Inca Trail Treks
Sacred Valley Treks
Huaraz Treks
Preparation
Peru: Siula Grande Expedition in the Cordillera Huayhuash - Trekking with Bergsport
On this page: Overview | 13-day Itinerary | 22-day Itinerary | 13-day Pricing | 22-day Pricing
Overview
Adventures Within Reach is partnering with Huayhuash Trek Travel Agency and Bergsport to provide specialized treks in the Cordillera Hauyhuash. This is for those hikers, who would like an intensive trekking experience! Those, who are familiar with the book "Touching the Void" will recognize the Siula Grande Peak, which was featured in this amazing story! We will not climb the mountain but will be hiking in the valley below!
The Cordillera Huayhuash is an extension of the Cordillera Blanca, located in the northern Peruvian Andes. It lies southeast of Huaraz and boasts spectacular snow - covered rocky peaks that rise like natures teeth to the sky.
For either of these itineraries, you may extend your travel in Peru with a side trip to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu!
13-day Itinerary (Huaraz to Huaraz): Day 1: Huaraz/Llamac; Day 2: Llamac/Cuarelhuain; Day 3:Cuarelhuain/Mitucocha; Day 4:Mitucocha/Carhuachcha; Day 5: Carhuacocha and Siula Lakes; Day 6: Carhuacocha/Huayhuash; Day 7: Huayhuash/Viconga; Day 8: Viconga/Huanacpatay; Day 9: Huanacpatay/Huayllapa; Day 10: Huayllapa/Cashpapampa; Day 11: Cashpapampa/Jahuacocha; Day 12: Jahuachoha/ Rest Day; Day 13: Jahuacocha/Llamac/Huaraz.
- Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
- Season: May-September
- Groups to Join for 2010:
May 15
June 2
June 18
July 2
July 20
August 5
August 18
September 15
22-day Itinerary (Lima to Lima): Day 1: Lima; Day 2: Lima/Castillos de Chancay/Huacho; Day 3:Caral/Huaraz; Day 4:Huaraz; Day 5: Huaraz and Lake Churup; Day 6: Huaraz/ Llamac; Day 7: Llamac/Cuarelhuain; Day 8: Cuarelhuain/Mitucocha; Day 9: Mitucocha/Carhuachcha; Day 10: Carhuacocha and Siula Lakes; Day 11: Carhuacocha/Huayhuash; Day 12: Huayhuash/Viconga; Day 13: Viconga/Huanacpatay; Day 14: Huanacpatay/Huayllapa; Day 15: Huayllapa/Cashpapampa; Day 16: Cashpapampa/Jahuacocha; Day 17: Jahuachoha/ Rest Day; Day 18: Jahuacocha/Llamac/Huaraz; Day 19: Huaraz and Llanganuco Lakes; Day 20: Huaraz/Lima; Day 21: Lima City Tours; Day 22: Lima Depart.
- Duration: 22 days / 12 nights
- Season: May-September
- Groups to Join for 2010:
May 28
June 5
June 22
July 5
July 16
August 2
August 22
September 10
13-day Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Llamac
After the breakfast, we will aboard our private bus and leave Huaraz passing different small and typical towns of Recuay (3400 meters), Ticapampa (3470 meters), Catac (3640 meters) and the small village Pachacoto (3700 meters), from here we leave the highway and continue in the east side surrounded by a lot of fields and we will enjoy the beautiful landscape that matches the blue sky and the dark green hills. Far from here, the snow-peaked white mountains match the landscape. We visit Patococha Lake, then enter the national park. We’ll find the carbonated water from Pumapampa, and soon we stop at a small colored lake called Pumapashimin that changes its colors caused by solar radiation. Next, we travel on to the big Bromeliads called Puyas Raymondi, continuing our journey to Chiquian 3400, following the east high way to Mojon and descending zigzag until Chiquian, arriving approximatelyat 1 p.m. for lunch. After lunch, we drive to Timpoc (2800 meters). From here we will start ascending along the Llamac river until the peasant town Llamac (3300 meters). Here will be our first camping in the football field of Llamac. (BLD).
