Trek & Climb: Huayhuash & Diablo Mudo

Duration

8 Day

Tour Type

Adventure
Climb
Trek

Group Size

Max People : 15

Tour Guide

Peru

Trek & Climb: Huayhuash & Diablo Mudo – 8 Days

Overview

Trek & Climb: Huayhuash & Diablo Mudo

Trek the Huayhuash Range is the second highest tropical mountain chain in the world; after the Cordillera Blanca (White Range), immediately to the north. Even though it is located 120 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean; the crest forms part of the Continental Divide of South America.

Running from north to south, the main zone has some twenty summits within about 25km, with a secondary mountain change of summits of lower elevation toward the west that is about 15km long.

This trek diverges from the traditional Huayhuash circuit route & is more technically and physically challenging than the normal circuit. Typically the circuit can take anywhere between 8 – 14 days to complete and there are smaller mini circuits available too.

Six of the largest peaks are higher than 6,000 meters. Among the nevadas, Yerupajá (6,617 m) stands out – it is the second highest mountain in Peru (after Huascarán, at 6,768 m). Also of note is Siula Grande (6,344 m), which achieved fame through the book and subsequent film “Tocando el Vacio“ (Touching the Void) by mountaineer Joe Simpson.

This area also hosts dozens of glacial lakes of incomparable beauty. The closest towns are Chiquián (3,400m) and Cajatambo (3,375m)

Included
Breakfast x 7
Lunch x 8
Dinner x 7
Private Transport – collection & drop-off
Professional bilingual guide
High Mountain Cook
Muleteer & Mules
All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Trekking Poles)

Not Included
International Airfare & Airport Transfers
Hotels before & after (can be organised as part of trip)
Tips for crew
Any additional extras
Domestic flights (can be organised as part of trip)
Travel & Adventure Insurance (we highly recommend some form of medical evacuation insurance)
Entrance fee to the Huascarán National Park (S./150.00 per person)
Crampons, Ice Axe, Harness, Helmet (can be hired as part of trip)
Emergency mule (can be hired for the expedition)

Suggested Packing
Hikking Boots
Trekking socks (synthetic fibers)
Sun hat
Hat for cold weather (fleece)
microfiber shirts and thermal
Fleece
Trekking pants
Sunglasses
Day Backpack or advance 40 liters
Waterproof Jacket (Gore-Tex or other)
Waterproof Pant (Gore-Tex or other)
Waterproof Layer
Water Bottle
Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulbs)
Sunscreen (lips and skin)
Personal First Aid Kit
Photographic Material
Washbag and towel
Sandals
Trekking poles.

Joining Arrangements	There will be a pre-trek briefing held usually the evening before departure, at your hotel, to go over the details of the trek and any specific requirements not already captured.
Food & Water	Prior to setting off we recommend you steer clear of street food and only eat in good restaurants, to avoid any stomach complaints. Likewise with tap water, it is largely untreated, please only consume bottled water only or sterilised water if you have the right equipment.
Special Diets	We’ll ensure that we cater for all of your dietary needs, at the point of booking we’ll collect this information from you. We can secure special menu requests also for your trek party.
Trekking Crew	We are able to customise our treks to suit you, but usually our treks are guided by a professional bilingual guide, mountain cook, arriero (horseman) and mules to carry all equipment (passenger horses also available on request). They become a large part of your trekking expedition and it’s a great experience working together.
Acclimatisation	This is a really important part of your trip planning process, please find a link below which explains a little more about preparing for altitude. Altitude Preparation
Preparation	Attached below are a couple of links which will explain how to prepare for your trip & trek in advance of your arrival. We recommend being prepared in advance to save time & stress whilst you’re in Peru. Trip Planning \| Trek Planning
Machu Picchu	An excursion to Machu Picchu can be included as part of your trip, including professional bilingual guide, entrance tickets, return trip bus tickets, Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountains (mountain climbs to be confirmed on reservation) & your return train ticket to Cusco.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus)	We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. We also have access to on-call health services for your time with us.
Covid-19 (Useful Links)	World Health Organisation \| World Health Organisation – Peru \| Covid-19 Data – Peru \| Covid-19 Daily Statistics
Available Discounts	Throughout 2022 we’re offering a 15% discount for each member of a group larger than 4+
Reservation	Please contact us to reserve your trek and we will send you our deposit & payment options.
Customer Service	Please feel free to contact us at any point before your trip for any queries or problems.

