The ultimate guide to independent & solo hiking the Huayhuash Circuit in Peru

Last Updated on 13 May 2025

Widely regarded as one of the best alpine treks in the entire world, the Huayhuash Circuit is a remote and impossibly scenic high-altitude route in Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash (pronounced why-wash). The trail, totalling 135km and crossing 12 mountain passes all above 4,500m, circles some of the highest and most impressive mountains in the Andes, offering surreal vistas of jagged snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and even steamy hot springs.

I hiked the Huayhuash in August 2019 and it remains one of the most challenging but rewarding backcountry experiences I’ve ever had! This is a comprehensive guide to planning your own independent Huayhuash Circuit trek, including acclimatisation, getting to the trailhead, my custom 10-day adventure itinerary, campsites & fees, what to expect on the trail, and more.

🏔️ Check out my Huayhuash Circuit Packing List for essential gear recommendations and my custom 10-day Huayhuash itinerary as a GPS map!

About the Huayhuash Circuit

Peru’s compact Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range, only about 400km north of Lima and yet a world away from the bustling capital, lacks much of the tourist traffic of the nearby Cordillera Blanca (home to the popular Laguna 69 and Santa Cruz treks, among others). Getting off the beaten path is one of the best things about trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash, a region perhaps best known as the setting of Joe Simpson’s epic survival following a mountaineering accident on Siula Grande (6,344m). “Magical” doesn’t even begin to describe the dramatic peaks or towering glaciers that dominate every angle of this remote trek.

There’s a lot of variability in the time taken to walk the circuit (anywhere from about 1-2 weeks), but your own trek will be a careful balance of how far you can comfortably walk in a day vs how much weight you can comfortably carry on your back. For us, 10 days was the magic number, so that’s what I’m going to describe in this post (you can still use all this info to plan a shorter or longer trip, though!).

Expect to be pushed to your limits, but in the best, most inspiring kind of way— nothing worth doing is easy, and the views are that much sweeter when you earn them with blood, sweat, and the occasional tear.

Hiking independently or joining a guided trek

It’s definitely possible to tackle the Huayhuash Circuit as part of a guided trek. Most of these tours include porters/donkeys to carry your gear and food, leaving you with just a small daypack, and you’ll also have meals prepared for you— which can be a great option if you don’t have the necessary backpacking gear, the confidence to navigate or cope with changing conditions, the stamina to carry a heavy pack, or the time/willingness to plan your own trekking route.

If you do want to join a trekking group, I became friends along the trail with a wonderful local mountaineering guide, Marco Reyes, who owns High Summit Peru in Huaraz— I highly recommend him!

But if you do want to go it alone? The reward of trekking independently is 100% worth the extra effort. I’ll talk more about what to expect on the trail (including navigational demands and the risk of altitude sickness) further down this post, but here’s just a rough idea of what’s required to trek the Huayhuash Circuit independently.

Huayhuash Circuit without a guide: is it for you?

• You can hike 6-10hrs for 10 days in a row, often on very steep or uneven terrain
• You are able to carry 15-25kg in your pack
• You own or can hire all the necessary gear for your trek (see Packing list for the Huayhuash Circuit)
• You have moderate to advanced navigational skills and can read both a map and a GPS
• You know what to do in the case of a medical emergency (especially altitude sickness) and you have a way to call for help (Garmin InReach for SOS)
• You are able to complete at least 2-3 days of acclimatisation, preferably hiking, immediately before the trek (see Acclimatising for your trek below)

*If you’d rather focus on the trek itself and leave the logistics to someone else, joining a guided Huayhuash tour is an excellent option. Many guided expeditions include permits, transportation, and support staff, making for a smoother experience in these remote mountains. Check out guided Huayhuash treks on Explore-Share!

Planning your Huayhuash Circuit adventure

When to hike the Huayhuash Circuit

The Peruvian Andes experience two main seasons:

• Cool, dry winter (also called the “Andean Summer:): May to September
• Slightly warmer, wet summer: October to April

During the dry season (May to September), you can expect consistently clear skies, minimal rainfall, and the best chances for unobstructed mountain views. Temperatures stay fairly mild— daytime highs between 18–22°C and nighttime lows between -10 to 0°C— but the low humidity and stable weather patterns make this the ideal season to trek the Huayhuash Circuit.

During the wet summer (October to April), conditions shift dramatically. Although temperatures are slightly warmer, the trails are often battered by heavy rain, thick clouds, and occasional storms. Visibility can be poor, navigation becomes more challenging, and saturated hillsides or high passes often turn muddy and unstable, making the terrain slippery, eroded, and far more difficult to cross safely. Trekking the Huayhuash during the wet season is not recommended, both for safety and because the spectacular scenery is often hidden by weather!

⚠️ Even in the dry season, mountain weather can be unpredictable. I did this trek at the very end of August and most days were sunny with occasional morning cloud cover that burned off within a few hours— but we woke up one morning to snow flurries and a campsite blanketed in white powder. Always come prepared for rapid weather changes!

