From: £2,473
From: $3,292
You’ll be met at the airport and taken to your Lima hotel to join the tour. Overnight at hotel.
You’ll be transferred to Lima airport for the short flight from Lima to Anta, the airport serving Huaraz. From there it’s a quick transfer into Huaraz itself, where you’ll settle in for some acclimatisation hikes before setting off on the Huayhuash circuit.
Cordillera Negra · acclimatisation hike · approx. 7km return, +600m ascent, high point 3,720m, 3–5 hrs
Wilcacocha is the gentlest of the three acclimatisation hikes, which is what we need on day one. The trail climbs through eucalyptus and scrub on the Cordillera Negra side of the valley. The reward at the top is one of the best panoramic views in the area: the entire glaciated wall of the Cordillera Blanca laid out, and the lake and its birdlife in front of you.
Lunch is included on the trail. Dinner is on your own back in Huaraz -there are plenty of good options within walking distance of Akilpo guesthouse, where you’ll be staying.
Cordillera Blanca · acclimatisation hike · approx. 15km return, +400m ascent, high point c.4,300m, 4–5 hrs walking
A step up from yesterday, both in distance and in altitude. Rajucolta sits under Tocllaraju, and the approach winds through a quieter valley than most of the more famous Cordillera Blanca lakes. The lake itself is a deep turquoise, fed directly by glacial meltwater, with the mountain’s south face rising out of the far shore.
We’ll drive from Rajucolta valley to the Lazy Dog Inn via Huaraz, for two nights before the trek begins.
Huascarán National Park · acclimatisation hike · approx. 7km return, +550m ascent, high point 4,450m, 4–6 hrs
The toughest of the three acclimatisation hikes: Churup involves a steep final scramble up fixed cables and rock steps to reach the lake, sitting at close to 4,450m and ringed by jagged peaks.
Most groups doing the Huayhuash use Churup as the final test before committing to the circuit – if the group has handled this comfortably, the passes ahead shouldn’t throw up surprises. Lunch is included on the trail.
Stay Lazy Dog Inn Meals B/L/D
Transfer to Huaraz; rest day ahead of the trek
We drive back down to Huaraz and check back into Akilpo for one last night before ten days on the trail. This day is built in deliberately to give you a day off rather than another push.
The remainder of the day is for finishing packing, checking gear, and unwinding properly.
Tomorrow the circuit begins!
Huaraz to Quartelhuain 4,170m, then Cacananpunta Pass 4,690m to Janca 4,200m · approx. 9km, +550m ascent, 4–5 hrs drive, 5–6 hrs walk
Pick-up at 4am for the drive along the Callejón de Huaylas valley, passing through several rural villages before reaching Quartelhuain at 4,170m, around four to five hours from Huaraz. We’ll have breakfast here while the donkeys are loaded with the camp equipment.
From Quartelhuain, the trail climbs slowly up to Cacananpunta Pass at 4,690m – the first of the circuit’s eight passes – with the descent on the far side rewarding you with stunning views of Rondoy and Jirishanca. Camp tonight is in the Janca Valley at 4,200m, around five hours of walking in total.
Carhuac Pass 4,630m to Laguna Carhuacocha 4,150m · approx. 10km, +400m ascent, 5–6 hrs
An ascent towards Carhuac Pass at 4,630m brings fabulous views of Nevados Carnicero, Siula Grande, Yerupajá and Jirishanca – four of the range’s biggest peaks visible together from a single vantage point. From the pass, we’ll descend to camp at lovely Laguna Carhuacocha, 4,150m.
This is one of the most picturesque campsites on the circuit – the lake sits directly beneath the range’s biggest wall of ice, and mornings here, before the wind picks up on the water, are some of the best on the trek.
Siula Punta Pass 4,850m to Huayhuash camp 4,350m · approx. 14km, +800m ascent, 6–8 hrs
This is the day most people come for. The ascent towards Siula Punta Pass takes the group above the glacier-fed lakes of Siula and Quesillococha, with views of the surrounding mountains building as you climb. From the pass, around 4,850m, we’ll head down to camp at Huayhuash, 4,350m, passing a beautiful lake along the way with views of the range’s great peaks throughout.
This stretch passes close to the west face of Siula Grande – the mountain at the centre of Touching the Void, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’s account of their disastrous 1985 climb. At eight hours, it’s the longest day on the circuit so far.
Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass 4,780m to Viconga camp 4,350m · approx. 12km, +500m ascent, 5–6 hrs
A steady ascent towards Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass at 4,780m brings great views of the Cordillera Raura, a neighbouring range not seen up close until now. From the pass, we’ll descend past the big lake at Viconga to camp at 4,350m, alongside Viconga hot springs.
