Family Trekking Adventure in the Huayhuash Circuit

Conquering the Heights

Today was a day of pushing our limits, both physically and mentally, as we continued our trek through the magnificent Huayhuash Circuit. The crisp mountain air filled our lungs as we ascended to new heights, revealing panoramic views that stretched as far as the eye could see. It's days like these that remind me why I traded the familiar streets of Montreal for the rugged trails of my homeland.

Our day began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast at our campsite courtesy of Cordillera Huayhuash, fueling us for the adventures ahead. Mateo was especially excited, recounting dreams of soaring with the condors he hopes to spot. Sophie, ever the pragmatist, made sure we all had ample sunscreen. I almost forgot it, which would have been a disaster at this altitude. I am glad Sophie is here to keep me in check. After packing up our tents, we set off towards our first destination: Mirador de Rataquenua.

The trail to the Mirador de Rataquenua was a steady climb, offering glimpses of the Cordillera Blanca in the distance. As we ascended, Mateo peppered me with questions about the mountains, their names, and their histories. I did my best to answer, sharing stories my grandfather used to tell me about the Apus, the mountain spirits, and their importance in Andean culture. I felt a surge of pride sharing my heritage with my son, connecting him to the land of his ancestors. The air was cool, around 3°C, with a slight breeze, making the hike invigorating. I made sure Mateo had enough layers to keep him warm.

Reaching the Mirador de Rataquenua was a moment of pure awe. The view was simply breathtaking. The Cordillera Huayhuash stretched out before us in all its glory, a jagged tapestry of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. We spent a good hour there, simply soaking in the beauty and taking photos to capture the moment. Mateo, of course, wanted to climb every rock and explore every nook and cranny, his boundless energy a stark contrast to my slightly weary legs. Sophie found a quiet spot to sketch in her notebook, capturing the scene in her own artistic way. It’s moments like these, sharing the beauty of Peru with my family, that make all the challenges of travel worthwhile.


Experience the grandeur of the Andes at Mirador de Rataquenua, a top viewpoint in Huaraz, Peru, perfect for stunning photos and unforgettable moments.

The mountains are calling and I must go.

After descending from Mirador de Rataquenua, we continued our trek towards Paso Trapecio. This was the most challenging part of the day, a steep ascent to an altitude of over 5,000 meters. The air grew thin, and each step required a conscious effort. I could feel the altitude affecting me, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Mateo, surprisingly, seemed to be handling it well, his youthful resilience shining through. Sophie, however, was struggling, her face flushed and her pace slowing. We stopped frequently to rest, drink water, and catch our breath. I reminded Sophie to take deep breaths and focus on the stunning scenery around us, anything to take her mind off the discomfort. I also checked if the altitude was affecting Mateo, but he seemed to be doing well. I guess all the soccer he plays in Montreal has helped him.

As we climbed higher, the landscape transformed into a stark, rocky world, the vegetation replaced by snow and ice. The wind howled around us, carrying with it the chill of the glaciers. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the raw power of nature and our own insignificance in the face of it. We finally reached Paso Trapecio, exhausted but exhilarated. The view from the top was even more spectacular than from Mirador de Rataquenua, a 360-degree panorama of mountains, valleys, and lakes. I could see the peaks of Trapecio and Puscanturpa, their snow-covered summits piercing the sky. The temperature was frigid, around -11°C, but the sense of accomplishment warmed us from the inside out. We took a moment to celebrate our achievement, sharing a thermos of hot coca tea and a few celebratory chocolates.


Explore the breathtaking Paso Trapecio in the Cordillera Huayhuash, a hiker's paradise with stunning views and unforgettable adventures.

The descent from Paso Trapecio was almost as challenging as the ascent, the steep, rocky trail testing our knees and ankles. We took it slow and steady, carefully picking our way down the mountain. As we descended, the landscape gradually transformed once again, the snow and ice giving way to patches of grass and wildflowers. We eventually reached a more sheltered area, where we stopped for a well-deserved lunch. Cordillera Huayhuash provided us with a delicious spread of sandwiches, salads, and fresh fruit, a welcome respite after our strenuous hike.

After lunch, we continued our trek towards our campsite, the sun beginning to dip behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the valley. We made a quick stop at a local bar near Paso Trapecio for a celebratory drink. I had a pisco sour, of course, while Sophie opted for a local beer, and Mateo enjoyed a soda. It was a welcome opportunity to relax and unwind after a long day of hiking.

As we settled into our tents for the night, I reflected on the day’s adventures. We had faced challenges, pushed our limits, and witnessed some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen. But more importantly, we had shared these experiences as a family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. I am especially grateful for this time with Mateo, teaching him about my homeland and showing him the beauty of the Andes. I hope these experiences will instill in him a sense of pride in his heritage and a love for the natural world.

Tomorrow, we continue our journey, heading towards Laguna de Wilcacocha. I hear it is another beautiful spot, offering stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca. I am excited to see what adventures tomorrow brings, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share them with my family. I also need to remember to buy some insect repellent at the Cordillera Huayhuash shop, as I am starting to regret forgetting it. Good thing we have another 5 days of trekking to go!