Day 1.- Transfer from Huaraz to Cuartelhuain (4,100 m)
This morning, we will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 8:00 AM. We will board our private transport and head south of Huaraz, reaching Conococha at 4,050 m. From there, we detour toward the town of Chiquian, passing through the villages of Llamac and Pocpa then to Cuartelhuain our first campsite.
Day 2.- Horseback Ride to Mitucocha via Cacanan Pass
This morning, we mount our horses and ride toward the Cacanan Punta pass at 4,700 m. After a short rest, we descend to the Mitucocha campsite. Following lunch, we will take an approximate one-hour hike to visit Mitucocha Lake.
Maximum Altitude: Cacanan Pass (4,700 m)
Day 3.- Horseback Ride to Carhuacocha via Carhuac Pass
This morning, we begin our ascent on horseback. Before reaching the Carhuac pass, there are two choices: Option 1 (Hikers): Those who wish to hike to the "Three Lakes" viewpoint (Mirador de las Tres Lagunas) will detour north of the main trail to enjoy spectacular views of the stunning lakes at the foot of Mount Yerupajá Grande and Mount Siula Grande. Option 2 (Riders): The rest of the group can continue along the standard route directly to the Carhuacocha campsite.
Hiking time: Approx. 3 hours
Maximum Altitude: Carhuac Pass (4,600 m)
Day 4.- Trek to Huayhuash via Siula Pass
Today features a combination of hiking and horseback riding. The trail through the "Three Lakes" viewpoint leading to the Siula Pass (4,820 m) is strictly forbidden for horses and donkeys. Therefore, we will hike this section—widely considered the most beautiful route in the Huayhuash range—for approximately 4 hours until reaching the pass. About 15 minutes after crossing the pass, the horses will be waiting for us so we can mount and descend to the Huayhuash campsite.
Day 5.- Horseback Ride to Viconga via Portachuelo Pass
Mounted on our horses, we will ascend to the Portachuelo Pass at an altitude of 4,600 m. From there, we will enjoy views of the Raura mountain range. After a brief rest, we descend along the shores of Lake Viconga until reaching our campsite, which is located very close to the Guñoc thermal hot springs. After lunch, you will have a free afternoon to take a relaxing bath and unwind.
Distance: Approx. 11.5 km
Day 6.- Horseback Ride to Cuyocpampa via Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m)
With everything packed and ready, we will set off with our guide this morning on horseback to ascend the highest pass of the entire route: Punta Cuyoc, at an altitude of 5,000 m. From the top, you will appreciate panoramic views of the Cuyoc, Pumarinri, Jurao, and Sarapo snow-capped peaks, as well as the Raura mountain range. Afterward, we descend to our campsite. Following lunch, there is an optional hike to the Santa Rosa Pass at 5,020 m, which offers one of the absolute best viewpoints of the trek.
Day 7.- Horseback Ride to Huatiac via Huayllapa Village
This morning, accompanied by our guide, we ride our horses down through the Huanacpatay Valley until connecting with the trail to Huayllapa. This path leads us directly into the village of Huayllapa (3,500 m), where we will visit the local people and observe their traditional clothing. Afterward, we take the trail leading up to our campsite at Huatiac.
Day 8.- Horseback Ride to Jahuacocha via Tapush Pass (4,800 m) & Yaucha Pass (4,800 m)
This morning, after mounting our horses, we ascend for about 40 minutes to our first pass, Tapush, at 4,800 m. After a brief rest, we descend for 30 minutes and then ascend for another hour to the second pass, Yaucha, at 4,800 m. This spot offers breathtaking views of Yerupajá, the second-highest mountain in Peru. We then descend for two hours to our final campsite, Jahuacocha, at 4,120 m, featuring stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 9.- Horseback Ride to Llamac Village via Pampa Llamac Pass (4,300 m) - Transfer to Huaraz
We enjoy our final breakfast at the camp before mounting our horses. We descend for an hour and then ascend to the last pass of the trek, Pampa Llamac. After taking in the final panoramic views, we descend for 3 hours to the village of Llamac. Our private transport will be waiting there to take us back to Huaraz, where we will say goodbye to our muleteers and horses who accompanied us during these 9 days.
