Stage 1 of the Huayhuash Circuit covers 8.1 km from Quartelhuain to Mitucocha, with 697 m of ascent and 628 m of descent. The highest point is 4,656 m. Allow about 4.5 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.
Janca
Community campsite at about 4,230 m in the Janca valley below Jirishanca and Rondoy, a short walk from Mitucocha lake. It belongs to Queropalca, whose fee (S/40 in 2026) also covers part of Carhuacocha; the only official camp on this stage.
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.