Guide to Hiking the Huayhuash Circuit in Peru

A Stunning Alpine Trail for the Adventurous

Widely considered one of the world’s most spectacular alpine treks, the Huayhuash Circuit takes you deep into the heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru. Spanning approximately 120 km and crossing 12 mountain passes above 4,500 meters, this trek offers a remote and challenging route through one of the most awe-inspiring mountain ranges in the Andes. Along the way, you’ll be treated to jagged, snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes, all set against the rugged, untamed beauty of the Peruvian mountains.

I (Darren) hiked the Huayhuash Circuit with my wife, Julie, in June 2025. It was one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences we’ve had. We discovered this route after completing the Haute Route in Switzerland in 2024, an incredible and life-changing journey. When we returned home, I began searching for “the most beautiful alpine hike in the world,” and that’s when the Huayhuash Circuit appeared on my radar.

Below, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan your own adventure, from acclimatisation tips to the ideal itinerary, campsite details, fees, and what to expect on the trail.

About the Huayhuash Circuit

The Cordillera Huayhuash, located about 400 km north of Lima, is much quieter than the nearby Cordillera Blanca. This lesser-known mountain range offers a sense of solitude, and trekking here is like stepping into another world. While the region gained fame due to Joe Simpson’s survival story after a mountaineering accident on Siula Grande, it’s now becoming known for its dramatic landscapes. Whether it’s the towering glaciers or the spectacular views of snow-covered peaks, trekking through this region is truly magical.

The trek itself can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks, depending on your pace, fitness, and how much weight you can carry. For Julie and me, 8 days turned out to be the sweet spot, mostly due to time, but you can adapt this plan for a shorter or longer trek.

Independent Trek vs. Guided Trek: What’s Right for You?

While it’s entirely possible to hike the Huayhuash Circuit independently, many, like us, choose to join a guided trek. We initially considered hiking independently but thought the logistics of carrying heavy packs at high altitude, or organising our own porters, and donkeys wasn’t worth the hassle and allowed us to enjoy the experience with others. Most guided options come with porters or donkeys to carry your gear, and meals are prepared for you – which is ideal if you lack the necessary gear, confidence, or time to plan everything yourself.

For those interested in hiking independently, the rewards are definitely worth the effort. But be prepared – it’s demanding, as some we passed on the trail attested to. You’ll need to be comfortable with steep and uneven terrain, carry a 15-25kg pack, cook all your own meals, negotiate on camping fees, navigate with a map and GPS, and deal with the challenges of high-altitude trekking.

If you’re looking to join a group, I can recommend Krusty Travel Tours and Expeditions (around $620 AUD). For convenience, we also stayed at their accommodation in Huaraz (Krusty Hostel) during our acclimatisation days before the trek. They are experienced guides who were incredibly helpful, and I can personally recommend their services.

What You’ll Need for Independent Hiking

Before you go, you should be prepared for:

• Hiking 6-10 hours a day for 10 days (or however long your trek is)
• Carrying a 15-25 kg pack
• Owning or renting the necessary gear (see below for packing tips)
• Having moderate to advanced navigational skills, including map reading and GPS
• Understanding how to manage altitude sickness and knowing what to do in a medical emergency (it’s a good idea to appropriate insurance, and have a satellite communicator for emergency SOS)

Acclimatising for Your Trek

Altitude sickness is a serious concern on the Huayhuash Circuit, as the trail stays above 4,700 meters for the majority of the trek. The highest point, Paso San Antonio, reaches 5,100 meters. Proper acclimatisation is essential to avoid altitude sickness.

It’s vital to get at least 2-3 days of acclimatisation, ideally through some high-altitude day hikes before your trek. Huaraz (3,050 meters) is great place to acclimatise. Spend a few days hiking above this altitude and gradually increase your elevation. From Huaraz, consider hikes like Laguna Parón (4,200 meters) or Laguna 69 (4,600 meters) to prepare your body.

