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Peru : Huayhuash Trekking

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Huayhuash Trekking

SOAR

Up, up and over towering Andean peaks, into glacial lakes and camp in pure, blissful seclusion

BLAZE

Your own trails, literally, in this rugged expanse of Peru backcountry, supported by pack mules and accompanied by expert local trekking guides

DISCOVER

World-class alpine routes, Incan ruins, Andean culture, pristine and uncrowded landscapes—and some of the world’s finest trekking

Why Cordillera Huayhuash

Many label this the best alpine trekking in the world. In a nation better known for Machu Picchu, the Cordillera Huayhuash allows for true off-the-beaten-path scenery away from crowds, and into serious adventure. Rugged peaks break 20,000 feet in elevation and loom over brilliant shores of bright-blue glacial lakes. Moss-covered hills curve like green waves in a misty landscape where you feel yourself touching the clouds. Journey to this unseen Peru in the epic Huayhuash.

Moments That Matter

Explore Incan ruins and hike lake to moraine lake, river to ravine, amidst some of the world’s most beautiful alpine scenery. Travel with expert guides, expedition-worthy camp gear and mules to carry the big stuff. You're in the place made famous in Joe Simpson’s book and movie Touching the Void. This is your opportunity to see the “real” mountains of Peru.

Your Private Experience

Who It’s For

The intrepid traveler and the adventurous soul. Our Huayhuash itinerary takes you to the wildest, most remote part of Peru, built for those who seek the thrill of being way off the grid.

When to Travel

The trekking season begins in May and runs through September. This is the dry season, or “Andean summer.” Trekking is most popular between July and August.

Make It Yours

Extend your Peruvian travels with time in Lima, or start with a few days warming up on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. We'll ensure you’re prepared for the trek of your dreams.

Day by Day

This is a fully supported trek through Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash mountains. Each day plan on 6 to 7 miles of hiking, with elevation gains of 500 to 1,500 feet. We’ll cover all internal transfers and accommodations.

Day 1

From Lima, you’ll hit the road to the iconic, 2,500-mile Inca Highway. Your destination is an Incan site few visitors see: majestic Huánuco Pampa. Make camp nearby and take in the view of grassy foothills rising dramatically towards the alpine peaks you’ll soon explore.

  • Arrival in Lima, 
  • Private transfer to Huánuco Pampa

Days 2 - 4

Tie up your boots and meet your mule pack. Then hike out following a river through the valley to Carhuacocha lagoon, watched over by a trio of rugged snow-splattered peaks. You’ll skirt the north side of the Huayhuash range over the next two days. Ascend the Carhuac Pas and earn your reward camping on the banks of the Mitucocha lagoon. The next morning, hike up Qaqanan Pass, then down the ravines to the Llamac River for camp.

  • Hike through untouched wilderness
  • Ascend Carhuac and Qaqanan mountain passes
  • Sleep in expedition-quality tents (provided)
  • Enjoy award-winning meals prepared by your camp cook

Days 5 - 6

Over the next two days ascend the Sambunya Pass to  Jahuacocha Lagoon, camping on the shores with near-perfect views of the Hirishanca Mountains. The mules were nice enough to bring a kayak and stand-up paddle boards so you can get out on the water. In the morning, rise for a day trip to the epic Solteracocha Lagoon, hemmed in by peaks and tropical glaciers. It’s a full-day hike, about seven hours there and back, with plenty of opportunities to admire the most beautiful mountain scenery in South America.

  • Ascend Sambunya Pass
  • Kayak or paddle board on glacial lake
  • Day hike to Solteracocha Lagoon

Days 7 - 8

Take on the Pampa Llamac pass, which offers a majestic view of many of Huayhuash’s 20-plus snowy peaks. From there, it’s back to civilization and showers! Bus to Chiquian and settle into a local hotel, wash up, and enjoy a farewell feast. The next morning, we’ll take you back to Lima.

  • Cross Pampa Llamac pass
  • Transfer to Chiquian
  • Cabin lodging, hot showers, celebration dinner

Where We Sleep

Camping comfortably on glacial lakes, below snow-capped Andean peaks and under a full sky of blinking stars—where we sleep is a highlight of our Huayhuash adventure.

Backcountry Camping

Location location location. We camp every night but one, immersing ourselves in the sounds and sights of Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash mountains. We sleep comfortably in expedition-quality tents, in campsites set up on glacial lakeshores and by river banks, encircled by the snowcapped Huayhuash mountain range right outside our tents. We finish the trip for one night at a local hotel in the Andean mountain town of Chiquian, where we can get hot showers and a hearty dinner.

People Love MO/AD Private Departures

“
I am truly a tough critic but you planned an exceptionally fun adventure—no constructive criticism necessary.
Avis C.
“
Our activities were amazing, and the accommodations and food were excellent.
Peter B.
“
MO/AD was able to arrange special experiences that are impossible as an individual traveler or family. Amazing!
Christine N.

FAQs

  1. How many people is this itinerary suitable for?

    We can plan a custom, private departure for any group size. Our custom trips are perfect for a couple wishing to travel on their own, a family, or a multi-generational group. If you’re looking to travel on one of our group departures on a private basis, a minimum number of travelers may apply.

  2. What makes a MO/AD experience different?

    Our level of curation, care, and in-country connections. We handle everything, overseeing your experience from beginning to end with the highest levels of ownership and responsibility. We support you every step of the way with comprehensive itineraries, detailed day-by-day descriptions, insider destination info, and 24/7 dedicated support.

  3. How far in advance should I plan my trip?

    Preferably six to nine months in advance and earlier for holiday travel. We stay in unique, in-demand boutique and luxury hotels where advance reservations are important to secure the best accommodations possible. We can help with last-minute travel planning, however availability may be limited.We curate your MO/AD Private Departure to ensure the experiences are authentic, immersive, and included in your trip price. Your itinerary typically includes accommodations, airport transfers, private transportation for all day trips and excursions, privately guided tours with local guides, exclusive VIP access and activities, and meals as detailed in your itinerary.

  4. What is typically included?

    We curate your MO/AD Private Departure to ensure the experiences are authentic, immersive, and included in your trip price. Your itinerary typically includes accommodations, airport transfers, private transportation for all day trips and excursions, privately guided tours with local guides, exclusive VIP access and activities, and meals as detailed in your itinerary.

  5. How much will it cost?

    MO/AD Private Departures typically cost $750 to $1,500 per person, per day, and vary by destination, time of year, number of people in your group, and types of activities you prefer.

  6. What's not included?

    MO/AD Private Departures do not include roundtrip airfare to/from your destination, travel insurance, gratuities for local guides, hotel incidentals, and any activities and meals not included in your itinerary.

  7. What travel documents are required?

    Citizens from the United States as well as most Western European countries do not require a visa to travel to Peru. For most travelers you will need a valid passport. It is recommended for your passport to be valid at least six months after your travel is planned.

  8. What deposits are required?

    After learning more about you, your interests, preferred style of travel, dates, and budget, we will present you with initial ideas and examples of what we can plan for you. In order to design a detailed itinerary and check availability, there is a $500 non-refundable planning deposit due. This will be applied to your final trip cost. Once your itinerary is perfect, we require a 25% non-refundable confirmation deposit to start confirming all of your arrangements. Many of our local partners and hotels require additional advance deposits to secure the best accommodations. The balance of your trip cost is due 90 days prior to travel.

  9. Where can I find the complete terms of my booking?

    See our Terms & Conditions for complete details about our policies regarding your MO/AD Private Departure booking.