Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit: A Peruvian Adventure with Friends

Reaching New Heights
Today, on the fourteenth day of our Huayhuash adventure, we faced what felt like the ultimate test: Cuyoc Pass. The air was thin, the climb was steep, but the views… absolutely worth every ounce of effort. It was a day of pushing limits, celebrating small victories, and soaking in the grandeur of the Andes. It's hard to believe we only have one day left on this incredible trek!


Explore the breathtaking trails of Cuyoc Pass, a hiker's paradise in the Andes, where nature's beauty unfolds at every turn.

The morning started as usual with a hearty breakfast at our campsite courtesy of the Cordillera Huayhuash's kitchen. The familiar routine of oatmeal and coffee was a comforting ritual that prepared us for the challenges ahead. As I laced up my boots, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Cuyoc Pass, at approximately 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), was set to be the highest point of our trek.

Lena always says that I overpack, but I was glad I had every layer I brought with me as we started our ascent. The weather in the Cordillera Huayhuash in September can be unpredictable, with average high temperatures around 11.9°C (53.4°F) and nighttime lows around 2.7°C (36.9°F). The sun was out, but the wind was biting, making it essential to be prepared for anything. Thankfully, I remembered to pack my trusty windbreaker; Lena would have never let me live it down if I hadn't!

The trail to Cuyoc Pass was a steady climb, winding its way up the mountainside. The landscape was a mixture of rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, typical of the high-altitude Andean environment. Every step was a reminder of how far we had come and how much further we had to go. I focused on putting one foot in front of the other, trying to maintain a steady pace. My friends and I walked in comfortable silence, each lost in our thoughts and the rhythm of our breathing.

As we gained altitude, the views became increasingly spectacular. The surrounding peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash loomed larger, their snow-capped summits piercing the clear blue sky. Glacial lakes shimmered in the distance, reflecting the sunlight like scattered diamonds. It was a scene of raw, untamed beauty that made all the hardships worthwhile.

Sometimes, the most challenging paths lead to the most breathtaking views.

About halfway up, we stopped for a quick break. I pulled out a few snacks from my pack – some trail mix and an energy bar – and shared them with my friends. We sat in silence for a few minutes, catching our breath and taking in the scenery. It was a moment of camaraderie and shared accomplishment, a reminder of why we had embarked on this adventure together.

The final stretch to Cuyoc Pass was the most challenging. The trail became steeper, and the air grew even thinner. My lungs burned with every breath, and my legs felt like lead. I could feel the altitude taking its toll, but I refused to give up. I knew that the summit was within reach, and I was determined to make it.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we reached the top of Cuyoc Pass. The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming. We had made it! We stood there, panting and sweating, but with smiles on our faces. The view from the pass was simply breathtaking. We could see for miles in every direction, a panorama of mountains, valleys, and glaciers. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.

We spent some time at the summit, taking photos and soaking in the scenery. I felt an incredible sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such beauty and challenge myself in such a profound way. This trek has been more than just a physical journey; it's been a journey of self-discovery and connection with nature and my friends.

After our time at the summit, we began our descent. The downhill trek was easier on the lungs, but it was still tough on the knees. We took our time, carefully navigating the rocky terrain. As we descended, we passed other trekkers making their way up to the pass. We exchanged words of encouragement and shared smiles, united by our shared love of the mountains.

Back at camp, we celebrated our accomplishment with a well-deserved dinner. The food tasted even better after a long day of hiking. We sat around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Before heading to bed, I took a moment to reflect on the day's events. Cuyoc Pass had been a true test of our physical and mental strength, but it had also been an incredibly rewarding experience. The views from the summit were unforgettable, and the sense of accomplishment was profound. I felt grateful for the opportunity to have shared this adventure with my friends and for the memories we had created together.

As I crawled into my sleeping bag, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness that our trek was coming to an end. Tomorrow is our last day, and we'll be making our way towards the Peruvian Mountains Trek Climb [According to tomorrow's itinerary]. This journey has been an incredible experience, and I'm not ready for it to be over. But I know that the memories and lessons I've learned here will stay with me long after I return to Berlin.

I thought about Lena back in Berlin, and how much I missed her. I promised myself I would bring her back here one day, so she could experience the beauty of the Huayhuash Circuit for herself. Maybe we could even convince some of our old college friends to join us!

For now, though, I'll cherish these last few moments in the mountains, soaking in the peace and quiet of the Andes. I'm looking forward to one last day of adventure, one last chance to explore this incredible landscape. And who knows, maybe I'll even find a little something at one of the local markets to bring back to Lena.

Goodnight from the Cordillera Huayhuash!

P.S. I almost forgot! I managed to find a small shop today, near our campsite, and bought a little alpaca wool scarf. I know Lena will love it! It's these little things that make traveling so special, bringing back a piece of the world to share with the ones you love.

Until tomorrow!