Compare Huayhuash Circuit by World Expeditions vs Classic Peru by Explore!

Day 1 Arrive Lima

If you’re flying into Lima today you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel, where the remainder of the day is free at leisure for you to rest or start exploring. We plan to have a group briefing before dinner, however this will be subject to all group members arriving during the day – otherwise we will have the briefing tomorrow. Our hotel is in the Miraflores area, home to some of Lima’s best galleries, restaurants and shops. Steeped in fascinating history, Lima is South America’s oldest capital. It was in 1535 that the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro overthrew the Inca Empire and moved the capital from Cusco, establishing the new city of Lima. Peru’s busy capital is now a sprawling metropolis that’s blessed with world-class restaurants, brilliant museums and galleries, and a superb combination of Spanish colonial and 19th century European architecture. If you have time to visit a museum we would recommend the Museo de La Nacion or the Larco Herrera Museum. Overnight in Lima.

meals : Array

Day 2 Drive to Huaraz

Today we drive via private transport to Huaraz, our gateway to the stunning Cordillera Blanca. It’s a long day’s journey but we’ll be treated to some incredible scenery along the way! Overnight in Huaraz.

meals : B

Day 3 In Huaraz, day hikes

We now have two days in Huaraz to explore this stunning region with some day walks—and at an elevation of 3,052 m (10,013 ft), our time spent in Huaraz is crucial to our safe acclimatisation. Huaraz is a scenic town set at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca with views directly up to the highest peak in Peru, Huascaran (6,768 m / 22,205 ft). There is a range of different walking excursions we can make from our base here for a couple of days, and these hikes will be invaluable acclimatisation for our trekking program ahead. As the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz is a bustling tourism hub and also serves as a pick up point for our crew and all supplies and equipment for the trek. On Day 3, we walk to the pre-Inca ruins of Willcahuaín (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) and back to the hotel in a loop walk that will last 4–5 hours, finishing the day with a relaxing soak in the Monterrey hot springs. On Day 4, we make a day trip to Laguna Churup (4,485 m / 14,715 ft), a beautiful glacial lake set at the base of Nevado Churup (5,493 m / 18,022 ft). This is one of the most popular day treks in the Cordillera Blanca and takes around 4–5 hours to complete. Today’s trek is an excellent training and acclimatisation hike for our upcoming Huayhuash Circuit, and our efforts will be justly rewarded when we arrive at this stunning turquoise glacial lake. Overnight in Huaraz.

meals : B,L

Day 5 Drive to Matachancha

Today we head south of Huaraz to our first campsite Matacancha (4,185 m / 13,730 ft). Today we get our first glimpses of the range, and we’ll pass Conococha Lake, the village of Chiquián and our trek finishing point at Lllamac. After around 6 hours, we’ll arrive at our first night’s camp at Matacancha, where our “arrieros” (muleteers) and “burros” (donkeys) will be waiting. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Trek to Mitococha via Cacanampunta Pass

Trekking to our first pass and crossing the divide to the east, we gain our first serious views of the mountains. Zigzagging steadily upwards over rocky and loose terrain above our previous night’s camp, the trail then becomes steep in a final hill across to the Cacanampunta Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). From here we descend briefly before contouring the hillside to find the mountains at the north end of the Huayhuash opening out before us: Ninashanca (5607 m / 18,396 ft), Rondoy (5879 m / 19,288 ft), Jirishanca (6,094 m / 19,993 ft) and Jirishanca Chico (5445 m / 17,864 ft) among them. Our path descends to the village of Janca and continues on for another hour to Mitococha (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), where we’ll find our camp by the river, surrounded by mountain vistas. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Trek to Lake Carhuacocha via Carhuac Pass

