Huayhuash Trek and Climbs Dossier 2009
A spectacular trekking and climbing itinerary in Peru
For dates and prices please return to the Huayhuash Trek 'front page'
SummaryAn ideal trekking and climbing combination for fit and experienced walkers who want a long and challenging trek around some of the most spectacular scenery in the Andes, including ice coated peaks, beautiful lochs and high pastures. The climbing options should appeal to those with some previous experience who want to climb in Peru's most famous mountain range. |
Outline Itinerary |
|
| Day 1 | Flight to Lima |
| Day 2 | Private transport to Huaraz |
| Day 3-5 | Days in Huaraz to acclimatise |
| Day 6-21 | Circuit trek of Huayhuash mountains and climbs |
| Day 22-23 | Return to Lima and London |
Siula in the Cordillera Huayhuash
INTRODUCTION TO THIS TREKKING AND CLIMBING EXPEDITION
The circuit trek of the Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the world's greatest treks. For mountain scenery and remoteness it is without equal in the Andes. In 2009 we are again running the innovative itinerary which we ran for the first time in 2004 - a slightly different and extended circuit with new and more spectacular climbing options. These include ascents of at least two 5000m peaks, Suerococha c.5400m and Leon Huacanan 5421m and a trip into the high glacier basin below the spectacular and immense south face of Yerupaja with a camp at 4800m.
The Huayhuash (pronounced Why-wash) circuit is a difficult and wild trek, crossing several high passes including one over 5000m high so a high level of fitness is recommended. This extended trek will be fully supported and take us a total of seventeen days, including a couple of rest days and the ascents of Suerococha and Leon.
Previous experience of trekking and camping in remote areas is essential. This is a tough trek suitable only for those who are both fit and adventurous. You will need to have or hire an ice-axe and crampons for the ascent of Suerococha and Leon Huacanan and for the trip onto the glacier beneath Yerupaja, but there is no need to have previous experience of using these prior to the expedition for these peaks.
For those who wish to see more of the cultural side of Peru we can organise a short tour of the famous city of Cuzco. For details and prices see our Cuzco and Machu Picchu extension page.
THE PEAKS
For those taking the climbing option there will be ascents of two peaks on the way round the trek. These will probably be Leon Huacanan 5421m and Suerococha c.5400m but the final choice will depend on client fitness and current climbing conditions. Both ascents are relatively easy glacier walks requiring the use of an ice-axe and crampons (previous experience of using these is not essential). Both summit days will take around 8-10 hours. The views from the summits to the higher Huayhuash peaks are tremendous. Other peaks we may to attempt if we have time or conditions on one of the above named peaks are poor include Puscanturpa Sur 5550m or Jurau 5600m.
Climbing these peaks will mean missing out on some of the rest days, so only exceptionally fit trekkers should consider this option. The grade with all these climbing options rises to 3B
On Leon, 2004 Huayhuash expedition
THE CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH
The Cordillera Huayhuash are a compact mountain range situated about 200km north east of Lima. The range contains several peaks over 6000m high. The highest peak is Yerupaja, which at 6617m high is one of the highest peaks in the Andes and the second highest in Peru. All the big peaks are extremely steep and rise from large glacier filled valleys. The peaks are almost without exception serious mountaineering challenges and most of the major peaks were not climbed until the 1950's or 1960's.
The lower valleys that we will trek through have been glaciated in the past and many small lochs remain behind. We will often be camping by one of these picturesque lochs and the locals are known for catching fresh trout to sell to trekkers. The valleys contain large areas of pasture still used by the Quechua Indians who live in the mountains and we'll pass through a number of their remote villages on our way round the trek.
THE CIRCUIT TREK
The circuit of the Huayhuash is one of the world's greatest walks, offering ever changing views of the Cordillera Huayhuash, crossing high passes and beautiful high altitude meadows. The progress we make round the circuit will depend on several factors (weather, fitness, illness) but we give an outline description of the route divided into likely trekking days. The schedule indicated below leaves us with two spare days which we will use as rest days on the circuit. These can allow some time to recover while the fittest, or keenest, do an extra walk! The total distance is about 150km.
Day 1 -- Drive from Huaraz and camp at Cuartelhuain at 4200m.