Day 2: Llamac – Cuartelhuain
Our breakfast will be at 7 a.m. to be ready to start trekking by 8 a.m. We’ll continue ascending through the Pocpa valley, through a typical peasant town called Pocpa (3600 meters). This is the last town in this Valley where we can buy some soda drinks for the sunny way. At 1 p.m., we arrive Pallca where we’ll have lunch. From here, we continue hiking to our camping place Matacancha (4100 meters) from where we can appreciate the Ninashanca Mountain (5607 meters) and Rondoy (5870 meters) Peak. Overnight camping (BLD).
Day 3: Cuartelhuain – Mitucocha
In the morning after breakfast, we start our trek, this time it’s going to be a bit difficult because the climbing to the pass will take us about 2 or 3 hours. From the pass, we’ll descent and then ascend approximately 30 minutes. Lunch is after the small climb. We’ll take an alternative trail to get to the campsite early, avoiding walking the same route the next day. We will appreciate the Andean rabbits called Vizcachas. Once we have arrived to our campsite, we have time to go fishing around the lake, while our cook prepares the dinner. We will camp at 4200 meters (BLD).
Day 4: Mitucocha – Carhuacocha
As usual, after our breakfast and packing our things, we start trekking at 8 a.m. Today will be an easy day. After 3 hours walking we’ll reach the pass where we’ll have lunch, We’ll walk always enjoying the white peaked mountains such as Yerupaja, Jirishanca, and Siula, we’ll get our campsite approximately at 3 or 4 p.m. We’ll be surprised by a beautiful lake, keeping the mountain’s silhouettes green colored, Our campsite will be set up in a special place facing to the lake. We camp at 4138 meters (BLD).
Day 5: Carhuacocha Explore Siula Lakes
After breakfast at the campsite in Carhuacocha, we hike round the Carhuacocha Lake, enjoying the wonderful landscape. We will approach the Huayhuash Mountains, as we hike to Siula Lake, after 2 hours hiking we will arrive to the base of the Huayhuash mountains where we observe the green colored lakes of Siula. There are panoramic views of avalanches falling down from the Yerupaja Mountains to Siula Lakes, we will enjoy this and other stunning views of the mountains, and return to our campsite for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and overnight in Carhuacocha lake at around 4200 meters (BLD).
Day 6: Caruacocha – Huayhuash
After breakfast, we start our trekking, relaxed after the rest day before, after ascending for one hour, we reach an easy trail, slightly ascending to the Carnicero Pass at 4600 meters. After the pass, there are scenic places to have lunch next to the Carnicero lakes. From here, we descend a few kilometers and arrive at our campsite, that’s just next to the Jurau Lake or Huayhuash. We camp here at 4350 meters (BLD).
Day 7: Huayhuash – Viconga
This morning begins with an easy ascent to the Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass. From here we descend to the campsite Viconga to have lunch. After that, we go to the hot springs, a 20-minute walk down from the campsite. Those who don’t want go to the hot springs will have free afternoon and rest at the campsite, which is at 4450 meters (BLD).
Day 8: Viconga – Huanacpatay
This day begins with a moderate ascent to the highest pass in our whole trip; the climb will take approximately 3 hours. The Cuyoc Mountain will be closer to us and we reach the highest pass on our trek. After this pass we will descend to the Guanacpatay valley to have lunch, hiking down from the pass is very dust and rocky. After that, we’ll reach the beautiful field full of grass to walk in, where we will have lunch. After few hours walking, we’ll find our camping place in the peaceful Valley of Guanacpatay at 4300 meters (BLD).
