Level: Difficult (7 high mountain passes) |
Since December 24, 2002, the Huayhuash mountain range (to the south of Huaraz) has been a National Reserve, a huge first step in the struggle to preserve this splendid place intact. Every year Huayhuash receives mountaineers from all over the world who come to do this trek. It is considered one of the five most difficult and beautiful treks in the world. On this trek one still feels the real sense of adventure in the Andes of Peru.
Throughout the trip, and in particular, from the top of Chiquián, we will see the steep and dangerous walls of several mountains in the Huayhuash range. These mountains are famous for the technical difficulty necessary to climb them. Here we will also find the Great Siulá (6,344 meters), whose western face was climbed for the first time in 1985. However, the protagonists, two British men Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, took the lead roles in one of the most dramatic descents in the world’s history of mountaineering. Yates was forced to cut the rope of his climbing companion, Simpson, who consequently fell into an enormous crevice. While everyone assumed that he was dead, Simpson learned a life lesson and, after two days of dragging himself on his broken leg, managed to survive and reach his companions at the campsite just before they were about to leave. With the publication of his celebrated best seller Touching the Void, Simpson shared with the world one great way to overcome enormous difficulties. Other formidable peaks include Jirishanca (6,094 meters), Rondoy (5,870 meters), climbed for the first time by the well-known Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti, the imposing Yerupá, the second-highest peak in Peru and one of the least climbed due to its great difficulty and formidable weather. In the end, there remain a great number of unconquered peaks for experienced mountaineers to climb.
11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
Regular and Private Departure Services / Minimum 02 Travelers
Level: Difficult (7 high mountain passes)
THE TRIP - ALTITUDE: From 3,100 to 5,000 meters above sea level |
Day 01.- Huaraz (3,100 m.) – Chiquián – Llámac (3,400 m.).- Departure in bus to Chiquián-Llamác. From this village, we’ll start trekking across a beautiful valley that goes through Pocpa and Pallca villages. These towns are characteristic of this high Andean region. After 5 hours of hiking, we will arrive at our campsite, the Huain Barracks (4,000 meters), which offers us a privileged view of the Huayhuash mountains. These are the mountains in which we will do all our hiking. Set up camp and overnight stay.
Day 02.- Huain Barracks– Laguna Mitococha.- Leaving very early we will ascend the first pass, Cacananpunta Pass at 4,700 meters. The change in scenery with respect to other mountain ranges in Peru is always interesting. In this particular place, the green valleys dominate the environment. From Cacananpunta Pass we will descend to the area surrounding Lake Mitococha at 4,150 meters. Here we will have a clear view of one the most emblematic mountains of the Huayhuash range, Jirishanca (6,094 meters). One of the paths up Jirishanca was opened in the 1970s by Reinhold Messner and awaits repetition. Set up camp and overnight stay.
Day 03.- Mitococha Lake – Lake Carhuacocha.- We will set off early to begin the ascent on a narrow path to Carhuac. This second pass rests at an altitude of 4,138 meters and thus provides a natural and exceptional point to view the Carnicero, Jirichance, and Rondoy mountains. According to experts and other visitors, this is the most exceptionally beautiful spot in the whole circuit. Set up camp and overnight stay.
Day 04.- Carhuacocha Lake – Huayhuash.- We’ll leave Carhuacocha hiking toward Carnicero, our third pass (4,600 meteres). Afterward, we will descend to the village of Huayhuash, a 7-hour trip in total. This is the most extensive and perhaps most exhaustive day. At the same time it will be one of the most beautiful days spent in the eastern region. We will cross slopes that pass by the hanging glaciers of East Yerupajá (6,634 meters). The continual avalanches make the tranquil lakes of the foothills tremble. In this region, our guides will choose an alternate, less-traveled route with beautiful scenery and impressive views. It will be a truly unforgettable hike. Set up camp and overnight stay.
