Itinerary
- Day 1
Lima
You'll arrive in Lima and head to your hotel to settle in. After your journey, take time to rest or walk around the city if you're feeling up to it. Later this evening, you'll have your first dinner at a local restaurant to get a feel for Peruvian food.
- Meals
- Dinner (Typical dinner in a simple restaurant in Lima)
Optional Activities
- Explore Lima city
- Day 2
Lima to Huaraz
Head north by bus along Peru's coast, passing through sandy desert landscapes. You'll cross the Cordillera Negra, climbing over 4000 meters for the first time with great views of the ice-covered Cordillera Blanca mountains. Arrive in Huaraz and check into your hotel.
Included Activities
- Bus transfer Lima to Huaraz
- Scenic drive through Cordillera Negra
Optional Activities
- Evening exploration of Huaraz
Landmarks Cordillera Blanca Cordillera Negra - Day 3
Huaraz
Visit Chavin de Huantar, one of the world's oldest stone buildings and a complex temple-fortress structure. You'll pass a crystal-clear lagoon and explore a dark tunnel inside. The tour covers the Castillo fortress hill, El Lanzon granite monolith, the east gate with Tello obelisk, and the Raimondi stele. Return to Huaraz through a spectacular Andean pass.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Chavin de Huantar
- Visit to Castillo fortress hill
- View El Lanzon granite monolith
- Explore Tello obelisk and Raimondi stele
Landmarks Chavin de Huantar - Day 4
Huaraz
Travel by bus or cab into the Cordillera Negra to Puntan Callan at 4225 meters. Climb the pathless Jircohirca peak (4622m) over about 2 hours with excellent views of Huaraz and major mountains like Huascaran and Huantsan. There's an option to climb additional smaller mountains before heading back to Huaraz.
Included Activities
- Guided hike to Jircohirca peak
- Mountain climbing experience in Cordillera Negra
Optional Activities
- Climb additional smaller mountains
Landmarks Jircohirca Huascaran Huantsan - Day 5
Huaraz
Head to Huascaran National Park to see Llanganuco and 69 Lagunas with turquoise-blue lakes at 3800 meters. You might spot Andean hummingbirds, falcons, vicunas, and alpacas. Hike from Portachuelo Pass (around 4000m) along a river through an Andean valley past waterfalls to Laguna 69, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes. An optional circular hike via Refugio Peru is available.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike in Huascaran National Park
- Visit Llanganuco and 69 Lagunas
- Hike to Laguna 69
Optional Activities
- Circular hike via Refugio Peru (approximately 2 hours additional)
Landmarks Huascaran National Park Laguna 69 Chacraraju - Day 6
Huaraz to Llamac
Start the Cordillera Huayhuash trek from Huaraz to Llamac (3250m). Hike for 1 hour along the river to Garahualanca, then 2 hours with ups and downs to Pocpa (3450m). Continue uphill to camp at Cuartelhuain (4000m), passing the Palca mines. This is a 7-hour hiking day.
Included Activities
- Guided trek to Llamac
- Hike to Garahualanca
- Hike through Pocpa to Cuartelhuain camp
Landmarks Llamac Cordillera Huayhuash - Day 7
Cuartelhuain to Laguna Mitucocha
From Cuartelhuain, climb in steep switchbacks toward Cacananpunta Pass (4700m). Descend about 400 meters to camp at Laguna Mitucocha (4300m), taking around 5 hours of hiking. There's an optional ascent to Laguna Ninacocha (200m elevation gain) for views of ice giants Rondoy and Jirishanca.
Included Activities
- Guided trek to Cacananpunta Pass
- Hike to Laguna Mitucocha camp
Optional Activities
- Optional climb to Laguna Ninacocha
Landmarks Cacananpunta Pass Laguna Mitucocha Rondoy Jirishanca - Day 8
Laguna Mitucocha to Laguna Carhuacocha
Cross a high valley for about 3 hours until reaching Punta Carhuac (4650m), where Yerupaja (6634m), Peru's second-highest mountain, comes into view. Continue downhill past peaks like Siula Grande and Jirishanca to camp at Laguna Carhuacocha (4100m). The hike takes around 5 hours with time to relax and enjoy panoramic views.
Included Activities
- Guided trek through high valley
- Hike to Punta Carhuac
- Trek to Laguna Carhuacocha camp
Landmarks Punta Carhuac Yerupaja Siula Grande Laguna Carhuacocha - Day 9
Laguna Carhuacocha to Caserio de Huayhuash
Two route options are available today. The classic route turns into Queropalca valley with a steep section, then through a high valley to Punta Carnicero (4600m, the highest point). The scenic variant ascends 200m to Laguna Quesillococha at Siula's eastern flank, continues over a pass above 4800m, past Laguna Azulcocha. Both routes meet at Caserio de Huayhuash, taking 5-6 hours.
Included Activities
- Guided trek through Queropalca valley or variant route
- Hike to Punta Carnicero or high pass
- Trek to Caserio de Huayhuash
Optional Activities
- Choose scenic variant via Laguna Siula (more scenic but requires conquering pass over 4800m)
Landmarks Queropalca valley Punta Carnicero Laguna Siula Laguna Azulcocha - Day 10
Caserio de Huayhuash to Laguna Viconga or Cajatambo
Trek into a high valley with an interesting pass crossing between Huayhuash and Portachuelo. Ice equipment is normally needed for this crossing. Pass by towering peaks Trapecio (5644m) and Puscanturpa (5430m). An easier route via Portachuelo Pass (4750m) is available if needed. Camp at either Laguna Viconga (4400m) or lower Cajatambo (3400m).
