Andes - Circuito de Huayhuash

A traditional 8-day Huayhuash Circuit in one of the most attractive places in Peruvian Andes, done in winter (first half July). The route lies around the gorgeous range of snowy peaks up to 6635m high, with numerous lakes, streams and 'miradors' (view points) along the way. The track itself is well-beaten and has practically no hazardous sites (no mountaineering, no wild river crossings, no snow or glaciers).

Most part of the route goes on the altitude of 4000-4500m, so acclimatization is required (3 days spent in Huaraz and neighbouring sights was enough for us). However, the two highest passes go above 5000m and there it might feel really breathtaking.

Besides that, take into consideration the following:
- all valleys are a pasture for numerous horses, cows, donkeys, so it is highly advisable to treat water before drinking;
- the locals are entitled to sell entrance tickets into villages and camping sites, which cost 20-40 sol per person (but nothing happens if you simply fail to meet anyone);
- be ready to see a lot of people along the way every day, not to say of the caravans of pack animals;
- weather is generally hospitable in this season, but scattered rains are possible;
- the daylight is quite short: the sunrise is at around 6 am, twilight starts at 5 pm and it gets totally dark at 6 pm. Moreover, it is accompanied by a huge drop in temperatures: in the daytime it might be +30C, but nights are frosty down to -10C. Mornings are evenings are also very chilly.

There is an alternative shorter way across the pass of Rasac, but it would require crampons and preferably ropes as the track crosses a glacier here.

Logistics: there is a regular bus to Llamac, but its schedule needs to be double-checked in advance. A taxi-jeep from Huaraz to the start of the route (Quartelhuain) cost us around 450 sol.
The village of Llamac has one or two hostels with very simple amenities; as well as small food and sport gear shops. All the preparation for the trek (gas canisters, gear and clothing) can be done in Huaraz, where there's a block of trekking shops.