Cordillera Huayhuash Expedition
Trek the world's most spectacular mountain circuit—pristine turquoise lakes, soaring 6,000m peaks, and zero crowds
Everything You Need To Know
Dates
June 15-22, 2025
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Difficulty
Advanced
Group Size
4-6 People
Location
Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
Investment
From USD $3
Highlights
- Trek beneath six peaks over 6,000 meters, including Yerupajá (6,617m)—Peru's second-highest mountain
- Capture reflections in pristine turquoise lakes at sunrise and sunset with zero crowds
- Cross eight high-altitude passes, each offering 360-degree panoramas of jagged peaks
- Camp at remote sites where you'll be the only group for miles
What You'll Need
- Experience trekking at high altitude (4,000m+) for multiple consecutive days
- Ability to hike 6-8 hours daily with a daypack (porters carry main gear)
- Comfortable using manual camera controls in challenging mountain light
- Previous multi-day camping experience in remote locations
- Good physical fitness—this is a demanding trek with significant elevation gain/loss
What Makes This Location Special
The Cordillera Huayhuash offers what serious mountain photographers dream about: world-class alpine scenery without the crowds. While the Cordillera Blanca hosts thousands of trekkers annually, Huayhuash sees fewer than 3,000—meaning you'll have iconic locations to yourself. The circuit's compact nature means you're constantly surrounded by dramatic peaks, and the turquoise glacial lakes provide some of the most stunning mountain reflections on the planet.
Why This Route
We've designed this 8-day itinerary to maximize photography time while allowing proper acclimatization. Unlike rushed 10-day circuits, we spend strategic rest days at the best locations for dawn and dusk shooting. Our campsites are chosen not just for logistics, but for their photographic potential—you'll wake up to epic views every morning. June-August offers the most stable weather in the dry season, with clear skies and dramatic storm light.
Your Journey Unfolds
Lima to Huaraz – Acclimatization
Morning flight from Lima to Huaraz (3,100m). Afternoon gear check and photo briefing. Evening walk to Laguna Wilcacocha for sunset acclimatization hike and first mountain views.
Photo Focus
- Evening light on Cordillera Blanca peaks from Wilcacocha viewpoint
- Practice mountain photography techniques and camera settings
Accommodation
Mountain lodge in Huaraz
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Huaraz to Llamac – Trek Begins
5-hour drive to Llamac village (3,300m), our trailhead. Begin trekking through agricultural valleys, passing traditional Andean communities. Arrive at Cuartelhuain camp (4,200m) in late afternoon with time for sunset photography.
Photo Focus
- Traditional Andean life—herders, villages, agricultural terraces
- First views of Huayhuash peaks emerging at sunset
- Long-exposure twilight shots of the valley
Accommodation
Camping at Cuartelhuain
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cuartelhuain to Carhuacocha – The Iconic Lake
Trek to Carhuacocha Lake (4,200m), passing beneath Rondoy's massive south face. This is one of the circuit's most photographed locations—a stunning turquoise lake with Yerupajá's reflection. Afternoon free for scouting and rest before sunset shoot.
Photo Focus
- Yerupajá's west face reflected in Carhuacocha at sunrise and sunset
- Rondoy's glacier-draped south face throughout the day
- Star photography over the lake at night
Accommodation
Camping at Carhuacocha
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rest Day at Carhuacocha – Photography Focus
Full day at Carhuacocha for acclimatization and intensive photography. Morning exploration hike to alternative viewpoints. Mid-day instruction on mountain photography techniques, composition, and post-processing workflow. Sunset and twilight shooting session.
Photo Focus
- Dawn and dusk shooting at prime reflection spots
- Alternative compositions and perspectives of Yerupajá
- Instruction on focus stacking, HDR, and panoramic techniques
- Astrophotography after dark—Milky Way over 6,000m peaks
Accommodation
Camping at Carhuacocha
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Siula Pass to Huayhuash Camp – Touching the Void
Challenging but spectacular day crossing Siula Pass (4,850m) beneath Siula Grande—the mountain from the famous book/film 'Touching the Void'. Descend to Huayhuash camp (4,300m) with afternoon views of Trapecio and Jurau peaks.
Photo Focus
- Siula Grande's dramatic north face from the pass
- Panoramic views of the entire southern Huayhuash range
- Condor photography if we spot these magnificent birds
Accommodation
Camping at Huayhuash
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Punta Cuyoc Pass to Jurau Camp – The Highest Point
Cross Punta Cuyoc (5,000m), the circuit's highest pass, offering 360-degree views of the entire Huayhuash range. This is one of the trek's most spectacular viewpoints. Descend to Jurau Lake (4,400m) for afternoon and sunset photography.
