The World’s BEST HIKE — Hiking 100KM ALONE on the Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru
CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH TREK, PERU
I completed a solo hike of the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit in Peru.
It was a 8-day independent hike across the alpine route. This silent hiking film documents my trip across this amazing mountain range.
I organised private transport from Huaraz to the trail head at Quartelhuain. The drive was approximately 4-hours from Huaraz. I camped at a mix of the official camp spots and also more secluded spots. The alpine route definitely adds further elevation and steep sections but the views are absolutely worth the extra effort. I’d recommend if you are fit and able to definitely take the alpine route. On Day 4 I took the route towards the Hot Springs at Viconga. This section isn’t the most spectacular. If I did this trek again I’d choose to take the alpine route towards Paso del Trapecio. The Hot Springs were a good treat after a few days on trail, but aren’t a necessity. At the end of Day 5 I took a side trip from Elephante camp up to Paso San Antonio. You can leave your gear at the camp spot below and complete the up and back hike in a few hours. It is a very strenuous hike but the views in the late afternoon are probably the best of the whole trip. On Night 6 I stayed in a guesthouse in the small town of Huayllapa. There are plenty of options in the town and is a reward for the hard work over the last 6-days on trail. The hike the next day from the village is difficult as there is a continuous uphill section for many hours. After staying at Huayllapa I skipped some of the camp spots at Huatica, Gashpapampa and Guspha and continued on to camp at Jahuacocha. Towards the end of this day I’d highly recommend taking the high route along the ridge line instead of the lower mule route. The views walking along the ridge line and above the Jahuacocha camp below are amazing. From the Jahuacocha camp spot you can organise transport for the next day from the trail end at the town of Llamac.
My Alltrails map for the trip is here - https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map...
This hike is regularly completed using a tour agency from Huaraz. For fit and experienced hikers this trail is achievable as an independent and solo hike. Logistics include:
Getting a seat on a tour agency bus or private transport from Huaraz to the trail head. I spoke to a range of tour agencies in Huaraz in the lead up to the hike and they can normally get you a seat on the mini bus.
You’ll need to take cash to pay the fees at each camp area. The fees are collected by locals as you pass through their land. You’ll start paying these fees even before you start hiking as the bus passes through some of the small villages on the way to the trail head.
I hadn’t confirmed any return transport once I started the hike but was able to organise a seat on a mini bus when I reached the final camp at Jahuacocha. This bus left the town of Llamac at 11am back to Huaraz so you’ll need to leave camp reasonably early to make sure you reach Llamac in time for the bus. You can also try to organise transport when you reach the village of Huayllapa which has Wifi.
Gear Used - a link to my gear list for this hike is here - https://lighterpack.com/r/rewo4u