After three days of hard passes and cold mornings, sinking into hot water with the surrounding peaks visible above the pools is a lovely surprise!
Stay Camp Meals B/L/D
Punta Cuyoc Pass 5,050m to Cuyoc camp 4,500m · approx. 9km, +700m ascent, 5–6 hrs
A steady three-hour uphill hike brings us to Punta Cuyoc, a breathtaking pass at 4,900m – the second-highest crossing of the circuit. The views from up here are some of the most expansive with peaks visible in nearly every direction. From there we descend to camp at 4,500m.
This southern stretch of the Huayhuash sees noticeably fewer trekkers than the northern half around Carhuacocha, which usually means a quieter trail and a quieter camp tonight.
Santa Rosa Pass 5,060m to Cutatambo camp 4,270m · approx. 7km, +600m ascent, 5–6 hrs
Today brings the highest pass of the trek: Santa Rosa, at 5,100m, with fantastic views of mountains and lakes from the top. From up here you’ll see the Siula Glacier – the terrain Joe Simpson crawled down during his battle for survival as told in Touching the Void.
From the pass, we descend into the Callinca Valley to camp at Cutatambo, 4,265m. It’s a high point of the circuit in every sense, both the thin air at altitude and the scale of what you’re looking at.
Cutatambo 4,265m down to Huayllapa 3,600m, following the Calinca valley · approx. 10–11km, mostly descent with modest undulations, 4–5 hrs
Today we come down to what feels like Peruvian sea level after the previous day’s 5,100m pass, following the Calinca valley down for around four hours to the highland village of Huayllapa, 3,600m.
Huayllapa is the only proper settlement the circuit passes through, and it’s a useful reminder that this is inhabited, working land rather than empty wilderness. Villagers here are mainly farmers and shepherds, with a few working in tourism as cooks and donkey drivers.
Punta Tapush Pass 4,770m to Gashpapampa camp 4,600m · approx. 12–13km, +1,000–1,100m ascent from Huayllapa, 7–8 hrs
Back into the high mountains after the lower-altitude village stop at Huayllapa. A slow climb in the morning takes you up to 4,770m to cross Punta Tapush Pass, before a descent to camp at Gashpapampa, 4,600m. It’s a long day – seven to eight hours -and one of the less-visited stretches of the circuit, with a noticeably wild, stark feel.
Llaucha Punta Pass 4,850m, Huacrish Lookout, to Laguna Jahuacocha 4,050m · approx. 9–10km, +250–350m ascent, 4–5 hrs
A short descent before climbing back up towards Llaucha Punta Pass, 4,850m, with fantastic views of Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupajá, Rasac and Sacra building as you climb. From the pass, the trail follows a ridge to the Huacrish Lookout, a unique vantage point over the whole Huayhuash range.
The descent from here brings us to the final camp at Laguna Jahuacocha, 4,050m, considered the best campsite on the circuit. Five glaciated peaks ring the lake, and arriving in the late afternoon light is the kind of payoff that makes the whole trek worthwhile.
Jahuacocha 4,050m to Llamac 3,300-3,400m, then road transfer · approx. 10-11km, +300-450m ascent before final descent, 5 hrs walk, 4 hrs drive
The final day of trekking follows the river down the valley, then a water channel that supplies the community of Llamac, with final views back over the range before the trail descends to the village. Transport meets you at Llamac for the drive back to Huaraz.
Expect a slightly dazed feeling on arrival – ten days of trail living doesn’t switch off instantly, and a hot shower at Akilpo tonight will likely be one of the best of the trip!
A private transfer takes you to Huaraz Airport for the flight back to Lima, connecting on to international flights home or onward Peru travel.
Build in a reasonable buffer at Lima airport – internal Peruvian flights occasionally run late due to weather over the Cordillera Blanca, and a tight connection isn’t worth the risk.
