huayhuash cordillera trek in 14 days- peru

Caption Day 1: Adventure begins with landing at Huaraz, four flights away from home, sitting at 3052m evelavtion. Checking out life in the city. Day 2: First acclimatization hike at Laguna Llaca, 4470m. A gentle day through a valley full of wild blooms. Day3: Second acclimatization hike at Laguna Churup, 4450m. First of many glacial turquoise lakes to come. Day 4: First day of Huayhuash begins with a 5hour bus ride and ends with delicious ceviche lunch. First campsite Cuartelhuain, 4180m. Day 5: Gentle ascent to Punta Cacanan Pass, 4700m. Then a scenic descent takes us to Mitucocha, 4250m, a tranquil campsite framed by glacier-carved peaks. Day 6: We ascend steadily towards Carhuac Pass, 4650m, with stunning views of Yerupaja, Siula Grande and Jirishanca. The day ends at Carhuacocha Lake, 4150m, one of the most beautiful campsites in the Andes, characterized by the reflection of snowcapped giants. Day 7: On the way to Siula Pass, 4800m, we stop at 4450m viewpoint for the iconic shot of the three lakes and the panoramic view of Yerupaja and Siula Grande. Descend to Huayhuash campsite, 4300m. Day 8: Today we tackle the first challenge above 5000m, the breathtaking Trapecia Pass at 5010m, rewarded with paronama of the jagged Huayhuash peaks. A rocky descent takes us to Elefante campsite, 4600m Day 9: An even harder challenge to tackle today, the Santa Rosa Pass, at 5020m, coupled with hailstorm on the way up. A long descent takes us to Cutatampo campsite, sitting at 4265m. Day 10: A rare flat day through a valley of lupin blossom takes us to the tiny Andean village of Huayllapa, 3490m. We camp at the village’s small soccer field. Day 11: Back to uphill day, taking on Tapush Punta Pass, 4770m. The biggest elevation gain in a single day. Then, a short descent takes us to Gashpapampa campsite, 4550m. Day 12: Today we tackle the last high pass of the trek, Yaucha Pass at 4800m. After the pass, we enjoy a long breathtaking walk along the ridge with 360 view of mountain on two sides, before a steep descent takes us to the last campsite Jahuacocha, 4050m. Day 13: A gentle day, mostly flat and downhill, takes us to Llamac, 3290m, where a bus is waiting to take us back to Huaraz. We end the iconic Huayhuash trek with an equally iconic celebratory Andean feast called Pachamanca. Music: all by Scott Buckley