Huayhuash Trek in Peru is considered one of the best ways to explore the wonders and beauty of the country. There are more than twelve trekking routes that you can choose to follow. Most of these trekking routes have camping facilities and allow you to stay for three nights or for an extended vacation depending on your preferred plan. This Peru trip is a combination of adventure and relaxation. Here are some of the most popular trekking destinations that you can go on:
Huaynaquipo: It is a town of high altitude where you can find a picturesque view from your bus if you are traveling on foot. On your first day, you will visit the town of Huaynaquipo and the starting point of the Huayhuash trek. The first day will also give you a look at the Huaynaquipo glacier and then you will head back to the trail. The second day will take you to see the Wayllabamba glacier before you will end up at the third day’s starting point. If you are an experienced trekker, you may even finish up on the fourth day, but for those who are new to trekking, you should start on the third day to reach the first ridge. The high altitude of Huaynaquipo is at about ten altitudes so make sure you don’t have too much trouble acclimating to the high altitude.
Huaynaquipo: The second pass on the Huayhuash trek will take you to the small town of Huaynaquipo. It is a very scenic region with lots of small lakes and rivers where you can find birds singing and nature activities taking place. If you want to get closer to nature, make sure you carry a hiking stick and bring a camera. One of the highlights of the Huaynaquipo trek is the spectacular view of the plain covered with brown and green mountains.
Pass of the Sky: The third and last high altitude trek on the Huaynaquipo trek will take you to the Pass of the Sky. The road up to the Pass of the Sky is very steep and it will take several days to complete. It is possible to go up to ten days to reach the summit of the mountain. In fact, it is possible to stay at the top of the mountain and go back down again. The views from the summit are incredible and there are wonderful panoramas that will take your breath away.
For those who are interested in night hiking and camping trips, the Huaynaquipo-castela highway is the best option. The huayhuash trekking route also goes to the ancient city of Machu Picchu and to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. There are many lodges along the hiking route that caters to guests who want to explore the history of Peru as well as to do some night hiking.
As you can see, Huaynaquipo is a pretty large trekking destination. In fact, it could easily be considered an ‘off-season’ for trekking in Peru. In July and August, the months when Huaynaquipo is not in use, you can expect to find many experienced trekkers out and about. You will be able to find eight days of total darkness and solitude, which is a very exciting element in itself!
The Huaynaquipo trek can be made even more enjoyable by the addition of high-altitude camps and night-hiking expeditions. It is possible to spend eight days at a treasured camp, which has its own cookhouse and is situated about one hour away from the main camp. There are also waterfalls and a swimming pool, which makes your stay a true luxury. Each morning, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner over a fire, which is then followed by another hike up to the treasured camp, where you can spend the evening.
Another of the many treks in Huaynaquipo that you can enjoy is the Cordillera Trek, also known as the Peru Treks. This trekking option allows you to get to the top of the Andes mountain range, where you have the wonderful opportunity to view stunning views of the country. The trail begins at the village of Cumbuco and goes up to the high altitudes of the Cordillera and Huaynaquipo ranges. At the high altitude, you will find abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes, such as broad sandy beaches fringed by tall palm trees, glaciers, and waterfalls. A day out on the trail will allow you to see this amazing country up close.