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PERU: CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH

Recommended by the DAV Summit Club

Distance: 130 km (classic route)
Duration: 12 days (16 days inc. acclimatization and summit option)
Start: Queropalca
Finish: Llamac
Vertical meters: 800 m max. per day with start at 3,370 m (Diablo Mudo peak optional: 5,350 m)

WHAT TO EXPECT

Trekking and sleeping in tents through the Cordillera Huayhuash – the most spectacular high-mountains in the world and the highest glaciated peaks in the Tropics. The Andes of northern Peru offer outstanding opportunities for adventure, with turquoise waters and snow-covered peaks.

The TREK IN DETAILS

The Cordillera Huayhuash Mountains are extremely remote and extremely beautiful. To the south of the famous Cordillera Blanca, they form a separate mountain range that encompasses six peaks, including Peru’s second-highest mountain, Yerupaja Grande, 6,634 m. With numerous lagoon and glacial lakes dotted around their snow-covered icy peaks, they create a breathtaking and rewarding backdrop for this demanding trek that follows tiny mountain pass trails, into verdant valleys and offers unparalleled views of these mighty ice-covered giants in the peace and tranquility of the Andes.

Upon arrival, and after acclimatizing around Hatunmachay, switchback bends lead over mountain passes and the trail follows ancient Inca routes to Queropalca. Here, further acclimatization takes place by hiking to over 4,000 m carrying a light backpack, to ensure the best possible preparation for the altitude to be reached in the coming days. The first section into the Cordillera Huayhuash from Queropalca is technically straightforward, but the altitude and long days makes challenging. But wide-reaching views, green lagoons, hot springs, mountain lakes in which the surrounding peaks are reflected, breathtaking mountain passes and looking out over the ‘Matterhorn of the Andes’ are a just reward for the effort.

The 5,020-meter-high Cuyoc Pass marks the trek’s highest point, after which it’s downhill to Cutatambo below Siula Grande, a picturesque mountain, and the site of Joe Simpson’s ‘Touching the Void’ epic. Following the river upstream the trek takes you through landscapes of flowering cacti and waterfalls, which you would not expect at such altitudes. Continuing to Camp Gashpopampa at 4,600 m, you can spend the night here before an optional (and in the company of a mountain guide) ascent of the glaciated peak of Diablo Mudo, 5,350 m, with its 360-degree panorama that will remain etched in your heart.

Arriving at the end of the trek in Llamac, there’s no doubt that the Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the best hikes in the world. Both the natural environment here, and the encounters with local shepherds are experiences you’ll never forget. To make this strenuous trek a little less demanding, organize a support team locally or book through a provider who will arrange luggage transfers and more creature comforts.

 

Getting there: Fly to Lima. Take a bus to Chiquian and from there to Queropalca.

Further Information: www.davsc.de/PEHUA, https://www.dav-summit-club.de/  

Food & accommodation: Tents and guesthouses. Food can only be purchased in Huayllapa. Everything else must be carried in (or by pack animal).