Cordillera Huayhuash, Huaraz, Peru

DESCRIPTION:
Widely regarded as one of the best alpine treks in the entire world, the Huayhuash Circuit is a remote and impossibly scenic high-altitude route in Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash (pronounced why-wash). The trail, totaling 150km and crossing 12 mountain passes all above 4,500m, circles some of the highest and most impressive mountains in the Andes, offering surreal vistas of jagged snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and even steamy hot springs.

Distance: 150 kms
Elevation Gain: Substantial
Estimated Time: 10 days + 4 days of acclimatizing
Event Rating: Difficult - Once in a lifetime

Itinerary:
Aug 17 - Arrive in Huaraz, Peru. Accommodation - To Be Determined
Aug 18 - Acclimatization Hike 1 - Laguna 69
Aug 19 - Acclimatization Hike 2 - Laguna Paron
Aug 20 - Acclimatization Hike 3 - Laguna Churup
Aug 21 - Acclimatization Hike 4 - Pastoruri Glacier
Aug 22 - Start of Huayhuash circuit trek.
Day 1 Llamac to Laguna Jahuacocha
Aug 23 - Day2 - Laguna Jahuacocha to Quartelhuain
Aug 24 - Day3 - Quartelhuain to Laguna Mitococha
Aug 25 - Day4 - Laguna Mitococha to Laguna Carhuacocha
Aug 26 - Day5 - Laguna Carhuacocha to Huayhuash
Aug 27 - Day6 - Huayhuash to Cutatambo
Aug 28 - Day7 - Cutatambo to Huayllapa
Aug 29 - Day8 - Huayllapa to Gushpa
Aug 30 - Day9 - Gushpa to Laguna Jahuacocha
Aug 31 - Day 10 - Laguna Jahuacocha to Pacllon. Take bus back to Huaraz
Sep 1 - Return to Vancouver.

Approximate Costs - 1900 Peruvian soles per person (minimum group of 8) for the 10 day trek + 300 soles entrance fees. Other costs include flight tickets from Vancouver to Lima and bus transfers from Lima to Huaraz. Plus lodging and boarding expenses in Huaraz for 5 days, while acclimatizing. Additional travel expenses for rental cars to trailhead for acclimatization hikes. Miscellaneous expenses.

I'm looking for people who actually love the outdoors and enjoy being out there. Taking pictures is highly encouraged, however, If you find that your primary reason for hiking is to take pictures to post on social media, then, this hike is not for you.

There will also be no unnecessary risk taking. If you like to get close to the edge to take a selfie, once again, this hike is not for you.

Please be confident in your ability to keep up with the group.

Safety: While we will look out for each other on the hike please remember that you are ultimately responsible for your own safety so come prepared for the hike.
Please ensure you leave a trip plan with a responsible person, explaining your destination, the route you are taking, who is with you, and your return time.

Level of fitness: Please ensure that you are fit enough to join these events. All of them require a right level of cardio, stamina and strength as there is usually steep, long uphill sections on most hikes and you will need to be able to keep up to the group. If you are unsure of the group pace level, message the organizer to confirm the group level.

No guests. This is a closed group of dedicated, responsible, and like-minded individuals who come together to share in an enjoyable outdoor experience. If your friend is interested in coming along, then have them join COWs West.