Trekking Huayhuash and Climbing in Ishinca Valley

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  • 16 days / 15 nights
  • 5,530 m
  • Moderate - difficult
  • --

Overview

The Cordillera Huayhuash and the Ishinca Valley offer one of the most complete adventure experiences in the Peruvian Andes, combining world-class trekking with classic high-mountain climbing. The Huayhuash Trek, considered one of the most scenic hikes in South America, covers approximately 120 km over high-altitude terrain, crossing multiple mountains passes and revealing dramatic landscapes of towering peaks, glacial lakes, and remote Quechua communities.

This demanding trek takes around 10 days and showcases iconic mountains such as Yerupajá, Siula Grande, and Jirishanca, along with legendary passes like Trapecio, Tapush, and Cuyoc. It is an ideal challenge for experienced trekkers seeking solitude, altitude, and breathtaking alpine scenery.

Complementing the trek, the Ishinca Valley, located near Huaraz, is one of the best areas in the Cordillera Blanca for acclimatization and mountaineering training. Home to peaks such as Ishinca, Urus, and Tocllaraju, the valley offers technical glacier climbs set against the stunning backdrop of Laguna Ishinca (4,300 m). Combining the Huayhuash Trek with climbing in the Ishinca Valley creates a perfectly balanced expedition, blending endurance, technical skill, and unforgettable Andean beauty.

Recommendations:

  • For this type of mountaineering program, it is essential to acclimatize for several days prior to the expedition and to be in good physical and technical condition. Participants should have previous experience in high-altitude trekking and basic mountaineering skills to safely enjoy the ascent.

Itinerary

  • Day 01: Huaraz – Chiquián – Cuartelwain
  • Day 02: Cuartelwain – Cacananpunta Pass – Mitucocha
  • Day 03: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass – Carhuacocha
  • Day 04: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass – Huayhuash Camp
  • Day 05: Huayhuash – Portachuelo Pass – Viconga
  • Day 06: Viconga – Cuyoc Pass – Cuyoc Camp
  • Day 07: Cuyoc Camp – San Antonio Pass – Cutatambo
  • Day 08: Cutatambo – Huayllapa Village
  • Day 09: Huayllapa – Tapush Pass – Gashpapampa
  • Day 10: Gashpapampa – Yaucha Pass – Jahuacocha
  • Day 11: Jahuacocha – Llamac – Huaraz
  • Day 12: Rest Day in Huaraz
  • Day 13: Huaraz – Pashpa – Ishinca Base Camp
  • Day 14: Acclimatization & Training
  • Day 15: Summit Day – Nevado Ishinca
  • Day 16: Ishinca Base Camp – Pashpa – Huaraz

Note:

  • The itinerary is a model to follow, however, situations such as natural disasters, climate changes, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, demonstrations, changes in government regulations or other force majeure, may cause this program to vary.

Itinerary description

Day 01: Huaraz – Chiquián – Cuartelwain (4,180 m / 13,714 ft)

Early morning departure from Huaraz to Chiquián, followed by a short drive to Cuartelwain. This first day is designed for a gentle start and acclimatization, with a light hike to the campsite surrounded by wide Andean landscapes and high-altitude pastures.

Day 02: Cuartelwain – Cacananpunta Pass – Mitucocha (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)

The trek begins with the ascent to Cacananpunta Pass, offering the first panoramic views of the Huayhuash range. After crossing the pass, we descend to Mitucocha Camp, located beneath the impressive peaks of Jirishanca and Rondoy.

Day 03: Mitucocha – Carhuac Pass – Carhuacocha (4,650 m / 15,255 ft)

One of the most scenic days of the trek, crossing Carhuac Pass and descending to the stunning turquoise lakes of Carhuacocha, with spectacular views of Yerupajá, Siula Grande, and Jirishanca.

Day 04: Carhuacocha – Siula Pass – Huayhuash Camp (4,800 m / 15,750 ft)

A challenging ascent to Siula Pass rewards us with dramatic alpine scenery and glacier views. The descent leads to Huayhuash Camp, located near the glacier and surrounded by towering peaks.

Day 05: Huayhuash – Portachuelo Pass – Viconga (4,750 m / 15,584 ft)

We cross Portachuelo Pass before descending to Viconga, where travelers can enjoy a well-earned rest and an optional visit to the natural hot springs, perfect for muscle recovery.

