Huayhuash Trek Dossier 2002

For dates and prices please return to the Huayhuash Trek front page

Crossing one of the high passes, Cordillera Huayhuash

INTRODUCTION TO THIS TREK

The circuit trek of the Cordillera Huayhuash (pronounced Why-wash) is well known as one of the world's greatest treks. For mountain scenery and remoteness it is without equal in the Andes. We are again offering a climbing option with the trek, giving customers a chance to climb two easy 5000m glacier peaks. These are most likely to be Suerococha 5350m and Leon Huacanan 5427m.

We now use a new circuit of the Huayhuash starting and finishing in the small town of Cajatambo to the south-west of the range at a height of 3400m. We start here to avoid some of the crowded valleys in the northern Huayhuash and the area around Llamac where new roads and several big mines are under construction that have spoilt the 'traditional' start to the Huayhuash trek.

The trek crosses several passes over 4500m and covers a total of 170km. The trek will be fully supported and take us a total of fifteen days, allowing time for a couple of rest days at high mountain lagoons for those not climbing. The highest point on this circuit is the pass of Punta Tapush at 4800m. From all the passes there are spectacular views of the Huayhuash mountains, including Yerupaja, Jirishanca and Siula. These peaks are all over 6000m and form an ever present dramatic backdrop to our trek.

We travel to the wee town of Cajatambo from Lima by private transport. We’ll spend the first two days here to acclimatise and also have a night here at the end of the trek.

Though previous experience of hillwalking, trekking and camping in remote areas are an advantage, both the trek and the climbing option are suitable for anyone who is fit and adventurous.

Our new itinerary is a big improvement on the old Huayhuash circuit, a mixture of the best of the old together with some undiscovered and quiet new areas. We should stress that all the most scenic parts of the ‘regular’ circuit are retained - we’ve just ditched the less interesting parts.

For those taking the climbing option there will be ascents of two peaks on the way round the trek. These will probably be Leon Huacanan 5427m and Suerococha 5350m but the final choice will depend on client fitness and current climbing conditions. Both ascents are relatively easy glacier walks requiring the use of an ice-axe and crampons (previous experience of using these is not essential). Both summit days will take around 8-10 hours. The views from the summits to the higher Huayhuash peaks are tremendous. Of course.

Donkeys and mules doing the hard work, Cordillera Huayhuash

The Cordillera Huayhuash are a compact mountain range situated about 200km north east of Lima. The range contains several peaks over 6000m high. The highest peak is Yerupaja, which at 6617m high is one of the highest peaks in the Andes and the second highest in Peru. All the big peaks are extremely steep and rise from large glacier filled valleys. The peaks are almost without exception serious mountaineering challenges and most of the major peaks were not climbed until the 1950's or 1960's.

The lower valleys that we will trek through have been glaciated in the past and many small lochs remain behind. We will often be camping by one of these picturesque lochs and the locals are known for catching fresh trout to sell to trekkers. The valleys contain large areas of pasture still used by the Quechua Indians who live in the mountains and we’ll pass through a number of their remote villages on our way round the trek.

The circuit of the Huayhuash is one of the world's greatest walks, offering ever changing views of the Cordillera Huayhuash, crossing high passes and beautiful high altitude meadows. The progress we make round the circuit will depend on several factors (weather, fitness, illness) but we give an outline description of the route divided into likely trekking days. The schedule indicated below leaves us with two spare days which we will use as rest days on the circuit. These can allow some time to recover while the fittest, or keenest, do an extra walk! The total distance is about 170km.

Day 1 w Cajatambo to the Rio Pumarinri valley, crossing a pass of 4150m.

Day 2 w Rio Pumarinri to Huayllapa. 

Day 3 w  Huayllapa to Gasapampa via the Punta Tapush.

Day 4 w Suerococha ascent for climbers, or rest day.

Day 5 w Over the Punta Yaucha 4800m then down to the scenic Laguna Jahuacocha at the foot of the highest peaks.

Day 6 w Laguna Jahuacocha to Quebrada Rondoy. Some of the most spectacular views today of Yerupaja and Jirishanca.

Day 7 w Quebrada Rondoy  to Mitucocha. The pass of Cacanampunta (4700m) is crossed then we descend to Mitucocha 4200m.

Day 8 w Mitucocha to Carhuacocha. Another pass of 4650m takes us up and over to the large Laguna Carhaucocha. From here a side trip to Laguna Siula is possible for those with energy left.

Day 9 w Carhuacocha to Huayhuash. Over another pass to the village that gave the mountain range its name. 

Day 10 w Huayhuash village to Laguna Viconga . Over the Portachuelo Huayhuash pass at 4750m  to the small shepherds settlements by this large loch the largest on the circuit.

