The Peru Huayhuash High Route: A 9-Day Adventure, Fully Self-Supported and Backpacking Style
❤️ The Huayhuash region (also known as “Waiwai Stone”) is undoubtedly the most breathtaking mountainous area I’ve ever had the privilege to explore—no exaggeration here. The high route isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s challenging, physically demanding, and bone-chillingly cold—but every step is worth it. The more you trek, the more you fall in love with its raw beauty.
🍂 **Season:** The absolute best time to tackle this adventure is July through August. This period marks the harsh winter in Peru (equivalent to January-February in the Northern Hemisphere), but it also offers the most stable weather conditions. If you plan to start in September, be prepared for the rainy season, with daily showers 🌧️.
During the hiking months of June through August, nighttime temperatures can plummet to -10°C. By early September, nights are slightly milder, ranging from 3°C to 5°C.
⛰️ **High Route vs. Standard Route:** Most commercial tours opt for the standard route, which primarily sticks to valley trails and only includes three iconic lakes. In contrast, the high route demands crossing multiple mountain passes at elevations exceeding 5,000 meters. It’s significantly more grueling but delivers unparalleled rewards, showcasing vistas that simply cannot be found on the standard trail. Both routes generally take between 7 to 11 days to complete.
⚠️ **Important Note:** The high route is not for everyone. At altitudes above 5,000 meters, certain sections involve navigating ridge lines and loose rock slopes. If you suffer from a fear of heights, this might not be your ideal choice.
📍 **Highlights of the High Route:**
This time, our group consisted of four adventurers, each armed with different high-route options downloaded or drawn onto our phones. After completing the journey, we unanimously recommend these standout spots:
1. **Laguna Carhuacocha Southwest Viewpoint:** Don’t even consider descending directly from here! Instead, leave your pack about 1 kilometer north and make a rewarding round trip. Difficulty level: 3 stars.
2. **Jurau Glacier via Paso del Trapecio:** After crossing the Paso del Trapecio, skip heading south toward the lake and veer north to the Jurau Glacier. This segment was hands-down the most spectacular scenery along the entire route. Difficulty level: 4 stars.
3. **Cerro Gran Vista:** Standing atop this ridge, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of three stunning blue lakes and awe-inspiring glaciers. This spot surpasses the Tres Lagunas in terms of sheer majesty. Difficulty level: 5 stars.
Connecting these highlights is where the real fun begins—I won’t spoil the excitement by giving away all the details!
🗺️ **Mapping Tools:** Platforms like Gaia GPS, Caltopo, and MapMe all offer customizable dotted-line routes that allow you to create your own path. For this trip, I pre-drew the route using Gaia GPS, marking several alternative routes along the way. It proved to be incredibly reliable.
📖 **Additional Tips:**
– **Currency Exchange:** Head to Internank in Huaraz for excellent exchange rates.
– **Wildlife Encounters:** Unfortunately, wildlife sightings were scarce—unless you count wild dogs. There are far more cows than humans on this trail, so expect plenty of cow dung 😅.
– **Trail Food:** Beef jerky, sausages, and biscuits purchased in Trujillo proved to be decent options. For other supplies, it’s better to bring them from home.
– **Resupply Point:** Around the 6th or 7th day of the high route, you’ll reach the small town of Huayllapa. Here, you can refuel, rest, and stock up on essentials.
– **Base Camp:** Huaraz serves as the primary base. From Lima, take the Cruz del Sur bus (bookable via their official website; Plaza Norte station is closest to the airport). Tickets cost approximately $20-$30 and take about 8 hours. Accommodations in Huaraz are fairly consistent in quality.
– **Costs:** Opting out of guided tours keeps costs manageable. Transportation expenses (buses or car-sharing) come to roughly $60 round-trip per person.
Embark on this unforgettable journey and experience the true essence of the Huayhuash High Route—a test of endurance, resilience, and admiration for nature’s grandeur.
The cost breakdown is as follows: trail food comes to $40 per person, while entrance fees combined with campsite fees range from $50 to $70 per person, depending on the specific campsites you choose to visit.
