Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit: A Peruvian Adventure with Friends

Day 3: A Visual Feast in Huayhuash National Park

Today was nothing short of spectacular. The kind of day that etches itself into your memory, a vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds that define why I travel. Leaving the campsite this morning, a sense of anticipation hung in the air, a feeling that today would be special. And it was.

The morning chill bit at our exposed skin as we set off, the sun still hidden behind the towering peaks that surrounded us. Lena, ever the pragmatist, had layered up perfectly, while I, as usual, was slightly underprepared. I quickly learned my lesson as the wind picked up, and I was grateful for the extra scarf she always insists on packing for me. The Huayhuash Circuit, living up to its reputation, greeted us with a landscape that felt both familiar and utterly alien. It's a strange sensation, being surrounded by such raw, untouched beauty, a world away from the familiar streets of Berlin.

Our destination for the day was, in essence, the Huayhuash National Park itself. The entire day was spent within its boundaries, a continuous immersion into its majestic embrace. Every step was a photograph waiting to be taken, a vista begging to be admired. The trails, winding and sometimes challenging, led us through valleys painted in hues of green and gold, the colours of late summer in the Andes. I couldn’t help but think of Foumban, Cameroon, my hometown, and how different this landscape was from the lush, green hills I grew up with. Yet, both held a certain magic, a unique sense of place that resonated deep within me.


Experience breathtaking landscapes and adventures in Huayhuash National Park, a hiking paradise in Peru with towering peaks and stunning lakes.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all enjoyed in the heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash. There's something incredibly satisfying about eating a simple meal surrounded by such grandeur. The food, prepared by our guide, was hearty and nourishing, providing the fuel we needed to tackle the day's trek. Even the simple act of drinking water felt special, the crisp, clean taste a stark contrast to the tap water back in Berlin.

It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.

As the day wore on, we found ourselves stopping frequently, not just to catch our breath, but to simply soak in the views. The towering peaks, their snow-capped summits piercing the azure sky, were a constant source of awe. The glacial lakes, shimmering like sapphires scattered across the landscape, reflected the mountains in their crystalline depths. Lena, with her architect's eye, was particularly captivated by the interplay of light and shadow on the rugged terrain. She kept remarking on the geometric precision of nature, the way the mountains seemed to follow an unspoken design. I, on the other hand, was more drawn to the sheer scale of it all, the feeling of being dwarfed by something so ancient and powerful.

One of the highlights of the day was stumbling upon a small herd of vicuñas grazing peacefully in a high-altitude meadow. These graceful creatures, with their soft, golden fleece, seemed perfectly at home in this harsh environment. They barely acknowledged our presence, their gentle movements a calming contrast to the ruggedness of the mountains. I managed to snap a few photos, hoping to capture their ethereal beauty, but I knew that no image could truly do them justice.

Later in the afternoon, as the sun began its descent, we found ourselves at a vantage point overlooking a vast expanse of the national park. The golden light bathed the landscape in a warm glow, accentuating the textures and contours of the mountains. It was a moment of pure serenity, a feeling of being completely at peace with the world. Lena took my hand, and we stood there in silence, simply absorbing the beauty that surrounded us. It was a moment I knew we would both cherish for years to come.

Evenings in the Huayhuash are a different kind of magic. As the sun dips below the horizon, the temperature plummets, and the stars begin to emerge. Tonight, we huddled around a crackling campfire, sharing stories and laughter with our fellow trekkers. The sky above us was a vast, inky canvas, dotted with countless stars that seemed close enough to touch. I tried to pick out familiar constellations, but the sheer number of stars made it a daunting task. Lena, ever the romantic, pointed out a shooting star, and we both made a silent wish. The camaraderie around the campfire, the shared experience of the day's trek, created a bond that transcended language and culture. It was a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all connected by our shared humanity.

Before turning in for the night, I took a moment to reflect on the day's journey. The Huayhuash National Park had exceeded all my expectations, offering a visual feast that nourished the soul. It was a day of challenging hikes, breathtaking vistas, and moments of quiet contemplation. It was a day that reminded me why I love to travel, why I seek out these remote corners of the world. As I drifted off to sleep, the image of the snow-capped peaks bathed in golden light danced in my mind, a promise of more adventures to come.

Tomorrow, we set our sights on Cuyoc Pass. I've heard it's one of the most challenging parts of the trek, but also one of the most rewarding. Lena is already researching the best spots for photos, and I'm mentally preparing myself for another day of steep ascents. I also need to make sure I have enough space on my camera, as I forgot to pack extra memory cards. With a bit of luck, the weather will hold, and we'll be treated to another day of stunning views. But even if it rains, I know that the Huayhuash has a way of revealing its beauty, no matter the conditions. And who knows, maybe we'll even find a cozy little shop to pick up a few essentials along the way.

For now, though, it's time to rest and recharge. The mountains are calling, and I must go.

One thing I did notice was that the altitude is starting to get to me a little. Shortness of breath is becoming more common, and I've had a slight headache most of the day. I made sure to drink plenty of water and take it slow, remembering the advice I read about acclimatizing to high altitudes. Lena, thankfully, seems to be doing fine, but I'm keeping a close eye on her, just in case. It's a good reminder that this trek is not just a physical challenge, but also a mental one. It requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to listen to your body. I think I also need to lay off the beers at the bar tonight, even though the Cordillera Huayhuash bar was very tempting.

As I sit here writing this, wrapped in my sleeping bag, I can't help but feel grateful for this experience. The Huayhuash Circuit is more than just a trek; it's a journey of self-discovery, a chance to connect with nature and with oneself. And I'm so glad that I'm sharing it with Lena, my partner in life and in adventure. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.