Based in Cusco, Peru, Heather is an expert on travel to Peru and South America. Heather writes on tourism, trekking, and social issues in Peru for publications including BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Matador Network, Thrifty Nomads, World Nomads, Frommer's, Flashpack, and more. Heather co-founded the Covid Relief Project with Henry Quintano Loaiza to assist vulnerable families in the Cusco region.
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: Approx 130 km depending on route
- Duration: Eight to ten days
- Maximum elevation: 5,000-5,200m, depending on the route
- Start/end point: Llámac
- Accommodation: Camping
The Huayhuash Circuit is a challenging multi-day trek which can be adapted for routes as short as two days and as long as twelve days, although most people complete it in eight to 10 days.
The route snakes through the Huayhuash range made famous by Joe Simpson’s book Touching the Void, which recounts his nearly fatal climb up Siula Grande (6,344m) with Simon Yates in 1985.
The trails around go by shimmering turquoise lakes, glaciers, high mountain passes and all have expansive views of more glaciers and summits over 6,000m. You may see condors, vizcacha (a kind of chinchilla) and vicuña, the wild cousin of the llama. As the campgrounds are all maintained by local communities, this is a great place to meet Andeans who speak Quechua and maintain their traditional culture and lifestyle.
The trek is not nearly as dangerous as attempting to summit the peaks but you're still at high altitude, between 3,300m and 5,200m. All trekkers should check on current conditions with the Casa de Guías in Huaraz before setting out. You can get free maps that are quite basic or purchase detailed topographical maps.
If you prefer a shorter route, there is an extensive network of trails around the Huayhuash Range, which makes it easily adaptable for almost any length of trek. A simple overnight is usually at Laguna Soltera Cocha and the full twelve days is a circle around the/ entire mountain range.
Need to know
If you book with an agency, they will provide transportation from Huaraz to the trailhead at Quisipata, near the town of Chiquián. From Quisipata you can hike to either Llámac or Pacllón. If you are hiking alone, enquire about transportation at the Casa de Guías in Huaraz. If you are coming directly from Lima you may start in Cajatambo, but that is not advisable unless you are already acclimated to the high altitude.
Tours usually depart at 9AM from the agency office and start wiith a five to six hour drive through gorgeous backroads and small towns to reach the first campsite where you'll spend your first night beneath the stars and get to know your fellow trekkers. Your guide will usually have a brief meeting with the group after dinner each evening to discuss the hiking route for the next day.
At a glance
Destinations
Cordillera Blanca
Activity
Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & WildlifePhysical Level
Strenuous
Season
May - September
Duration
8 days
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The Huayhuash Circuit
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