Huayhuash Trek

The trek is around 120 kilometers as you hike a circuit around the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range. You will have views of some of the most spectacular mountains that are over 5000m and 6000m, including Siula Grande, Trapecio, Yerupaja, Jirishanca (hummingbird), Rondoy, and Diablo Mundo.

Because it’s a circuit, you’ll also see the Cordillera Huayhuash from different angles. The view is breathtaking with the most beautiful views on days 3,5, and 7.

Don’t get it wrong though, this is also one of the most difficult of the popular treks you can attempt. While the elevation gains and losses aren’t too intense each day, you’ll be at such a high altitude that you’ll likely need to deal with altitude sickness (bloating gas, nausea, stomach pain), and potential blisters from the gear and weather. In addition to the altitude sickness, you’ll be camping in -5-degree weather. This isn’t for the weak of the heart!

On the first day, you’ll take a 5am bus transfer (4 or 5 hours) from Huaraz (the hiking capital in Peru) to a little village for breakfast and the basecamp for the trek. From there, you’ll start with a 9-kilometer acclimatization trek by ascending from basecamp 4180m to 4750m and then descending to 4200m. From there, the stages get a bit more difficult. On stage two, you’ll increase your distance and hike 12 kilometers between your camps, and on stage three you’ll hike 16 kilometers. Stage four has the option for an additional hike to see the mountain Trapecio and the glacier if you have the energy!

Stage five is the longest day of the trek, at 18 kilometers. You’ll hike from 4400m to 5000m then down to a cute local village Huayllapa (3490m). There’s an option to spend the night in a hostel to have a warm shower and escape the frozen tent, and they also have wifi. However, there is still the option to pay to have a warm shower, use the wifi, and still sleep in your tent.

Stage six is another long day of 16 kilometers. You’ll ascend from 3490m to 4800m then down to 4500m, where you’ll sleep at the highest and coldest campsite.

Stage seven is much shorter, 9.5 kilometers, with some of the best views of the circuit. You’ll ascend from 4500m to 4700m then descend to 4080m, where you’ll sleep at the most beautiful campsite. Finally, for stage eight, you’ll hike a long way downhill to the village where you began. This is where you’ll wait for the bus back to Huaraz.

The best time of the year to hike the Huayhuash trail is June to August. This is the dry season in Peru Cordillera mountain range when the sky is crystal blue, the sun will keep you warm in the daytime, and the view is spectacular with fewer clouds and less rain. However, there might still be some rain or hail sprinkled throughout.

Keep in mind that the weather in the high mountains can change rapidly, and it’s important to be prepared for all conditions, including rain or snow. Always check trail conditions and local weather forecasts before starting a high-alpine hike. Additionally, consider your hiking experience and skill level, as this trek is challenging and requires proper equipment and experience.

If you do the trek with a guided tour, the hiking guide with brief you on the safety guidelines for each day. If you do the trek self-guided, make sure you are well prepared for the changing weather in the mountains and have sufficient food and gear. Note that this is a very remote area. We recommend this tour with an official guide or at least to hike in a group.

You’ll need a pair of hiking shoes with good grip, hiking poles (recommended, as some sections are very steep especially downhill), good winter sleeping bags (comfort -10), a tent, sleeping mattress, warm clothes, and different layers of clothes (as day time is hot and evening can get very cold with a temperature drop down to -15), gloves, scarf, sunglasses, sun cream, headlamp, and a first aid kit. Find some extensive gear lists here.