We explored the following in the three days before our trek:

1. Laguna Parón (4,200m)

Laguna Parón is a stunning turquoise lake located in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. This hike, which starts at a relatively low elevation of 4,200m, offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, including Mount Huandoy. The trail to Laguna Parón is a popular acclimatisation hike, as it’s a moderate climb that helps your body adjust to higher altitudes while providing one of the most scenic experiences in the region.

2. Laguna Churup (4,450m)

Laguna Churup is a relatively short but steep hike, known for its beautiful alpine scenery and the pristine, crystal-clear lake nestled at the base of Churup Mountain. This challenging trek involves a steady climb through lush vegetation before reaching the rocky path leading to the lake. The payoff is a stunning view of the turquoise waters, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and snow-capped peaks. At 4,450m, Laguna Churup is a perfect option for building altitude tolerance and enjoying a bit of wilderness before tackling the Huayhuash Circuit.

3. Laguna 69 (4,600m)

One of the most famous hikes in the Cordillera Blanca, Laguna 69 offers spectacular views of the striking blue-green waters framed by jagged peaks and glaciers. The hike is challenging, with a steady uphill climb, but it’s well worth the effort. As you approach the lake, the stunning panorama of snow-covered mountains and waterfalls creates a truly magical setting. At 4,600m, this hike provides excellent acclimatisation for those preparing for higher altitudes on the Huayhuash Circuit.

When to Hike the Huayhuash Circuit

The best time to do the Huayhuash Circuit is during the dry season, from May to September. During this period, the weather is stable, with mild daytime temperatures of 18-22°C and nighttime lows ranging from -10°C to 0°C. However, be prepared for the unexpected! While we trekked in June and enjoyed mostly sunny days, we did encounter rain on the first three days and a surprise snowstorm one morning.

If you plan on trekking in the wet season (October to April), be ready for heavy rainfall, thick clouds, and slippery, unstable terrain. Visibility can be poor, and the trail becomes more difficult and dangerous. It’s best to avoid hiking during these months.

Key Resources for the Huayhuash Circuit

For navigating the Huayhuash Circuit, two essential resources are:

• Map: The Alpenvereinskarte Huayhuash (Peru) 1:50,000 Trekking Map is the best map for the circuit. Be aware that place names may vary due to historical and cultural factors, but this map remains your most reliable tool.
• Guidebook: Peru’s Cordilleras Blanca & Huayhuash by Neil & Harriet Pike is the only real guidebook covering the Huayhuash Circuit. Although it has some limitations, it’s invaluable for trip planning and navigating the trail.

Getting to the Trailhead

The town of Huaraz (3,050 meters) is the best base for accessing the Huayhuash Circuit. From here, you can either:

1. If travelling from Australia, take an international flight to Lima, Peru. We travelled with Latam Airlines from Melbourne to Santiago Chili, then direct to Lima.
2. Take a domestic flight from Lima to Anta (approximately $150 AUD), followed by a shuttle, taxi or Uber to Huaraz.
3. Take a bus (the more affordable option) from Lima to Huaraz with companies like Cruz del Sur or Civa. The 8-hour overnight bus ride is comfortable and budget-friendly, with tickets around $50 AUD. We had originally planned to catch the bus to and from Lima but after the initial bus ride, and after spending a few weeks driving along heavily potholed roads in the region, we decided to pay a little extra and take the short flight back from Huaraz to Lima.

Once in Huaraz, and a following a few days of aclimitisation, you’ll make your way to the trailhead. Most independent trekkers begin in Llamac, which is accessible by public transport. However, for more comfort and efficiency, you can also start directly at Quartelhuain (Cuartelwain or Matacancha), which requires a private shuttle, saving time and energy. If you are joining an organised tour, you’ll need to check with your tour operator where they plan to start the circuit. Ours started from Quartelhuain and ended at Pocpa.

Our 8-Day Huayhuash Circuit Guided Itinerary

Here’s a look at what our 8-day trek through the stunning Huayhuash Circuit was like:

Day 1: Huaraz to Quartelhuain (4,100m) – Mitucocha (4,150m)

We began our journey with an early 4:00 am departure from Huaraz, heading to the small town of Pocpa for a quick breakfast. After a scenic and bumpy five-hour drive, we arrived at the start of the trail in Quartelhuain. The first stretch of the trek involved crossing Punta Cacanan (4,750m), our first pass, where we were treated to sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. From there, we made our way downhill towards the peaceful Laguna Mitucocha, a perfect spot to set up camp. The alpine landscape was absolutely beautiful, making the first day of hiking feel like a dream.

