Cordillera Huayhuash Trek of Peru

One of the most beautiful high altitude treks of Peru!

With new access roads into what is considered the most spectacular mountain scenery of Peru, we have developed this short trek into the heart of the mountain range. It offers a new opportunity for those who don’t have the time to do the longer, classic traditional routes. Even though Cordillera Huayhuash belongs to the same mountain system as the Cordillera Blanca, Huayhuash includes the group of mountains of the Paso de Kashapunta to the north and Laguna to the south. Within this compact area, only 18 miles in length, there are seven peaks over 19,000', and nine more over 18,000'. The Cordillera Huayhuash is more spectacular than the Blanca, and also a more strenuous hike with higher altitudes and more climbing involved.

2007 Departure Dates: 

On demand for a minimum of two travelers

2007 Prices:

• $1700 per person based on 4 people traveling/2 double rooms
• $2100 per person, based on 2 people traveling/1 double room
• $2515 based on single occupancy

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival to Lima, Peru. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Optional tours are available today, or you can explore the city on your own. Overnight. (B)

Day 2: Early morning departure by first-class coach to the city of Huaraz, located about 400 Kms. north of Lima. Following the Panamerican Highway north across Lima we will pass several lush green valleys that cut through the coastal desert until we reach the town of Pativilca. Turning inland the main road winds its way up along the Fortaleza River for a good two hours. Finally we reach the Pass of Conococha (4,000 m.a.s.l. / 13,120 ft.) where we will get our first glimpse of the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. From here the road descends slowly along the Santa River as we pass a vast area of highland pastures. As we approach Huaraz, the vegetation changes into that of an inter-andean valley, surrounded by clusters of red-tiled houses. On arrival you are met and transferred to the Hotel Patio or similar and overnight. 3,000 m.a.s.l. / 19,840 ft. Dinner on your own. (B)

Day 3: The next day is spent acclimatizing prior to your trek. You’ll have a full day group tour to the area of Llanganuco, and its two turquoise colored lakes, with time for a little hiking. Lunch is included. Overnight in Huaraz at Hotel Patio, or similar.

Day 4: HUARAZ / CHAVIN . Drive to the ruins of Chavin; located on the eastern slope of the Andes. It is the oldest pre Inca site of the Chavin – Kotosh culture which has interesting structures and stone carvings, dinner on your own and hotel overnight at Konchucos Tambo lodge in San Marcos (B, L)

Day 5: CHAVIN / HUANUCO PAMPA . A five hour drive on a paved road leaving San Marcos to Antamina mine brings you over a paved road to Huansala and to the detour to La Union in the department of Huanuco, picnic lunch on the way. From here a half hour drive to Huanuco Pampa, situated on a grand plateau enables us to visit this Inca city, one of the major settlements of the Incas outside of Cusco on the main Inca Road that leads from Quito, Ecuador to Bolivia and beyond. (B, L, D)

Day 6: QUEROPALCA / CARHUACOCHA . After a three hour drive through Rondos and Baños we arrive the road head at Queropalca. A half – day hike will bring us to the foot of Lake Carhuacocha, a beautiful location. On a calm day the snow-capped peaks of Jirishanca and Yerupajá are reflected in the water. Camp on the shores of the Lake. (Distance: 12KM/7.2 miles. Time: 5-6 hours). (B, L, D)

Day 7: CARHUACOCHA / MITUCOCHA . Leaving our campsite behind we hike over another pass at 4,620m (15,157ft) with great views of the surrounding area. Once over the Punta Carhuacocha Pass we come into view of Lake Mitucocha and again in the background Mt. Yerupajá, Rondoy and Ninashanca from the backdrop of our day’s hike. Lunch on route or in the camp. We arrive in the early afternoon with a chance to walk around the lake and get closer views of the mountain. Overnight and camp at Mitucocha. (Distance: 12 KM/7.2 miles, Time : 5 hours). (B, L, D)

Day 8: MITUCOCHA / RONDOY. Leaving our camp we head towards Cacanampunta Pass at 4, 700m (15,420ft).The winding trail to the pass and the aquarium divortium descends on the other side back to camp below until Cuartelwain where we have lunch. Continue over to Rondoy tomorrow’s pass. (Distance: 14KM/8.4 miles Time: 6-7 hours). (B, L, D)

