How To Hike The Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru
When searching for the best places to visit and things to do in a new place, we’re partial to the recommendations of Peace Corps Volunteers. Today, we’re happy to bring you a guest post about an incredible off-the-beaten path trek in Peru from Lily, who just completed her two years of service in the country. If you love hiking trips, consider Peru’s Huayhuash (pronounced “why wash”) Circuit for a truly epic adventure.
What is the Cordillera Huayhuash trek?
The Cordillera Huayhuash is one of the many snow capped mountain ranges in Peru that stretches between the regions of Ancash, Lima, and Huanuco. The trek is a circuit that takes you up and through the mountains, walking alongside the peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash accompanied by condors to majestic views of gatorade-blue lakes.
How to Get to the Huayhuash Circuit
From Huaraz, Peru you can easily take a bus to Chiquian or Llamac, and your guide will help you arrange this. Some people take the bus directly to Llamac, a community on the route, to start the trek or you can opt for a night in Chiquian before starting early the next day.
Here’s a good map of the full circuit.
At the end of the Huayhuash trek in Llamac you will hop on the same bus that will go through Chiquian before returning to Huaraz. The most common bus companies are Rapido, Jesus and Nazario, and fare is about 12 soles one way.
When To Go
The best time for hiking the Huayhuash circuit is during the dry season, which is generally June-August in the sierra of Peru. Some people go in February and get lucky with little rain but your best bet will be during dry season, ensuring better views with fewer clouds and little to no rain.
How Long is the Hike?
An average Huayhuash trek takes 8 days, but it can be done in more or less depending on your level and time available. 7 days is possible when skipping the hot springs at Viconga, but that would be a shame to miss. Spreading the circuit out to 9 or 10 days would add a campsite and shorten the daily hikes (usually 7 hours).
Cordillera Huayhuash is dog friendly, too!
Cordillera Huayhuash Accommodations
You’re gonna want to bring your best sleeping bag and pads for this! It gets cold at night at such high altitude and the fleece inserts our guides brought were a lifesaver. The campsites are breathtaking, sleeping under the expansive stars and below the imposing white peaks that lend to great sunsets and sunrises.
Meals During the Huayhuash Trek
If you go with a guide, they will provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon snack and a snack bag to take with you for the day. You can bring your own snacks but have a surplus of food!
Guide or No Guide?
If you’re an avid and experienced trekker and already have lots of equipment, a guide probably isn’t necessary for the Cordillera Huayhuash. You can also rent any equipment you need in Huaraz before leaving.
If you’ve never done such a long trek on your own or a little worried about the length and carrying your things, get a guide so that the planning is taken care of. This includes food and your packs being carried by donkeys. It also gives you more time during the day to relax, reflect on the experience and not be busy setting up camp.
What To Pack for the Huayuash Hike
Layers! Layers! Layers! At night you can throw on your fleeces and sweats to stay warm and during the day transition to your hiking gear. Long sleeves and pants are good to protect from the sun and also wind up on the passes.
Windbreakers/raincoats, gloves, hats, buffs and a multitude of socks all come in handy.
If you have donkeys to carry your packs, throw in your journal or a deck of cards to pass the time in the evenings.
Your cellphone or camera are a must to capture the beauty of the Huayhuash trek, and a portable battery can help you last the 8 days with an electronic to document it.
And of course you’ll want to pack some camping essentials like a headlamp, a pair of sandals to give your feet a break from boots at the campsites, and moleskin in case of blisters.
Hiking Tips for Huayuash
The stop at the thermal baths in Viconga will also provide a chance to bathe and wash clothes, so bring your soaps and shampoos! Drying of clothes is not guaranteed, however…
Altitude is no joke! Acclimate in Huaraz for a few days beforehand and bring some coca tea or leaves to chew. If you can make it up to the San Antonio pass at 5100 meters, you’ll be rewarded with the views and be glad you were able to make it up that high!
About the Author
Lily is a Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru. She has spent her time here learning Quechua and integrating into her community and exploring the diverse country. Some of her favorite things to do in Peru include swimming in glacial lakes and eating the local delicacy, guinea pig. Follow along with her adventures at www.lilyhenzi.wordpress.com!
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