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The Huayhuash Circuit

June 25-July 7, 2026

Remote. Rugged. Unforgettable. 

Huascaran mount from the Santa valley, i
Camping in Cordiliera Huayhuash, Laguna Carhuacocha, Peru, South America.jpg
A scenic view of the rocky Cordillera Huayhuash hiking circuit with its lakes, Peru.jpg
Trekking in Cordiliera Huayhuash, Peru, South America.jpg
A scenic view of the snowy Cordillera Huayhuash hiking circuit and three lamas grazing.jpg

Trip Overview:

Often called one of the most beautiful long-distance treks in the world, the Huayhuash Circuit winds through Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash — a dramatic, high-altitude range defined by jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and vast, empty valleys.

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We begin in Huaraz, Peru’s mountain capital, allowing time to acclimatize before stepping onto the trail. Over eight days of trekking, we cross high Andean passes, camp beside turquoise alpine lakes, and move through landscapes that feel untouched by time. This is a true wilderness experience — demanding, humbling, and deeply rewarding.

Aerial panorama of Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit andes mountain Jirishanca Camp Jahuacocha

Trail Specs

Total Distance: ~80 miles
Days on the Trail: 8 trekking days
Highest Elevation: ~16,700 ft 
Primary Pass Elevations: 15,000–16,500 ft
Average Daily Mileage: ~6–10 miles
Daily Hiking Time: 5–10 hours
Terrain: High-altitude Andean passes, rocky alpine trails, remote valleys, glacial lakes
Sleeping Elevation Range: ~13,000–15,000+ ft
Typical Temperature Range: 20-50°F

What Type of Challenge Is This?

Physical Challenge:

This is a high-altitude, physically demanding trek designed for hikers ready to take on long days, sustained elevation, and rugged terrain.

You can expect 5–10 hours of hiking most days, frequent steep ascents to high mountain passes, and consecutive nights of tent camping above 13,000 feet. Altitude and cold temperatures add to the challenge, particularly in the evenings.

While the Huayhuash is demanding, you’ll be well supported. Experienced guides, porters, mule teams, and cooks handle logistics, carry gear, and prepare nourishing meals so you can focus fully on the hike. This structure makes the trek approachable for well-prepared hikers with a strong fitness base and an adventurous mindset.

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Accommodations:

Before and after the trek, we stay in comfortable 3+ star hotels in Huaraz, offering warm showers, cozy beds, and a welcoming place to rest, recover, and acclimatize.

On the trail, accommodations are comfortable tent camping in spectacular alpine settings. We use quality tents, sleeping pads, and designated campsites, with a full support team that sets up camp and prepares meals each day. While conditions are simple and remote, the experience is thoughtfully supported — allowing you to rest well and fully enjoy life in the high Andes.

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Mental Challenge:

This trek requires mental resilience as much as physical strength. Long days at altitude, cold nights, and extended time in remote landscapes can be demanding. Flexibility, patience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort are essential. Those who arrive with a positive mindset and a readiness to adapt tend to thrive on the Huayhuash.

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Reward Level:

Exceptionally high. The Huayhuash Circuit offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the planet — towering peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and vast, empty valleys that feel entirely removed from the modern world. Completing this trek is a true accomplishment, and the sense of pride, perspective, and connection to wild places lingers long after the trail ends.

The Huayhuash Circuit offers some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world You'l

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 – Welcome to Huaraz!


Arrive in Huaraz and be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner to meet your group and take it easy--you're at ~10,000 ft and acclimatization has already begun!
 

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Day 2 – Huaraz


Explore the city of Huaraz, said to be the trekking capital of South America. Enjoy a city tour and authentic peruvian food. Pick up a souvenir at a local market. 
Meals: Breakfast

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Day 3 – Laguna Rajucolta


Today we’ll journey about 45 minutes outside of Huaraz to hike to the stunning Laguna Rajucolta. This hike is for stunning views, and also to help us continue to acclimitize for our upcoming Huayhuash Trek. Laguna Rajucolta is at approximately 14,000ft. Finish the day with a trek briefing from our guiding team, and get ready for the adventure to really begin!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 4 –11 Huayhuash Circuit