Included Activities
- Guided trek into high valley
- Pass crossing between Huayhuash and Portachuelo
Optional Activities
- Choose easier route via Portachuelo Pass instead of ice pass
Landmarks Portachuelo Pass Trapecio Puscanturpa - Day 11
Laguna Viconga to Huayllapa
Cross dense ichugrass northeast from Viconga. The path becomes increasingly stony while crossing Punta Cuyoc, the highest point of the entire circumnavigation at over 5000 meters. An optional climb to a small 5000m peak offers additional views. Follow the ridge with varied camping options in nearby valleys. Huayllapa is a common camp site. This takes approximately 7-8 hours without a summit detour.
Included Activities
- Guided trek to Punta Cuyoc
- High altitude hiking across 5000m pass
Optional Activities
- Optional ascent of small 5000-metre peak
Landmarks Punta Cuyoc - Day 12
Huayllapa to Laguna Susococha
Descend into an exceptionally populated valley, then climb through pampas toward Punta Tapush Pass (4800m). A steep ascent is required. Descend to camp at Laguna Susococha with its shimmering blue waters. This is a long day taking approximately 10 hours to reach the lagoon.
Included Activities
- Guided trek through populated valley
- Climb to Punta Tapush Pass
- Trek to Laguna Susococha
Landmarks Punta Tapush Laguna Susococha - Day 13
Laguna Susococha to Laguna Jahuacocha
Climb the left side of Diablo Mudo to one of the easiest 5000m peaks in the Huayhuash region (5223m). You might find some snow at altitude, but the ascent is straightforward. Enjoy magnificent views of Jirishanca and Yerupaja. An alternative easier route via Paso Yaucha (4800m) is also very scenic. Descend to camp at Laguna Jahuacocha (4066m) at the foot of Yerupaja, taking around 8 hours.
Included Activities
- Guided trek to Diablo Mudo
- Option to summit 5223m peak
- Trek to Laguna Jahuacocha
Optional Activities
- Choose easier route via Paso Yaucha instead of 5223m peak
Landmarks Diablo Mudo Paso Yaucha Laguna Jahuacocha - Day 14
Laguna Jahuacocha to Llamac
This is a short day with the highest point at Pampa Llamac (4300m). Initially descend along a small river through lush pastureland, then climb to the pass. Continue to the Andean village of Llamac where the trek ends. Just over 4 hours of hiking leaves time to enjoy the mountain scenery one last time before returning to Huaraz by vehicle.
Included Activities
- Final guided hike to Llamac
- Bus transfer Llamac to Huaraz
Landmarks Pampa Llamac - Day 15
Huaraz
Rest day in Huaraz. You have the full day to recover from the extended trek. Enjoy the city and get proper rest after your time in the mountains away from regular comforts.
Optional Activities
- Explore Huaraz
- Rest and recover
- Day 16
Huaraz to Vicos
Travel by vehicle to the mountain hamlet of Vicos (3050m). Begin climbing Nevado de Copa (6188m), a 6000m peak climbable without major technical difficulty. From Vicos, you'll walk uphill for approximately 4 hours (14km). Mules carry supplies while you carry only day luggage. You'll pass rustic eucalyptus forests, a crystal-clear lake, and dense quinua forests before reaching base camp at just over 4000 meters.
Included Activities
- Vehicle transfer Huaraz to Vicos
- Guided hike to base camp
- Begin Nevado de Copa climb
Landmarks Nevado de Copa - Day 17
Nevado de Copa Base Camp
Start early to cross glacier moraine and reach the glacier tongue. Continue through steep snowfield and light rock sections, then easier glacier terrain. Establish high camp Campo 1 at approximately 5200m after about 4 hours of climbing. Expect spectacular mountain scenery with minimal comfort in tents.
Included Activities
- Guided climb from base camp to Campo 1
- Glacier terrain experience
- Day 18
Nevado de Copa Summit
Summit day starts very early (around 1-2am) to reach the 6188m peak before glacier surfaces soften. Climb approximately 1000 meters total. Ice flanks aren't steeper than 35 degrees, but serac and crevasse zones need concentration. Panoramic views stretch for hundreds of kilometers from the summit. After a brief stay due to extreme cold, descend the same route back to high camp for the night.
- Meals
- Snack (Tea and biscuits at high camp)
Included Activities
- Guided summit climb of Nevado de Copa (6188m)
- Day 19
Campo 1 to Vicos
Leisurely descend the final 1100 meters from high camp to base camp. Use the ascent route through magnificent mountain forests and old shepherds' paths. A vehicle waiting in Vicos transports you safely and comfortably back to Huaraz. Spend the afternoon resting after the descent.
Included Activities
- Guided descent from high camp to base camp
- Descent through mountain forests via shepherds' paths
- Vehicle transfer Vicos to Huaraz
- Day 20
Huaraz to Lima
Full day bus journey south from Huaraz back to Lima. Cross the Cordillera Negra again with views of the Cordillera Blanca mountains and Nevado de Copa clearly visible from the pass. Arrive in Lima in the evening. You have optional time to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Peru's capital if you're interested.
Included Activities
- Bus transfer Huaraz to Lima
Optional Activities
- Enjoy Lima's nightlife
- Day 21
Lima to Germany
Departure day. Your tour guide will accompany you to Lima airport for your return flight to Germany.
Included Activities
- Airport transfer to Lima airport