Day 06: Viconga – Cuyoc Pass – Cuyoc Camp (5,000 m / 16,404 ft)

This is the most demanding day of the trek, crossing the highest point of the route at Cuyoc Pass. The effort is rewarded with vast panoramic views of the Cordillera Huayhuash before descending to Cuyoc Camp.

Day 07: Cuyoc Camp – San Antonio Pass – Cutatambo (4,800 m / 15,750 ft)

A spectacular and technical day crossing San Antonio Pass, offering close-up views of Siula Grande and Yerupajá. A steep descent leads to the remote campsite of Cutatambo.

Day 08: Cutatambo – Huayllapa Village (3,600 m / 11,811 ft)

A long descent takes us into the isolated village of Huayllapa, where we experience local culture and enjoy a more relaxed afternoon after several demanding days in the mountains.

Day 09: Huayllapa – Tapush Pass – Gashpapampa (4,770 m / 15,649 ft)

We ascend steadily to Tapush Pass, followed by a scenic descent to Gashpapampa Camp, surrounded by alpine meadows and high peaks.

Day 10: Gashpapampa – Yaucha Pass – Jahuacocha (4,850 m / 15,912 ft)

Crossing Yaucha Pass, we reach the beautiful Jahuacocha Lake, one of the highlights of the Huayhuash Trek, with unforgettable views of Yerupajá and Rondoy reflected in the water.

Day 11: Jahuacocha – Llamac – Huaraz (3,300 m / 10,827 ft

Final descent through picturesque valleys to Llamac, followed by private transfer back to Huaraz, marking the end of the Huayhuash trekking adventure.

Day 12: Rest Day in Huaraz

A well-deserved rest day to recover, enjoy hot showers, reorganize equipment, and prepare for the climbing phase in the Ishinca Valley.

Day 13: Huaraz – Pashpa – Ishinca Base Camp (4,350 m / 14,272 ft)

Transfer to Pashpa and trek into the Ishinca Valley. Arrival at Base Camp, camp setup, and a short acclimatization walk in a stunning alpine setting.

Day 14: Acclimatization & Training (4,350 m / 14,272 ft)

Training day focused on glacier travel, crampon and ice axe techniques, rope systems, and safety procedures, ensuring proper preparation for summit day.

Day 15: Summit Day – Nevado Ishinca (5,530 m / 18,143 ft)

An early alpine start for the ascent of Nevado Ishinca. The climb follows glacial terrain to the summit, offering panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca before descending back to Base Camp.

Day 16: Ishinca Base Camp – Pashpa – Huaraz (3,050 m / 10,006 ft)

Descent from Base Camp to Pashpa and return to Huaraz by private transport, concluding the expedition.

Includes:

  • Trekking guide for Huayhuash
  • Private transportation according to the itinerary
  • Certified and qualified UIAGM / AGMP Mountain Guide(maximum 3 clients per guide – Ishinca climbing day)
  • Assistant Guide (UIAGM candidate)for groups of more than 3 clients Ishinca climbing day
  • Specialized high-mountain cook
  • Kitchen assistant for large groups
  • Full use of kitchen utensils
  • All meals during the expedition (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • High-mountain porter support, responsible for carrying collective equipment to high camps
  • Mules and muleteersto transport camp and personal equipment to base camp
  • Collective first aid kit
  • Collective technical climbing equipment
  • Collective camping equipment (kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, tables, chairs)
  • Huascaran National Park entrance fees and permits
  • Expedition tents (2–3 people per tent)

Not included:

  • Bus or plane tickets (domestic or international)
  • Hotel accommodation in Huaraz
  • Pre-expedition acclimatization program
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on the final day
  • Meals and drinks while staying in Huaraz
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal mountaineering equipment, including (but not limited to): harness, technical pants, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex), mountaineering boots or mixed boots, clothing layers, personal medication, sleeping bag, backpack, crampons, ice axe, sunglasses, etc.
  • Additional or optional tours
  • Sleeping bag(recommended rating –15°C to –20°C / 5°F to –4°F)
  • Evacuation, medical treatment, and rescue costs
  • Laundry service
  • Personal toiletries
  • Mattress
  • Tips for staff
  • Any other expenses not specified in this program

Additional Service:

  • Equipment rentalis available if you do not have the required personal gear
  • Additional services can be arranged upon request

Prices & Dates

This expedition is designed exclusively for private groups to ensure a high-quality, personalized experience. We work with local certified guides and a professional support team dedicated to your safety and success.

For detailed pricing and availability, please contact us directly.

NOTE:

  • Special discounts are available for groups of more than 5 participants
  • Additional information is available upon request

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