Quilcayhuanca - Cojup Trek - 3 Days | High - Altitude Andean Adventure

A stunning short expedition through remote valleys, granite peaks, and a challenging 5,100 m pass in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca.

The Quilcayhuanca – Cojup Trek (3 Days) is one of the most spectacular short adventures in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. This high-altitude circuit explores two glacial valleys — Quilcayhuanca and Cojup — combining breathtaking scenery, diverse Andean wildlife, and the challenge of crossing a 5,100 m / 16,732 ft pass.

Along the way, trekkers pass through farmlands with grazing horses and cattle, hike beneath sheer granite walls, and enjoy stunning panoramas of snowcapped peaks. Wildlife sightings may include foxes, deer, hawks, condors, wild boars, and even the elusive Andean cat.

It’s an ideal trek for acclimatization or a short yet demanding Andean adventure, just outside Huaraz.

Quick Facts Quilcayhuanca – Cojup Trek

Location: Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Distance: ~39.6 km / 24.6 mi
Total Ascent: +1,738 m / +5,702 ft
Max Elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft (Huapi Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate – Demanding
Season: May – September (dry season)
Start / End: Pitec (Quilcayhuanca) – Cojup Valley
Group Size: Small groups (max. 8) or private treks

👉 Recommended with 2–3 days of prior acclimatization.

📲 Ready to Trek Quilcayhuanca – Cojup?

✨ Hike the Quilcayhuanca – Cojup 3-Day Circuit with Inkaland Treks — the perfect short trek to combine acclimatization and adventure in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca.

📩 info@inkalandtreks.com | 📱 +51 943 332 193 (WhatsApp)

Join a small group departure or request a private trek — we can even open a new group date depending on availability.

Highlights Quilcayhuanca – Cojup Trek

Stunning 3-day high-altitude trek inside Huascarán National Park
Cross a 5,100 m / 16,732 ft pass with breathtaking views
Spot condors, foxes, deer & other Andean wildlife
Traverse diverse landscapes: farmlands, granite peaks, glaciers & remote valleys
Led by professional local guides with full camping support

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Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Route	Distance	Max Elevation	Hiking Time	Key Highlights
1	Huaraz → Pitec → Quilcayhuanca Valley → Base Camp	12–13 km / 7.4–8.1 mi	4,200 m / 13,780 ft	5–6 h	Scenic valley & granite walls
2	Base Camp → Huapi Pass → Cojup Valley	15–16 km / 9.3–9.9 mi	5,100 m / 16,732 ft	8–9 h	High pass crossing & glaciers
3	Cojup Valley → Huaraz	11–12 km / 6.8–7.4 mi + drive	3,500 m / 11,482 ft → 3,100 m / 10,170 ft	4–5 h hike + 1 h drive	Gentle descent & return

Distances and times are approximate and can vary with weather, trail conditions, and group pace.

Day 1 — Huaraz → Pitec → Quilcayhuanca Valley → Base Camp (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)

Drive about 1 hour to Pitec trailhead. Hike through traditional farmlands into the wide Quilcayhuanca Valley, surrounded by granite cliffs and glaciers. Set up camp at 4,200 m.

Day 2 — Base Camp → Huapi Pass (5,100 m / 16,732 ft) → Cojup Valley (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)

The toughest but most rewarding day. A gradual then steep ascent leads to the Huapi Pass, offering spectacular views of nearby peaks. Descend into the remote Cojup Valley and camp near the river.

Day 3 — Cojup Valley → Huaraz

Descend gently along the Cojup Valley, enjoying glacier views and open landscapes. Return to the trailhead and drive back to Huaraz.

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