Day 11w Ascent of Leon Huacanan for climbers, or rest day

Day 12 w Laguna Viconga to the Rio Pumarinri. A long walk down the Rio Pumarinri valley to rejoin the circuit at our first camp.

Day 13 w Rio Pumarinri - Cajatambo. The first day of the trek in reverse

Days 14-15 w Two spare days to be used as rest days as necessary during the trek.

Photographing the local wildlife!

For those who wish to see more of the cultural side of Peru we have allowed time in our schedules for this trekking expedition to be extended to allow time for a short tour of the famous city of Cuzco, former capital of the Incas, and the spectacular ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu. This extension will be four days long and will include return flights from Lima to Cuzco, hotel in Cuzco and travel to Machu Picchu by train. We will need a minimum of three customers to run this extension with a British leader, but can also arrange 'self-guided' extensions for just one or two persons. Please ask for further details and costs at the time of booking if you're interested.

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This time of year is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes and there are long periods of stable weather with fewer and less severe storms than the Alps have in a normal summer. There are occasional high winds and light snow flurries. Though the sun will often be strong, temperatures at altitude can be extremely cold, going down to -5°C during the 12 hours of darkness each night, so bring a warm sleeping bag and a good book!

FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY

Customers should preferably be experienced hillwalkers or trekkers but no previous climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary, even for those taking the climbing option. Previous experience of wilderness camping is very useful as these are extremely remote mountains.

Customers should have a good level of fitness because although the trek is fully supported we still have to cross passes up to 4800m high in the mountains. We will be walking for about 6-7 hours per day, but you need to be able to continue at this pace for 3 or 4 days without a rest. Summit days for those taking the climbing option may be 8 hours or more and can be very tiring so a good standard of fitness and stamina is needed. If you have any doubts about the suitability of these options for you then please give us a call.

On this type of trek there are inevitably some hardships which clients must be prepared to put up with in return for the great rewards of trekking through such wild and remote mountains. Cold nights, tired feet and some tinned and dried food are a few of the experiences which will have to be enjoyed. This trek is particularly arduous because we will be away from hot showers and comfortable beds for over two weeks.

Trekking around the east side of the Huayhuash mountains

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FLIGHTS

Flights from London to Lima the Peruvian capital cost about £600. We normally arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828), who have very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and most customers find it convenient as it means we are all on the same flight out to South America. If you prefer you can arrange your own flights to fit in with the expedition itinerary.

Visas are not necessary for British citizens, but you should have a full passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel. If you will not be using a British passport please make this clear when booking.

Peru suffers from a bad reputation for theft and insurance is a necessity. It has to be said that thieves steal from easy targets; most tales of theft involve the victim doing something unwise. It is important to stay alert when in busy public areas and to guard your belongings carefully at all times. Muggings and other violent crime are very rare. We will issue further advice to all clients before departure. Having said all this, we have run countless trips to South America including many to Peru and we have only ever seen a few minor thefts. We can quite confidently say people are more likely to lose something than have it stolen!

All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you'd like advice on insurance please ask

ACCOMMODATION

For our overnights in Cajatambo we use the best hotel in town but standards are nowhere near as good as at home - it will be primitive but clean. It will be possible to leave extra luggage and clean clothes here when we go off on trek. We will be camping when we are out in the mountains; modern lightweight tents and stoves are provided by us, but you'll need your own four season sleeping bag and mat.

Peru is one of the poorest countries in South America and hygiene standards reflect this. Even with a bit of caution you may get an upset stomach at some stage. It is a good idea to avoid tap water, unwashed fruit, ice, seafood and all food sold by street vendors. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, polio and hepatitis are needed! Your doctor may also recommend rabies and diphtheria. Malaria and yellow fever precautions are not necessary as we won't visit mosquito infested areas.

Mountain Hazards : There are very slight risks from bad weather, and the usual mountain hazards including slight risks from rockfall, crevasse and avalanche hazard on the optional peak ascents.

Local herders, Peru

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Our treks and expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The trek will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but will adapt to the plans and aspirations of the members. We will consult all members when planning the details of the expedition.

Please note that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or a member is in jeopardy; for example retreat or diversion due to illness or bad weather.

At the time of publishing we have not finalised a leader for these treks. Please phone for details nearer to the time of departure. All of our regular leaders have considerable experience of travel and trekking in South America.

The minimum number of customers we need to run this trek is four. The maximum size of the trek will be eight customers plus leader. In some circumstances we may be able to run this trek with a smaller group using a local Peruvian leader

Rondoy from above Jahuacocha, Cordillera Huayhuash

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