Cerro Huacrish

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Cordillera Huayhuash
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Cerro Huacrish

Page Type:	Mountain/Rock
Lat/Lon:	10.24758°S / 76.97695°W
Elevation:	15715 ft / 4790 m
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Overview

Cerro Huacrish is a relatively minor peak in the spectacular Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru. The peak itself is modest, but like its sister peak, Cerro Llaucha, the rewards are some of the best views of any mountain on earth that can be reached without technical mountaineering equipment.

Hundreds of trekkers climb this peak and it is by far the most popular summit to climb in all of the Huayhuash. The peak sits on the ridge not far north of the pass of Llaucha Punta. Most people reach this area on day 9, plus layovers on the Huayhuash Trek.

The old standard route on the Huayhuash Trek descends from Llaucha Punta directly to Jahuacocha, but an increasing popular variation heads from Llaucha Punta north along the ridge to Cerro Huacrish before heading east and steeply down to Jahuacocha. The peak itself is right on this route variant.

Other than the very steep descent, there are no obstacles that have to be surmounted in order to climb the peak. Taking the route variation over the summit is highly recommended and is one of the highlights of the Huayhuash Circuit.

Getting ready to head down from Cerro Huacrish.

Cerro Huacrish (foreground) as seen from Cerro Llaucha. Cerro Culebramina is in the background.

Jirishanca (right) and Rondoy (left) as seen from Cerro Huacrish.

Cerro Huacrish from the east.

Yerupaja as seen from Cerro Huacrish.

Getting There

Most people will do this climb as part of the Huayhuash Trek and most people now days start the trek at Quartelhuain. Quartelhuain can be reached from Huaraz by collectivo or private transportation from Huaraz. This takes about five to six hours.

The normal exit for the Huayuash Circuit is at Llamac, one day's walk from Jahuacocha (see the Routes Overview section).

Huaraz can be reached from several bus companies in Lima, many of which make the journey at night. This usually takes 8 hours. Movil Tours and Cruz Sur offer the most comfortable bus services.

You can also fly to Huaraz in less than an hour using LC Peru, which flies to Huraz four days a week.

The quaint village of Llamac serves as the exit trailhead.

Routes Overview

As mentioned, most people will climb this peak on day 9, plus layovers on the Huayhuash Trek. This is on the route between Huatiaq and Jahuacocha. From Llaucha Punta (pass), head north along the ridge on the lesser used trail towards Cerro Huacrish. The trail goes all the way to the summit. You may want to climb Cerro Llaucha along the way.

Enjoy the spectacular views from the summit!

From the summit, a very steep track descends east and to Jahuacocha. The descent is by far the hardest part of the climb, though it isn't dangerous. Trekking poles are highly recommended!

Alternately, you can reach Cerro Huacrish in two days from Llamac. This would be a good alternative for those that don't have time to do the entire Huayhuash Circuit.

Hiking along the ridge to Cerro Huacrish which can be seen at the end of the ridge.

Cerro Huacrish as seen from the east.

Red Tape

You must pay a fee to several of the communities along the Huayhuash Circuit. This was about $75 US per person in 2017. The fee goes for maintaining the Trails and campsites, including the toilets. Please pay the fee as it helps out the communities and the maintenance of the facilities.

Enjoying the views from the summit of Cerro Huacrish. Please take care of the area!

When to Climb

The dry season is May to September and is the best time to climb. You wouldn't want to descend this mountain when the grass is iced up or has a thin coating of snow!

Enjoying Cerro Huacrish on a beautiful July day.

Camping

There are campsites in the valleys on either side of the mountain. The campsites to the south and southwest of the mountain are at Gashpampa, Incahuain, and Huatiaq. To the north is Jahuacocha (lake) and another place known as Incahuain.