Today we trek for around 6 hours, making our way to Lake Carhuacocha (4,180 m / 13,914 ft). After trekking south for 3-4 hours, steadily gaining altitude, we reach the Carhuac Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). The trail then drops steeply for the next hour, passing a couple of dwellings at Yanayana and then a small lake, before the one kilometre-long emerald green Laguna Carhuacocha comes into view. If we’re lucky we may see the Andean geese that are often spotted on the lake. Tonight’s camp is set above the lake, beneath the eastern flanks of Yerupaja Chico and Yerupaja, the latter being the centrepiece of the massif and the second highest mountain in Peru, after Huascaran (6,768 m / 22,205 ft). Yerupaja is the highest point of the vast Amazon basin watershed that feeds into the Rio Marañón, a principal tributary of the Amazon. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Trek to Huayhuash village via Carnicero Pass

Today’s trek is a long one as we make our way to the tiny village of Huayhuash. Leaving Lake Carhuacocha by its eastern side, we trek southward past some of the grandest peaks of the range including Suila Grande (6,344 m / 20,814 ft) and Carnicero (5,960 m / 12,554 ft), passing close by their stunning glaciers and glacial lagoons. Today we are seeing the eastern or ‘other’ side of Suila Grande, with the western face being the route made famous by Joe Simpson’s book (and the subsequent film), Touching the Void. Simpson and his climb partner Simon Yates ascended the western face of Suila Grand in 1985 but became embroiled in one of history’s most dramatic mountaineering disasters on their descent. It’s a long walk to the Canicero Pass (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)—around 5 hours—but not particularly strenuous. As we descend to Huayhuash (a tiny settlement of one house and little else!), the views are spectacular. The mountains of Trapecio (5,644 m / 18,517 ft) and Jurau (5,650 m / 18,537 ft) tower above us, as well as Canicero. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Trek to Puscanturpa Valley via Portachuelo Pass

Once again, the day begins with three hours of scenic climbing towards our next mountain pass, with the peaks of Puscanturpa (5,442 m / 17,854 ft) before us. From the Portachuelo Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) we make a long descent towards Laguna Viconga, an immense glacial lake. We’ll enjoy incredible alpine views today as we make our way to our next camp, set adjacent to the hot springs beyond the lake. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Trek to Cuyoc Valley via Cuyoc Pass

Today we cross the highest pass of our trek, the Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft). From camp we head in a northwest direction, switching back and forth for around 3 hours as we make our way to the gap between Puscanturpo Sur (5,440 m / 17,848 ft) and Nevado Jirishanco Chico (5,248 m / 17,218 ft). If the weather is clear, we’ll be rewarded here with a dazzling view of the mountains. We continue on our journey into the western side of the range, descending from the pass into the Quebrada Puyoc and Huanacpatay valleys towards our camp. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Trek to Cutatambo via Santa Rosa Pass

Today we begin with a 2 hour ascent to the Santa Rosa Pass (5,078 m / 16,660 ft), where we’ll have views of three glacial lakes: Siula, Sarapo and Jurau. From the pass we begin our descent into the Sarapo Valley, making our way to our camp at Cutatambo, passing the beautiful lakes we saw this morning from afar. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 Day trek to ascend Cerro Bella Vista

Today we’ll be using our camp at Cutatambo as a base while we pack a picnic lunch and head out on a day trek to the summit of Cerro Bella Vista (5,150 m / 16,896 ft). Today’s excursion offers what are arguably some of the best views in all of Peru! After a fulfilling day in the mountains we descend back to our camp at Cutatambo for the night. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 Trek to Huancho Valley via Huaylapa

This morning we take a half-day to descend the Huancho Valley at a leisurely pace, following the river to the pretty farmlands of Huaylapa. We have lunch just outside the village, then start climbing up the valley for another three hours to our beautiful camp at Huatia. From tonight’s scenic campsite we’ll have excellent views of the peaks of Diablo Mudo (5,223 m / 17,136 ft) and Suerococha (5,350 m / 17,552 ft). Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 Trek to Cashpapampa via Tapush Pass

Leaving camp, we trek northwards and wind our way up and over a lesser-defined trail to the plateau. After around three hours we cross the Tapush Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), continuing on past a small glacial lake and several alpine meadows as we make our way to our next campsite, a couple of hours away. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 Trek to Jahuacocha via Yaucha Pass