Day 9: Huanacpatay – Huayllapa
We begin again at 8 a.m., with an easy hike for trekkers due to a continuous descent. We stop for the lunch at the junction of Huayllapa and Guanacpatay Rivers. We then walk along the Huayllapa river rocky trail until Huayllapa village. Huayllapa is a small isolated peasant village at 3700 meters. Citizens from this village made this small town with not electricity or road into the village. One wonders how they made this village that now includes a school, first aid and medical clinic. We find the explanation as we visit this village, and we camp in the football field in the middle of this town. Small Andean shops will provide us soda drinks, bears, and necessities (BLD).
Day 10: Huayllapa – Cashpapampa
This time we’ll have a bit difficult ascent to the Tapush pass, and after we reach the pass, we will walk down an easy trail. We arrive at the campsite early. From here we will feel that we have trekked around the entire Huayhuash! Camp overnight at 4600 meters (BLD).
Day 11: Cashpapampa – Jahuacocha
After breakfast, we start our trekking moderately ascending to the Yaucha Pass; after the two hour climb, a rest will be welcome! We then continue descednding along the Huacrish ravine for approximately three or four hours, to view a beautiful panoramic landscape. The Jahuacocha lake at the base of the mountains of Jirishanca, Yerupaja, and Rondoy, is a beautiful green colored lake that lies at 4066 meters. Here is our campsite. Next to our camp, we’ll find a typical mountain hut for sheepherders; and his owner Mr Delao Huaranga will receive us with a gentle treating just being friendly or to offer us the cool beer and soda waters. It’s hard to find Coca Cola at this altitude, but we can find here in Mr Delao’s humble hut, that he sells to the visitors or to people who camp in Jahuacocha. Overnight in Jahuacocha at 4066 meters (BLD).
Day 12: Jahuacocha Rest Day
This day is a free day. Our guide will explain many alternatives, as fishing, going to the upper lake Solterococha, walk round the lakes, stay at the lake washing, and such. There will be a box lunch for those who are hiking. Dinner will be served while everyone tells about their activities for the day (BLD).
Day 13: Jahuacocha - Llamac – Huaraz
Today, as we leave the most beautiful long trek, we find easy walking to the Pampallamac place where we’ll say good bye to the Huayhuash Mountains. Lunch is en route. Later, we descend to Llamac town, arriving at 1 or 2 p.m. We leave Llamac town driving down along the Llamac River until Timpoc, where the Llamac and Pacllon River join. From here, we go up to Chiquian along the Ainin River, arriving to Chiquian. We will walk round the village, meet our driver and bus, and continue to Huaraz (3 hours drive); overnight at hotel in Huaraz (BLD).
13-day Pricing
2010 Prices:
| # In Group | 2-3 | 4-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | Join Group | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person | Available upon request | Available upon request | Available upon request | Available upon request | $750 | Available upon request |
SERVICES INCLUDED:
Transportation to the start of the trail (Llamac, beginning of the trip); English speaking professional guide; sleeping tents; double thickness foam mattress; kitchen tent and dining tent with camp tables and chairs; first aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle; Huayhuash National Park Entrance fees; cook and cooking equipment; meals (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner); horses, donkeys and pack handlers; transportation from Llamac returning to your hotel in Huaraz.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Hotels in Huaraz, transportation from Lima to Huaraz and return (bus or air), meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, taxes, laundry service, additional tours, insurance and, sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear, international flights.
22-day Itinerary
NOTE: The trek is the same as the 13-day itinerary, but we have added pre- and post- trek tours and time for acclimatization. The tours are "must-sees"!
Day 1: Lima Arrival
Our Tour Leader will meet you at the airport and you will be transferred to the hotel. The leader will give a briefing for the complete tour program, and overnight the hotel in Miraflores Lima.
Day 2: Lima – Castillos de Chancay - Huacho
After breakfast, we board the private mini bus or bus and drive north of Lima along the Pan-American Highway. After about 70km, we will see the spectacular Pasamayo where the highway passes a 45º vertical sand wall, over viewing the Pacific Ocean, this spectacular route is around 20 km. We will stop to visit the famous Chancay Castles, touring the Castle with local guides. Our group continues traveling to Huacho to the countryside bungalows of Fundo el Olivar. This is our accommodation for the night in the rustic decoration rooms, with craft dormitory so different than popular luxury rooms. Lunch is at open-air restaurant in the same hotel. After lunch, there is times for walking in a wide farm green of pasture or optional horseback riding (a special Caballo de Paso Peruano), dinner and overnight in the country side bungalows (BLD).