Acclimatising for your trek

Acclimatisation is perhaps the most critical step in preparing for the Huayhuash Circuit. This is one of the highest trekking routes in the world and you’ll spend nearly the entire trek above 4,700m (15,400ft), with the highest point reaching 5,090m (16,700ft) at Paso San Antonio. Altitude sickness is a common and serious obstacle at these extreme elevations and, without proper acclimatisation, it will be extremely difficult (if not impossible) to complete the trek safely or enjoyably.

To acclimatise effectively, it’s essential to spend at least several days at altitude before starting your trek. Huaraz (3,050m / 10,000ft) or Cusco (3,400m / 11,150ft) are both excellent bases for pre-trek acclimatisation, offering plenty of day hikes and shorter treks to gradually condition your body. Some great options include:

• Laguna Parón (4,200m / 13,780ft): accessible day hike near Huaraz with incredible mountain views
• Laguna 69 (4,600m / 15,100ft): one of the most popular and effective acclimatisation hikes near Huaraz
• Salkantay Trek (max 4,650m / 15,260ft at Salkantay Pass): a great multi-day option near Cusco if you have extra time
• Ausangate Circuit (up to 5,200m / 17,060ft at passes): a stunning, high-altitude circuit that’s even higher than many Huayhuash passes (but shorter and far easier overall)

Learn more about altitude on the Huayhuash Circuit in the Altitude sickness section below and read this essential post about managing altitude sickness during high-elevation treks and climbs.

😮‍💨 MY PERSONAL ACCLIMATISATION, FOR REFERENCE

Prior to this trek, I spent two weeks in Cusco (3,400m), where I did Palccoyo (4,900m), the Salkantay Trek (4,650m) and the Ausangate Circuit (5,050m), and then spent 2 days in Huaraz (3,050m), where I also hiked around Laguna Parón (4,500m). All of this acclimatisation prepared me beautifully for the Huayhuash Circuit and ultimately improved the quality of my trip. Even if you don’t have weeks to spend acclimatising, plan a minimum of 2-3 hiking days in Huaraz before your trek!

Essential resources & maps

When you first begin planning your Huayhuash Circuit trek, there are a couple of invaluable resources that will make things infinitely easier. The first, of course, is this blog post! Next, I’d definitely recommend checking out:

My custom GPS route

Especially for those following my 10-day Huayhuash Circuit adventure itinerary, the absolute BEST navigational resource is my custom Huayhuash Circuit GPS map— built from personal experience on the trail, packed with hundreds of waypoints & trail notes, all designed to help you navigate the most adventurous version of this route with ease. 

The map is available as a JSON & GPX download, and is compatible with all major GPS mapping devices/watches AND inexpensive GPS apps available on your smartphone, like CalTopo, Gaia GPS, and AllTrails. Let me help you plan & confidently navigate the Huayhuash!

Cordillera Huayhuash map

• Alpenvereinskarte Huayhuash (Peru) 1:50,000 Trekking Map

This is the best map covering the entirety of the Huayhuash Circuit, so I’d recommend purchasing this during the planning stages to help chart an intended route and also carrying it with you on the trail for reference. Unfortunately, this map is no longer available on Amazon, but you can find it on assorted map websites for sale and it’s definitely worth ordering!

Be warned that this map often uses different names for things than the guidebook below, which might be different yet again from your GPS— names in Quechua (the native Andean language) were phonetically translated by Spaniards during the conquest and it’s resulted in 2-3 variations of the same place or occasionally just different names altogether (e.g. Quartelhuain and Cuartelwain and Matacancha are all one place, as is Paso Jurau and Paso Santa Rosa).

Huayhuash guide book

• Peru’s Cordilleras Blanca & Huayhuash: The Hiking & Biking Guide by Neil & Harriet Pike

Although it has many shortcomings, this is the only real guidebook out there that covers the Huayhuash Circuit and therefore it’s still an essential planning resource. Between this blog post and the guidebook, you should have a pretty solid idea of what to expect and how to plan the trek. I’d recommend scanning pages 152-174, printing them on A5 sheets, and packing them in a little plastic folder for reference along the trail.

Getting to & from the trailhead

Getting to Huaraz, Peru

Although it’s still around 150km north of the Cordillera Huayhuash, Huaraz is by far the best base for planning your trek. This bustling mountain town sits at 3,050m (10,000ft) and offers everything you’ll need to prepare: high-altitude acclimatisation hikes, trekking gear rentals, supermarkets, and experienced local guides.

Be sure to download a local eSIM so you can use your phone in Peru!

Flying from Lima to Huaraz

As of 2025, LATAM is once again operating daily morning flights (7:20–8:25am) from Lima to Anta (ATA), about 30 minutes outside of Huaraz. Tickets are typically $50-80, but considering the exorbitant cost of checking bags, the flight ends up being about twice as expensive as the bus. Still, this can be a good option if it lines up better with your itinerary!

Bus from Lima to Huaraz

A more popular (and budget-friendly) option is to take a bus. Cruz del Sur and Civa both run frequent services between Lima and Huaraz, including comfortable 8hr overnight departures— I recommend the 10pm bus from Plaza Norte, which gets you into Huaraz around 6am feeling reasonably well-rested.

