BENEATH THE HUAYHUASH
About this journey
The Cordillera Huayhuash is a compact range of ice-covered peaks in the central Andes, among them Yerupajá, the second-highest mountain in Peru. There are no roads inside it, and the communities who live at its edges look after its trails. This short trek sets up camp for three nights at Jahuacocha, a lake of deep blue-green water at the foot of Yerupajá and Jirishanca. Each day follows a different route out from camp, to another glacial lake, a high viewpoint or a pass, and returns in the evening to the same lakeshore. Organised as a private departure with a trusted local trekking partner, the journey is supported by your own guide, cook and arrieros, whose donkeys carry the camp, so that your days are spent walking and your evenings simply resting by the water.
Itinerary
From Huaraz to the lakeshore
Leave Huaraz early for the long drive south through Chiquián towards Matacancha, where the road ends and your private trekking team is waiting. From here, walk into the Cordillera Huayhuash through the Rondoy sector, climbing gently before the trail turns and the first ice-covered peaks come into view. The path then drops towards Jahuacocha, where your camp is set up on the shore. As dinner is prepared, the last light catches the summits of Yerupajá and Jirishanca above the water.
The path to Barrosococha
After breakfast, set out with your guide for Barrosococha, carrying only what you need for the day while the camp stays in place. The trail climbs beyond Jahuacocha into a quieter valley of moraines and meltwater streams, where the colours of the rock change from ochre to grey to rust and the glaciers feel close at hand. Return to Jahuacocha in the afternoon, with time to rest before a hot dinner in the dining tent.
Up to Llaucha Punta & Huacrish
Today's walk climbs to Llaucha Punta, then follows the Huacrish route along the ridge, where the whole Jahuacocha basin opens up below and the line of peaks stretches out across the horizon. It is the highest and most open day of the trek, with plenty of time to stop, take photographs and let your guide name the summits around you. Descend to camp for a final evening by the lake.
Over Manca Punta & back to Huaraz
After breakfast, pack up camp and leave Jahuacocha for a last climb to Manca Punta, with a final view back over the lake and the peaks above it. The trail then descends through pasture towards the village of Pocpa, where your private transport is waiting for the drive back to Huaraz.
Included / not included
INCLUDED
- Private transport from Huaraz to Matacancha and from Pocpa back to Huaraz.
- Private departure, with a professional trekking guide throughout.
- Trekking team of cook and arrieros, with donkeys to carry the camp and your main luggage.
- A rescue horse and first-aid kit accompanying the trek at all times.
- Camping equipment, including tents, dining tent, sleeping mats and sleeping bags.
- All meals during the trek, freshly prepared at camp.
- Community entrance fees for the Cordillera Huayhuash.
- Dedicated support throughout your journey from the Nayra Travel team.
NOT INCLUDED
- Accommodation and acclimatisation days in Huaraz before and after the trek, available as part of your personalised journey.
- Travel to and from Huaraz, unless otherwise specified in your proposal.
- Walking poles, available on request.
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
- Meals and beverages before and after the trek.
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities for the trekking team.
- Travel insurance.
HAND PICKED HOTELS
Choose a stop on the journey to see the accommodation available. Warm hospitality, elegance and an unbeatable location; if you have a place in mind that you don’t see here, we’ll book it for you anywhere in Peru.
