19 Days Cordillera Huayhuash Trek Nevados Urus and Ishinca Hike

Arrival in Lima. On the first day, our team will receive you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the designated group hotel, where you will spend the night. After check-in, you will have free time to rest or enjoy the surroundings independently. A pre-dinner orientation meeting is planned, provided that all participants have arrived. If some members are scheduled to arrive later, the meeting will be postponed until the next day.

Travel from Lima to Huaraz by bus (400 km, approx. 8–9 hours) or take an optional 1-hour flight. Enjoy scenic views along the route. Arrival in Huaraz during the day.

On this day, we will enjoy an early breakfast at our hotel before starting our tour at 8:30 a.m. from Huaraz. We will head towards the Cordillera Negra for a scenic hike to viewpoints at 3,725 meters, including a small lagoon nestled in the mountains. From this spectacular vantage point, we will enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca. Afterward, we descend via Puente Santa Cruz (3,050 m).

Drive to Pitec (3,880 m). Hike to Churup Lake with views of Nevado Churup, Rimarima, and Huamasraju. Located just a short drive from Huaraz, Laguna Churup is one of the most beautiful and accessible high-altitude lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. Situated at approximately 4,450 meters above sea level, this stunning turquoise lagoon lies within Huascaran National Park. The hike to the lake takes around 3–4 hours round trip and offers a rewarding experience with rocky sections, some light scrambling, and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Laguna Churup is a perfect acclimatization hike and an excellent introduction to trekking in the Peruvian Andes.

Leaving Huaraz at 9 am, arrive at the first campsite at 3 pm after a lunch stop in Chiquian. There is no hiking on the first day. After arriving, relax and enjoy the view of Rondoy mountain and the valley, where there are often spectacular sunsets. Driving 4 hours approx Overnight Camping Hiking 5 Hours approx Meals

There is an early morning wake-up to start hiking up 2.5 hours to reach the first pass at 4,700m. Then hike downhill approximately 400m before another uphill hike for the second pass at 4,650m. Arrive at the campsite Driving 4 hours approx Overnight Camping Hiking Only camping Meals

There is another early morning wake-up to start hiking uphill to the pass at 4,810m. Today will be the famous 3 Lagunas viewpoint. Approximately 8 hours hiking. Campsite Huayhuash is at a 4,350m altitude. Overnight Camping Hiking 8 Hours approx

Wake up early for the Trapesio pass at 5,041m, with an optional 40 extra minutes of hiking to reach the glacier. Then descend while passing 5 beautiful lakes to reach the campsite Cuyoc at 4,400m. Approximately 6-7 hours of hiking to reach the campsite. It is also optional to hike 2 hours from the campsite to San Antonio pass at 5,100m. Overnight Camping Hiking 7 Hours approx

Today will be one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the Huayhuash trek, the Santa Rosa pass. Here Suila Grande can be seen, the mountain made famous by the book and movie Touching the Void. 19km of walking which takes approximately 9 hours with breaks and lunch. The campsite is in the village of Huayllapa at 3,487m. Overnight Camping Hiking 8 Hours approx Meals

The day will start early to walk 4-5 hours up to Tapush Pass at 4,800m. There will be a lunch stop on or before the pass before continuing to the campsite at 4,400m. 13 km and 7 hours of walking. Overnight Camping Hiking 7 Hours approx

Reach Yaucha Pass at 4,800m 1.5 hours after leaving the campsite. Then there will be a 1-hour side trip to see a mirador of 2 lakes. Then descend to the campsite at 4,000m. Overnight Camping Hiking 6 Hours approx

Last day of this trek. Climb the last pass – Jahua Punta – and a long descent to the camp in the village of Pocpa. In this village we finish our great adventure filled with so many experiences. Here we leave our team of mule drivers and burros. Our private transport is waiting to return to the capital of Andes mountaineering, Huaraz. Overnight Hotel Hiking 6 Hours approx Driving 4 hours approx