👉🏼 Compare departure times, prices & availability for all companies in English on BusBud!

Peru’s long-distance buses are shockingly comfortable: hot drinks, sandwiches, pillows, blankets, personal seat-back screens — you might even forget you’re on a bus! And as of 2025, tickets cost around S/100 (USD $27) for either company, making this the cheapest option to get to Huaraz.

💡 Bus tips:

• Choose a semi-cama (160° recline) or cama (180° lay-flat) seat for maximum comfort
• Buses depart from Plaza Norte (closer to the airport) or Javier Prado (more central if you’re staying in the city)
• You’ll be served a light meal onboard, but it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and water
• There’s a toilet on board, and most buses also include a pillow, blanket, and personal screen

Getting to the Huayhuash Circuit

Starting in Llamac

The most common starting point for the Huayhuash Circuit is the small town of Llamac, primarily because it’s accessible by public transport from Huaraz. If you’re following the classic budget-friendly route, expect the following:

• Catch a 5am El Rápido or Nazario bus from Huaraz to Chiquián (2hrs)
• Transfer to an 8am Nazario bus from Chiquián to Llamac or Pocpa (2hrs)
• Walk 12km along the road from Llamac to the first campsite at Quartelhuain (approx. 4hrs)

While this option is great for budget travellers, keep in mind that you’ll spend an entire day on buses and foot before even starting the actual circuit — and the 12km road walk is long, dusty, and uninspiring.

Starting in Quartelhuain

To skip the transit slog and save your legs for the mountains, I strongly recommend starting the trek at Quartelhuain (also called Cuartelwain or Matacancha on some maps), which is the first official campsite on the circuit. There’s no public transport here, so it’s not the cheapest option, but it’s well worth the extra cost for the convenience and energy savings.

We arranged a private shuttle through High Summit Peru for $150 USD, which took about 4hrs from Huaraz. The company is run by Marco Reyes, an experienced local mountaineering guide — and if you’re lucky, you might even meet him leading a trekking group on the trail!

This is the best option to maximise departure flexibility and get straight to the good stuff, so my 10-day Huayhuash Circuit itinerary starts and ends in Quartelhuain.

10-day Huayhuash Circuit itinerary

The official Huayhuash Circuit trail offers a wonderful trekking experience, but often there are even better experiences to be had if you get off the standard trail and onto the ruta alpina (the higher, more scenic, and more remote alpine route) to explore lesser-seen gems of the Cordillera Huayhuash.

I’ve provided all the details of my custom 10-day adventure itinerary below, including trail stats, daily highlights, campsites (more info under Camping along the Huayhuash Circuit below), AND my favourite and highly recommended variations to the Huayhuash Circuit that will pack in even more incredible scenery. Use it to inspire and plan your own itinerary or follow it closely, the choice is yours!

Day 1: Quartelhuain to Laguna Mitucocha

The first day of the Huayhuash Circuit starts out with a bang, delivering dramatic alpine scenery and a satisfying climb right out of Quartelhuain to the first high pass of the trek, Cacananpunta (4,690m). From the pass, it’s possible to follow the standard valley route, but the recommended ruta alpina offers a more scenic traverse across open hillsides. Enjoy the rainbow views of Quebrada Caliente before descending!

Trekkers are eventually rewarded with their first jaw-dropping campsite above the turquoise waters of Laguna Mitucocha, with the towering face of Jirishanca as the day’s grand finale. Wild camp on the lakeshore for the most incredible tent views!

• Trail hours: 5hrs
• Distance: 9.1km
• Elevation gain: 685m
• Highest elevation: Cacananpunta 4,690m
• Campsite: Wild camping at Laguna Mitucocha

Included variations

Ruta alpina from Cacananpunta to Laguna Mitucocha: Rather than descend to the lake on the mule route, this is a higher, more scenic option that only adds about 30min of trail time.

Wild camp at Laguna Mitucocha: Instead of back-tracking through the valley to the official campsite in Janca, set up camp right on the shores of Laguna Mitucocha below towering Jirishanca. As you look at the mountain, the left side of the lake provides a slightly better vantage point, but the right side will get sun a full 90min sooner in the morning, so it’s a better option. As of yet, it’s not illegal to wild camp on the Huayhuash— pack in/pack out EVERYTHING when you wild camp and leave NO trace so you don’t ruin it for everyone else!

Day 2: Laguna Mitucocha to Laguna Carhuacocha

The second day of the Huayhuash Circuit dives even deeper, with an off-trail alpine traverse that delivers staggering mountain scenery and a true sense of remoteness. Departing Laguna Mitucocha, the route follows the rugged ruta alpina high above the valley floor, weaving across loose scree, massive andesite slabs, and golden grasslands toward a lofty highpoint below Jirishanca Chico (4,870m).

Navigation is challenging but the views are unparalleled, with hidden valleys, glittering lakes, and serrated peaks filling the horizon. After a demanding descent through open pastures, the day ends with a beautiful campsite on the shores of Laguna Carhuacocha— and an unforgettable glimpse of the mighty Siula Grande and Yerupajá looming above the clouds.