We start today with a 2 hour ascent to our last mountain pass of the trek, followed by an easy descent to Jahuacocha Lake, our camp for the next two days. If this circuit trek had a highlight it would most likely be the views from this camp, truly encapsulating the wild beauty of the Huayhuash range. There is a small community living nearby that can often be seen fishing for trout in the pristine lake in their spare time. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 16 Rest day at Jahuacocha

Today we have a rest day in our stunning camp at Jahuacocha. In the morning we’ll take a hike up to Lake Solterococha Lake where we’ll have really close views of the main glaciers of the Huayhuash range. In the afternoon we will try the famous ‘Pachamanca’—a traditional Peruvian BBQ feast of meat and vegetables cooked in the ground using hot stones. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 17 Trek to Llamac

On the last day of our trek we see distinct changes in climate and flora as we descend through farmland to the warm, desert environment that we originally set out from. We follow a canal for 4 hours to our lunch stop, and then descend steeply for two hours to the small village of Llamac (3,320 m / 10,892 ft). Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 18 Drive to Lima

With our trek now complete, we make our way by private vehicle south to Lima. A full day’s driving of around 8 hours. Overnight in Lima.

meals : B

Day 19 In Lima, trip concludes

After breakfast, our trip concludes. If you are flying home today, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departure.

meals : B

Day 1 Join trip in Lima

Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, you can easily escape the busy traffic of the city for a little calm on nearby coastal walking paths. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7.30pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there'll be the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you\ re free to arrive in Lima at any time. If you\ d like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) which is approximately a one-hour drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take an independent stroll along the coastal path to Miraflores and through the bohemian district of Barranco. Alternatively, you could visit the Larco Museum for an introduction to Peru's ancient history. The city is also gaining a reputation as a culinary centre, so why not try some ceviche (fish marinated in citrus juices) or sip on a Pisco sour?

Meals Provided : None

Day 2 Fly to Arequipa, free afternoon to explore

This morning, we'll transfer back to the airport and fly to the beautiful city of Arequipa, normally arriving at around 10am and into the hotel for approximately 11.30am (although flight schedules can change). We'll head out for lunch after checking in, and then have a free afternoon to explore and acclimatise. Situated at 2,380 metres/7,808 feet, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains (including the perfect conical peak of the El Misti volcano), it's the perfect setting to begin our ascent into altitude.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 3 Visit the Santa Catalina Convent

This morning we'll visit Santa Catalina Convent, a miniature walled town which once housed 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion. It's an enormous citadel within the city, not just home to the living quarters of a cloister of nuns, but with narrow alleyways, colourful arches, tranquil courtyards, churches, an 18th-century laundry and much more. We will spend a couple of hours exploring its vaulted ceilings and decorative cloisters, before having the rest of the day free. There are several ornate churches and plazas to discover, or you may wish to visit MUSA - the Andean Sanctuaries Museum -which houses significant archaeological exhibits from pre-Inca and Inca civilisations, including the mummied remains of \ Juanita\ , an Inca girl. Arequipa is famed for its colonial architecture, and the city square, dominated on one side by the twin-towered cathedral, is among the finest to be found in South America. The setting is magical come sunset when the waning sun casts red light over the tableau of the volcano and classic architecture. Catch it this evening in one of the city's rooftop bars as you sip a pisco sour.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 4 Drive to Chivay via the Andean altiplano

We'll take a four-hour drive north today, entering the world of the Altiplano, passing behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay. There are herds of llamas and alpacas en route, and if we\ re lucky we might spot the elusive vicuña. Today, we'll briefly reach the highest point of our trip at 4,910 metres/16,108 feet where we'll stop for a photo before descending towards Colca Canyon.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 Visit the Colca Canyon, continue to Puno

