Cordillera Huayhuash

One Of The World'S Best Known Trekking Circuits In A Dense Range Of Glaciers And Turquoise Lakes, With Yerupaja (6,617 M), The Second Highest Peak In Peru. Communities Charge A Daily Fee To Cross Their Land, And Mining And Glacier Retreat Are Pressures On The Circuit. · Chiquian, Ancash

The Cordillera Huayhuash is a compact wall of glaciers and 6,000 m peaks in the Andes, and its circuit is among the most demanding and scenic treks in South America. The loop covers about 130 km over 8 to 12 days, crossing passes above 4,800 m, with turquoise lakes at Carhuacocha and Jahuacocha, hot springs at Viconga and the huge walls of Yerupaja, and the view of Siula Grande from the book and film Touching the Void. It is wild and remote, with no phone signal and a rescue that can take days. Communities charge a daily camping fee, so carry cash. Past robberies on the trail mean you should go with a registered operator or group, not alone, and check recent reports before you leave. Allow days to adjust to altitude, and expect cold, hail and lightning even in the dry season. Go in May to September, bring a warm sleeping bag rated below freezing, treat all water, and tell someone in Chiquian or Huaraz your route and return date before you leave. This is a trek for fit people with some high-altitude experience.

Compact high range of 6,000 m peaks reached from the town of Chiquian or Llamac, with an 8 to 12 day circuit trek around the glaciers, Chiquian, Ancash, Peru

There are no gates or opening hours; the circuit is open in principle all year, but only the dry season from May to September is practical. Community camps charge a daily fee and may close or restrict access in disputes. Nothing is free: expect to pay at each camp. Confirm the current fees and route status with your operator before you go.

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