Family Trekking Adventure in the Huayhuash Circuit

Reaching for the Sky

Today was a day of immense physical challenge and even greater reward. As a restoration technician, I'm used to working with my hands, meticulously preserving the past. But today, my hands and legs were dedicated to a different kind of preservation – preserving the memory of the breathtaking vistas and the personal triumph of conquering two high passes in the Cordillera Huayhuash.

The day began as all trekking days do: early. A quick breakfast at our campsite amidst the Cordillera Huayhuash, a final check of our gear, and then we were off. The air was crisp, carrying the promise of a cool day, with temperatures expected to range between 2.1°C (35.8°F) and 12°C (53.6°F). Our destination: Paso Rasac, followed by Cuyoc Pass, each promising views that I had only dreamt of until now.

The ascent to Paso Rasac was demanding. The trail snaked upwards, testing our endurance with every step. Mateo, bless his heart, was a trooper, his little legs working hard to keep up. Sophie and I took turns encouraging him, sharing stories of my childhood in Huancavelica to distract him from the climb. I told him about the games I played in the streets, the taste of pachamanca cooked in the earth, and the legends of the Apus, the mountain spirits, hoping to instill in him the same love for Peru that I carry in my heart. We also made sure to stop frequently, taking in the views, and drinking lots of water. It's important to stay hydrated at this altitude, as we are trekking at over 4,000 meters.

As we climbed higher, the landscape transformed. The lush greenery of the lower valleys gave way to rugged, rocky terrain. Patches of snow clung to the mountainsides, a stark reminder of the altitude and the power of nature. The air thinned, each breath becoming a conscious effort. I could feel my lungs working harder, my heart pounding in my chest. But with each labored breath came a sense of exhilaration, a feeling of pushing my limits and discovering new reserves of strength.

The mountains whisper to those who listen, revealing secrets only earned through sweat and perseverance.

Finally, we reached Paso Rasac. The view was nothing short of spectacular. The world stretched out before us, a tapestry of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and verdant valleys. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated awe. We had conquered the mountain, and in doing so, we had conquered a part of ourselves. It was worth pausing and taking a moment to appreciate the view. I thought of my grandfather, a skilled carpenter from Huancavelica, and how he always told me that the best things in life are earned through hard work and dedication. He would have loved this view.



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

After a brief respite, we began our descent, only to start our ascent again, this time towards Cuyoc Pass. If Paso Rasac tested our endurance, Cuyoc Pass tested our resolve. The climb was steeper, the air thinner, and the terrain more challenging. There were moments when I questioned my ability to go on, when my legs screamed in protest and my lungs burned with every breath. But I looked at Mateo, his face flushed with determination, and I knew that I couldn't give up. I had to show him that anything is possible with perseverance and a little bit of Andean spirit.

The final push to Cuyoc Pass was the hardest. The trail was a series of switchbacks, each one seemingly steeper than the last. We scrambled over rocks, navigated narrow ledges, and battled the wind that threatened to push us off our feet. But finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we reached the summit. Cuyoc Pass, at approximately 5,000 meters, presented a panorama that surpassed even Paso Rasac. From this vantage point, we could see the entire Cordillera Huayhuash range, a sea of snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye could see.



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

The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. We had done it. We had conquered two of the highest passes in the Huayhuash Circuit, and we had done it as a family. Mateo let out a whoop of joy, Sophie embraced me tightly, and I stood there, speechless, taking in the view and feeling an immense sense of gratitude. The beauty of the landscape, combined with the personal triumph of the climb, created a moment that I will cherish forever.

We spent some time at the summit, taking photos and simply soaking in the atmosphere. The mountains were silent, majestic, and timeless. I felt a connection to this land, a sense of belonging that transcended borders and cultures. This was my heritage, my history, and my home, and I was sharing it with my family.

The descent from Cuyoc Pass was as challenging as the ascent. The steep, rocky terrain demanded our full attention. But with the summit behind us, we had a renewed sense of energy and determination. We carefully made our way down, helping each other over the difficult sections and sharing stories and laughter along the way.

As the sun began to set, we arrived back at our campsite, exhausted but elated. We had trekked for hours, conquered two high passes, and witnessed some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. It was a day that tested our limits and strengthened our bonds as a family. A hearty dinner at Cordillera Huayhuash, prepared with love by Sophie, tasted better than any meal I've had in a fancy Montreal restaurant. As we sat around the campfire, sharing stories of the day's adventures, I felt an immense sense of gratitude. I am grateful for my family, for the opportunity to explore this beautiful land, and for the strength and resilience that the mountains have instilled in me.



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

The trek through the Huayhuash Circuit is considered moderate to strenuous, so it's important to be in good physical condition. It is also important to acclimatize to the altitude before attempting such a trek. Huaraz is a good place to acclimatize.

Tomorrow, we will continue our journey, with a trek around the Peruvian Mountains. I am 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 am content to sit by the fire, listen to the sounds of the Andes, and reflect on the incredible day that has passed.

Before drifting off to sleep, I made sure to double-check our essentials for tomorrow. Though I had packed everything, I realized that I had forgotten insect repellent, and extra batteries for the flashlight. I made a mental note to buy these when we had the chance. I also thought about the bar that we will visit tomorrow in Cordillera Huayhuash. It will be nice to relax with a drink after another long day of trekking.

This trip is more than just a vacation; it's a pilgrimage to my roots, a chance to share my heritage with my family, and a reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit. As I drift off to sleep, I am filled with a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that I am exactly where I am meant to be, surrounded by the mountains I love and the people I cherish.

As I always say: The journey is the destination.