Details

Itinerary

Starting out early you'll transfer by private transport via the Santa Valley across the Pachacoto Bridge, then continue on the mountain road in Puja Raimondi National Park (4,780 m) to Huarapasca Pass. Along this road we see giant plants in the form of a candle which flourish only in the south of the Cordillera Blanca. At the top of the pass, you’ll see the Pasto Ruri glacier. Continuing over 2 more passes to the village of Matacancha (4,150 m) in the Huayhuash region, the starting point of the trekking circuit. Meet with the team of guides, the mule drivers (and their burros) and first camp.

Overnight Camp (-/L/D)

First day of trekking: Climb the steep slope of Matacancha to Cacanampunta Pass (4,700 m), which forms the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and the spectacular open views of the wild mountains of Huayhuash, in particular the peaks of Rondoy and Jirishanca. Descent over wide fields and a beautiful camp at Laguna Mitococha (4300 m).

Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

An inviting climb to Punta Carhuac Pass (4,650 m) and descent over smooth rolling grasslands to Carhuacocha Lake (4,200 m), one of the best campsites on the route. If there is no wind, we’ll see the peaks of rock and ice (Jirishancas and Yerupajá Grande y Chico) reflected on the surface of the calm waters. At the lake live indigenous farmers - with their permission we may get to catch fresh trout for dinner!

Overnight Camp (B/L/D)An inviting climb to Punta Carhuac Pass (4,650 m) and descent over smooth rolling grasslands to Carhuacocha Lake (4,200 m), one of the best campsites on the route. If there is no wind, we’ll see the peaks of rock and ice (Jirishancas and Yerupajá Grande y Chico) reflected on the surface of the calm waters. At the lake live indigenous farmers - with their permission we may get to catch fresh trout for dinner!
- Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Heading to the highest pass, Trapecio 4850m / 16,040 ft, you'll arrive after around 3 hours of trekking. This pass is located between Cuyoc and Pumarinri mounts, from this point we have nice views of the Cordillera Raura and part of the Cordillera Huayhuash also. From the pass we descend to Guanacpatay valley and we set our campsite at 4400 m / 14,436 ft, after to have walked down around 1.5 hours.

Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

At indicated time after breakfast we depart for Huayllapa village 3500 m / 11 483 ft, we take the path near to the river and walk down for around 3.5 hours through the valley of the same name among native trees and shrubs of the region, getting in Huayllapa we can get some sodas and beers.

Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

At times the climb is steep and strenuous, under the steep glaciated cliffs of the high massif of Raju Collota to Punta Tapush Pass. Once again, magnificent views, including Nevado Diablo Mudo (Silent Devil) (5,350 m), tomorrow’s destination for the ambitious and physically strong climbers among us. Short descent from the pass north to Susococha Lake (4,600 m) and a little farther to Cashgapampa Camp (4500 m).

Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Those climbing Diablo Mudo (5223 m) begin very early and will have a long day. From the north side on the last steepest slopes, some with “penitentes“, you’ll use crampons, ice axe and harness. The feeling of success at reaching 5000m, and awesome views in the true sense of the word, Diablo Mudo is a well-deserved reward for the effort. The huge wild mountains of Huayhuash are laid out in front of you. A descent to the camp still follows the long route to Jahuacocha Lake. Option: Trekking without climbing Diablo Mudo. Short descent from Cashgapampa, turning into Angocancha Gorge (4350 m) and ascent to Yaucha Pass (4750 m), where you'll again stop and enjoy the impressive view. Steep descent toward the northeast in Huacrish Gorge (4,066 m), leading to Jahuacocha Lake (4066 m). Camp on the edge of the lake, with a view dominated by Rondoy, Jirishanca and Yerupajá.

Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Last day of this trek. Climb the last pass - Jahua Punta - and a long descent to the camp in the village of Pocpa. In this village we finish our great adventure filled with so many experiences. Here we leave our team of mule drivers and burros. Our private transport is waiting to return to the capital of Andes mountaineering, Huaraz.