We'll have an early start this morning as we head to the Colca Canyon. A spectacular river gorge, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the deeper Cotahuasi Canyon). Today it allows us to discover a world of Andean villages and Inca terraces that make up one of the most outstanding natural settings in the Americas. We'll spend some time here at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, searching for a sighting of the majestic birds flying over the canyon. This afternoon, we'll drive east, via the Patapampa Pass again at 4,910 metres,/16,108 feet heading towards the beautiful landscapes that surround the unique waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Our destination is the town of Puno, a centre of Incan folklore nestling in a bay at the northwestern tip of the lake and the perfect base from which to explore the cultural and historical significance of the lake itself. The drive from the Colca Canyon to Puno is approximately six hours including a lunch stop.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 6 Boat trip on Lake Titicaca; visit Uros Islands and overnight on Taquile Island

From Puno, we'll take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to explore the floating reed islands, home to the Uros people who live on the lake itself. Their islands are made from totura, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in most aspects of their life, including the construction of their boats and homes. We'll then continue to the lesser-visited island of Taquile which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca heritage. Here, the islanders still speak the language of the Inca - Runa Simi or Quechua. We'll have approximately a one-hour walk to our guesthouse from the dock (overnight bags will be carried separately), and this evening there will be the option to take a longer walk on the island for those who wish.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 7 Morning on Taquile Island, afternoon return to Puno

This morning is free on Taquile Island. You might like to take a walk up to the Inca ruins, or visit the market and buy some of the locally-made embroidery. Later this afternoon, we'll return to Puno with a three hour boat journey, where the afternoon is free to take a stroll through the markets in search of llama and alpaca wool items.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 8 Bus to the Sacred Valley

Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler - Manco Capac - on his way towards Cusco. Our destination is near Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. During our bus journey, we'll drive up to the northern limit of the Altiplano, crossing La Raya pass (4,335 metres/14,222 feet) and descending via the Inca temple at Raqchi to Andahuaylillas. Here, we'll swap our public bus for a private vehicle, and we'll bypass Cusco by driving straight through the scenic Sacred Valley, winding through small towns and villages with the Andes flanking us on either side. The scenery is desolate but magnificent and we might even spot flocks of llamas and alpacas grazing on the windswept pastures. The total journey from Puno to our hotel is approximately 11 hours including stops.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9 Free time in the Sacred Valley; evening visit to the community of Misminay

Today is a free day in the beautiful Sacred Valley with a wide choice of things to do. For water lovers there is the opportunity to go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Piuray Lagoon in the heart of the area's spectacular scenery. No previous experience of is necessary - full instruction and safety equipment are provided. Alternatively, you can take a trip to Maras and Moray, two of the Sacred Valley's most impressive sights; first, visit the huge concentric Inca terraces of Moray, a sort of botanical laboratory that the Incas used to test their crops. Then, visit the weirdly beautiful Maras salt mines, laid out across the mountainside like a chess board, before making a final 45-minute descent to the small salt-producing town of Pichingoto. If you\ d prefer a less demanding activity, there's the chance to visit a craft beer brewery, including a tasting of the various beers. Craft beer is relatively new in Peru but is growing quickly. The range of local ingredients used in the brewing process is fascinating. This evening, we'll visit the community of Misminay, home to many of the porters who work along the Inca Trail. We'll share an Andean meal with them, prepared from local supplies, before spending the evening underneath the starry night sky, and hearing about the ancient Inca theories of the cosmos. Their rich history comes to life during this stargazing experience.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 Train to Aguas Calientes; visit Machu Picchu

This morning, we'll take an early morning train along the side of the Rio Urubamba, flanked by high cliffs and peaks, towards the mountain town of Aguas Calientes. Once a tiny village of no more than a few houses, this town is now bustling with travellers and trekkers coming to-and-from the famous 'lost' city of Machu Picchu. After dropping bags at our hotel, we'll take a bus to the ancient site. This masterpiece of ancient civilisation remained undiscovered by the outside world until it was \ found\ by an American archaeologist, Hiram Bingham, in 1911. We'll explore the mountain-top stronghold before returning to the valley floor, where we'll stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. There'll be the chance to unwind and relax with a soak in the nearby natural hot baths.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 11 More time to discover Machu Picchu (optional); return to Cusco