Day 2: Mitucocha to Carhuacocha (4,150m)

On day two, we had an exhilarating climb ahead of us. We headed towards Alcaycocha Pass (4,700m), where the views were nothing short of stunning. Looking back towards Mitucocha Lagoon and the Siula Lagoon in the distance was a highlight. As we descended from the pass, the towering peaks of Rondoy, Yerupaja Grande, and Siula Grande dominated the horizon, making the landscape even more dramatic. The day ended by the shores of Carhuacocha Lagoon, where we set up camp in one of the most awe-inspiring spots of the trek, surrounded by these massive peaks that seemed to rise right out of the water.

Day 3: Carhuacocha to Huayhuash (4,350m)

Today, we followed the edge of Carhuacocha Lagoon, taking in the incredible views of the water and the jagged mountains around us. After a few hours of hiking, we reached a viewpoint where we could see three shimmering lakes against a backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks. The highlight of the day was the steep climb up to Siula Pass (4,800m), where we were rewarded with panoramic views of Yerupaja (6,634m) and Siula Grande (6,356m). The landscape here was simply jaw-dropping, and after soaking it all in, we descended to Huayhuash, where we camped for the night.

Day 4: Huayhuash to Campo Elefantes (4,400m)

This was a tough day with a solid four-hour climb to reach Trapeze Pass (5,000m), the second-highest point of the trek. The climb was challenging, but the views from the top made it worthwhile. We were treated to breathtaking views of peaks like Trapecio, Pumarinri, and Cuyoc Jurao, which towered over us. After a long, rewarding day of hiking, we made our way down to Campo Elefantes, a serene camp spot nestled beneath the towering mountains. It was a peaceful place to rest, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Andes.

Day 5: Campo Elefantes to Huayllapa (3,800m)

This was one of the longest days of the trek, but it was also one of the most rewarding. We started the day with a climb to San Antonio Pass (5,100m), where we were once again treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding peaks—Siula, Trapecio, Jurao, and Yerupaja all stood proud against the sky. The views were so overwhelming that they caught me by surprise, stirring up a mix of awe and emotion. After taking in the scenery, we began our descent into the Cutatambo Valley, following the river down into the remote village of Huayllapa. The quiet village was a great place to rest and reflect on the day’s journey.

Day 6: Huayllapa (3,600m) to Gashpapampa (4,300m)

After a hearty breakfast in Huayllapa, we began our long ascent through the Huatiac Valley, climbing steadily towards Tapush Pass (4,800m). The valley was stunning, with jagged peaks on either side, and the trail was remote and peaceful. As we gained altitude, the landscape became even more dramatic. After several hours of hiking, we reached our camp at Gashpapampa, where we could rest and enjoy the solitude of the high Andes. The views from camp were breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks and vast, open landscapes stretching in all directions.

Day 7: Gashpapampa to Jahuacocha (4,000m)

Today’s hike brought us to Yaucha Pass (4,800m), another highlight of the trek. The climb was steep, but the views from the top were worth every step. We could see even more of the incredible mountain scenery, with the massive peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash surrounding us. After the pass, we descended towards Jahuacocha Lagoon, a beautiful spot to set up camp for the night. The camp was serene, with the clear waters of the lagoon reflecting the surrounding peaks. It felt like the perfect way to spend our second-to-last night on the trail.

Day 8: Jahuacocha to Pocpa and back to Huaraz

The final day of the trek was bittersweet. We started with a climb to Punta Jahuacocha (4,700m), the last pass of the trek. From here, we had one final, sweeping view of the mountains we had been hiking through for the past week. It was an emotional moment, as it felt like we were saying goodbye to this incredible landscape. After soaking it all in, we made our way down to Pocpa, where we met our transport and began the journey back to Huaraz. As we drove back through the mountains, we reflected on the amazing adventure we had just experienced—one of the most unforgettable treks in the world.