• Trail hours: 6.5hrs
• Distance: 9.1km
• Elevation gain: 715m
• Highest elevation: High point below Jirishanca Chico 4,870m
• Campsite: Laguna Carhuacocha

Included variations

Ruta alpina from Laguna Mitucocha to Laguna Carhuacocha: Rather than climbing over Carhuac through the Hidden Valley, this variation along non-existent trails is steeper, far more challenging, navigationally demanding, and about 3hrs longer than the traditional route— but really spectacular! You’ll rejoin the main trail just before camp.

Day 3: Laguna Carhuacocha to Huayhuash via Siula Pass

The third day of the Huayhuash Circuit is a showstopper, delivering some of the most iconic views of the entire trek. Departing Laguna Carhuacocha, the trail follows the lakeshore before climbing steeply onto a glacier moraine for a glimpse of Laguna Gangrajanca. From there, the classic route ascends through loose, dusty hillsides to the famous Mirador Tres Lagunas, where vibrant lakes reflect towering peaks like Jirishanca, Yerupajá, and Siula Grande.

After soaking up the views, a relentless climb leads to the lofty Siula Pass (4,830m), before a long, leg-burning descent winds through grassy valleys framed by Carnicero and Trapecio. With clear skies and cooperative weather, this unforgettable stretch showcases the very best of the Cordillera Huayhuash.

• Trail hours: 5.5hrs
• Distance: 14.8km
• Elevation gain: 820m
• Highest elevation: Siula Punta 4,830m
• Campsite: Huayhuash

Excluded variations

Mule route via Punta Carnicero: This isn’t a variation I’d recommend, as it skips Siula Pass and the Mirador Tres Lagunas, but my parents took it when they were feeling sick and reported that it was surprisingly beautiful. If you can’t handle the brutally steep ascent up to Siula Pass, at least know that you’ll still enjoy wonderful alpine scenery on this hike, a worthy second-best option.

Day 4: Huayhuash to Viconga Hot Springs

The fourth day of the Huayhuash Circuit brings a welcome reprieve, trading the previous day’s lung-busting climbs for a short, scenic wander through rolling valleys. Departing Huayhuash camp, the trail ascends gently to Portachuelo de Huayhuash (4,770m), a windy pass with incredible views of Trapecio and the distant Cordillera Raura.

After lingering to enjoy the scenery, a mellow descent past shimmering Laguna Viconga leads down into a lush valley, where piping-hot thermal springs offer the perfect reward for tired legs. Between the relaxed pace, beautiful lakes, and a soak under the open sky, today is an absolute dream.

• Trail hours: 4hrs
• Distance: 12.2km
• Elevation gain: 490m
• Highest elevation: Portachuelo de Huayhuash 4,770m
• Campsite: Viconga

Day 5: Viconga to Cuyoc + Paso San Antonio

The fifth day of the Huayhuash Circuit delivers jaw-dropping scenery from start to finish. From Viconga camp, enjoy morning views of Nevado Puscanturpa as the trail climbs steadily alongside towering glaciers, topping out at Punta Cuyoc (5,050m) before skidding down steep scree slopes into a wide, open pampa at Cuyoc camp.

For those with energy to spare, the steep climb to Paso San Antonio (5,080m) reveals a panorama of the Cordillera Huayhuash at its most breathtaking— ice-blue lakes framed by the iconic peaks of Siula Grande, Yerupajá, and Siula Chico. Don’t miss this!

• Trail hours: 5hrs
• Distance: 14.3km
• Elevation gain: 1,270m
• Highest elevation: Paso San Antonio 5,080m
• Campsite: Cuyoc

Included variations

Side-trip to Paso San Antonio: After arriving at Cuyoc camp and dropping your pack, you absolutely can’t miss an ascent of Paso San Antonio. If you’re a fast hiker, you can easily get to the top in 1-1.5hrs, but be warned that it’s insanely steep and the terrain gets really sketchy at the top. For the adventurous (and at your own risk), it’s also possible to scramble up the mountain on the left hand side of the pass for even better views of Siula Grande, Yerupajá, and Laguna Juraucocha below. The descent back to camp takes around 45min.

Day 6: Cuyoc to Laguna Juraucocha

The sixth day of the Huayhuash Circuit is rugged, remote, and wildly scenic, offering a thrilling climb to the highest official pass of the trek. After departing Cuyoc camp, the route ascends steeply toward Paso Santa Rosa (5,060m), revealing sweeping views of Siula Grande, Yerupajá, and a chain of dazzling lakes.

From the windswept pass, a steep descent through loose scree and dirt leads into a dramatic alpine valley. Skipping the official Cutatambo campsite, trekkers can enjoy a spectacular wild camp near Laguna Juraucocha, with glaciers and towering peaks providing an unforgettable backdrop.

