Huayhuash Circuit

Information

Distance

130.0 km

Duration

8–14 days

Max elevation

5,000 m

Country

Peru (PE)

Difficulty

Strenuous — almost the entire journey is above 4,000 m; a dozen passes above 4,500 m; high risk of altitude sickness

Best Season

May–September (dry season; June–August best)

Permits & Fees

Community permits are required, paid at posts along the trail; the total is about 220–300 soles per person for the full circuit

Description

The Huayhuash Circuit is a ~130 km loop trek encircling the Cordillera Huayhuash in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, widely regarded as one of the world's most dramatic trekking routes. The route surrounds seven peaks exceeding 6,000 m — including Yerupajá (6,617 m), the second highest peak in Peru — and crosses twelve high passes, nearly all above 4,500 m, with almost the entire route above the 4,000 m tree line. Lake Carhuacocha is frequently cited as one of the world's most beautiful campsites, where tents sit at the water's edge with direct views of the glaciers of Yerupajá and Jirishanca. Physically far more demanding than the Inca Trail, the circuit requires proper acclimatisation at Huaraz (3,090 m) beforehand. Community permits are paid at checkpoints along the route, totalling around 220–300 soles per person.

Trail Highlights

Circling the entire spectacular Cordillera Huayhuash with seven peaks above 6,000 m, including Yerupajá (6,617 m) — the second highest peak in Peru. The trek passes the glacial lakes of Carhuacocha and Jahuacocha, often cited among the most beautiful campsite views in the world, more than a dozen passes above 4,500 m including Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m), the Viconga hot springs, and Siula Grande (6,344 m), made famous by Joe Simpson's book "Touching the Void".