20 Days Trekking Huayhuash Alpine Circuit and Nevado Chopicalqui

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.

Our journey begins in the city of Huaraz, departing at 8:30 a.m. We drive south toward Conococha, where our trekking adventure officially begins. From there, we head east and then continue south, gradually enjoying our first impressive views of the mountain range. Along the way, we pass through the traditional Andean villages of Chiquián and Llamac (our trek’s finishing point) before arriving at our campsite in Cuartehuain. Here, our burros (donkeys) and arrieros (muleteers) will be waiting to assist with the expedition logistics.

From our campsite at Cuartehuain, we hike toward Lake Garagocha (4,500 m). We begin a rising diagonal ascent across limestone slabs with good friction, reaching the base of a final 40-meter rock wall just below the pass (approx. 1 hour). A broad terrace rises to the left; we follow it about 150 meters north of the main col. From there, we climb a steep 25-meter rock step (grade 5.3), using small horizontal ledges, before reaching easier but loose terrain above. We then aim for the lowest visible point on the skyline, reaching Garagocha Pass (4,910 m). The ridge is narrow and exposed, offering a dramatic alpine atmosphere. The descent continues right (SE) along narrow ledges for about 20 meters to a rappel anchor. We make a 30-meter rappel down a gully to a broad ledge. From there, we scramble up the northern end of the ledge to the apex of a large scree fan, then descend across open grassy slopes to the southern end of Lake Mitococha (4,230 m).

After breakfast at Lake Mitococha, we begin our ascent along grassy slopes to the east of the lake, gradually gaining height to reach a natural bench with expansive views of the surrounding peaks. From here, we turn southeast and continue steadily toward the pass (4,740 m), following a sustained uphill trail across high Andean terrain. We then proceed toward Alcaycocha Lake (4,670 m), a beautiful high-altitude lagoon nestled beneath rugged slopes. From the southern side of the lake, we descend along loose scree slopes, carefully making our way down to the creek that flows from Lake Carhuacocha. Continuing along the valley floor, we arrive at our campsite near the spectacular Lake Carhuacocha (4,180 m), surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Huayhuash range — one of the most scenic campsites of the entire circuit.

Leaving the spectacular setting of Lake Carhuacocha, we begin our hike through a small valley east of the moraine wall surrounding Gangrajanca Lake. The route takes us along the eastern shore of Gangrajanca, passing the recently formed lake from a massive rockslide on its western side. We continue past Siula Lake, keeping it to our left as we gradually gain elevation. From here, we follow trails across a steep grassy slope, making a steady ascending traverse. After reaching a broad shoulder, the landscape opens into a beautiful hanging valley framed by towering peaks. At the head of the valley, a well-defined switchback trail leads upward to Siulá Punta Pass (4,834 m), one of the most impressive viewpoints of the circuit, offering dramatic panoramas of surrounding glaciers and high summits. From the pass, we descend along a long, gentle valley, eventually reaching our campsite near Huayhuash Lake (4,400 m), surrounded by classic Andean scenery.

We depart from Huayhuash Lake (4,400 m) and head toward Trapecio (4,700 m), traversing southwest across gentle grassy slopes before turning west to enter a hanging valley. From there, we ascend the southern slopes to reach a broad grassy bench suspended above the terrain. We continue walking south for approximately 1 km, then descend briefly to a larger pasture area with grazing cows. After another 1 km along scenic highland terrain, we establish camp above Barrosococha Lake, directly below the impressive southeast face of Trapecio (4,700 m), surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.

We leave camp and begin our climb to the crest of a grassy moraine, with a dramatic cliff band towering above. The trail leads around the cliff left, across easy terrain, opening onto a stunning hanging plateau dotted with alpine lakes. Following a scree trail, we reach the continental divide at Trapecio Pass (4,910 m) after about 2.5 hours of hiking. From here, we turn south and scramble up reddish rock to a high notch at 5,110 m. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of Carnicero, Sarapo, and towering Siula Grande. Passing through the notch, we descend carefully to the Huayhuashjanca Glacier, crossing flat, aerated ice riddled with crevasses—a true alpine experience. Continuing along the moraine, we descend to a pristine campsite between Jurau Lake (4,343 m) and a smaller adjacent lake to the west. A short walk up the valley brings us to Joe Simpson’s Camp, marked by a striking 10-meter angular boulder, a perfect spot to rest and reflect on the day’s dramatic landscapes.

