in Huaraz and check into your guesthouse. Enjoy exploring Huaraz on foot as you get used to the altitude. If you are coming from a lower elevation, it is strongly recommended to spend 2-3 days acclimatizing to the altitude, and you can book a 3-day acclimatization tour during the booking process, or you can plan your acclimatization before the trip on your own. The option acclimatization tour you can book takes you out to some of the most beautiful hikes around Huaraz. You can also arrange a bus travel from Lima to Huaraz in the booking process.

Meet the van at your hotel at the designated time for transport to the village of Llamac (3,300 m / 10,824 ft). Along this drive through the north side of the “Alley of Huaylas” you will pass through the towns of Recuay, Catac, Conococha, and Chiquian. It will take about 5 hours to reach Llamac, where you will have lunch and meet up with the donkey driver (“arriero”). After lunch, carry your gear to the pack animals and begin your hike! After the long car ride, you’ll enjoy stretching your legs for about 3 hours as you climb up to Pampa Llamac (4,050 m / 13,287 ft) where you’ll camp for the night.

After breakfast, hike for about 1.5 hours up to the Pampa Llamac Pass (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). From this overlook, you will see an amazing view of the western side of the Cordillera Huayhuash. Rest and take pictures of the spectacular view before continuing your hike along a rocky, tree-lined path down to the Achin River. Continue trekking until you reach the beautiful Jahuacocha Lake (4,070 m / 13,353 ft). The 4-hour walk will reward you with a campsite for the night beside the lake against the stunning backdrop of the Rondoy, Hirisahanca and Toro mountains.

Stay camped at beautiful Jahuacocha Lake and spend today exploring the area. After breakfast, hike up to the Yahucha Viewpoint (4,600 m / 15,092 ft) for impressive views of the western peaks in the Cordillera Huayhuash. The hike up takes about 3 hours, and after enjoying the view you will return to the campsite by the same trail. After lunch, trek to Solteracocha Lake at the base of Hirishanca Mountain. This area is near the glacier, and you can see the wreckage of a plane that crashed in 1954. If there is time when you return to camp, you can fish in Jahuacocha Lake before settling in for the night.

On your last day of trekking in the Huayhuash. Today you will trek for about 3.5 hours up to the Zambunya Pass (4,750 m / 15,580). This is the highest point on this tour, and from this overlook you will have a breathtaking view of the massive Yerupaja Mountain, as well as nearby Rondoy, Ninashanca, and Hirishanca mountains. Take time to rest and take pictures before completing the hike. It will take about 3 hours to hike down to Rondoy Valley (4,100 m / 13,451 ft). From Rondoy, a van will be waiting to take you back to Huaraz. Stop along the way at the Cuncush Pass for a final view of the Cordillera Huayhuash. You will also have the chance to visit the town of Huallanca along the 4.5 hour drive back to Huaraz, where you will return to your hotel.

Today you’ll depart Huaraz. Many guests take a bus back to Lima, though some stay on to complete another trek in the Huayhuash.