Rest or Adventure in Huaraz Today offers a choice between a relaxing day in Huaraz—enjoying optional hot springs, laundry, and leisure—or a full-day climb of Nevado Mateo (5,150 m), returning to Huaraz in the evening.

and drive for approximately one hour to Cochapampa (3,670 m), the starting point of our trek. Upon arrival, our donkeys and muleteer will be ready to transport the expedition equipment. We begin our hike from Cochapampa toward Ishinca Base Camp. The trek takes approximately 4–5 hours, following a beautiful valley within Huascarán National Park. At the park checkpoint, you will register with your passport. A picnic lunch will be served along the way. We expect to arrive at Ishinca Base Camp (4,300 m) around 2:00 p.m. After settling into camp, there will be time to organize and check climbing equipment in preparation for the following day’s ascent. Maximum altitude: 4,300 m Hiking time: 4–5 hours

The summit day begins in the early hours of the morning. We wake up at approximately 2:00 a.m. for a light but energizing breakfast, followed by a 2:30 a.m. departure under the stars. The initial ascent consists of a steady hike over rocky terrain for about three hours until reaching the glacier. At this point, we rope up and put on our technical equipment before continuing the climb on snow and ice. The glacier ascent takes approximately three additional hours, following a safe and carefully selected route to the summit of Nevado Ishinca (5,530 m). From the top, we enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and high-Andean lakes, with time for photographs and a brief rest, weather permitting. Descent is via the same route: approximately two hours back to the moraine, followed by continued descent to Ishinca Base Camp, where we typically arrive around 2:00 p.m. The afternoon is reserved for rest and recovery after a rewarding alpine climb. Maximum altitude: 5,530 m

Today we attempt the ascent of Nevado Urus (5,495 m), a classic and rewarding climb in the Cordillera Blanca. Our day begins early with breakfast at 2:00 a.m., followed by a 2:30 a.m. departure from base camp. The first section follows a steady approach over rocky terrain and glacial moraine, taking about three hours to reach the glacier. Upon reaching the ice, we put on crampons, harness, and helmet, and rope up for glacier travel. The ascent continues on moderate snow slopes for about two hours, leading to the summit ridge and the top at 5,495 m. From the summit, we enjoy wide views of surrounding peaks, valleys, and high-altitude lakes. After a short rest for photos and hydration—weather permitting—we descend along the same route. The return to base camp takes four to five hours, arriving around 1:00 p.m., where a well-earned rest and warm meal await. Maximum altitude: 5,495 m

After breakfast at approximately 8:00 a.m., we begin our descent from Ishinca Base Camp, concluding our expedition in the Ishinca Valley. The return trek follows the same scenic route through high-Andean terrain, descending gradually along glacial moraine and mountain trails toward Pashpa (Cochapampa sector). The hike takes approximately three hours at a steady pace. Upon arrival at the control point of Huascarán National Park, we complete the official check-out procedures. A packed lunch will be provided en route. At Pashpa, our private vehicle will be waiting to transfer us comfortably back to Huaraz (3,090 m), where we drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of the program. Starting altitude: 4,350 m Hiking time: Approx. 3 hours Final altitude: 3,090 m

Transfer from Huaraz to Lima either by bus (400 km, 8–9 hours) or by flight (1 hour). Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel. Today we leave Huaraz and begin our journey back to Lima. You have the option of a scenic full-day bus transfer, which takes approximately 8–9 hours and passes through the stunning Andean highlands, valleys, and traditional villages, offering a final glimpse of the Cordillera Blanca. Alternatively, for a quicker return, you may choose a 1-hour flight from Huaraz to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport, concluding this unforgettable Andean adventure.

Today marks the conclusion of your unforgettable journey through the Andes. After breakfast at your hotel in Lima, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home. Take with you memories of the breathtaking landscapes, high-altitude adventures, and cultural experiences of Peru. Safe travels!