Day 3: Caral - Huaraz
We will board the bus after breakfast and drive to Caral Archaeological Complex, the most ancient city in America, dated at the same time as the Egyptian Pyramids. The drive to Caral ruins is around 20 minutes on an unpaved road; then we have a guided tour at Caral ruins with a local guide. We return to the bungalows for lunch and spend the afternoon driving to Huaraz (approximately 4 hours), transfer to hotel in Huaraz and overnight there (BL).
Day 4: Huaraz
Free day in Huaraz as part of your acclimatizing to the altitude. There is an optional 1/2 day city tour and an optional full day tour to Chavin de Huantar. Overnight at hotel in Huaraz (B).
Day 5: Huaraz and Lake Churup
The trek to Laguna Churup is a fantastic hike affording one excellent views. It is located almost directly behind the city of Huaraz . We hike to the small town called Llupac. Then to a small area called Pitec, from which its still about 2 hours to the lake. If you are in good shape and already acclimatized to the altitude, it will take you between 3 to 3.5 hours from the small village of Llupa, where the bus drops you off, to Lake Churup. Lupine bushes & other wildflowers will be in bloom along the hike. The trail is narrow and steep and there is a ladder on the vertical section just before Lake Churup. The lake sits at 4450 meters at the base of Churup Mountain and is a beautiful small glacier colored lake. We will have lunch at the lake, then return to the village of Llupa to get the bus return to our hotel. Overnight at hotel in Lima (BL).
Day 6: Huaraz – Llamac
After the breakfast, we will aboard our private bus and leave Huaraz passing different small and typical towns of Recuay (3400 meters), Ticapampa (3470 meters), Catac (3640 meters) and the small village Pachacoto (3700 meters), from here we leave the highway and continue in the east side surrounded by a lot of fields and we will enjoy the beautiful landscape that matches the blue sky and the darkled green hills. Far from here, the snow-peaked white mountains match the landscape. We visit Patococha Lake, then enter the national park. We’ll find the carbonated water from Pumapampa, and soon we stop at a small colored lake called Pumapashimin that changes its colors caused by solar radiation. Next, we travel on to the big Bromeliads called Puyas Raymondi, continuing our journey to Chiquian 3400, following the east high way to Mojon and descending zigzag until Chiquian, arriving approximatelyat 1 p.m. for lunch. After lunch, we drive to Timpoc (2800 meters). From here we will start ascending along the Llamac river until the peasant town Llamac (3300 meters). Here will be our first camping in the football field of Llamac. (BLD).
Day 7: Llamac – Cuartelhuain
Our breakfast will be at 7 a.m. to be ready to start trekking by 8 a.m. We’ll continue ascending through the Pocpa valley, through a typical peasant town called Pocpa (3600 meters). This is the last town in this Valley where we can buy some soda drinks for the sunny way. At 1 p.m., we arrive Pallca where we’ll have lunch. From here, we continue hiking to our camping place Matacancha (4100 meters) from where we can appreciate the Ninashanca Mountain (5607 meters) and Rondoy (5870 meters) Peak. Overnight camping (BLD).
Day 8: Cuartelhuain – Mitucocha
In the morning after breakfast, we start our trek, this time it’s going to be a bit difficult because the climbing to the pass will take us about 2 or 3 hours. From the pass, we’ll descent and then ascend approximately 30 minutes. Lunch is after the small climb. We’ll take an alternative trail to get to the campsite early, avoiding walking the same route the next day. We will appreciate the Andean rabbits called Vizcachas. Once we have arrived to our campsite, we have time to go fishing around the lake, while our cook prepares the dinner. We will camp at 4200 meters (BLD).
