Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit: A Peruvian Adventure with Friends

Reaching New Heights

Today was a day of immense physical challenge and even greater reward. As I sit here in our campsite, nestled amongst the towering peaks of the Cordillera Huayhuash, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. We conquered Cuyoc Pass, the highest point in our trek so far, and the views were simply out of this world. The thin air, the steep inclines, and the unpredictable weather all tested our limits, but the shared experience has only strengthened the bond between me and my friends.


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

The day began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast prepared by our amazing crew. Scrambled eggs, toast, and plenty of coca tea to help combat the altitude – a must-have when you're trekking at these heights. Speaking of altitude, I’m finding that my experience living in Berlin, while offering a certain grit, doesn’t quite prepare you for the physical demands of a 5,000-meter pass. Lena would have loved this, though; she’s always up for a good challenge. I made a mental note to bring her back here someday, perhaps when we're both a little more acclimatized.

We packed up our gear, layered on our warmest clothes, and set off towards Cuyoc Pass. The initial ascent was gradual, winding through a stunning valley with glaciers clinging to the surrounding peaks. The landscape was starkly beautiful, a mix of rugged rocks, icy streams, and patches of hardy vegetation. The air was crisp and clean, and the silence was broken only by the sound of our boots crunching on the trail and our own heavy breathing.

As we climbed higher, the trail became steeper and more challenging. The air grew noticeably thinner, and each step required a conscious effort. I found myself pausing frequently to catch my breath, my heart pounding in my chest. My Cameroonian lungs were definitely feeling the strain. I remembered back to playing football as a kid in Foumban, running endlessly without a second thought. Now, every breath felt like a victory.

The mountains have a way of stripping away the unnecessary, leaving you with nothing but the essential: your breath, your strength, and the unwavering support of those beside you.

Despite the physical challenges, the views were absolutely mesmerizing. We were surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, their jagged ridges piercing the clear blue sky. The glaciers sparkled in the sunlight, and the turquoise lakes below looked like shimmering jewels. It was a scene of such raw, untouched beauty that it took my breath away – almost literally.

We continued our ascent, slowly but surely, encouraging each other along the way. My friends and I have always been there for each other, through thick and thin, and this trek was no exception. We shared stories, jokes, and words of encouragement, helping each other push through the tough moments. It's amazing how a shared physical challenge can strengthen the bonds of friendship.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the summit of Cuyoc Pass. The feeling of accomplishment was incredible. We had made it! We stood there, catching our breath and taking in the panoramic views. To the southeast, we could see the sharply serrated ridge of the Cordillera Raura, and to the north, the giants of the Huayhuash range stretched out before us in all their glory. Sarapo Peak was visible for the first time, its snow-covered summit glistening in the sun.

The wind was fierce at the top of the pass, whipping around us and threatening to knock us off our feet. We didn't linger for too long, but we took plenty of photos to capture the moment. I made sure to get a shot of myself with the German flag I had brought along, a small tribute to my adopted homeland.

The descent from Cuyoc Pass was even more challenging than the ascent. The trail was steep and rocky, with loose scree that made it difficult to maintain our footing. We had to be careful with each step, using our trekking poles for support and taking our time to avoid any slips or falls. Linda, one of our group, wasn't too happy about the descent, but Rafael suggested she pretend she was skiing, and that seemed to do the trick. Before long, she was gliding down the mountain faster than I could keep up with.

As we descended, the landscape gradually changed. The rocky terrain gave way to a broad, open valley, with patches of green grass and wildflowers. We stopped for lunch by a crystal-clear stream, savoring our sandwiches and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

After lunch, we continued our trek, following the valley towards our campsite. The walking was much easier now, and we were able to relax and enjoy the scenery. We passed by herds of grazing llamas and alpacas, their soft wool coats blending in with the landscape. We even saw a few vicuñas, the rare and elegant wild cousins of the llama, their golden fleece shimmering in the afternoon sun.

We arrived at our campsite in the late afternoon, tired but satisfied. We set up our tents, changed into our warmer clothes, and gathered in the mess tent for a well-deserved cup of tea. As the sun began to set, the sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors, painting the surrounding peaks in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a truly magical sight.

For dinner, we enjoyed a hearty meal of soup, rice, and vegetables, prepared by our talented cook. We ate our fill, sharing stories and laughter around the table. As the night drew in, the temperature dropped dramatically, and we retreated to our tents for a good night's sleep.

Looking back on the day, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and awe. Cuyoc Pass was the most challenging day of the trek so far, but it was also the most rewarding. The views were incredible, the company was fantastic, and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. It's days like these that make me realize why I love trekking so much.

Tomorrow, we continue our journey through the Huayhuash Circuit. According to the itinerary, we’ll be heading towards Peruvian Mountains Trek Climb and maybe even stopping by Paso Trapecio bar for a well-deserved drink. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us, what new challenges we will overcome, and what new memories we will create. But for now, I'm content to rest and recharge, knowing that I have conquered Cuyoc Pass and experienced the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes.

A few thoughts on altitude sickness, which is always a concern at these heights. I made sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and I chewed on coca leaves, a traditional remedy for altitude sickness. So far, I've been feeling pretty good, but I'm always mindful of the potential risks. It's important to listen to your body and take it easy if you start to feel unwell. Fortunately, my friends and I are all experienced trekkers, and we know how to handle the challenges of high altitude. Still, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

The Cordillera Huayhuash is truly a special place. It's a place of immense beauty, of challenging terrain, and of profound solitude. It's a place where you can connect with nature, challenge yourself physically and mentally, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I am so grateful to be here, sharing this experience with my friends. And I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.


Experience unparalleled beauty and adventure in Cordillera Huayhuash - Peru's premier trekking destination with breathtaking landscapes.