Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit: A Peruvian Adventure with Friends

Reaching New Heights

Today was a day of conquering heights and immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of the Cordillera Huayhuash. The air was crisp, the sun was shining, and the views were simply unparalleled. It's days like these that remind me why I traded my comfortable Berlin apartment for a tent and a trek through the Andes. Each step forward brought new wonders, testing our limits and rewarding us with unforgettable vistas. The camaraderie amongst us friends grew stronger, forged in the shared challenges and triumphs of the trail.


Explore the stunning Cordillera Huayhuash, a Peruvian treasure offering breathtaking landscapes, challenging treks, and rich wildlife experiences.

Our day began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast at our campsite within the Cordillera Huayhuash. Fueling up is essential for the demanding day ahead. We packed up our gear, and with anticipation in our hearts, we set off towards Yaucha Pass.

The ascent to Yaucha Pass was demanding. The altitude definitely made its presence known, each step requiring a conscious effort. We paced ourselves, taking breaks to catch our breath and soak in the ever-expanding views. The landscape was rugged, with rocky trails winding through the mountains. I couldn't help but think of Lena back in Berlin, probably enjoying a more leisurely Saturday. I made a mental note to bring her back here someday; she would love the sheer scale of it all.

After about two and a half hours of uphill trekking, we finally reached the summit of Yaucha Pass at an elevation of 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). The sense of accomplishment was immense. We had made it! And the reward was a panoramic view that stretched as far as the eye could see. The western side of the Cordillera Huayhuash unfolded before us in all its glory.

The snow-covered peaks of Ninashanca, Hirishanca, Yerupaja Chico, and the majestic Yerupaja (the second highest peak in Peru at 6,634 meters) dominated the horizon. I took out my camera, snapping photos, trying to capture the grandeur of the scene, knowing full well that no image could truly do it justice. It was a moment to be savored, a memory etched forever in my mind.

The mountains are calling and I must go.

We spent some time at the pass, resting, taking photos, and simply marveling at the view. The air was thin and cool, but the sun was warm on our faces. I shared some snacks with my friends, a small celebration of our achievement. It's moments like these that make trekking with friends so special—the shared experiences, the camaraderie, the mutual support.

After our break, we began our descent into the Huacrish Valley towards Laguna Jahuacocha. The downhill trek was a welcome change, but it still required focus and careful footing. The valley was beautiful, with green meadows and a winding stream. We passed by grazing llamas and alpacas, their presence adding to the idyllic scene. The descent took around two and a half hours, and as we approached Laguna Jahuacocha, the landscape transformed once again.

Laguna Jahuacocha is a stunning lake nestled at the foot of the mountains. The turquoise waters reflected the surrounding peaks, creating a mirror-like effect. We reached the lake at around mid-afternoon, and the light was perfect for photography. I set up my tripod and experimented with different angles, trying to capture the serenity and beauty of the scene. I even managed to get a few decent shots, I think.

We set up camp near the lake, finding a relatively flat spot with a stunning view. As the sun began to set, the mountains were bathed in a golden light, casting long shadows across the landscape. We prepared dinner, a simple but satisfying meal of pasta and vegetables. As we ate, we shared stories and jokes, reliving the highlights of the day.

After dinner, we gathered around a small campfire, the flames dancing in the darkness. The stars began to emerge, twinkling in the clear night sky. We talked about our lives back home, our dreams and aspirations, and our experiences on the trek. It's amazing how being in such a remote and beautiful place can bring people closer together. The day wound down with a visit to a local bar to celebrate the day with a drink and some laughs with my friends within the Cordillera Huayhuash. It was a perfect end to a challenging but rewarding day.

As I lay in my tent tonight, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to experience such incredible beauty, gratitude for the friendship and support of my travel companions, and gratitude for the strength and resilience of my own body and mind. Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit is not easy, but it is an experience that I will cherish forever. I am also grateful that I remembered to pack my portable charger; without it, I wouldn't have been able to capture all the beauty around me today.

Tomorrow, we continue our journey, with Paso Rasac on the horizon. I'm excited to see what new challenges and wonders await us. But for now, I'm content to drift off to sleep under the stars, dreaming of snow-covered peaks and turquoise lakes.

The weather in Huayhuash in September typically sees daytime temperatures between 10°C and 18°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to between -5°C and 5°C. September is also part of the dry season, so we've been fortunate to have mostly clear skies. Despite the dry season, it's always good to be prepared for any kind of weather, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.

I am really looking forward to tomorrow’s adventure!