Day 9: Mitucocha – Carhuacocha
As usual, after our breakfast and packing our things, we start trekking at 8 a.m. Today will be an easy day. After 3 hours walking we’ll reach the pass where we’ll have lunch, We’ll walk always enjoying the white peaked mountains such as Yerupaja, Jirishanca, and Siula, we’ll get our campsite approximately at 3 or 4 p.m. We’ll be surprised by a beautiful lake, keeping the mountain’s silhouettes green colored, Our campsite will be set up in a special place facing to the lake. We camp at 4138 meters (BLD).
Day 10: Carhuacocha Explore Siula Lakes
After breakfast at the campsite in Carhuacocha, we hike round the Carhuacocha Lake, enjoying the wonderful landscape. We will approach the Huayhuash Mountains, as we hike to Siula Lake, after 2 hours hiking we will arrive to the base of the Huayhuash mountains where we observe the green colored lakes of Siula. There are panoramic views of avalanches falling down from the Yerupaja Mountains to Siula Lakes, we will enjoy this and other stunning views of the mountains, and return to our campsite for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and overnight in Carhuacocha lake at around 4200 meters (BLD).
Day 11: Caruacocha – Huayhuash
After breakfast, we start our trekking, relaxed after the rest day before, after ascending for one hour, we reach an easy trail, slightly ascending to the Carnicero Pass at 4600 meters. After the pass, there are scenic places to have lunch next to the Carnicero lakes. From here, we descend a few kilometers and arrive at our campsite, that’s just next to the Jurau Lake or Huayhuash. We camp here at 4350 meters (BLD).
Day 12: Huayhuash – Viconga
This morning begins with an easy ascent to the Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass. From here we descend to the campsite Viconga to have lunch. After that, we go to the hot springs, a 20-minute walk down from the campsite. Those who don’t want go to the hot springs will have free afternoon and rest at the campsite, which is at 4450 meters (BLD).
Day 13: Viconga – Huanacpatay
This day begins with a moderate ascent to the highest pass in our whole trip; the climb will take approximately 3 hours. The Cuyoc Mountain will be closer to us and we reach the highest pass on our trek. After this pass we will descend to the Guanacpatay valley to have lunch, hiking down from the pass is very dust and rocky. After that, we’ll reach the beautiful field full of grass to walk in, where we will have lunch. After few hours walking, we’ll find our camping place in the peaceful Valley of Guanacpatay at 4300 meters (BLD).
Day 14: Huanacpatay – Huayllapa
We begin again at 8 a.m., with an easy hike for trekkers due to a continuous descent. We stop for the lunch at the junction of Huayllapa and Guanacpatay Rivers. We then walk along the Huayllapa river rocky trail until Huayllapa village. Huayllapa is a small isolated peasant village at 3700 meters. Citizens from this village made this small town with not electricity or road into the village. One wonders how they made this village that now includes a school, first aid and medical clinic. We find the explanation as we visit this village, and we camp in the football field in the middle of this town. Small Andean shops will provide us soda drinks, bears, and necessities (BLD).
Day 15: Huayllapa – Cashpapampa
This time we’ll have a bit difficult ascent to the Tapush pass, and after we reach the pass, we will walk down an easy trail. We arrive at the campsite early. From here we will feel that we have trekked around the entire Huayhuash! Camp overnight at 4600 meters (BLD).
Day 16: Cashpapampa – Jahuacocha
After breakfast, we start our trekking moderately ascending to the Yaucha Pass; after the two hour climb, a rest will be welcome! We then continue descednding along the Huacrish ravine for approximately three or four hours, to view a beautiful panoramic landscape. The Jahuacocha lake at the base of the mountains of Jirishanca, Yerupaja, and Rondoy, is a beautiful green colored lake that lies at 4066 meters. Here is our campsite. Next to our camp, we’ll find a typical mountain hut for sheepherders; and his owner Mr Delao Huaranga will receive us with a gentle treating just being friendly or to offer us the cool beer and soda waters. It’s hard to find Coca Cola at this altitude, but we can find here in Mr Delao’s humble hut, that he sells to the visitors or to people who camp in Jahuacocha. Overnight in Jahuacocha at 4066 meters (BLD).
