Peru · Trekking

6-Day Huayhuash Trek from Huaraz with Siula Lakes and Viconga Hot Springs

6 Days Round trip from Laguna Carhuacocha Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Hike across high mountain passes including Cacanan Punta, Carhuac, Huayhuash, Cuyoc, and San Antonio
  • 02 Camp beside the iconic turquoise waters of Carhuacocha Lake surrounded by Huayhuash peaks
  • 03 Discover the spectacular Three Green Lakes of Siula and ascend to panoramic viewpoints
  • 04 Cross Cuyoc Pass at 5,000 meters above sea level, the highest point of the trek
  • 05 Descend through remote valleys to reach the traditional village of Huayllapa
  • 06 Experience authentic Andean camping, scenery, and mountain wilderness throughout the journey

Embark on a challenging and rewarding 6-day Huayhuash trekking expedition from Huaraz through Cuartelhuain, Carhuacocha, and the stunning Three Green Lakes of Siula. Cross dramatic high-altitude passes including Cacanan Punta, Carhuac, Huayhuash, Cuyoc, and San Antonio, relax at Viconga Hot Springs, and camp beside emerald alpine lakes. The route leads through remote Andean landscapes before finishing in the traditional village of Huayllapa, with the journey ending back in Huaraz or onward to Lima.

Embark on a challenging and rewarding 6-day Huayhuash trekking expedition from Huaraz through Cuartelhuain, Carhuacocha, and the stunning Three Green Lakes of Siula.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Huaraz, Lima, Cordillera Huayhuash
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

From Huaraz to Carhuacocha via Cuartelhuain

  • Depart early in the morning from the hotel at approximately 04:00.
  • Drive south along the highway toward Conococha.
  • Pass through traditional Andean villages including Chiquian, Llamac, and Pocpa.
  • Arrive at Cuartelhuain after approximately five hours of driving.
  • Enjoy breakfast at Cuartelhuain and prepare for the trek.
  • Begin hiking toward Cacanan Punta Pass.
  • Reach Cacanan Punta at 4,800 meters above sea level after approximately two hours of ascent.
  • Descend into the Janca Valley and stop for a relaxed lunch.
  • Continue trekking toward Carhuac Pass at 4,500 meters above sea level.
  • Descend for approximately three hours to reach the Carhuacocha campsite at 4,200 meters above sea level.
  • Arrive at camp around 18:00.
  • Cover an approximate distance of 16 kilometers.
  • Trekking time is approximately eight hours.

Dinner and overnight at Carhuacocha camp.

2
Day 02

Carhuacocha to the Three Green Lakes of Siula and Huayhuash

  • Enjoy an early and energizing breakfast at the campsite.
  • Begin hiking around Carhuacocha Lake.
  • Trek toward the stunning Three Green Lakes of Siula.
  • Walk past the lakes and continue ascending to a panoramic viewpoint.
  • Enjoy exceptional views of the emerald lakes and surrounding mountains.
  • Continue trekking to the highest point of the day, Carhuac Pass at 4,750 meters above sea level.
  • Descend toward the Huayhuash campsite.
  • Spend time relaxing at camp and enjoying the Andean surroundings.
  • Enjoy dinner and overnight at Huayhuash camp at 4,200 meters above sea level.
  • Trekking time is approximately eight hours.
  • Walking distance is approximately 12 kilometers.
3
Day 03

Huayhuash to Viconga Hot Springs

  • Begin the day with a relaxed breakfast.
  • Enjoy a lighter trekking day following two long hiking days.
  • Hike for approximately three hours to reach Huayhuash Pass at 4,500 meters above sea level.
  • Descend toward Viconga Lake, known for its striking green color.
  • Continue walking until reaching the Viconga Hot Springs around midday.
  • Set up camp near the hot springs.
  • Spend the afternoon bathing in the hot springs, relaxing, and washing clothes.
  • Visit a small local shop for refreshments if desired.
  • Return to camp for an early dinner.
  • Overnight at Viconga campsite at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.
  • Total walking time is approximately six hours.
4
Day 04

Viconga Hot Springs via Cuyoc Pass to Elefante Pampa

  • Enjoy an early breakfast at the campsite.
  • Begin ascending toward Cuyoc Pass.
  • Reach Cuyoc Pass at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level, the highest pass of the trek.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
  • Descend gradually toward Elefante Pampa.
  • Arrive at the campsite located at approximately 4,100 meters above sea level.
  • Enjoy dinner and overnight at Elefante Pampa.
  • Trekking time is approximately eight hours.
5
Day 05

Elefante Pampa to Huayllapa via San Antonio Pass

  • Have breakfast at the campsite.
  • Begin ascending toward San Antonio Pass.
  • Enjoy outstanding views of Siula Mountain and brilliant green alpine lakes.
  • Descend toward Cutatambo Lake.
  • Stop for lunch near the lake.
  • Continue descending through the valley toward Huayllapa village.
  • Arrive in Huayllapa, a small traditional Andean village.
  • Check into a basic local hostel.
  • Explore the village, including small restaurants and grocery shops.
  • Enjoy dinner and overnight in Huayllapa at approximately 3,850 meters above sea level.
  • Trekking time is approximately ten hours.
6
Day 06

Huayllapa to Huaraz or Lima via Cajatambo

  • Enjoy breakfast in Huayllapa.
  • Board a minivan and begin the drive through the valley toward Cajatambo.
  • Continue driving toward the coastal region near Barranca and the Pacific shoreline.
  • Stop for lunch at a local restaurant at personal expense.
  • Continue the journey back to Huaraz or onward to Lima.
  • Arrive in Huaraz or Lima at approximately 17:00.
  • Full day of road travel.
Laguna Carhuacocha, Three Green Lakes of Siula, Viconga Hot Springs, Cuyoc Pass

Where this trip takes you

Laguna Carhuacocha, Three Green Lakes of Siula, Viconga Hot Springs, Cuyoc Pass

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Laguna Carhuacocha 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Hotel transfer from your accommodation in Huaraz.
  • A professional trekking guide with basic English skills.
  • A dedicated cook for groups of up to five participants.
  • Donkeys and mules for carrying luggage and equipment.
  • An experienced donkey handler as mountain support staff.
  • High-quality sleeping tents.
  • Sleeping mattresses for comfort.
  • A separate group tent for cooking and meals.
  • All necessary dining equipment and utensils.
  • Complete meals throughout the trek, excluding lunch and dinner on the final day, with optional restaurant arrangements.

What's Not Included

  • Entrance fees to the Huayhuash Reserve, payable directly to local communities, totaling approximately 200 Peruvian soles.
  • Any extras not specified in the itinerary.
  • Additional services or activities not explicitly mentioned.
  • Gratuities and personal tips.

What to bring

  • Pack light clothing suitable for daytime trekking.
  • Carry warm clothing for cold nights at high altitude.
  • Bring a headlamp or torch for early mornings and evenings.
  • Carry extra batteries or power banks for cameras and mobile phones.
  • Bring personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Carry sun hats or warm hats for sun protection and cold conditions.

Know before you go

  • Note that there is no electricity available along the trekking route.
  • Pay community entrance fees directly at each local checkpoint.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
First Class Huaraz, altura de la Catedral, Jirón 28 de Julio, Huaraz, Perú
Tour start
Laguna Carhuacocha, 10530, Perú
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Laguna Carhuacocha.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $840.00 — $1,950.00
Double Sharing $840.00 — $1,527.27

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