Cordillera Huayhuash Full Circuit with Option to Climb Diablo Mudo
Combine amazing trekking with ascent of a non technical peak.
Timing: 15 days (options also for less days)
Grade: Hard
The climb: Diablo Mudo 5229m (17156ft). A non technical but physically climb.
The Circuit of the Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the classic trekking circuits of the world. The Huayhuash is a compact, rugged range, and includes the second highest peak in Peru – Yerupajá Grande – 6634m. Every day on the trek hikers are treated to awesome close views of snowcapped peaks, glaciers and blue trout-filled lakes. There are no less than 8 passes to cross, the highest at 5000m.
Our 15 day trek features a visit to the Base Camp of Siula Grande, made famous by the epic Joe Simpson book and film “Touching The Void”
Previous climbing experience is not required, we will give full instruction and support. But the climbing day is physically demanding and you need to be strong.
The climb is optional. People not wishing to climb continue trekking on the normal path to camp with our crew.
Note: previously we had also offered to climb Pumarinri. In the 2016 season we found that the glacier had retreated significantly on Pumarinri exposing significant rock fields. The climbing route through the rock was very difficult with high risk of rock fall and because of this we are no longer offering the Pumarinri option.
Day 1: Drive from Huaraz to the village of Llamac to set up camp 3300m. 4 to 5 hours drive.
Day 2: Follow the river Llamac, hiking gradually up the valley to camp in open grassy countryside at Quartelhuain 4200m 6 hours.
Day 3: Cross our first pass Punta Cacanan 4700m then descend to camp at a large lake Laguna Mitucocha 4220m. 6 hours.
Day 4: We climb steadily to our next pass Paso de Carhuac 4650m to camp at trout filled Laguna Carhuacocha 4150m 6 hours. At the head of the lake are the giant peaks of the Huayhuash – Yerupaja, Jirishanca & the famous Siula Grande.
Day 5: We spend an extra day at spectacular Carhuacocha. Hike up to visit the three lakes of Siula, take an easy walk around Carhuacocha lake, go trout fishing or have a rest day and enjoy your mountain surroundings.
Day 6: There are 2 options: A gradual ascent on a good path to cross Pass Carnicero 4600m (5 to 6 hours) or a more demanding alternative Siula Pass (4800m) 6 to 7 hours. We camp by the small Laguna Carnicero 4300m.
Day 7: We pass through the small settlement of Huayhuash where a few farming families live and then climb to yet another pass Portachuelo de Huayhuash 4750m. We descend past a large lake Viconga where we often see large herds of Llama and Alpaca to camp at 4480m 6½ hours. There are natural hot spring baths near the camp – enjoy your first hot bath for several days!!
Day 8: We should be well acclimatised now and ready to cross our highest pass of the trek, Punta Cuyoc 5000m. The descent is initially steep but is then easier and we and camp in large open valley Quebrada Huanacpatay 4300m 4½ hours.
Day 9: A demanding climb up to the Pass Cerro Antonio (4788m). From the pass we have the most stunning views of the trek, we can see Siula Grande Base Camp and Siula glacier and several small jewel blue lakes. The descent is steep at times and we traverse above Laguna Jurau to camp in the Quebrada Calinca at Cutatambo 4100m 5 to 6 hours. A demanding but fantastic days hiking.
Day 10: We visit the base camp of Siula Grande (Joe Simpson – “Touching The Void”). We can clearly see the route that Joe followed crawling down the glacier and across the moraine rocks to reach the campsite.
Day 11: Follow down the valley Quebrada Calinca to the large mountain village of Huallapa. In the afternoon we need to climb through a steep sided valley to a high camp in the pasture at Huatiac 4350m 7 hours.
Day 12: A shorter day which is appreciated after the hard day yesterday. Cross the Pass Punta Tapush 4750m to Laguna Susucocha and Cashpapampa 4500m 3 to 4 hours.
Day 13: CLIMB DIABLO MUDO (optional). A long and steady climb on a ridge to the glacier and the summit. Changes to the glacier due to recession of the ice may have left some areas of climbing that are more difficult to negotiate than previously. The descent is a different way, through the Huacrish Valley to join the main path and continue onto our camp at Laguna Jahuacocha 4066m. 11 to 12 hours for the day.
Non climbers Cross the pass Punta Yaucha 4800m to camp at one of the most beautiful sites in the Huayhuash, Laguna Jahuacocha 4150m 4 hours.
Day 14: An extra day at Laguna Jahuacocha. Climb up Cerro Amarrillo Peak 5000m, visit Soltera Cocha Lake, hike up the pass Sambunya 4750m OR take a rest and try trout fishing.
Day 15: The final pass Pampa Llamac 4300m and a long descent to Llamac. 5½ hours. Return to Huaraz in our private van.
Download PDF for climb description & notes
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Contact us for more information and prices.
If you know, tell us the approximate dates that you would like to be trekking & climbing and the number of people in your group, as well as if you prefer a private trek and climb or would be happy to join with other people.