| Departure | Return | Duration (days) | Price from ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 May 2027 | 10 Jun 2027 | 17 | $3292 | Check availability |
✓ Private transfer, Lima Airport to hotel, on arrival
✓ 1 night at El Tambo Hotel, Miraflores, Lima, double room with breakfast
✓ Private transfer, hotel to Lima Airport, for the onward domestic flight
✓ Private transfer, Huaraz Airport to town, on arrival in Huaraz
✓ 2 nights at Akilpo B&B, Huaraz, double room with breakfast
✓ Day hike to Laguna Wilcacocha with lunch
✓ Day hike to Laguna Rajucolta with lunch
✓ Private transfer, Huaraz to Lazy Dog Inn
✓ 2 nights at Lazy Dog Inn, double room with breakfast and dinner
✓ Day hike to Laguna Churup with lunch
✓ Private transfer, Lazy Dog Inn to Huaraz
✓ 1 night at Akilpo B&B, Huaraz, double room with breakfast
✓ Huayhuash Trek, 9 nights / 10 days, double tent, private guide, breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout
✓ 1 night at Akilpo B&B, Huaraz on return from the trek, double room with breakfast
✓ Private transfer, Huaraz to Huaraz Airport, on departure
International flights to and from Lima
Flight from Lima to Huaraz (not included – to be booked separately)
Travel insurance (mandatory, including emergency evacuation cover to at least 5,000m)
Dinner on Wilcacocha and Rajucolta hike days (breakfast only is included; lunch is provided on the trail)
Meals in Lima, and any meals in Huaraz not specified as included
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag rated to –10°C, hiking boots, trekking poles)
Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks and muleteers
Personal spending money, snacks and bottled drinks
Camping with dining tent and toilet tent – some campsites have communal, longdrop style latrines.
We use 2-3* hotels in Lima and Huaraz, guesthouse style with private bathrooms. Upgrades available at extra cost – please ask.
We have classified this as a strenuous trek, and you need to be in very good physical shape for it.
You hike 4-7 hours a day on consecutive days (with a rest day), over rugged mountain trails at high elevation.
There are several high altitude passes to cross, as high as 5,000m/16,404ft.
Pre-trip preparation should include challenging cardiovascular exercise (including regular hikes on varied terrain) and a healthy, balanced diet.
Well-worn hiking boots are highly recommended.
All guests are encouraged to hike at their own pace, taking breaks whenever needed, to ensure a successful and enjoyable trek for all.
Most people go to bed fairly early after a long day trekking, to recover energy for the morning.
Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for – please ask us for more information.
Breakfasts at hotels will feature teas, coffees and juices to drink, plus cereals, fruit, eggs, toast and jams etc.
You wake early, usually around 07.00. Breakfast is served in a dining tent, and consists of hot drinks, porridge, toast, jams and bread, and your guide will explain the day’s trekking plans.
Lunch is usually around 13.00 and can feature soups, meats, salads and fish, with vegetarian options and hot drinks too.
The campsites are comfortable and around 17.00 hot drinks, popcorn and other snacks are served to help you recover energy.
Dinner is served around 19.30, and will feature pasta, mashed potatoes, meat, fish or vegetarian options, followed by hot drinks and a pudding.
All guides are certified, experienced, English-speaking guides who have worked with us for many years.
Cooks, mule drivers and additional staff are all from the local, nearby communities and we have worked with them for a long time.
A wonderfully organized Peruvian adventure combining hiking, culture, wildlife, and the unforgettable magic of Machu Picchu.
Exceptional service, scenic travel, and enriching cultural tours made this Peruvian journey truly memorable.
Our fully-supported small group treks around the Huayhuash circuit take you into the wilderness of the Peruvian high Andes with some of the best scenery of the Andes of South America.
The Huayhuash massif features a dozen sharp, ice-clad summits that rise dramatically from rolling grassland.
Walking the trails, the only noises that may break the serenity are passing wings of a condor or the calls of a herder to his llamas.
From: $1237 per person
Duration
4 days
Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.
The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.
The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.
Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.
The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.
The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.
Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.
Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.
The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.
The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
When planning for the varied climatic conditions encountered, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system. It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create.
To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers. Layers should have the following qualities:
First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.
Mid layers: These isolating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.
Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
We also carry an extensive first aid kit & oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only.
Below is a more detailed kit list.
You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.
Climate depends largely on altitude. As a rule of thumb, below 2,000m climate is mild and above 2,000m warm clothing is required for evenings, nights and early mornings.
The Andean sun is very strong.
Cusco (3,300m): Average max/min temps: 22ºC /2ºC. Average 3 or 4 wet days per month.
Arequipa (2,380m): Average max/min temps: 26ºC /9ºC. Sunny more than 340 days/year with minimal precipitation.
On highland treks: Conditions are generally dry. However, at this time of year, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m, where pre-dawn temperatures can be -5ºC; warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings.
Note that mountain weather can be fickle and localised, and that precipitation is not unknown in the dry season. Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.
In the cloud forest, e.g. around Machu Picchu, daytime conditions are generally warm or hot, and evenings cool.
Cusco: Average max/min temps: 23ºC /6ºC. Average 13 wet days per month.
Arequipa: Average max/min temps: 25ºC /14ºC.
On highland treks: Wetter conditions, with cooler days and milder nights than dry season. Jan-Mar usually the wettest months.
A wonderfully organized Peruvian adventure combining hiking, culture, wildlife, and the unforgettable magic of Machu Picchu.
Exceptional service, scenic travel, and enriching cultural tours made this Peruvian journey truly memorable.
