For those who do not have time for a longer full circuit Huayhuash trek, or prefer a shorter, more relaxed and less physically hard trek – we have some options for exciting shorter treks
Our 8 day Huayhuash Mini Trek starts on the eastern side of the Cordillera Huayhuash with the first night camping at and exploring the Inca Ruins of Huanuco Viejo, and takes a circuit around about half of the Huayhuash from beautiful Laguna Carhuacocha, by Laguna Mitucocha, breath-taking high Rondoy Pass and a final campsite at Laguna Jahuacocha. You camp beside beautiful lakes which offer the most stunning panoramas of the range’s largest mountains Of all the Huayhuash trek options, this would be the least physically demanding as there are some shorter days and also extra relaxing days spent at some campsites – although it is still a moderately hard trek with having to climb to the top of 4 high passes and reasonable fitness is required
Or we have a special short trek 4 or 5 days into Laguna Jahuacocha, one of the most beautiful sites along the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit for those who would enjoy the grandeur of the Cordillera Huayhuash, but do not have time for a longer circuit trek. This trek is also popular combined with our 4 day Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca – do two spectacular short treks in different areas to enjoy a wonderful variety of mountain scenery and alpine plants and flowers.
“Rest” Days / or Day Hike:
Some treks include “rest” days – an extra night spent at the same campsite. These “rest days” are included to give you an opportunity to take a break from the continuous high altitude hiking, enjoy a late start with not rising early to get ready & pack to depart every morning, read a book, and enjoy delicious hot lunch at camp. It is however OPTIONAL whether you treat the day as a rest day OR you can go hiking for the day. All the campsites for the rest days have been chosen for the stunning location they are at and all have options for beautiful full day or half day hikes. You can decide at camp whether you would like to go hiking for the day or relax, take a rest and explore around the camp.
CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH MINI TREK
Duration: 8 days with rest days
Also: Can be 6 or 7 days
Grade: Moderate
Highest Point: 4750m / 15584ft
No. High Passes: 4
Starts From: Queropalca
No. Rest Days: 2
Features:
- Huanuco Viejo Inca Ruins
- Siula Lakes hike
- Lagunas Carhuacocha & Jahuacocha
- Rondoy Pass
- Family / children suitable
- Horse option available
Acclimatisation Recommended: 2 days
LAGUNA JAHUACOCHA CIRCUIT
Duration: 4 days
Also: Can be 5 days
Grade: Moderate to Harder
Highest Point: 4750m / 15584ft
No. High Passes: 2
Starts From: Quartelhuain
No. Rest Days: 1
Features:
- Rondoy Pass
- Laguna Solteracocha
- Laguna Jahuacocha with an extra day
- Circuit Trek
- Family / children suitable
- Horse option available
Acclimatisation Recommended: 2 days
Trek Duration
Is the actual number of days out on trek – from departing Huaraz to returning to Huaraz. Travel days and acclimatisation days are extra
Grading
We have graded the treks at least moderate to hard based on comments from previous clients. The high altitude makes the hiking seem harder to some people, while others may have acclimatised to the altitude faster and they can consider the hiking to be easy to moderate. A grading of moderate to hard does not necessarily mean you will find the hiking to be tough – our guides always go slowly, make sure you have plenty of rest breaks and will adjust the pace to suit how you are feeling. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoys hiking and the outdoors can enjoy a short Cordillera Huayhuash trek at their own pace.
See our Cordillera Huayhuash Treks page for more information on trek grading and fitness
Prices & Booking Conditions
For more Huayhuash Trek information, prices, advice and personalised advice
