Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit Trail

Quick facts at a glance.

Time to Hike: 8-10 days, roughly 130 km on trail with daily stages often between 6 and 10 hours depending on acclimatisation and weather.

Best Time to Go: The dry season is best - generally May to September - when trails are least muddy and views are clearest.

Getting there: Reach Huaraz by overnight bus or short flight from Lima and then take local transport into the roadheads that access the Cordillera Huayhuash. Travel times to trailheads are several hours by jeep or bus from Huaraz.

Costs: There are no mountain refuges - budget for camping, local transport, food, guide/porter hire and community entry or conservation fees; guided trips include logistics and typically cost more but simplify planning.

Difficulty: High altitude terrain with passes commonly above 4,500 m and sections of scree, moraine and steep ascents. Cold nights, sudden storms and altitude sickness are the main hazards.

The route circles the compact and dramatic peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash in the Andes, passing glacial lakes, steep-walled valleys and towering limestone and granite summits. Highlights include close-up views of high summits such as Yerupaja and Siula Grande, alpine meadows dotted with grazing llamas and crystal-clear turquoise lagoons.

There are no staffed mountain huts along the classic loop; camps are on designated sites beside lakes like Jahuacocha and Carhuacocha or in community grazing areas. The trek is notable for its sustained high elevation, concentrated scenery and remote feel compared with larger Andean circuits.

The nearest major hub is Huaraz, reached by long-distance bus or a short regional flight from Lima. Most international travellers overnight in Huaraz to sort permits, hire gear and arrange transport with local operators.

From Huaraz you will take organised jeeps or collective buses to the various trailheads that give access to the loop; logistics are commonly run by trek companies or local transporters. Many groups walk the full circuit in a clockwise direction, though both clockwise and counterclockwise itineraries are used.

The walkable season in the Cordillera Huayhuash is the Peruvian dry season - roughly May through September - when precipitation is lowest and high passes are most reliable. Outside these months you should expect frequent storms, snow on passes and muddy approaches.

There are no huts to book so you do not need reservations for shelters, but guided groups should book operators and any required community entry payments ahead for high season. Even in the dry season plan for cold nights, afternoon storms and possible snow at the highest passes.