Photo Focus
- 360-degree panoramic photography from the pass
- Entire Huayhuash massif with peaks in all directions
- Jurau Lake reflections at sunset with Jirishanca behind
Accommodation
Camping at Jurau
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jurau to Jahuacocha – The Grand Finale
Trek to Jahuacocha Lake (4,100m), arguably the circuit's most spectacular camp. Arrive early afternoon with plenty of time for photography. The lake reflects Jirishanca (6,094m), Yerupajá Grande, and multiple other 6,000m peaks—the quintessential Huayhuash scene.
Photo Focus
- Multiple 6,000m peaks reflected in Jahuacocha
- Jirishanca's elegant pyramid at golden hour
- Celebration sunset shoot at our final high camp
Accommodation
Camping at Jahuacocha
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jahuacocha to Llamac – Return to Huaraz
Final sunrise shoot at Jahuacocha before descending to Llamac (3,300m). Drive back to Huaraz arriving late afternoon. Evening celebration dinner and photo review session.
Photo Focus
- Last sunrise over Jirishanca and the Huayhuash massif
- Final descent through traditional villages
Accommodation
Mountain lodge in Huaraz
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Who's Leading This Adventure
Matt Stacy
After falling in love with Peru's mountains in 2022, Matt has led dozens of expeditions into the Cordillera Huayhuash. Living full-time in Peru for 4+ years, he's intimately familiar with the optimal shooting locations, weather patterns, and logistical intricacies of this remote circuit. His photography has been featured in adventure publications worldwide.
Local Guide Partners
Supported by experienced Peruvian mountain guides who know every trail, pass, and campsite. Our local team handles all logistics so you can focus entirely on photography.
The Practical Details
Meeting Point
Huaraz, Peru. We'll pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 AM on Day 1. Most participants fly Lima to Huaraz the day before the expedition starts.
Transportation
Private 4x4 vehicles from Huaraz to Llamac trailhead and return. All internal ground transportation included. Flights to/from Lima are separate.
Accommodation
Mixed—Mountain lodge & Camping - Comfortable mountain lodges in Huaraz (private rooms available). Expedition-grade camping with spacious 4-season tents at high camps.
Meals
All meals from lunch Day 1 through breakfast Day 8. Fresh-cooked meals on trail prepared by experienced expedition chef. Dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice.
Group Size
Up to 10 photographers for optimal flexibility
Our Philosophy
We keep groups intentionally small so you have the flexibility to capture the shots that matter to you. No waiting in line for the perfect angle, no rushing because the group needs to move on. Everyone gets the time and space they need.
What's Included
Investment
From USD $3
Deposit Required
USD $800 due at booking
Balance Due
- • Deposit Required: Upon booking to secure your spot
- • Balance Due: 60 days before departure
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer, Credit Card (3% fee), PayPal
Cancellation Policy
90+ days: Full refund minus $200 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. 30-59 days: 25% refund. Less than 30 days: No refund. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
View Full Cancellation PolicyWhat's Included
- Expert guide (Matt Stacy) for entire expedition
- Experienced local mountain guides and support team
- All ground transportation from Huaraz
- 2 nights mountain lodge accommodation in Huaraz (double occupancy)
- 6 nights camping with all equipment (tents, sleeping pads, dining tent)
- All meals from Day 1 lunch through Day 8 breakfast
- Porters and pack animals to carry group gear and personal duffels
- Expedition-grade camping equipment
- Emergency oxygen and comprehensive first aid kit
- Huayhuash Circuit permits and park fees
- Pre-expedition gear check and photo briefing
Not Included
- International flights to/from Lima
- Domestic flights Lima–Huaraz–Lima (~$200-300)
- Travel insurance (mandatory—must cover high-altitude trekking)
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, clothing, backpack)
- Camera equipment and photography gear
- Personal expenses, tips, and alcohol
- Meals in Lima or Huaraz outside of expedition days
- Single room supplement in Huaraz (+$150)
- Extra accommodation before/after expedition
What To Bring
Essential camera equipment for this adventure
Have Questions About Gear?
Don't have all the equipment listed? We can provide recommendations for rentals or alternatives. The most important thing is to bring what you have and be ready to learn. We'll work with your current setup to help you get the best possible results.
Cordillera Huayhuash
From USD $3