Hike the 8 day Huayhuash Circuit through the stunning Corderilla Huayhuash. Camp under the stars, hike to high mountain passes, and watch the sunset over glacial lakes. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 12 – Back to Huaraz


After breakfast, enjoy the city of Huaraz by going to a local spa, shopping, or visiting the Rataquenua lookout point. If the skies are clear, you’ll be able to see the iconic peak of Huascaran and the Cordillera Blanca. We’ll provide you with a few planned options, or you can take your own path for the day. A potential volunteer opportunity with Seeds of Hope-Peru may be arranged. Enjoy the local market or lunch and other activities locally for a restful day until we meet up for dinner and a final farewell! 
Meals: Breakfast

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Day 13 – Departure


Say goodbye to the land of the Inca. We’ll make sure you make it to the airport in plenty of time before your flight. Farewell and see you on the next adventure!
Meals: Breakfast

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Panoramic view of Huaraz city with the White Range in the background, Ancash, Peru.jpg
Laguna Rajucolta and Nevado Huantsán in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru.jpg
A couple on an overnight trek in the Peruvian Cordillera Huayhuash stops to admire the sce
Girl backpackers hiking towards Jahuacocha lakes at Huayhuash circuit, Cordillera Huayhuas

WanderWell Donation

At Authentica, we believe that travel should leave the world better than we found it. That’s why every trip directly fuels our WanderWell Fund—a commitment to supporting the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that make our journeys so meaningful. With each booking, guests become active partners in conservation and cultural preservation. Your adventure doesn’t just take you across new horizons—it helps protect them for generations to come.

Our Impact in Huaraz

For this Huayhuash adventure, contributions from the WanderWell Fund will support Seeds of Hope–Peru, an established NGO providing education, meals, and emotional support to underserved youth in the region.

Four latin kids sitting on the wall and admiring a beauty of the nature.jpg

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Exclusions

  • 5 nights accommodation (double occupancy) at a 3+ star hotel in Huaraz

  • English speaking guides throughout daily excursions and english speaking trekking guide on Huayhuash Trek

  • Airport transfers to and from the Huaraz Airport (ATA)

  • 7 nights of tent accommodations on the Huayhuash Trek

  • All breakfasts included

  • Luggage storage in Huaraz

  • Mule teams for 22lbs of luggage transfer per person on Huayhuash Trek

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) provided on Huayhuash Trek

  • Tents, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and sleeping pads provided (guests can bring their own gear--besides tents. Tents that we provide must be used.)

  • All tours listed in itinerary

  • Huayhuash trek permits and fees

  • Booking fees and taxes

  • International airfare

  • Personal gear needed for your trek other than sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, and trekking poles

  • Lunches and Dinners outside of trek (assistance is provided in reserving restaurants, and providing dinner locations for the group)

  • Any personal expenses – laundry, phone, internet, shopping, spa, etc.

  • Tipping to guides and other team members

  • Any extra drinks (including bottled water, canned juice, soft drinks, liquor)

  • Travel Insurance & Any expense that occurred during rescue or evacuation

  • Solo tent accommodations ($50)

Your Trip Host

Brooke B.

Brooke brings extensive high-altitude trekking experience and years of leading small groups through some of the world’s most demanding mountain environments. She has guided and supported trekkers across Peru on multiple occasions, developing deep relationships with local guides, communities, and landscapes.

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Peru is Brooke’s favorite adventure travel destination on Earth, and the Andes hold a special place in her heart. She is passionate about creating thoughtfully supported experiences that challenge people, build confidence, and foster genuine connection — both within the group and with the places they explore. Sharing the magic of Peru’s mountains is one of the greatest joys of her work.

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A scenic view of the rocky Cordillera Huayhuash hiking circuit with its lakes, Peru.jpg

Trip Cost:

$3,500.00/person

To secure your spot on this adventure, a deposit of $600 is required at the time of booking.

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All deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another Huayhuash Trek itinerary if you’re unable to join the trip you originally selected.

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Final payment is due on March 1, 2026.

Get in Touch

For questions regarding remaining trip spaces, itinerary, high altitude, gear or other details, please send us a message! 

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In order to put your deposit down to secure your place, please contact us via the form provided!

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Inclusions and Exclusions

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