This morning is free for you to either relax in Aguas Calientes, or to explore Machu Picchu more. There are several optional ways that you might like to choose from - each one requires an additional permit that should be pre-paid at the time of booking. The first option is to revisit the site, giving you another chance to explore (unguided) at your own pace. There are one-way circuits in place in the site, and if you choose to revisit we would aim to buy you a permit that allows you to choose which circuit you wish to take on the day. Alternatively, there are two optional hikes available within the site, each one unguided. These climb to the summits of either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain to look down on the citadel. Machu Picchu Mountain is a 700-metre hike from the top of the citadel. There are cobbled stairs all the way up with a few exposed sections in some parts, but predominantly very enclosed and with a fairly steady, but not too strenuous, gradient. The round-trip takes around two-and-a-half to three hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is only 350 metres, half the size of Machu Picchu Mountain, but much steeper. There are many more sheer drops, and it is not suitable for someone with a fear of heights. For those who fancy doing the one-hour climb, you'll be rewarded with unbeatable views of Machu Picchu and the feeling that you're standing on a precipice at the top of the world. These three options must be pre-paid at the time of booking, and if you change your passport between your time of booking and prior to travel please bring your original passport with you. A final option is to simply relax in Aguas Calientes - it's a fantastic little town with a great market, excellent cafes and a laidback vibe. Later, we'll take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, from where we'll get the bus to Cusco.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 12 Walking tour in Cusco, visit Sacsayhuaman Fortress

This morning, we'll take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that's still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail, we'll head down to the colonial neighbourhood of San Cristobal, where the plaza gives us a sweeping view over the city's rooftops. Navigating the narrow streets of the old city, we'll reach the aqueduct of Sapantiana, a hidden engineering marvel only known by locals. This aqueduct directs us to arty San Blas, where coffee shops converge with traditional artisan's workshops, we'll explore the cobbled calles, venturing inside the studios to marvel at the local craftsmanship. Entering the main Plaza de Armas of Cusco, the focal point of the city, we\ re welcomed by the baristas of Three Monkeys Coffee who serve us the finest Peruvian beans. Then, once revived, we'll continue walking, gazing upon the Qoricancha complex, once the Inca's most sacred site dedicated to the Sun God. Our final destination is Mercado de Wanchaq, a local hot spot jammed with rows of colourful stalls and filled with the aromas of seasonal fruit. Slurping freshly pressed juice, we'll watch the sellers hawking their wares before returning to the hotel. The walking tour is approximately 4 kilometres/2.5 miles and is expected to take around four to five hours.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 13 Free day in Cusco

Today is left free to further explore the winding streets and alleyways of Cusco. There are plenty of museums, lively plazas and bustling markets to explore, and it's a relaxing place to spend a day people-watching while enjoying a coffee - or a pisco sour! For those who would like an active end to their holiday, there is the option of hiking up the famous Rainbow Mountain, a tough, approximately 1.5 hour uphill hike on a rough mountain path that takes you up to 5,020 metres / 16,470ft of altitude. You'll pass through fields of llama and alpaca, with views to high, snowy mountains, before arriving at a lookout of the colourful red, purples, greens and pinks that give the mountain range its name. The return is by the same path. It's a full day (approximately 12 hours including the drive time) and includes a packed lunch. Your Tour Leader can assist you with the booking in Peru, pending availability.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 14 Trip ends in Cusco

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cusco. There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Cusco at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you\ d like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is around a 15-minute drive from our hotel. Depending on the schedule of your flights, you might have additional time to visit a museum shop for souvenirs in the winding streets and alleys of the city. If you\ re travelling on to the Amazon, you'll be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport this morning for your flight to Puerto Maldonado.

Meals Provided : Breakfast