Country: Peru
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Descent through the Guanacpatay Valley to Elefante Camp
From the crest of Trapecio Pass panoramic views stretch across the Cordillera and down into the Guanacpatay Valley toward Elefante Camp. The descent passes a dramatic cirque of lesser-known peaks and wide meadows often dotted with grazing alpacas.
Read MoreEarly morning light over the Huayhuash valley
Early risers capture soft morning light over the Huayhuash valley, with the range's peaks catching first light before the day's ascent to Trapecio Pass.
Read MoreThree Lakes Trail
A string of alpine lagoons—Qanrajancacocha, Siulacocha and Quesillococha—beneath sheer rock walls and glacial debris fields, with turquoise waters, braided streams, icefalls and towering rock spires. The path is steep and rugged in places, and pack animals take a more moderate route.
Read MoreLocal Quechua families in the Carhuacocha valley
Quechua families live seasonally in the Carhuacocha valley, tending alpacas and sheep. Meeting them adds cultural texture and photographic storytelling to the valley.
Read MoreSunrise over the Carhuacocha basin
First light strikes the serrated summits of Siula Grande (6,344 m), Yerupajá (6,617 m), Yerupajá Chico (6,089 m) and Jirishanca (6,094 m), mirrored in the still lake at sunrise.
Read MoreCamp near Laguna Mitucocha
The camp sits near Laguna Mitucocha at 4,230 m / 13,875 ft, where Jirishanca's sheer face rises straight off the water and the lake gives a classic still-morning reflection when glassy. The afternoon leaves time to scout and set up for evening light.
Read MoreLaguna Carhuacocha and its wall of peaks
Laguna Carhuacocha at 4,180 m / 13,715 ft lies at the base of a wall of peaks—Jirishanca, Yerupajá, Siula Grande and Sarapo—rising between 5,446 and 6,634 m. Their glaciated east faces are streaked with avalanche chutes and waterfalls that plunge into the mirrored lake, framed by golden puna-grass hills.
Read MorePunta Cacanan Pass
Punta Cacanan at 4,700 m / 15,420 ft is the first true pass of the Huayhuash circuit. From the crest the first full view opens into the range, with Rondoy, Ninashanca and Jirishanca stacking along the skyline.
Read MoreAfternoon at Matacancha camp and foothill walk
Matacancha camp at 4,100 m sits on the edge of vast highland plateaus below the Cordillera Huayhuash. A mid-afternoon arrival leaves time to set up camp, settle in and photograph while walking in the foothills.
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