• Trail hours: 7.5hrs
• Distance: 13.6km
• Elevation gain: 1,300m
• Highest elevation: Paso Santa Rosa 5,060m
• Campsite: wild camping at Laguna Juraucocha

Included variations

Side-trip to Paso San Antonio: If you didn’t get a chance to climb Paso San Antonio from Cuyoc camp yesterday (or if you’re super keen like me and want to go twice), you can also climb up for sunrise before hitting the trail. As I mentioned before, the ascent should take 1-1.5hrs and the descent is about 45min.

Paso Santa Rosa: Also called Paso Jurau, this high mountain pass offers incredible views of Siula Grande and Laguna Juraucocha. It is actually part of the traditional Huayhuash trail, but my parents and I were the only people who actually took this route from Cuyoc camp, all of the other independent trekkers and the guided group electing to hike out to Huayllapa instead. Let me just say that you’d be missing some of the best scenery of the entire trek! The ascent isn’t nearly as gruelling as San Antonio (although you will have a full pack on, but it’s SO worth the effort).

Wild camp at Juraucocha: Rather than trekking out to the official camp at Cutatambo, set up camp near Juraucocha at the base of the glacier. I’d recommend finding a spot behind the moraine so you don’t absolutely freeze to death at night, but the scenery is still wonderful. From this spot, you’ll be better situated to explore Quebrada Sarapococha tomorrow, one of the absolute best side-trips on the Huayhuash Circuit.

Day 7: Laguna Juraucocha to Rasac via Laguna Santa Rosa

My custom Huayhuash Circuit adventure route now veers completely off the traditional trail, adding an entire day of wild exploration in one of the range’s most dramatic valleys. After departing Laguna Juraucocha, ascend through glacial moraines into Quebrada Sarapococha, a surreal landscape of ice-blue lakes and towering peaks like Siula Grande and Yerupajá.

From Laguna Santa Rosa, a steep, unmarked climb leads to Paso Rosario (5,090m), offering panoramic views over the entire valley. The descent is rugged and demanding, navigating loose scree and shifting boulders before reaching a spectacular wild campsite beneath the snow-capped flanks of Rasac. One of the most unreal places I’ve ever pitched a tent!

• Trail hours: 8hrs
• Distance: 10.3km
• Elevation gain: 1,065m
• Highest elevation: Paso Rosario 5,090m
• Campsite: wild camping at the base of Rasac

Included variations

Quebrada Sarapococha: Ideally, you should spend an entire day exploring this incredible valley, climbing up boulders for better vantage points over Lagunas Santa Rosa and Sarapococha, Siulas Grande and Chico, and Yerupajá before ascending to Paso Rosario or Cerro Gran Vista for the ultimate panorama. This is definitely a lesser-explored area, so it’s unlikely you’ll see any other trekkers, but the reward for all the puzzling navigation and remoteness is truly unreal scenery.

Wild camp at Rasac: After descending Paso Rosario, trek up-valley to the base of Rasac, where it’s possible to wild camp in the shadow of the glacier. This was probably the best tent view we had on the entire trek!

Day 8: Rasac to Huayllapa

Departing from a wild camp beneath Rasac, the trail meanders downhill through wildflowers, waterfalls, and sagebrush, following river crossings and rocky trails toward the tiny village of Huayllapa. After days of rugged wilderness, the colourful town and its warm-hearted residents offer a much-needed reprieve from the deep backcountry. This day is short to give you the opportunity to rest and reset for the final push!

• Trail hours: 4hrs
• Distance: 13.1km
• Elevation gain: 60m
• Highest elevation: Laguna Rasac 4,270m
• Campsite: Omar & Flor’s in Huayllapa

Included variations

Huayllapa: This little town (and I do mean little, it’s hardly more than one street) is only a short detour off the main trail, but I’d recommend stopping through even if just to get a snack from the local shop. The people in town are absolutely beautiful and we actually had a rather amazing encounter with some of the locals, which you can read about in my longer post on day 8. If you do go, make sure to say hola to Omar & Flor from the Brisbine family!

Day 9: Huayllapa to Yaucha Punta

The penultimate day of the Huayhuash Circuit is a gruelling push back into the high mountains, stacking elevation gain upon elevation gain across some of the trek’s most colourful valleys. Departing Huayllapa, the trail climbs steeply past waterfalls and sagebrush before easing into the rolling hills of Huatiaq.

From there, a steady ascent leads over Tapush Punta (4,800m) and onward through broad valleys to the final climb of the day, Yaucha Punta (4,850m). Remote and dramatic, the pass is home to circling condors and sweeping views, offering an unforgettable wild camping experience beneath a wall of jagged peaks.

• Trail hours: 8hrs
• Distance: 16.3km
• Elevation gain: 1,585m
• Highest elevation: Yaucha Punta 4,850m
• Campsite: wild camping at Yaucha Punta

Included variations

Wild camp at Yaucha Punta: I wouldn’t ordinarily recommend camping at a high mountain pass (due to risk of high winds and weather), but we pitched our tent just on the other side of Yaucha Punta out of necessity and found that it made a splendid and scenic campsite. It sets you up for a long final day, but also ensures that you get the magical morning glow on the mountains as you walk along the ridge to Cerro Huacrish tomorrow.

