Expedition overview
08 days
5,100 M /16,780 ft
Moderate - strenuous
mid-April – October
Private service only
TREKKING HUAYHUASH: via Trapecio Pass is crafted for trekkers who want to experience the most iconic landscapes of the Cordillera Huayhuash in a shorter timeframe than the full huayhuash circuit—without sacrificing the sense of adventure.This route links the eastern and western flanks of the range via the Trapecio Pass (5,020 m / 16,470 ft), opening access to some of the Andes’ most remote and spectacular viewpoints: turquoise glacier lakes, towering huge mountain faces, and sweeping high-altitude passes. Along the way, you’ll visit beautiful lakes such as Mitucocha, Carhuacocha, Siulacocha, trapecio, and Jahuacocha, while enjoying close-up views of Huayhuash’s most iconic peaks, including Yerupajá, Jirishanca, Siula Grande, Ninashanca, Carnicero, and Trapecio.
- Day 1: Huaraz (3,050 m / 10,030 ft) – Transfer to Pocpa – Cuartelhuain (4,170 m / 13,720 ft) – Trek to Cacanánpunta Pass (4,690 m / 15,430 ft) – Trek to Jancapampa (4,230 m / 13,916 ft)
- Day 2: Jancapampa – Trek to Carhuac Pass (4,640 m / 15,265 ft) – Trek to Laguna Carhuacocha (4,100 m / 13,490 ft)
- Day 3: Carhuacocha – Trek to Siula Pass (4,834 m / 15,900 ft) – Trek to Huayhuash (4,345 m / 14,290 ft)
- Day 4: Huayhuash – Trek to Trapecio Pass (5,020 m / 16,515 ft) – Trek to Campo Elefante (4,490 m / 14,770 ft)
- Day 5: Campo Elefante – Trek to Cerro San Antonio Pass (5,100 m / 16,780 ft) – Trek to Huayllapa Village (3,600 m / 11,845 ft)
- Day 6: Huayllapa Village – Trek to Huatiac – Trek to Punta Tapush Pass (4,750 m / 15,625 ft) – Trek to Cashpapampa (4,500 m / 14,800 ft)
- Day 7: Cashpapampa – Trek to Yahuacha Pass (4,850 m / 15,955 ft) – Trek to Mirador Huacrish (4,900 m / 16,120 ft) – Trek to Jahuacocha (4,045 m / 13,325 ft)
- Day 8: Jahuacocha – Trek to Pampa Llamac (4,270 m / 14,050 ft) – Trek to Llamac – Transfer back to Huaraz
Great option
If you’re looking to add a climbing experience to your trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash, one of the best choices is to summit peaks such as Diablo Mudo
Is it for me?
- Ideal for adventure enthusiasts seeking an immersive and rewarding trekking experience.
- Perfect for those eager to embark on a unique journey through one of the Andes’ most spectacular trekking destination.
- Best suited for experienced and adventurous trekkers who can adapt easily to high altitude and long distances, as the route requires good physical condition and proper acclimatization.
Restrictions
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
- Not suitable for individuals with heart conditions.
- Not recommended for those with knee problems, as the trek requires good physical fitness and endurance.
Adicional notes:
Experience Required & Some Important Notes
- Please note: The Huayhuash Circuit Via Trapecio, starts and ends in Huaraz. Please see the travel program for information about how to travel to Huaraz.
- Participants Physical Requirements: Participants must be in good physical condition. Previous hiking experience is required, and prior backpacking experience is highly recommended, though not mandatory.
- Hiking Schedule: We will be hiking for approximately 08 days, averaging on 5 – 8 hours of hiking per day.
- Overnight camps will be at elevations between 4,000 m / 13,160 ft and 4,450 m / 14,640 ft, the highest camp on the trek. therefore, Proper acclimatization and suitable physical preparation are required
- Huaraz is at 3,050m/10,030 ft. Because of this, we highly recommend staying in Huaraz a few days before trekking departure to get a good acclimatization.
- We highly recommend spending at least 2- or 3-days doing day hikes around Huaraz to allow for a gradual acclimatization process to the altitude and to help avoid altitude sickness.
- DON’T let fear of altitude sickness stop you from enjoy your trek. 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, & gradual ascend you can be ready for the trek
- Support on the Trail: You will only need to carry a day pack; your main luggage or large rucksack will be carried by donkeys
- During the trek: We provide four meals daily, prepared by our chefs on the trail (breakfast, snacks, cooked lunches, and hot dinners)
Acclimatization Hikes
Proper acclimatization to altitude is essential before undertaking any treks in the Cordillera Blanca, in order to avoid loss of energy or altitude-related illnesses. Trekking above 4,000 meters is physically demanding, and inadequate acclimatization can significantly affect performance and safety. As a responsible adventure company and qualified mountain guides, we strongly recommend a minimum of 1 – 2 days of acclimatization prior to any trek in the Cordillera Blanca.
We recommend arriving in Huaraz at least 2–3 days before your trek departure to allow proper acclimatization to the altitude. It is advisable to spend at least one full day in Huaraz to recover from your journey, followed by day hikes to higher elevations around the area to further aid acclimatization before beginning your trekking program.
We can also arrange acclimatization day hikes for you—just let us know your preferences.
Suggestions for Responsible Trekkers
If you are planning to visit our region, making the most of your experience starts with taking care of your health. The best way to enjoy the Andes safely is by following a proper acclimatization process as soon as you arrive in this high-altitude environment. This helps prevent altitude sickness and ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. From our experience, your safety and well-being are always the top priorities, so you can feel confident and at ease while exploring far from home. We recommend a gradual acclimatization plan such as the following:
Day 1 — Easy hikes
- Laguna Wilcacocha
- Laguna Llaca
- Laguna Parón
- Laguna Rocotuyoc
- Laguna Radian
Day 2–3 — Moderate hikes
- Laguna Churup
- Laguna 69
- Laguna Hualcacocha
Following this step-by-step approach will help your body gradually adapt to the altitude, allowing you to fully enjoy your trekking experience with greater safety and comfort.