Day 17: Jahuacocha Rest Day
This day is a free day. Our guide will explain many alternatives, as fishing, going to the upper lake Solterococha, walk round the lakes, stay at the lake washing, and such. There will be a box lunch for those who are hiking. Dinner will be served while everyone tells about their activities for the day (BLD).
Day 18: Jahuacocha - Llamac – Huaraz
Today, as we leave the most beautiful long trek, we find easy walking to the Pampallamac place where we’ll say good bye to the Huayhuash Mountains. Lunch is en route. Later, we descend to Llamac town, arriving at 1 or 2 p.m. We leave Llamac town driving down along the Llamac River until Timpoc, where the Llamac and Pacllon River join. From here, we go up to Chiquian along the Ainin River, arriving to Chiquian. We will walk round the village, meet our driver and bus, and continue to Huaraz (3 hours drive); overnight at hotel in Huaraz (BLD).
Day 19: Huaraz and Llanganuco Lakes
After breakfast,we will drive along the Callejón de Huaylas in the north side of Huaraz. Passing different traditional Andean towns, we visit Carhuas (2650m), where we will enjoy Carhuas' native products; then we will continue with our travel to the next town of Yungay, this city was buried by an Avalanche that fell down from Huascaran Mountain in 1972, the New Yungay (2500m); from here we start ascending to the Llanganuco Valley. At the entrance to the National Park, we register, and continue to the Llanganuco lakes. We visit this recreation area, and may horseback ride, go sailing in a small boat, or just walk in the quenual tree forest. We return to Yungay and continue to Caraz the last town in the Callejon de Huaylas. We return to our Huaraz Hotel, overnight at our hotel. (B).
Day 20: Huaraz - Lima
After breakfast, we aboard the bus back to Lima (8 hours travel time), transfer to the hotel in Lima (BL).
Day 21: Lima tours
Today, we will have a 1/2 day tour of colonial and modern Lima, including the Plaza San Martin (San Martin Square), the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), Palacio Arzobispal (Archibishop's Palace), the Basilica Catedral (Cathedral Basilica) and the Palacio Municipal (City Hall). We visit one of its most interesting buildings, the Museum of the Central Reserve Bank, where we can admire Perú's treasures. We will also visit the famous Convento de San Francisco (San Francisco Monastery), which displays the biggest collection of religious art in America. While there, we will tour its subterranean crypts known as The Catacombs. Our tour includes modern sights such as the Olive Grove Park of San Isidro, Miraflores Central Park and the Love Park where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific ocean and see a monumental sculpture called "The Kiss". Overnight at our hotel in Lima (B).
Day 22: Lima departure
Transfer to the Lima airport, depart Lima.
22-day Pricing
2010 Prices:
| # In Group | 2-3 | 4-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | Join Group | Single Supplement |
| Price per Person | $1750 | $1500 | $1375 | $1190 | $1240 | Available upon request |
SERVICES INCLUDED: All hotels and meals indicated in the itinerary; all transfers and transportation listed; tours and hikes: Chancay Castles, Caral Archaeological Complex, Lake Churup, Languanucos Lakes, Lima city tour.
For the trek:Transportation to the start of the trail (Llamac, beginning of the trip); English speaking professional guide; sleeping tents; double thickness foam mattress; kitchen tent and dining tent with camp tables and chairs; first aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle; Huayhuash National Park Entrance fees; cook and cooking equipment; meals (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner); horses, donkeys and pack handlers; transportation from Llamac returning to your hotel in Huaraz.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Meals not listed, optional additional tours, horseback riding, alcoholic beverages, tips for your guides, drivers, trekking crew, taxes, laundry service, insurance and, sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear, international flights.