HUAYHUASH
| Distance | 164 km |  |
| Altitude | between 2750 and 5000 m | |
| Rating | Difficult | |
| Duration | 12 days (8 to Cajatambo) | |
| Start | Llamac | |
| Finish |
Llamac |
Just fifty kilometers to the southeast of the National Park Huascarán lies the Cordillera Hauyhuash. Although the range is only thirty kilometers from north to south is probably the most scenically exciting hike in Peru and in the world. There are 6 peaks over
6.000 m with intimidating ice-draped walls on all sides, dominated by the colossal Nevado Yerupajá, at
6.634 m (21.766 ft) the second highest mountain in Peru.
The 164 kilometer trek circles the entire range, the 8 to 14 days trek is rugged, but its many streams, lakes, hot springs, and the views of the mountains are simply unforgettable. The whole circuit,
including side trips, involves 180 km of walking between altitudes of
2.750 (9.020 ft), and 5.000 m (16.400 ft), which represents a serious and difficult endeavor, this is only recommended for hikers in excellent condition or who plan to take at least 12 days to complete the circuit.
 |
Day 1 | Huaraz - Chiquian - Llamac |
| Day 2 | Llamac - Quebrada Rondoy | |
| Day 3 | Quebrada Rondoy - Mitucocha (Hot springs) | |
| Day 4 | Mitucocha - Carhuacocha | |
| Day 5 | Carhuacocha - Huayhuash | |
| Day 6 | Huayhuash - Laguna Viconga (Hot springs) | |
| Day 7 | Laguna Viconga - Guanacpatay | |
| Day 8 | Guanacpatay - Sarapococha(Cutatambo) | |
| Day 9 | Sarapococha(Cutatambo) - Huatiagh | |
| Day 10 | Huatiagh - Laguna Jahuacocha - Solteracocha | |
| Day 11 | Jahuacocha - Llamac | |
| Day 12 | Llamac - Chiquian - Huaraz |