From Sarapococha Lake, we begin our ascent toward the terminal moraine, following a trail along the valley’s left wall. The path leads onto a broad shoulder with spectacular views over Sarapococha Lake, while small cliffs rise. Beyond the cliffs, we tackle steep grassy slopes via switchbacks, continuing upward across grass and scree toward Velilina Pass (5,060 m), reached after ~3.5 hours of steady hiking. From the pass, we follow a breathtaking alpine traverse north. The 180-degree panoramas along this ridge are among the most striking on the Huayhuash Circuit, including a view of the famous Simpson Crawl to the right. Skirting rocky outcrops, we ascend to Cerro Mirador, reaching the high point of the circuit at 5,152 m. Continuing north, we pass over a 5,097 m summit toward Rasac, also known as “The Toad,” before descending to Seria Pass. From there, the trail eases as we reach a magnificent campsite at the outflow of Caramarca Lake, surrounded by stunning high-altitude scenery.

We depart our camp beside Caramarca Lake and ascend along the crest of a moraine west of the lake, gradually gaining a boulder-strewn plateau. We navigate scattered rocks to Seria Glacier edge after ~2 hours. The glacier section requires careful travel—light crampons and an ice axe recommended—as we encounter a few crevasses. The route crosses an avalanche path from Rasac Oeste. The glacier culminates at a 35-degree headwall, then continues to ~50 m below Rasac Col (5,129 m). The final 20 m to the minor col involve 40-degree loose terrain above an exposed gully; a rope may be useful. From the col, we traverse east across a narrow bench and descend via a 20-meter 4th-class downclimb (rope recommended) to a grassy moraine. The route becomes a relaxed walk, following micro-valleys past Barrosococha and grazing cows near Rasacocha. Our day concludes at a scenic campsite by Jahuacocha Lake (4,050 m), surrounded by striking high-Andean scenery

We begin our final day in the high Andes with a steady ascent toward Sambunya Pass (4,750 m), offering one last breathtaking panorama of the Huayhuash range. From the pass, we descend toward the main road at Llamac (3,300 m), gradually leaving the high alpine terrain behind. From Llamac, we continue by vehicle back to Huaraz, arriving in the afternoon. The evening is spent at leisure, reflecting on the unforgettable landscapes and experiences of the Huayhuash Circuit.

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.

hrough the stunning Llanganuco Valley, flanked by the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Upon arrival, we begin our trek to Chopicalqui Base Camp (4,350 m), taking in panoramic views of glacial valleys, turquoise lagoons, and towering Andean peaks along the way. From Base Camp, we continue onward to Moraine Camp (4,900 m), situated on a stable glacial moraine that provides an ideal staging point for the upcoming ascent. The camp offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, making it a perfect high-altitude acclimatization stop.

panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. The route then leads across the Chopicalqui Glacier, where we carefully navigate around crevasses and icy sections, before reaching the High Camp at 5,350 m. This camp serves as a crucial acclimatization and staging point for the summit attempt.

The climb is highly technical, involving navigation through seracs and crevasses, culminating in a steep 75°–80° slope near the summit. Reaching the top rewards us with breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding snow-capped peaks and glaciers. After celebrating at the summit, we carefully descend back to Base Camp, reflecting on a challenging and unforgettable alpine achievement.

We descend from Base Camp and make our way back through the scenic Llanganuco Valley, enjoying final views of the Cordillera Blanca’s glaciers and peaks along the route. Upon arrival in Huaraz, we check in to our hotel and have the evening at leisure.

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!