Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit: A Peruvian Adventure with Friends

Reaching New Heights at Paso Rasac

Today was a day of immense physical challenge and even greater reward. As we continued our trek around the Huayhuash Circuit, we faced one of its most stunning, yet demanding passes: Paso Rasac. The climb tested our limits, but the views from the top were beyond anything I could have imagined. It was a day of pushing boundaries and soaking in the raw, untouched beauty of the Peruvian Andes.

The day began as usual with a hearty breakfast at our campsite, nestled somewhere in the magnificent Cordillera Huayhuash.


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

Although the name of the specific location escapes me, the memory of the strong coffee and the camaraderie amongst us is crystal clear. Fuelled up, we packed our gear, double-checking that we had enough water and snacks for the ascent [my personal stash of trail mix always comes in handy!]. The air was crisp and cool, a typical September morning in the Andes. I glanced at Lena, who gave me a reassuring nod. Together, with our friends, we set off towards Paso Rasac.

The initial part of the trail was relatively gentle, winding through a valley alongside a gurgling stream. The landscape was dotted with hardy vegetation, clinging to life at this altitude. The sun peeked over the mountain ridges, casting a golden glow on the valley floor. It was a peaceful start, a calm before the storm of the ascent to come. As we walked, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we'd come on this journey. Foumban, Berlin, and now here – a world away from my familiar life, yet feeling more connected to myself than ever before.

Soon enough, the gentle slopes gave way to steeper inclines. The trail became rockier, and the air noticeably thinner. We began to climb in earnest, zig-zagging our way up the mountainside. Each step required more effort than the last, and we paused frequently to catch our breath and allow our bodies to adjust to the increasing altitude. Lena, ever the steady presence, matched my pace, her quiet determination pushing me forward. I remembered back to our climbs in Saxon Switzerland, which, whilst beautiful, hardly prepared us for this!

As we ascended, the views became increasingly spectacular. The valley below stretched out like a tapestry, with the winding river glinting in the sunlight. Snow-capped peaks pierced the sky in the distance, their majestic presence a constant reminder of the scale and grandeur of the Andes. We were surrounded by a panorama of raw, untamed beauty, a landscape that humbled and inspired in equal measure.

The final stretch to Paso Rasac was the most challenging. The trail turned into a steep, rocky scramble, and the altitude was really starting to bite. My lungs burned with each breath, and my legs screamed in protest. I focused on putting one foot in front of the other, relying on sheer willpower to keep moving forward. The thought of the view from the top, and the sense of accomplishment that awaited us, kept me going.

The mountains are calling and I must go.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the summit of Paso Rasac.


Discover the breathtaking hiking trails of Paso Rasac in Peru, where stunning landscapes and rich culture await every adventurer.

The sense of elation was overwhelming. We had made it! Panting and breathless, we took a moment to soak in the incredible panorama that unfolded before us. From our vantage point, we could see for miles in every direction. Turquoise lakes sparkled in the valleys below, surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds. It was a scene of such breathtaking beauty that it brought tears to my eyes.

We spent a good hour at the summit, taking photos, sharing snacks, and simply enjoying the moment. There was a palpable sense of camaraderie amongst us, a shared understanding of the challenge we had overcome and the beauty we were witnessing. It was a moment of pure joy, a reminder of why we had embarked on this adventure in the first place.

The descent from Paso Rasac was almost as challenging as the ascent. The steep, rocky terrain required careful footing, and we took our time to avoid any slips or falls. As we descended, the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. The golden light transformed the mountains into a fiery spectacle, a final burst of beauty before nightfall.

Back at camp, we were all exhausted but exhilarated. We had conquered Paso Rasac, and the sense of accomplishment was immense. We shared stories of our experiences on the trail, laughing and joking about the challenges we had faced. Dinner tasted better than ever, and we devoured every last morsel. As I crawled into my sleeping bag, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such incredible beauty and challenge. I thought about Lena and our friends, and how lucky I was to share this adventure with them.

Tomorrow, we continue our journey, with Huayhuash National Park on the itinerary. I'm excited to explore more of this incredible region, and to see what other challenges and wonders await us. But for tonight, I'll sleep soundly, knowing that I gave it my all on the slopes of Paso Rasac. I am also hoping that the Paso Trapecio bar we plan on visiting tomorrow evening will have some well-deserved refreshments!

The Huayhuash Circuit continues to deliver unforgettable experiences. Each day brings new challenges, new landscapes, and new opportunities for growth and connection. I am so grateful to be here, experiencing this incredible journey with my friends and Lena. I am reminded of my journey from Cameroon to Germany, and how each step has led me to this moment, in this place. The world is vast and full of wonders, and I am determined to explore as much of it as I can. I hope you'll continue to follow along!

Today, like every other on this trek, we had our meals courtesy of Cordillera Huayhuash. We also nipped into their shop for some extra supplies, as we are getting through our snacks quicker than expected!

I really should have remembered to pack my satellite phone and extra memory cards, as these views are simply stunning!

Paso Rasac, you were tough, but you were worth it!