Achalau Huayhuash

Achalau in the Quechua language means “how beautiful”, which is a good description of this perfect eight-day trek through the Huayhuash. which is a good description of this prefect 8-day trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash.

This route goes along the most important places of the Cordillera Huayhuash; the difference with the classic circuit is that it crosses through the Trapecio pass (a shortcut from the east to the west side). Along the way you will visit many lakes such as Mitucocha, Carhuacocha, Siulacocha, Viconga, etc., and see at close range soaring snow-covered peaks like Hirishanca, Siula Grande, Yerupaja, Ninshanca, Etc.

Duration: 8 days
Distance: 103 Km Approx.
Rating: Moderate - strenuous
Start: Cuartelwain
Finish: Llámac
Elevation: 3300 – 5040m

Itinerary at a glance:

Day 1: Huaraz - Llámac - Cuartelwain 4170m - Qaqanan pass 4750m - Janka 4235 m.
Day 2: Janka - Carhuac pass 4600m - Carhuacocha 4138 m.
Day 3: Carhuacocha - Siula pass 4800 m - Huayhuash 4330 m.
Day 4: Huayhuash – Trapecio pass 5020 m - Elefantepampa 4500 m.
Day 5: Elefantepampa - Lookout San Antonio 5040 m - Huayllapa 3500 m.
Day 6: Huayllapa 3500 m - Tapush pass 4770 m - Qashpapamp 4530 m.
Day 7: Qashpapampa - Lookout Yaucha 4870m - Jahuacocha 4070 m.
Day 8: Jahuacocha - Pampa Llamac pass 4300 m – Llamac 3300 m - Huaraz

Other options:

• There is an alternative footpath (short cut) from Carhuacoca to the Huayhuash camp site that passes very close to the mountains Siulá, Carnicero, Jurao, and the lakes Gangrajanka, Siulacocha and Quesillococha, the latter of which is also known as Tres Lagunas (three lakes). If you are considering this route you will definitely want a guide to show you the way.

• Arriving at the Elefantepampa camp, that same afternoon you can go to the San Antonio lookput and then return to camp; the next day you can continue through the Guanacpatay valley towards the town of Huayllapa; or if you want you can take the parth to the Santa Rosa pass towards the Cutatambo valley, this trail is longer, but less steep than the one that descends from the San Antonio pass towards the Cutatambo valley.

To keep in mind:

• Before beginning this trek, it is essential to have at least two days of acclimatization. You can take one of the daily tours to the Llanganuco lakes or to the Chavin de Huantar ruins (by car) and/or you can do day hikes in the Cordillera Blanca around Huaraz.

• Bring a water bottle with you, in the summer season it can get very hot.

• Bring warm clothes along, because in the mountains the temperature can quickly fall below 0 °C, especially in the early morning, at night, and even when the sun drops behind the clouds.

• Walk at your own rhythm, breathe deeply, and enjoy the beautiful views of Cordillera Huayhuash.

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