Day 05.- Huayhuash – Lake Viconga.- Climb to Portachuelo, our fourth high pass at 4,750, and descent to the giant, gorgeous Lake Viconga (4,407 meters). Set up camp. From there it is a 20-minute hike to the nearby natural hot springs that will provide much relief after the hike. We will see our efforts compensated with a hot shower taken at an altitude of 4,000 meters. As this day is a less strenuous day, we’ll take the opportunity to rest and prepare for the following journey. Overnight stay.
Day 06.- Lake Viconga – Huanacpatay.- We’ll depart early in our climb to Punta Cuyoc, our fifth pass. At 5,000 meters it is the highest pass of our trek. At this spot, we will enter the west side of the range. It will be approximately 8 hours until we arrive near Huanacpatay Gorge. The ascent follows a narrow path that zigzags until arriving near the snowy glacier, Cuyoc. Before ending our day in Huanacpatay, we will have an impressive view of enormous and impressive western walls of Yerupajá and Great Siulá (where Joe Simpson’s adventure took place). Set up camp and overnight stay.
Day 07.- Huanacpatay – Huayllapa.- We will descend from Huanacpatay Gorge to the outskirts of Huayllapa village, the lowest point in our trek (3,800 meters), and then we will climb back up to 4,100 meters. On the way, we will see several rural houses typical of this area, and we will notice that as we descend toward the flower-filled valleys, the land changes.
Day 08.- Huayllapa – Jashapampa.- From the calm of this ravine, we will climb to the sixth mountain pass Tapush, at 4,800 meters. It is also possible to add an extra day of hiking and arrive at the “Mute Devil” F-PD (5,223 meters). After reaching the mountain pass, we’ll have an hour hike to Gashcapampa, a small rock corral where we will set up camp. Overnight stay.
Day 09.- Jashapampa – Jahuacocha.- Climb to Yaucha, the seventh mountain pass (4,066 meters). Here we can fish for trout and learn how to prepare “pachamanca,” a traditional Andean food. Set up camp and overnight stay.
Day 10.- Jahuacocha – Llamac.- We’ll start the descent to the mountain pass, Pampa de Llamac. From there we’ll travel to the traditional village, Llamac, where we’ll set up camp for the last time on our trip. Overnight stay.
Day 11.- Llamac – Chiquián – Huaráz.- Transfer from Llamac to Chiquián. The bus will pick us up from Llamac and take us to Chiquián, at 3,300 meters, and then we’ll return to Huáraz.
THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:
· Professional trekking guide, muleteer, mules, complete camping equipment, etc.
· All snacks and meals during the trek (vegetarian options).
· Horse in case of emergency.
· First-Aid kit.
· Transfers to and from Huáraz.
· Transportation: Huáraz – Chiquían – Llamac – Huáraz.
· Entrance fee to trekking area.
NOTE:
· Sleeping bag is not included.
· Passengers should have their Medical Assistance Cards on hand in the event of an emergency throughout the trip (consult us if you do not have one).
· Programmed trips are subject to time availability with regard to the flight itineraries and/or other unforeseen circumstances.
NECESSARY PERSONAL EQUIPMENT FOR TREKKING EXCURSIONS:
Warm clothing, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, hiking boots, insect repellent, visor or baseball cap, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, personal medicines, flashlight with batteries, pair of spare glasses, essential personal items, etc.
IMPORTANT INDICATIONS ABOUT OUR CIRCUITS:
RATES IN AMERICAN DOLLARS PER PASSENGER
PROGRAMS MINIMUM 02 PASSENGERS
CIRCUITS INCLUDE:
LODGING WITH BREAKFAST
REGULAR SERVICES WITH SPANISH AND ENGLISH GUIDE ACCORDING TO THE ITINERARY
DO NOT INCLUDE:
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AIR TICKETS
AIRPORT TAXES (TUAAS US$ 5.84 NATIONAL FLIGHT, US$ 31.00 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT)
EXTRAS (TIPS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS, PHONE CALLS, ETC.)
INSURANCE SECURE (IT COULD BE TAKEN UPON REQUEST)
NOTE:
RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PREVIOUS WARNING
RATES ARE VALID UNTIL DEC 15 2009
|