Camping on the Huayhuash Circuit

If you’re joining a tour, there’s no need to worry about camping—your tents will be set up by the time you arrive at each campsite. If you’re hiking independently, you’ll find 12 official campsites along the Huayhuash Circuit, each managed by one of the 9 local communities.

These campsites are free to use, as they’re included in the community fees. Most are situated in scenic spots, but the facilities are basic—expect non-potable water sources and simple toilets.

Community fees are required to hike through each community’s land, which totals approximately S/280 ($120 AUD) in 2025.

Trail Conditions and Navigation

The terrain on the Huayhuash Circuit can be rough and challenging, with steep hillsides, moraine rubble, and alpine pampas. If you’re hiking independently, it’s essential to have solid navigational skills. A map, guidebook, and GPS are vital tools for this trek. Be prepared for days when the trail may be difficult to follow, and you’ll need to rely on your navigation skills to stay on course.

Essential Equipment for the Huayhuash Trek

To ensure a safe and comfortable journey through the rugged Huayhuash Circuit, proper gear is essential. Here’s a list of equipment I recommend for your trek. If you’re hiking independently, you’ll also need extra gear for sleeping, cooking, and a larger pack to carry everything:

• A backpack with a load capacity of 30 to 40 litres for daily use on the trek.
• If you have your own down sleeping bag and prefer to bring it, there are no restrictions.
• A down jacket for warmth in the chilly high-altitude conditions.
• 3 pairs of pants (not jeans, as they take a long time to dry once wet).
• 2–4 pairs of wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
• Mid-layers, shirts, gloves, and a hat for sun protection.
• Rain gear (poncho and/or waterproof jacket and pants).
• Hiking boots to handle the rough terrain.
• Hiking poles to help with steep ascents and descents.
• 1 pair of lightweight shoes or sandals for relaxing around camp.
• A headlamp with at least 2 spare sets of batteries.
• Sunglasses for protection from the intense mountain sun.
• Sunscreen and lip balm to prevent sunburn and chapped lips.
• Personal medications and any other medical supplies you need.
• Hygiene items such as wet wipes and biodegradable soap.
• Thermal layers for extra warmth during cold nights.
• A water filter or purifier, and a bottle or bladder so you can carry at least 2 litres of water each day.

With the right gear, you’ll be well-prepared for the elements and able to fully enjoy this extraordinary trek.

Reflections on the Huayhuash Circuit

The Huayhuash Circuit is widely regarded as one of the best alpine treks in the world, celebrated for its stunning remoteness and proximity to towering mountains that feel almost within reach. It is a challenging trek of about 120 km, typically completed in 8 to 14 days, crossing multiple high passes between 4,500- and 5,200-meters altitude, with most trekking done above 4,000 meters.

The trek offers spectacular scenery, including dramatic glacial lakes, rugged valleys, and iconic peaks such as Yerupajá (6,634 m), Peru’s second-highest mountain, and Siula Grande, made famous by the survival story Touching the Void. The landscape is stark and barren, with hanging glaciers and sharp rock spires, providing a raw and awe-inspiring wilderness experience.

Despite its difficulty and high altitude, the Huayhuash Circuit remains less crowded than other popular Peruvian treks like the Santa Cruz trek in the Cordillera Blanca, although it has gained popularity in recent years and is no longer a hidden gem. Trekkers should be prepared for altitude sickness and some logistical challenges, including occasional encounters with aggressive dogs on the trail.

As for Julie and me, the jury is still out on whether we enjoyed this trek more than the 14-day, 230 km Haute Route in the Swiss Alps. But it’s certainly up there with the most spectacular alpine routes we’ve ever walked, and it did make me shed a tear. That said, the Haute Route felt even more rewarding and personal since we hiked it on our own.

Overall, the Huayhuash Circuit is highly recommended for experienced trekkers seeking a remote, breathtaking, and culturally rich Andean adventure, with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world.