WAYWASH
TREK (12
or 11 days)
Waywash (in Quechua, but Huayhuash is wrong wrote) is
a small beautiful high mountain in the Peruvian Andes. It is located between
Ancash, Huanuco and Lima regions. It is about 30 km long and 20 km wide. Its
colorful mountains are surrounded by nice lakes, waterfalls, rivers, valleys,
flora and fauna; as well as, friendly people. Here is located the second
highest tropical mountain in the world, which is Yarupaha 86634 m.). It is
probably that Siwla (6356 m.) is the famous mountain, because it was made so
knew by Joe Simpson and Simon Yates climbing, expressed in Touching the Void
(book and film). Waywash is the best place for trekking and camping experience.
Waywash trek is the most spectacular hiking route in
the world. This is because, it goes around a small mountain range. The ways can
start and finishing in different places as Llamak, Matakancha, Qiruplaka,
Wayllapa or Pacllun. There are passes over 4300 m. where the wilderness are
enjoyable. This impressive experience is just possible to do when someone win
the challenge some difficult effort. That is which is waiting for tourist who
loves mountains. It has approximately 140 – 155 km all around and the hiking
level is difficult.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Huaraz
to Cuartel Wayin
Huaraz (hotel) is the starting point of our
expedition. The bus or car puck up us at 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. and drives to Cuartel
Wayin (4180 m.). Going on bus , we pass several interesting places like Qunuq
Qucha (lake at 4100 m.), Chiquian (town at 3400 m.), Llamak (small town at 3250
m.), Puqpa (village at 3480 m.) and Pallka (mining base at 3850 m.) finally we
are getting Cuartel Wayin (4180 m.), where we meet with our donkeys and
muleteer driver and spend our first night. The place is a nice point to see
mountains: Ninashanka (5610 m.), Runtuy (5880 m.). Driving is approximately 6
hours.
Day 02: Hiking
Via Qaqanan Punta to Mituqucha
We start our trek going up to the pass (Qaqanan Punta
at 4700 m.) which can take about two hours and half or 3 hours. From the pass
is possible to see the north side of Waywash range and one red lake
(Pukaqucha). Going down hours and half to the valley in Huanuco Region (Amazon
basin) we can get our next camp side, Hankapampa (4225 m.). From the camping
place is possible to do a side trip to Mituqucha (lake at 4275 m.). Close that
is usually to find Andean geese (Wachuwa)
Day 03: From
Hanka to Karwaqucha
This is one of the easiest day in our trek (5 – 6
hours). The way goes up slowly between native grassland until gets the pass
(Yanayana Punta o Karwak at 4650 m-) from the pass we see valley and mountains
(Carnicero 5960 m, Siwla 6356 m, Yarupaha 6634, Hirishanka 6094). Our camping
is close to Karwaqucha (lake at 4150 m.) here we have the first nicest
landscape in Waywash marvelous trek.
Day 04: Siwla Punta – Waywash
When we begin our trek we turn around the south side
of Karwaqucha. One hour later, we are inside a small valley, where now a days,
there are four lakes. Three of them famous: Qanrahanka (4250 m.), Siwlaqucha
(4300 m.) and Qishillaqucha (4340 m.). Close to the last one, the trail is
going up to the south east side until to reach the famous viewpoint (4550 m)
for picture and little rest. After that, we continue going up to find another
small valley. Having the next challenge to get the Siwla Punta (4850 m.). This
should be around the midday. Finally we must go down a long trail to the camp
(Waywash at 450 m.). This day can take 7 – 8 hours.
Day 05: Waywash
Punta (portachuelo) – Viconga (spring)
Easy day (5 – 6 hours), we leave the camp and follow
the trail up to our next pass (Waywash Punta- 4780 m.). Looking to the south we
see the Rawra range. After that, we just go down to find the lake Viconga (4450
m.). Finally, we get the camp and the hot spring (4365 m.). Washing day and relaxing
day should be enjoyable.
Day 06: Via
Punta Kuyuq (almost 5000 m.)
Viconga is the south part of Waywash range. From this
area we climb to the north until to reach the pass (Kuyuq at 4950 m.). Probably
the highest point for all group and our staff. If we have a good weather it is
possible to look at Rawra and several peaks of Waywash range. A steep trail
guides us to a little flat area. Continuing down, we find our next sleeping
place. Here we have two options, the first one is Kuyuqpampa at 4500 m. and the
second is Wanakpatay (4250 m.). Each one have their advantages. If you have one
day more is better; because you can have a nicest day.
Day 07: Going
to Wayllpa
This day should be
easy (just down) or a little hard and longest day. One of them, you must choose
before to get that. Anywhere we arrive and sleep in Wayllapa (small town at
3490 m.).
Day 08: passing
Tapush Punta
We leave Wayllapa to climb until the pass, which is
called Tapush Piunta (4770 m.). Going down we pass Susuqucha at 4750 m.
Qashpampa, our camp, is at 4550 m. this is the base camp for Diablo Mudo (5350
m.).
Day 09: Reaching
Hawaqucha via Yawcha
We see to the north and start to walk. We turn a hill
to the east and climb until Yawcha Punta (pass at 4850 m.). From here, we look
at the northern peaks of Waywash. Sometimes is possible to watch condors if we
are lucky. After a long corner of the trail, we go down to get Hawaqucha (lake
at 4050 m.). One of the beautiful camping side in Waywash.
Day 10: Last
Day Trek
If you take our service we can offer the best trail.
That is the reason why we go up to Soltero Qucha (lake at 4150 m.) and win the
summit of two passes: Sambuya punta 4740 m. and Runtuy 4750 m. a long trail
does down between lunpinus and grass until our last camp side, Matakancha (4125
.).
Day 11: Going
back to Huaraz on Bus
If you choose the best option you will have a
panoramic return. We know how to do, which way to take and why to share a
confident travel. Enjoy it!
Request your
own plan. Thanks!