Huayhuash Trekking
Why Cordillera Huayhuash
Many label this the best alpine trekking in the world. In a nation better known for Machu Picchu, the Cordillera Huayhuash allows for true off-the-beaten-path scenery away from crowds, and into serious adventure. Rugged peaks break 20,000 feet in elevation and loom over brilliant shores of bright-blue glacial lakes. Moss-covered hills curve like green waves in a misty landscape where you feel yourself touching the clouds. Journey to this unseen Peru in the epic Huayhuash.
Moments That Matter
Explore Incan ruins and hike lake to moraine lake, river to ravine, amidst some of the world’s most beautiful alpine scenery. Travel with expert guides, expedition-worthy camp gear and mules to carry the big stuff. You're in the place made famous in Joe Simpson’s book and movie Touching the Void. This is your opportunity to see the “real” mountains of Peru.
Your Private Experience
Who It’s For
The intrepid traveler and the adventurous soul. Our Huayhuash itinerary takes you to the wildest, most remote part of Peru, built for those who seek the thrill of being way off the grid.
When to Travel
The trekking season begins in May and runs through September. This is the dry season, or “Andean summer.” Trekking is most popular between July and August.
Make It Yours
Extend your Peruvian travels with time in Lima, or start with a few days warming up on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. We'll ensure you’re prepared for the trek of your dreams.
Itinerary Highlights
This is a fully supported trek through Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash mountains. Each day plan on 6 to 7 miles of hiking, with elevation gains of 500 to 1,500 feet. We’ll cover all internal transfers and accommodations.
Where We Sleep
Camping comfortably on glacial lakes, below snow-capped Andean peaks and under a full sky of blinking stars—where we sleep is a highlight of our Huayhuash adventure.
Backcountry Camping
Location location location. We camp every night but one, immersing ourselves in the sounds and sights of Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash mountains. We sleep comfortably in expedition-quality tents, in campsites set up on glacial lakeshores and by river banks, encircled by the snowcapped Huayhuash mountain range right outside our tents. We finish the trip for one night at a local hotel in the Andean mountain town of Chiquian, where we can get hot showers and a hearty dinner.
People Love MO/AD Private Departures
I am truly a tough critic but you planned an exceptionally fun adventure—no constructive criticism necessary.
Our activities were amazing, and the accommodations and food were excellent.
MO/AD was able to arrange special experiences that are impossible as an individual traveler or family. Amazing!
FAQs
How many people is this itinerary suitable for?
Our private itineraries are ideal for groups of four or more—you and friends, families, and multi-generational groups. This backcountry adventure is limited to no more than 14 people, due to permit limitations in the places we visit.
What makes a MO/AD experience different?
Our level of curation and care. We handle everything, overseeing your experience from beginning to end, with the highest levels of ownership and responsibility. We also support you each step of the way, with comprehensive trip materials and itineraries, detailed day-by-day options, insider destination info, gear recommendations, and 24/7 dedicated support.
How far in advance should I plan my trip?
Preferably three to six months in advance. Peru’s trekking season is short, and demand for permits and float planes and accommodations are high. Advance reservations are important to secure the best locations and accommodations possible.
What is typically included?
We curate your Modern Adventure to ensure the experiences are authentic and immersive, and included in your trip price. This includes all accommodations, most gear (expedition-quality tents, all cooking gear), local transport, airport transfers, local guides and cultural experts, and all meals.
How much will it cost?
Private Modern Adventures typically cost $750 to $1,500 per person, per day, and vary by time of year, the number of people in your group, and types of activities (private local guides, private transfers) you prefer.
What's not included?
MO/AD Private Departures do not include roundtrip airfare to/from your destination, travel insurance, transportation to your trip’s starting point, lodge incidentals (including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs), and any activities or meals not included in your confirmed MO/AD itinerary.
What travel documents are required?
Citizens from the United States as well as most Western European countries do not require a visa to travel to Peru. For most travelers you will need a valid passport. It is recommended for your passport to be valid at least six months after your travel is planned.
What deposits are required?
After learning more about you, your interests and preferred style of travel, as well as your preferred travel dates, we will present you with a detailed itinerary including activities, internal flights, transport and accommodations. In order to check and confirm availability for your group, there is a $750 non-refundable deposit due. This will be applied to your final trip cost.
Your trip is guaranteed—and your dates secured—with a 25% non-refundable deposit. Many of our local partners, including our hotel and resort partners, require advance deposits to secure the best accommodations. The balance of your trip is due 30 days prior to travel.