Thanks to its vast and varied landscape, the Huayhuash Mountain Range is home to some of the world’s best trekking circuits. Located in the heart of Andes and south of the better-known Cordillera Blanca and Huascaran, this attractive range stretches for 30 kilometers and contains a compact line-up of snow-covered mountains filled with a rich assortment of flora and fauna.
Get to know the Huayhaush Mountains and what you’ll need, from information to experience, to venture into their scenic heights.
Treks Long and Short
Landscapes dotted with multi-colored lakes (great for admiring and for fishing trout), crystalline water sources, and deep, snow-covered trails make the Huayhuash Mountains a dream for trekkers. The traditional trek takes about 12 days to complete, much longer than the Inca Trail of 5 days. Given most travelers don’t have 12 days in Peru to spare for a trek, there are also many shorter trails and routes to embark on. However, keep in mind that the trails are extremely steep and climbing will be part of the adventure.
A Few Warnings
As mentioned, many of the Huayhuash summits require a bit of climbing in order to reach them. That being said, you will need to have some mountaineering experience before setting off on a Huayhuash trek. Additionally, the altitude may be troublesome for some. To give you an idea of what heights you could reach on a Huayhuash trek, here are the altitudes of a few of the more popular mountains within the range:
- Pumarini is at 5,465 m.a.s.l.
- Diablo Mudo is at 5,350 m.a.s.l.
- León Huaqanan is at 5,420 m.a.s.l.
Best Time to Trek the Huayhuash
The best time to trek in the Huayhuash Mountains is during what is known as the “Andean Summer.” This occurs between the months of April and September. The worst time to go is during the months of October through March when it’s the Andean rainy season.
The Huayhuash Mountains and its trekking circuits are a trekker’s dream. They’ll challenge you and make for an adventure you will not soon forget. Don’t miss out. For more information about the treks available in the Huayhuash Mountain Range, reach out to an Explorandes Travel Specialist.