Day 2 -- Walk to Mitucocha. The pass of Cacanampunta (4700m) is crossed then we descend to Mitucocha 4200m. An easy day to start with.
Day 3 -- Mitucocha to Carhuacocha. Another pass of 4650m takes us up and over to the large Laguna Carhaucocha. From here a side trip to Laguna Siula is possible for those with energy left.
Day 4 -- Carhuacocha to Huayhuash. Over another pass to the settlement that gave the mountain range its name. Then over the Portachuelo Huayhuash pass at 4750m to the small shepherds settlements by the large Laguna Viconga.
Day 5 -- Rest day at Laguna Viconga.
Day 6 -- Ascent of Leon Huacanan for climbers, or rest day.
Day 7 -- Lag. Viconga to Guanacpatay including crossing the highest pass of Punta Cuyoc, 5000m.
Day 8 -- Guanacpatay to Huatia via Huayllapa village. In Huayallpa village you can buy beers and Coca-cola.
Day 9 -- Huayllapa to Gasapampa via the Punta Tapush.
Day 10 -- Suerococha ascent for climbers, or rest day.
Day 11 -- Over the Punta Yaucha 4800m then down to the scenic Laguna Jahuacocha at the foot of the highest peaks.
Day 12 -- Rest day at Jahuacocha, or local exploration.
Day 13 -- Ascent to high camp at 4800m on the edge of the glacier beneath Yerupaja.
Days 14 -- On the glacier below Yerupaja or time to explore the valleys and high altitude lagoons of the Jahuacocha area.
Day 15 -- Laguna Jahuacocha to Llamac and back to Huaraz.
Days 16-17 -- Two spare days to be used as additional rest days, for further ascents, or as necessary during the trek.
Mist clearing over the spectacular south face of Yerupaja from the moraine camp.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION - CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU
For those who wish to see more of the cultural side of Peru we can organise a short tour of the famous city of Cuzco, former capital of the Incas, and the spectacular ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu. This extension will be four days long and will include return flights from Lima to Cuzco, hotel in Cuzco and travel to Machu Picchu by train. We need a minimum of three customers to run this extension with a British leader, but can also arrange 'self-guided' extensions for just one or two persons. For full details and prices see our Cuzco and Machu Picchu extension page. Please ask for further details and costs at the time of booking if you're interested.
CLIMATE
This time of year is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes and there are long periods of stable weather with fewer and less severe storms than the Alps have in a normal summer. There are occasional high winds and light snow flurries. Though the sun will often be strong, temperatures at altitude can be extremely cold, going down to -5ºC during the 12 hours of darkness each night, so bring a warm sleeping bag and a good book!
The view north from Punta Cuyoc, the highest of many high passes, Cordillera Huayhuash
FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Customers should preferably be experienced hillwalkers or trekkers. No previous climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary for those taking the climbing options on Huacanan and Suerococha though it will of course be very useful. Previous experience of wilderness camping is very useful as these are extremely remote mountains.
Customers should have a very good level of fitness because although the trek is fully supported we still have to cross many passes up to 5000m high in the mountains. We will be walking for about 6-7 hours per day, but you need to be able to continue at this pace for 4 or 5 days without a rest. Summit days for those taking the climbing option may be 8 hours or more and can be very tiring so a very good standard of fitness and stamina is needed. If you have any doubts about the suitability of these options for you then please give us a call. Almost every year we have someone drop out from this trek because they are not fit enough - make sure it isn't you.
HARDSHIPS
On this type of trek there are inevitably some hardships which clients must be prepared to put up with in return for the great rewards of trekking through such wild and remote mountains. Cold nights, tired feet and some tinned and dried food are a few of the experiences which will have to be enjoyed. This trek is particularly arduous because we will be away from hot showers and comfortable beds for over two weeks.
WILDLIFE
There are a number of interesting birds, animals and plants that we may see on our trek. A wild relative of the llama, the vicuña, is fairly common in some of the remoter areas of the Huayhuash. Also commonly seen are vizcachas, small rodents related to the chinchilla. Rarer animals include the Andean deer and fox. Amongst the birds we are likely to see are humming birds, torrent ducks, cara-cara, vultures and of course the Condor. Unusual plants we may well see include many species of wild lupins, the beautiful queñoa tree with its papery red bark and the giant puya, a plant related to the pineapple which produces the worlds biggest flower.
