Peru is best known for Machu Picchu and the legendary Inca Trail, drawing travelers from around the world to walk ancient stone paths through the Andes. But beyond the crowds lies another trek—wilder, quieter, and just as unforgettable.
The Cordillera Huayhuash is one of Peru’s true hidden gems. Remote, dramatic, and deeply rewarding, it offers an entirely different kind of trekking experience for travelers who want to slow down, go deeper, and experience the Andes at their most raw and beautiful.
A Different Kind of Trek in Peru
The Huayhuash Circuit is genuinely off the beaten path. With far fewer hikers than the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, you have the space to take in the views, enjoy the silence, and fully connect with the landscape around you.
While you won’t encounter archaeological ruins on this route, what you’ll experience instead are towering limestone peaks, crystal-clear turquoise lakes, glacial valleys, and vast open terrain that feels untouched by time. The reward here is nature in its purest form.
Each day brings new scenery—snow-covered mountains, vibrant blue lakes, and small Andean villages where life moves at a different pace. Iconic peaks like Yerupajá (Peru’s second-highest mountain), Siula Grande (famous from the film “Touching the Void“), Jirishanka, and Carnicero dominate the skyline, offering views that stay with you long after the trek ends.
Why Choose the Huayhuash Circuit?
If you’re looking for a trek that’s challenging but deeply fulfilling, adventurous yet peaceful, the Huayhuash Circuit may be exactly what you’re looking for.
This is a trek for travelers who value:
- Fewer crowds and more solitude
- Big mountain scenery
- Meaningful cultural connection
- A well-supported, thoughtfully run experience
It’s one of the reasons we consider Huayhuash one of the most special trekking routes in all of Peru—and a standout choice for the 2026 trekking season.
A Landscape with Legendary History
The Cordillera Huayhuash is also known for its role in the mountaineering classic Touching the Void, which recounts Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ dramatic 1985 climb of Siula Grande. Today, trekkers walk beneath these legendary peaks, surrounded by the same dramatic terrain that made Huayhuash famous in the climbing world.
Huayhuash Circuit – Day-by-Day Highlights
- Day 1: Punta Cacanan Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) – Mitucocha Lake
- Day 2: Alkay Alpine Pass – Jirishanka Viewpoint – Carhuacocha Lake
- Day 3: Three Lakes Viewpoint – Siula Pass – Huayhuash Village
- Day 4: Trapecio Pass (5,020 m / 16,469 ft) – Laguna Azul
- Day 5: San Antonio Pass (5,100 m / 16,732 ft) – Huallapa Village
- Day 6: Watiaq Valley – Tapush Pass – Gashpapampa Lake
- Day 7: Yaucha Pass – Jahuacocha Lake
- Day 8: Llamac Community Overlook – Return to Huaraz
Along the way, the landscape constantly evolves—river crossings, waterfalls, wildlife-filled lagoons, and wide-open valleys. Expect crisp mornings, warm midday sun, and cool evenings, adding to the rhythm and variety of the trek.
The Huayhuash Experience with First Step Expeditions
First Step Expeditions offers a fully supported 8-day Huayhuash Circuit, beginning and ending in Huaraz and covering approximately 120 km / 75 miles around the Cordillera Huayhuash range.
From the very first day, you’re immersed in high-altitude landscapes—glaciers, alpine lakes, wide valleys, and ever-changing terrain. As you circle the range, you’ll experience different perspectives of the same peaks, pass through remote villages, and gain insight into daily life in the Andes.
The Huayhuash Circuit is ideal for hikers who love big scenery, remote places, and authentic experiences, without sacrificing organization, safety, or comfort.
Fewer Crowds, More Meaning
One of the most special aspects of the Cordillera Huayhuash is how quiet it is. Unlike more famous routes, you’re not sharing the trail with large groups or waiting in line at viewpoints.
With First Step Expeditions, our small-group approach ensures personal attention, flexibility, and time to truly take it all in. It’s a perfect environment for reflection, photography, and immersion in nature.
Comfortable Camps in Remote Places
Adventure doesn’t have to mean roughing it. On the Huayhuash Circuit, we use spacious 4-season tents, shared by just two people, along with thick sleeping pads and pillows to keep you warm at night.
Culture, Connection & Exceptional Food
For us, trekking is about more than the trail. Our local guides share stories about Andean life, traditions, and the communities you pass through. You’ll learn about the land, its people, and even a few words of Quechua, the ancestral language of the Andes.
Each morning starts with hot coca tea and warm water, helping you ease into the day before setting off on the trail. It’s a balance of adventure and comfort that allows you to fully enjoy the experience.
Each day, our professional trekking chefs prepare fresh, nourishing meals using local ingredients—hot, flavorful food that keeps you energized and comfortable at altitude. These small touches make a big difference and turn the journey into something truly special.
A Flexible Alternative to the Inca Trail
The Huayhuash Circuit is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek—especially for travelers who want more flexibility. Unlike those routes, Huayhuash does not require permits or booking months in advance.
For travelers planning closer to departure—or simply wanting something less crowded and more personal—Huayhuash offers freedom, solitude, and a deeper connection to the Andes.
In Summary
The Cordillera Huayhuash is one of Peru’s most extraordinary trekking experiences. Remote, uncrowded, and endlessly beautiful, it takes you through high mountain passes, turquoise lakes, sweeping valleys, and welcoming Andean communities.
With First Step Expeditions, everything is thoughtfully handled—so you can focus on the journey, the landscapes, and the moments that make this trek unforgettable.
If you’re ready to experience the Andes beyond the usual routes, the Huayhuash Circuit or Santa Cruz Trek may be the perfect next step.