Day 10: Yaucha Punta to Quartelhuain via Rondoy Punta

The final day of the Huayhuash Circuit is a triumphant farewell to the mountains, threading through some of the most spectacular and least-traveled scenery of the entire trek. Departing Yaucha Punta, the trail traverses quiet ridgelines and climbs toward Cerro Huacrish, with condors soaring overhead and golden morning light igniting the glaciers.

Rather than following the standard descent to Llamac, this route tackles two extra high passes—Sambuya Punta (4,730m) and Rondoy Punta (4,750m)—rewarding the effort with sweeping views of icefalls, cobalt lakes, and jagged peaks. With no crowds and unforgettable scenery, it’s a challenging but incredibly fitting way to close the circuit, ending back at Quartelhuain where the journey began.

• Trail hours: 6hrs
• Distance: 21.7km
• Elevation gain: 915m
• Highest elevation: Rondoy Punta 4,750

Included variations

Yacha Punta to Incahuain via Cerro Huacrish: Rather than take the mule route down into Incahuain camp, add just 10min to your trek and follow the ridgeline to Cerro Huacrish for infinitely better views.

Incahuain to Quartelhuain via Puntas Sambuya & Rondoy: Skip the boring traditional exit out to Llamac by tackling 2 high mountain passes above Jahuacocha. The route is probably about 1hr longer than the trek through Pampa Llamac and into town, but the views are incomparable. My parents hiked out to Llamac and reported that the descent was positively brutal and seemingly unending, so it’s not really appealing from any angle. If you need to finish the trek in Llamac, you can walk back along the road (3-3.5hrs), but a better option is organising transport from Quartelhuain (allow 40min to walk here from the trail junction).

Camping on the Huayhuash Circuit

Community fees

A ticketing system was implemented a few years ago on the Huayhuash Circuit— you need to pay a small fee to each of the 9 communities as you pass through their land (irrespective of whether you stay at their campsite). As of 2025, total community fees are S/280 ($75).

When you pay each cobrador (ticket seller), you will receive a small ticket which includes the name of the community, the date, and sometimes also your name. Keep this ticket safe, as you may be asked to present it later to prove that you’ve paid (you will pass through a couple communities twice on the circuit and also through some checkpoints).

Here are the exact fees I paid in August 2019, as well as the location of the cobradores:

• Llamác S/30: paid along the road to Quartelhuain, even if you are in a shuttle (we paid through the window at a road gate)
• Pocpa S/15: paid at Quartelhuain camp
• Queropalca S/40: the cobrador is actually at Janca camp, but will come to Laguna Carhuacocha camp the following day and you can buy a ticket if you missed it previously (if you were camping at Laguna Mitucocha, por ejemplo)
• Quishuarcancha S/30: paid just after crossing the swing bridge out of Laguna Carhuacocha camp as you head towards Siula Pass
• Huayhuash S/30: paid in the morning at Huayhuash camp
• Viconga S/20: paid in the morning at Viconga camp
• Huayllapa S/40: paid along the trail about an hour before Huayllapa
• Cutatambo S/10: this is the only fee we missed, so I can’t 100% confirm the location, but I assume it was at Cutatambo camp
• Pacllón S/20: paid at Gashpapampa camp

Campsites

There are 12 official campsites on the Huayhuash Circuit, each operated by one of the 9 communities who look after the trail. All have flat ground for pitching a tent, a non-potable water source (varying from taps to nearby flowing water), some sort of toilet facility— and pretty much nothing else.

There’s no cost associated with using these campsites, since you’ll pay the community fees regardless of where you sleep, but they are usually in a nice spot and offer a good opportunity to mingle with other trekkers.

⛺️ WILD CAMPING ON THE HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT

When I did the hike in 2019, it was perfectly acceptable to wild camp outside of these designated spots (provided you paid the community fee). I’ve recommended some absolutely epic spots in my 10-day itinerary, but PLEASE pack in/pack out absolutely everything to reduce the environmental impact and ensure that wild camping remains possible for future trekkers!

Here’s a look at designated campsites on the Huayhuash Circuit:

Quartelhuain

Quartelhuain camp is super windy, but there are flushing toilets, so there’s definitely something to celebrate. You’ll buy your first community ticket here even if you aren’t camping.

Janca & Laguna Mitucocha

The official camp near Laguna Mitucocha is actually 20min off the lake shore, so I’d recommend pitching a wild camp closer to Jirishanca. You’ll miss buying your community ticket at camp, but it’s possible to purchase it the following day at Laguna Carhuacocha camp.

Laguna Carhuacocha

This is a beautiful campsite set right on the lake overlooking Yerupajá and Siula Grande. Actually, there are two campsites, but I’d recommend staying at the first one, since the second seemed a bit busier with trekking groups. There’s only a measly squat toilet here, but there’s a tap for water and the scenery more than makes up for the poor facilities.

Huayhuash

Another scenic camp under tall peaks, Huayhuash camp has 2 blocks of nice toilets and taps for water. Again, there are two sites located right next to each other, but the first is usually for independent trekkers (and small groups). You’ll purchase a community ticket in the morning from camp.