Day 9: RONDOY / JAHUACOCHA . We ascend through the Rondoy valley towards Sambuya pass at 4750 m (15,583ft) from where we can see the snow-capped peaks of Ninashanca, Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupajá, Rasac and Solteracocha. Then we descend towards to Lake Jahuacocha, camp 4000 m (13,120ft) near the lake, below a beautiful cirque. (Distance: 11KM/6.6 miles Time: 7 hours). (B, L, D)

Day 10: JAHUACOCHA / LLAMAC / HUARAZ . We head out the valley leaving this snow – capped range behind, a unique view into the prickly peaks of this granitic and basaltic intrusion. The valley narrows and we head over a ridge to the west to the Llamac Pass, descending on a winding trail to the village of the same name where we will be met by a vehicle and driven to Huaraz. Transfer to your hotel, dinner on your own. (Distance: 14 KM/8.4 miles, Time: 5-6 hours). (B, L)

Day 11: Huaraz-Lima. Depart by bus back down the coast to Lima. On arrival you are met and transferred to your Lima hotel, with rest of the evening free to enjoy the restaurants & nightlife of Lima. (B)

Day 12: International departure. You’ll be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your international departure, or additional sightseeing in Peru/Latin America. (B)

CB=Continental Breakfast; B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

Included: Hotel accommodations as specified, all meals while on the trek, excursions and land transfers as specified, guiding, porters, and common camping equipment.

Not included: Flights and airline taxes of any kind, departure taxes, insurance, and items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone, personal beverages, excess baggage charges, and gratuities. Additional expenses caused by the delay or extension of a trip due to weather, political disputes, or other causes beyond our control.

In general, we provide twin tents, foam mattress, all communal camping gear. Passengers must supply their own sleeping bags, day-packs, and duffel bags for transporting their gear. A complete clothing and equipment list will be provided once you are confirmed on a trip.

Trip Notes:

• The Cordillera Huayash is considered a moderate to mostly strenuous trek, including consistent uphill hiking at altitudes of 12-15,000 feet. Participants should be in good physical condition, and maintain a regular exercise program at for at least 3 months prior to their trip. Previous hiking experience, as well as a pair of broken-in hiking boots, are also required!
• This trip begins and ends in Lima, Peru, which can be reach by daily flights on a wide variety of airlines. Latin American Escapes offers excellent discounted international airfares from most US cities

To confirm reservations:

A deposit of $300 per person is required to confirm reservations. In addition, the following payment procedures apply:

Payment for airline tickets is due at the time tickets are issued, but no later than time of final payment.

Last Minute Bookings: Last minute reservations (less than 30 days before departure) will be accepted, subject to availability, if payment has been received, and documents can be delivered. Any special communication costs and delivery charges will be at the client's expense.

Revision Fee: Revision fees will apply once the initial deposit has been received. Charges will vary based on itinerary, and extent of changes, with a minimum charge of $50. Changes requested after documents have been issued (generally with-in 30 days) will incur a minimum $100 change fee, plus additional services requested.

International bookings: We gladly accept bookings from passengers outside the US. However, an additional surcharge of $50 per booking is applied to cover additional shipping charges.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS--At the time we receive written notification that you must cancel your trip, money will be returned less the following cancellation fees:

Note Special restrictions apply to Peru departures:

Trip Documents: Trip documents will be forwarded approximately 3 weeks prior to travel, and once all payments and completed application forms have been received.

Risk and Responsibility

In arranging these trips, Latin American Escapes, Inc. acts only as the agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers actually providing tour services for these trips with whom Latin American Escapes, Inc. has no legal connection or joint ownership. These local tour operators attempt to conduct these trips as described in the preceding itineraries. However, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, itineraries may vary from what is described. Participants are responsible for extra costs due to travel delay or itinerary changes for reasons beyond our control and assume all risks, whether identified in advance or unforeseen, as described under Limitation of Liability, and Trip Member Responsibility, located in our Terms and Conditions, which all travelers agree to sign. Traveler's insurance is not included, but is offered, and is strongly recommended. CST # 2023695-40.