Meeting the locals in the Huayhuash mountains
FLIGHTS
Flights from London to Lima the Peruvian capital cost from about £700-£900 but are currently rising sharply. We normally arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828), who have very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and most customers find it convenient as it means we are all on the same flight out to South America. If you prefer you can arrange your own flights to fit in with the expedition itinerary. Please note that if booking flights yourself it is better to pay only a deposit in the short term in case we do not have sufficient fully paid customers to run the expedition.
VISAS
Visas are not necessary for British citizens, but you should have a full passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel. If you will not be using a British passport please make this clear when booking.
SECURITY
Peru suffers from a reputation for theft and insurance is a necessity. It has to be said that thieves steal from easy targets; most tales of theft involve the victim doing something unwise. It is important to stay alert when in busy public areas and to guard your belongings carefully at all times. Muggings and other violent crime are very rare. We will issue further advice to all clients before departure. Having said all this, we have run countless trips to South America including many to Peru and we can quite confidently say people are more likely to lose something than have it stolen!
INSURANCE
All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you'd like advice on insurance please ask
ACCOMMODATION
For our overnights in Huaraz (and Lima if necessary due to flight schedules) we use a clean and comfortable hotel. It will be possible to leave extra luggage and clean clothes here when we go off on trek. We will be camping when we are out in the mountains; modern lightweight tents and stoves are provided by us, but you'll need your own four season sleeping bag and mat.
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Peru is one of the poorest countries in South America and hygiene standards reflect this. Even with a bit of caution you may get an upset stomach at some stage. It is a good idea to avoid tap water, unwashed fruit, ice, seafood and all food sold by street vendors. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, polio and hepatitis are needed! Your doctor may also recommend rabies and diphtheria. Malaria and yellow fever precautions are not necessary as we won't visit mosquito infested areas.
SAFETY AND RISK
This is an adventure holiday and all clients will be exposed to an element of risk by taking part in this itinerary. While we take all reasonable precautions to reduce risk it is neither possible nor desirable to completely eliminate these additional risks. It is important that you understand the risks involved before signing our booking form. We have identified the following areas as the principal additional risks of this itinerary. This is not a fully inclusive list - please ask if you would like to see a more detailed risk assessment of this itinerary before booking.
Driving, hotels and general safety : In Peru driving, fire safety standards and general safety standards are not as high as in Europe.
Minor slips and falls : due to steep, uneven and unstable ground.
Remoteness : You will be up to five days walk from professional medical help for periods of time.
Altitude : At high altitudes there is an increased risk of medical problems, most obviously altitude illness.
Mountain Hazards : There are very slight risks from bad weather, and the usual mountain hazards including slight risks from rockfall, crevasse and avalanche hazard on the optional peak ascents.
Queñoa tree and icefall above Laguna Jahuacocha, Cordillera Huayhuash 2004
EXPEDITION ORGANISATION
Our treks and expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The trek will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but will adapt to the plans and aspirations of the members. We will consult all members when planning the details of the expedition. Please note that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or a member is in jeopardy; for example retreat or diversion due to illness or bad weather.
This is one of our fully supported treks; you only have to carry a lightweight daysack (camera, water and lunch, spare clothing). On the circuit trek we use donkeys or horses to carry all communal kit, food, camping and cooking equipment and a mess tent. We plan to use porters to help us reach the camp at the edge of the glacier on Yerupaja/Rasac, but will have to carry our own packs back down.
EXPEDITION LEADER
At the time of publishing we have not finalised a leader for these treks. Please phone for details nearer to the time of departure. All of our regular leaders have considerable experience of travel and trekking in South America.
GROUP SIZE
The minimum number of customers we need to run this trekking and climbing combination is three. The maximum size of the trek will be six customers plus leader. In some circumstances we may be able to run this trek with a smaller group using a local Peruvian leader
WARNING
The Huayhuash trek is a hard, remote and committing high altitude trek with few easy options for leaving the mountains. It should not be underestimated. It is only suitable for very fit and experienced walkers.
Rondoy from above Jahuacocha, Cordillera Huayhuash
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