Viconga

Perhaps the best camp of all, Viconga has 3 hot spring pools, including one for washing clothes and for bathing off the dirt and grime of the previous 4 days. There is a river running through camp that provides water, flushing toilets, and even a man selling cold beer and Coca Cola. Buy a community ticket in the morning.

Cuyoc

Cuyoc camp has a nearby river for water, plus a little block of flushing toilets. Make sure you make the epic side-trip up to Paso San Antonio!

Cutatambo & Laguna Jahuacocha

Instead of camping at the official site in Cutatambo (a further 30min away), I’d recommend setting up shop on the nearby shores of Laguna Jahuacocha, as this spot sets you up better for exploring Quebrada Sarapococha the following day. Position yourself behind the moraine to avoid icy wind off the glacier at night.

Huayllapa

There’s a little campsite in Huayllapa with good facilities, but I’d recommend staying more local. While travelling through Huayllapa, we got to know an extremely beautiful family who truly went above and beyond to take care of my stepmum during a bad situation. It was their dream to open a hostel, and amazingly they emailed my stepmum a few months after our hike to say that her donation (of just $150USD) allowed them to build the toilets they needed, plus put in a patio out front and paint the exterior of the house. They’ve named one of the rooms in their new hostel “The Brisbine Room”, so now it is MY dream that someone reading this blog post will go hike the Huayhuash Circuit, visit Huayllapa, stay in “The Brisbine room” at Omar and Flor’s, and give them a little more than the S/10 ($3USD) they are charging per bed. I guarantee it will be a highlight of your trek.

Read more about Omar & Flor and our time in Huayllapa in this post: HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 8): RASAC TO HUAYLLAPA

Huatiaq

There are 2 Huatiaq campsites, both with similar facilities, including a toilet block and river access for water. The camps are about 5-10min apart, so just choose whichever is less crowded.

Gashpapampa

The is a nice, flat camp just on the other side of Laguna Susucocha. There are unappealing squat toilets and also river access for water.

Incahuain

Incahuain is an absolutely gorgeous campsite on the shores of Laguna Jahuacocha. There were quite a few people here, but enough room that it didn’t seem at all crowded, plus abundant water access and ample opportunities for a chilly swim (!!).

What to expect on the trail

Navigation on the Huayhuash Circuit

If you haven’t figured it out yet, the Huayhuash Circuit is navigationally demanding— especially if you plan to follow any of the high-alpine detours or lesser-travelled side trips I’ve recommended. This is not like hiking in the Alps, where well-marked junctions, graded trails, and other hikers make it easy to stay on course! On Huayhuash, I counted just 2 signs on the entire circuit, and spent full days contouring across hillsides in what we hoped was the right direction, often without seeing another soul.

Even with a map, guidebook, GPS, and an experienced mountaineering crew, there were days we spent 90% of our energy just trying to stay on route. You absolutely need to be a confident navigator to attempt this trek independently— and you should always have multiple tools at your disposal.

• The Cordillera Huayhuash guidebook (pages 152–174)
• A topographic map of the Huayhuash
• A GPS app or device with a downloaded route file

🗺️ I’ve created a custom GPS map of the Huayhuash Circuit, designed specifically for the 10-day adventure itinerary featured in this guide. It’s built from personal experience on the trail, packed with hundreds of waypoints, detailed navigation notes, and alternate routes to help you confidently tackle the most adventurous version of this trek!

The map is available as a JSON & GPX download, fully compatible with all major GPS apps and devices, including CalTopo, Gaia GPS, AllTrails, and Garmin. Whether you’re planning your route or navigating on-trail, this map will save you hours of guesswork and keep you on track for an epic adventure.

Terrain & trail conditions

One of the most challenging (and rewarding) aspects of the Huayhuash Circuit is the sheer wildness of the terrain. This is not a manicured trail system; much of the time, there’s no clear trail at all.

Expect to spend long stretches contouring across terraced hillsides, picking your way across loose scree slopes and moraine rubble, squelching through alpine pampas, and (if you’re lucky) following faint sheep trails that disappear just as quickly as they appear.

Beyond the navigational challenges, the technical nature of the terrain demands steady footwork, strong off-trail competence, durable hiking boots with high ankle support, and a good pair of trekking poles to maintain balance over uneven ground.

🥾 See my full gear list here: Complete solo Huayhuash Circuit packing list: what to pack for 10 days without a guide

Especially when you get off the main trail and onto the ruta alpina, it’s extremely likely that you’ll be doing some bush-bashing, trail-blazing up the side of a rough hill, or even scrambling over large rocks.

This off-trail, choose-your-own-adventure style is all part of the magic of Huayhuash— but it means you need to be comfortable navigating rugged, remote landscapes without clear paths. The route is best suited to experienced backpackers looking for a challenge!

Altitude sickness on the Huayhuash Circuit

For a high-altitude trek like the Huayhuash Circuit, where you never really step below 4,000m and you frequently ascend above 5,000m, you’ll notice the lack of effective oxygen in the air right away. For most hikers, this means shortness of breath, loss of appetite, frequent urination, and trouble sleeping.

