Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking the Huayhuash

The best season to trek is during the from April to September, known as the "Andean Summer".

Our pricing is custom based off of the trek that we design with you. Pricing depends on transportation, amount of people, supplies, length of the trip, etc. Our pricing is fair and very competitive. Compared to the larger guide companies, our pricing is much cheaper and you can rest assured that since there are no "middle men" your investment goes directly to our family and the local communities in which we live. 

The following is included in all of our guided Huayhuash trips:

• Transport from Huaraz to Chiquian and onward to the start of your trek.
• Typical Peruvian dinner at the beginning of the trek in Pachamanca.
• Donkey driver(s) and donkeys to carry all of your gear.
• Emergency Horse
• All tickets and passes for checkpoints along the trail.
• Kitchen tent and tents for our customers (North Face)
• Transportation from the end of your trek to Huaraz.

The following are not provided as part of our trips but we can certainly help you arranging:

• Transportation to/from Huaraz.
• Accommodations in Huaraz.
• Food/Drinks in Huaraz leading up to your trek.
• Sleeping bags and mattress (these can be rented from us or in Huaraz).

If traveling from Lima, we reccomend
CRUZ DEL SUR: www.cruzdelsur.com
Schedule times:
From Lima – Huaraz at 9.00 hours and 22.30 hours.
From Huaraz – Lima at 11.00 hours and 22.00 hours.

Altitude sickness can happen. That said, with proper acclimation, the vast majority of our guests can avoid this. We recommend several nights acclimating in Huaraz with acclimating hikes such as Laguna69, Wilcacocha, and others. You will be surprised how quickly your body adapts!

While some things are necessary, others are "nice to haves". We recommend bringing or renting the following:

• Good pair of hiking boots: comfortable, broken in and sturdy
• Hiking poles
• Day Backpack (30 Liters): while the donkeys will carry your luggage and your guide will carry your lunch, it is important to have a hiking pack to carry water, extra clothes, and snacks.
• Large backpack/duffel (80 liters): for packing your clothes/supplies - this will be carried by the donkeys.
• Water bottle or "camelback"(2 liters minimum, 3 liters maximum)
• Down (feather) jacket
• Winter jacket -Rain/wind jacket
• Hiking pants (water resistant) and shorts
• Warm fleece layers
• Hiking socks (wool works great)
• Sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
• Sunglasses (with UV protection)
• Hat for sun protection (clients also like to wear bandanas).
• Sunscreen
• Lip protection (vasiline, chapstick, etc)
• Scarf, hat, and gloves.
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Personal first aid kit, bandages (especially for blisters)
• Double person tent, sleeping bag and liner (-20 C), sleeping pad/thermo mattress, extra foam mattress.
• Extra batteries/charger for electronics (camera/phone).

Yes. We rent hiking poles, sleeping pads, sleeping bags and other equipment at request. You should know that since Huaraz is a destination for outdoor enthusiast, much of the gear you would need can be purchased prior to your trek as well. 

The better the shape you are in, the more enjoyable your hike will be. Each trip is different and can be designed to fit your desired challenge, but we recommend you be in good physical shape. Trekkers should be prepared for multiple full days of hiking at high altitudes. 

The best season to trek is during the from April to September, known as the "Andean Summer".  As with anywhere else in the world, at high altitudes, the weather can change suddenly and drastically.  Nights are typically cold and the days can range from cold to hot. 

Many travelers will come to Huaraz from Lima, but as the major town in the region, it is accessible from many directions by both bus or by air. Traveling by bus in Peru is very comfortable and very common.

Short answer, yes. As with any remote hiking in a extreme terrain, there are risks involved, but Amigos de Huayhuash are extremely familiar with and well known in the region.

Camping along the circuit is done at designated camping sites. These camp sites are situated next to water sources (which are great for a post hike rinse) and have basic toilet facilities. Overall, the camping along the Cordillera Huayhuash is quite comfortable and we do our best to make sure you have a great experience!