The Trekking to the Huantsan Haute Route (Alpine Trek around the 6,395 m Huantsán Mountain) is a visionary new itinerary that revives the spirit of expedition through the remote sectors of the Cordillera Blanca. This mythical peak—one of the least climbed in the range since the pioneering ascent by Lionel Terray in the 1950s—offers a truly unique adventure.
The route begins in the south, from the Rurec Valley, crossing deep valleys such as Shallap and Rajucolta beneath Huantsán’s hanging glaciers. Along the way, we are surrounded by dramatic peaks like Shaqsha, the Cashan range, and Uruashraju, which beckon to climbers.
This adventurous journey is complemented by ascents of Vallunaraju, which towers over the Huaraz Valley, as well as the Ishinca and Urus peaks. A stunning blend of valleys, glaciers, towering walls, and turquoise lagoons awaits.
11 Days
Treks for Experienced Hikers
Moderate
Bus
3 Pax
We depart by private transport to the village of Olleros at 3,450 m, then continue along a dirt trail to the Huaracayoc ravine at 3,940 m. There, we meet the team of muleteers and pack animals to begin the 14.5-kilometer journey to the Rurec camp.
We set up camp.
6H +560 m / -
Early in the morning, we head to Tararhua Lake at 4480 m to begin the ascent along the left flank toward the West Rurec Peak at 5300 m.
We start a progressive climb with views of the Uruashraju, Rurec, and the mythical Huantsán (6395 m) on its southwest side.
From Rurec Pass, we admire the steep slopes of Huantsán and its hanging glaciers overlooking Rajucolta Lake.
We descend over morainic terrain and set up camp.
7 hours | +660 m / -900 m
Night in tents
9.5 km
With the spectacular view of Huantsán, we continue our trek along the northern shore of Rajucolta Lake, heading toward Huamashpunta Lake at 4830 m.
We continue ascending and reach Huamash Pass at 5000 m. The reward is a breathtaking view of the San Juan (5830 m) and Carhuascancha (5668 m) peaks.
We descend to Shallap Lake at 4270 m, take a rest, and continue descending along the same Shallap Valley to 4100 m.
Camp setup.
7H +800 m/ - 1100 m
Noche en carpa.
13 km
A long descent from the Shallap camp, following the course of the river.
We then climb slightly along a trail that leads us to the Quilkayhuanca Valley, and from there head toward Pitec at 3850 m.
We cross a flat plain that takes us to the lower basin of the Cojup Valley, followed by a gentle ascent along a trail that leads to Cachipampa Alto.
Noche en LODGE.
14 km
Heading east, the stage begins after enjoying the comfort of the lodge with hot showers and soft beds.
We cross ancient moraines in the Llaca Valley and arrive at the entrance of the valley, where we register at Huascarán National Park.
We continue through the valley beneath towering granite walls, with the dominant view of Ranrapalca (6180 m).
We reach the Llaca Refuge and settle in. Before dinner, we prepare the mountain gear for the upcoming ascent of Vallunaraju.
6 hours | +730 m / -0 m
Night at the refuge
11 km
At 7:00 a.m., we depart toward the slopes of Vallunaraju, tackling the most significant elevation gain of the entire trek.
Our team of porters takes the normal route through the Llaca Valley and we meet up with them later in the afternoon.
We set up tents for the night and prepare equipment for the early morning ascent.
We continue ascending with views of the city of Huaraz and the snow-capped peaks to the south of the Cordillera.
We approach the moraine of Vallunaraju and pass the Moraine Camp.
The glacier begins with gentler slopes.
In the final section of the glacier, crevasses must be carefully avoided to reach the ridge leading to the summit.
We then return to Moraine Camp, where our team of porters has the camp already prepared.
7 h + m/-1 m
Night in tents
We then descend briefly to continue along the southwestern moraine of Vallunaraju, already enjoying views of Huaraz.
We reach Zorro Pass and take in the panoramic views of Vallunaraju, Huaraz, the Callejón de Huaylas, and of course, the Mullaca and Carhuac lakes.
We camp in the lower Mullaca Valley.
7 hours | +500 m / -1086 m
Night in tents
We descend the Mullaca Lake valley down to 4200 m, then head northeast across a plain toward the Janya Lakes, with views of Mount Copa, Huascarán, and the Urus mountain range.
We ascend along an old but well-marked trail until we reach the Janya Lakes, where we set up camp.
5 hours | +300 m / -400 m
Night in tents
5H +300 m/ - 400 m
Noche en Carpa.
The most scenic section of the trek has arrived. We leave camp early and head toward Ocshapalca Pass at 4900 m, where we admire its sharp ridges and the challenging Ranrapalca glacier.
To the north, we are accompanied by views of Urus, Copa, and the distant Huascarán.
From the pass, Tocllaraju and Ranrapalca dominate the valley.
We descend into the valley and follow an easy trail to Ishinca Base Camp.
7 hours | +600 m / -700 m
Night in tents
From the base camp, we cross the river and follow a zigzagging trail that ascends toward a plateau.
The slope becomes gentler until we reach the final channel of Ishinca Lake.
We begin the ascent on the north glacier, crossing a small col with minor crevasses.
About 100 meters before the summit, we face a steep 45-degree slope.
The summit offers a rewarding view.
We descend via the southwest glacier alongside Ranrapalca, returning to the refuge.
7 hours | +1185 m / -1185 m
Night in tents
Along a steep trail parallel to the route toward Urus Peak, we ascend toward the Urus Pass.
We continue following stone cairns that guide us along this rarely traveled route.
A rocky section leads us to the pass, where we can admire Akilpo Lake at 4600 m.
We then descend into the valley to find the most significant quenual tree reserve in the Cordillera.
We finish hiking through the Akilpo Valley and arrive at the archaeological site of Honcopampa.
Private transfer to Huaraz.
5 hours | +650 m / -1500 m
Night in a refuge
END OF THE TREK
5H +650 m/ - 1500m
Noche en refugio.
FIN DEL TREKKING
