The Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
Huayhuash Circuit Trek
Ten days on foot around one of the most spectacular ranges in the Andes: turquoise lakes below the glaciers, eight high passes and Yerupajá (6,634 m), the second-highest peak in Peru.
Ten days on foot around one of the most spectacular ranges in the Andes: turquoise lakes below the glaciers, eight high passes and Yerupajá (6,634 m), the second-highest peak in Peru.
A compact range of glaciated six-thousand-metre peaks ringed by lakes, far from roads and crowds. Many trekkers rate it among the finest treks in South America.
15 days from Lima: two days to acclimatise around Huaraz, ten days on the circuit and the return. Option to add Nevado Pisco at the end.
We meet you at Lima airport and take you to the bus to Huaraz, about eight hours away. There are also daily flights to Anta, near Huaraz.
A free day to rest and start adapting to the altitude before the trek.
A day trip into the Cordillera Blanca: the Cashapunta viewpoint over the Vicos valley, rock paintings and Laguna Rocotuyoc, with floating ice below the Ruripaccha glacier. Back in Huaraz in the evening.
About five hours by private transport via Chiquián to Cuartelhuain, where the arrieros and donkeys are waiting. First night in camp.
Over the first pass of the circuit, with lakes on the far side, and down to camp in the valley below Jirishanca (6,094 m) and Rondoy. About 9 km, 4–5 hours.
Over the Carhuac pass to Laguna Carhuacocha, with Yerupajá and Siula Grande reflected in the water at sunset and sunrise. About 13 km, 6 hours.
The hardest day of the trek: up past the three lakes below Siula Grande to the Siula pass, with the Raura range ahead, then down to camp at Huayhuash (4,350 m). About 15 km, 8–9 hours.
The easiest day. Over the Portachuelo de Huayhuash with the Raura range in view, past Laguna Viconga to camp beside natural hot springs (4,330 m). About 11 km, 6 hours.
A steady climb to the Cuyoc pass, with the Raura and Huayhuash ranges all around, then down to camp. If the weather is good, an optional climb to the San Antonio viewpoint for sunset (about 4 extra hours). About 13 km, 6 hours.
An early start to reach the pass at sunrise, with a great view of the Cordillera Huayhuash, then a long descent past Laguna Jurau to the village of Huayllapa, with the option of a guesthouse and a hot shower. About 19 km, 10 hours.
A long climb of about 1,170 m to the Tapush pass, with Diablo Mudo (5,350 m) on the right, then down to camp. About 15 km, 8 hours.
Over the last high pass to the Huacrish viewpoint, one of the finest panoramas of the trek, and down to Laguna Jahuacocha for the last night in camp. About 12 km, 7 hours.
An early descent along an irrigation channel to the village of Llamac, where our transport takes us back to Huaraz. About 13 km, 6 hours.
Transfer to the bus and back to Lima. Night in a hotel.
Transfer to Lima airport.
Already acclimatised after the circuit, you can add Nevado Pisco (5,752 m) in just three more days from Huaraz, with no extra acclimatisation days. Ask us.
Our departure starts at the end of May, at the beginning of the dry season. Days are usually sunny and pleasant, around 10–18 °C while you walk, but the sun is strong at altitude. With most nights camping above 4,000 m, temperatures drop well below freezing, especially at the highest camps. Tents, the kitchen and meals are included, and donkeys carry up to 6 kg of your personal gear, including your sleeping bag, so you walk with a day pack. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and mat.
Questions about your gear? Message us on WhatsApp.
An outstanding experience with Thin Air Trips! Isa and the team brought so much care, enthusiasm and professionalism to the whole adventure. Their thoughtful planning, clear communication and attention to detail made everything feel smooth and well organised, allowing me to relax and enjoy the experience.
What stood out most was the personal approach. Isa was approachable, helpful and always happy to answer questions. You could really feel her passion for the mountains and her commitment to making the trip special.
A fantastic team that I would happily recommend to anyone looking for a memorable trekking or mountain adventure. Thank you, Isa and Thin Air Trips—I would love to join you again!
I’ve now travelled with Thin Air Trips twice — to Torres del Paine and Kyrgyzstan — and both trips were absolutely incredible. Two very different destinations, but equally unforgettable adventures!
One of the best things about travelling with them is that they take care of everything. From planning the itinerary to organising accommodation, transport and all the logistics along the way, they make the whole experience feel easy. There’s so much that goes into organising trips like these, and having it all managed means you can relax, enjoy the adventure and focus on the places you’ve come to explore.
Torres del Paine was spectacular, and Kyrgyzstan was another amazing experience, with breathtaking mountains and landscapes that will stay with me for a long time. Both trips gave me so many special moments and memories that I’ll always treasure.
For me, the real value of Thin Air Trips is being able to experience these extraordinary destinations without the stress of coordinating everything myself. You get all the excitement of an adventure, with the reassurance that the details are taken care of.
The fact that I booked a second trip after my first probably says it all! I would happily travel with them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a well-organised, memorable adventure. An easy five stars!
Fuimos con ellos al Ararat y todo perfecto, organización de 10, muy buena comunicación antes y durante el viaje, y muy buenos guías. Repetiremos!
I had a fantastic experience travelling to Russia to summit Mt Elbrus. Isa has been really communicative and helpful. I had a lot of hestitations about travelling to the region, but all went smooth and the entire trip was amazing. The team on ground were also just as professional and helpful, really helping to take off the logitical pressure and allowing me to focus on the summit.
Espectacular!!la ruta , la organización , la gente…repetiré sin duda!
Viaje top y equipo mejor aún!
More dates from May to September on request.
Bring a friend: $100 credit each towards your next trip
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It is a demanding trek: ten days walking 4 to 10 hours a day, with eight passes between 4,650 and 5,080 m and most nights camping above 4,000 m. There is no technical climbing, but you need good fitness and ideally some previous experience at altitude.
The dry season, from May to September. Our departure starts at the end of May, at the beginning of the dry season.
From $1,695 per person, with hotels in Lima and Huaraz, transfers, the acclimatisation day, guide, cook, camp crew and entrance fees included.
No. Donkeys carry the tents, the kitchen and up to 6 kg of your personal gear, including your sleeping bag, so you walk with a day pack. You need to bring a sleeping bag rated to −10 °C and a mat.
Yes. After the circuit you are already acclimatised, so you can climb Nevado Pisco (5,752 m) in three more days from Huaraz, with no extra acclimatisation days. Ask us.
Fly to Lima. From there it is about eight hours by bus to Huaraz, included in the trip, or a short flight to Anta, near Huaraz.
Yes. If someone books a trip on your recommendation, you each get $100 credit towards your next trip with Thin Air ($50 if the trip they book costs under $1,500). The credit isn’t taken off the trip being booked now: it’s used on the following one. They just need to mention your name when booking.
Huayhuash Circuit Trek · 29 May – 12 Jun 2027