Cordillera Huayhuash
Our first camp at Matacancha
The ten day circuit trek around the Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the most beautiful places I have been. I used the Quechuandes agency in Huaraz to organize the trek, starting in Matacancha and ending in Llamac. If doing the hike independently, it may be easier to start and finish in Llamac, which has more regular public transport.
Cacanan Pass (15,500ft)
The first snowcapped peak, Mount Jirishanca (20,000ft) above Laguna Mitucocha
Mitucocha camp #2
(Day three) Ricardo led us off trail on the high route above Laguna Mitucocha. Walter found some condor wings in the valley.
Carchuacocha camp (#3)
The nights were cold, getting in the sleeping bag at three or four in the afternoon was sometimes the best option
Sunrise at Laguna Carchuacocha
(Day four) We climbed along the eastern side of the mountain range to the three lakes lookout, where we had avocado tic tic for lunch.
Avalanche waterfall at the first lake
Mirador Tres Lagos
Caracara at Siula Pass (15,800ft)
Huayhuash Camp (#4)
(Day five) Our trip had a unique itinerary. Sebastien and Anne did a bunch of research and decided upon going over Trapecio Pass instead of the normal route through Viconga near the hot springs.
Trapecio
Our guide Edgar at the glacier
Trapecio Pass
Pumpa Cuyoc Camp (#5)
(Day six) We woke to a fresh coat of snow and climbed to Jurau Pass, the highest point on the trail and the best view of the circuit.
My tentmate, Alpekka
Jurau Pass (16,600ft)
Photo 'Not Much' by Valerio (https://pensarecoipiedi.wordpress.com)
(Day seven) I particularly like this photo of our group working together. Crystal is praying and Will is wondering off looking for a better way.
Base camp for Simon Yates and Joe Simpson in the Touching the Void experience. The west face of the Siula Grande peak is no longer considered climbable. The ice is even more unstable than what was described in the documentary/book.
Exploring the Cerro Gran Vista ridge
(Day eight) We went below 13,000ft for the first time on the trek, stopping in the village of Huayllapa to get drinks.
Huatiac camp (#8)
Walter's frozen underwear
The Huatiac camp was coldest of the trip. My tentmate Pekka, who liked to sleep naked, even zipped up his sleeping bag.
(Day nine) We climbed the final pass of the trip to the ridge of Cerro Huacrish on our way to Lake Jahuacocha
Mount Diablo Mudo
The ridge walk was one of the highlights of the trip. Condors were flying this area looking for food.
Ricardo above our final campsite
(Day ten) We finished the trek with a downhill walk to the town of Llamac and took the return bus to Huaraz.
Cordillera Blanca Day Hikes
Chacraraju (20,000ft) above Laguna 69
Laguna Paron
Laguna Shallap
The ducks at Laguna Wilcacocha