Stage 2 of the Huayhuash Circuit covers 9.3 km from Mitucocha to Carhuacocha, with 387 m of ascent and 457 m of descent. The highest point is 4,617 m. Allow about 4 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Lakeshore campsite at about 4,140 m facing Yerupajá and Jirishanca, one of the most famous camps in the Andes and a common rest-day spot. This part is Queropalca land (fee paid at Mitucocha); bring warm clothes, as nights are well below freezing.
Quishuarcancha
Second campsite on the south-east shore of Carhuacocha, about 300 m from the first, run by the Quisuarcancha community (S/30 in 2026). Groups usually camp on whichever side has space.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. On the Huayhuash Circuit you camp at the community campsites; each community collects a cash fee in soles for its land and camps, so keep every ticket. Since February 2026 the communities say they no longer admit unguided trekkers: go with a registered guide or arriero.
Emergency: call 105 (police, Alta Montaña) or 106 (ambulance). No mountain rescue. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.