Beyond these normal responses to elevation, some people also experience altitude sickness, and the risk on this trek is pretty high. “Altitude sickness” refers to a spectrum of conditions, including:

• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can range from mild to moderate
• High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) and High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE), both of which can be life-threatening

It’s incredibly important to understand the risks, take appropriate preventative measures, and know what to do if you do become unwell on the trail. I wrote a super detailed post on high-altitude trekking that I would recommend reading— it will give you heaps of information on recognising and treating altitude sickness, plus what you can do to prevent it.

In brief, the most important things you can do on this trek to minimise the risk of serious altitude-related health complications are to:

• Acclimatise: I mentioned this previously, but it bears repeating that acclimatising properly before beginning your trek is probably the single best way to prevent altitude sickness on the Huayhuash Circuit. This should include at least a few days in Cusco or Huaraz, plus some high-altitude day-hikes.
• Ascend slowly: The itinerary described in this post splits up the elevation gains into reasonable daily ascents, particularly in the early stages, to help pace the cardiovascular demands of altitude.
• Camp low: The placement of campsites along the Huayhuash Circuit makes it easy to follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which can also assist in acclimatising on the trail.
• Understand altitude sickness: Again, it’s so important to recognise the symptoms of altitude sickness and respond quickly. Sometimes it’s as simple as descending to a lower elevation until you feel better, but other situations will also require medication or evacuation. Severe altitude sickness can be fatal within 24hrs, so it is no joke.
• Pack altitude sickness medication: No one ever plans to develop life-threatening altitude sickness, but it’s vital to be prepared, just in case. See a doctor and get a prescription for Acetazolamide, Dexamethasone, and Nifedipine before your trip. I found that my doctor knew very little about altitude sickness medication, so I did a lot of research in medical journals to find the appropriate dosage. It might be a good idea to read this post prior to seeing a doctor so you can discuss the information with them.

Water

All official campsites along the trail have some sort of water access, be it a river, lake, or even just a running tap, but none of this water is clean or safe to drink without filtering first.

Boiling water before cooking will obviously make it potable, but I’d recommend packing a simple filtration system to quickly prepare water for safe drinking. I’ve used this filter for many years!

Food & other supplies

Aside from the cold beer and CocaCola sold at Viconga camp, the only place on the Huayhuash Circuit to replenish food and supplies is in the little town of Huayllapa (day 6-8 of most itineraries). In 2019, they weren’t selling fuel for camping stoves, but there were snacks and drinks available from a little shop, as well as hot meals made to order.

If you’re tight on weight, you could pack just enough food to get you to Huayllapa and do a complete restock there, but know that there definitely isn’t any freeze-dried mountain food, so you’ll be carrying heavy, bulky items. It’s probably still lighter than carrying 10 days of food from the outset, but we decided we’d rather play it safe and pack things we knew we could fill up on rather than rely on snacks.

Safety

Many years ago, a young hiker was robbed at gunpoint and killed on the Huayhuash Circuit, leading to the conclusion that this area just wasn’t safe for independent trekkers. In the decades since, the local community has done a lot to restore safety to this area, and there’ve been absolutely no incidents in recent years. This is thanks in part to the 9 communities along the trek, who have assumed responsibility for looking after the trail and those on it.

It’s impossible to say that nothing bad will ever happen on this trail again, but the Huayhuash Circuit felt completely safe during my trip, regardless of whether we were staying at designated camps with other trekkers or camping entirely on our own.

Far greater than the threat of robbers is Pachamama, whose constantly-changing weather and unpredictable trail conditions can make for a challenging trip. Under no circumstances should you embark on this trek without a well-stocked first aid kit, a good knowledge of mountain survival, and a Garmin InReach for SOS.

Packing list for the Huayhuash Circuit

Packing for the Huayhuash Circuit is all about balancing weight, warmth, and self-sufficiency. With no real resupply points along the trail and no guide to carry your gear, you’ll need to be strategic about every item in your pack— especially when it comes to weather protection, backcountry food, and sub-zero sleeping gear. 

Check out my full gear list: Complete solo Huayhuash Circuit packing list: what to pack for 10 days without a guide

Read more about the Huayhuash Circuit

SOLO HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK FOR 10 DAYS WITHOUT A GUIDE

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 1): QUARTELHUAIN TO LAGUNA MITUCOCHA

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 2): LAGUNA MITUCOCHA TO LAGUNA CARHUACOCHA

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 3): LAGUNA CARHUACOCHA TO HUAYHUASH

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 4): HUAYHUASH TO VICONGA

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 5): VICONGA TO CUYOC & PASO SAN ANTONIO

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 6): CUYOC & PASO SAN ANTONIO TO LAGUNA JURAUCOCHA

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 7): LAGUNA JURAUCOCHA TO RASAC VIA LAGUNA SANTA ROSA & PASO ROSARIO

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 8): RASAC TO HUAYLLAPA

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 9): HUAYLLAPA TO YAUCHA PUNTA

HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT (DAY 10): YAUCHA PUNTA TO QUARTELHUAIN VIA RONDOY PUNTA

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 10 DAYS ON THE HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT