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Cordillera Huayhuash

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Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)

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The Cordillera Huayhuash is a compact yet exceptionally rugged mountain range in the Peruvian Andes, located south of the Cordillera Blanca. Spanning only about 30 kilometers from north to south, it features some of Peru's most formidable peaks, including Yerupajá, the country's second-highest mountain at 6,634 meters. The range is characterized by sharp, jagged ridges and near-vertical ice faces, earning it a reputation as one of the most challenging regions for mountaineering. It gained international notoriety through the story of Joe Simpson's survival on Siula Grande, detailed in the book and film 'Touching the Void.' The Huayhuash Circuit is widely considered one of the premier high-altitude trekking routes globally, crossing multiple passes over 4,500 meters. The range marks the convergence of the Ancash, Lima, and Huánuco regions and remains a vital protected area for Andean biodiversity and glacial water resources.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C99999888910109
Rain mm34393719168878212944

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Most treks begin from the town of Huaraz, followed by a long, bumpy bus ride to typical trailheads like Cuartelwain or Llamac in the remote highlands.
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Best season
The dry Andean summer from May to September is the most reliable time for trekking, offering clearer skies and significantly safer mountain pass crossings.
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Terrain & paths
Characterized by steep, rugged mountain passes, high-altitude valleys, and dramatic rocky peaks, demanding excellent physical fitness and stamina.
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What to bring
Comprehensive multi-day trekking gear, including a four-season sleeping bag, sturdy alpine boots, and reliable weather protection, is strictly necessary.
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Parking
Vehicles are typically left securely in larger staging towns like Huaraz, as the mountain range itself is explored entirely on foot over several days.
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Safety
Severe altitude, freezing nighttime temperatures, and remote, difficult trails pose significant challenges; joining guided groups is strongly advised for safety.
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Time needed
Completing the classic trekking circuit usually requires 8 to 12 days of continuous, physically demanding hiking through the wide-open high-altitude landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
-10.30000, -76.90000

Facts

  • Home to Peru's second-highest peak, Yerupajá (6,634 m)
  • Mountain range spans only 30 km in length
  • Setting of the 'Touching the Void' survival story
  • Features seven peaks exceeding 6,000 meters
  • Consistently ranked among the best treks in the world
  • Located at the borders of Ancash, Lima, and Huánuco

Explore nearby

Notable places around

YerupajáYerupajá1 km · EExplore →
Siula GrandeSiula Grande3 km · NExplore →
Antamina MineAntamina Mine26 km · SEExplore →
Pastoruri GlacierPastoruri Glacier34 km · SExplore →
Chavín de HuántarChavín de Huántar36 km · SEExplore →
Cajamarquilla Zinc RefineryCajamarquilla Zinc Refinery42 km · WExplore →
Monastery of San FranciscoMonastery of San Francisco46 km · WExplore →
LimaLima47 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cordillera Huayhuash (3)

Jullutahuarco🌿 nature

This lofty peak is part of the dramatic Peruvian Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range.

San Antonio Pass🌿 nature

This high-altitude pass viewpoint has spectacular vistas over the deep valleys of the Cordillera Huayhuash.

Nevado Puscantrurpa🌿 nature

This snow-capped mountain is a prominent and challenging summit in the rugged Cordillera Huayhuash.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Huayhuash trek difficult?
Yes, it is one of the most challenging but beautiful treks.
How long does the circuit take?
Usually 8 to 12 days.
Do I need mules?
Very helpful for transporting luggage.
Is altitude a problem?
Yes, you are constantly at over 4,000 meters.
When is the best time?
The dry months of June to August.
Cordillera Huayhuash: where is it located?
Cordillera Huayhuash is located in Peru.
Cordillera Huayhuash: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jullutahuarco, San Antonio Pass, Nevado Puscantrurpa.
Cordillera Huayhuash: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Cordillera Huayhuash: why is it worth visiting?
The Cordillera Huayhuash is a compact yet exceptionally rugged mountain range in the Peruvian Andes, located south of the Cordillera Blanca.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Lima — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Lima
The capital and largest city of Peru.
Huaraz — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Huaraz
The premier hub for trekking and mountaineering in the Peruvian Andes, at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca.
Huánuco — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Huánuco
The city of eternal spring in the central Andes, famous for its ancient ruins and mild year-round climate.

History & landmarks

Chavín de Huántar — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Chavín de Huántar
An archaeological site and important religious center of the pre-Hispanic Chavín culture in the Peruvian Andes.
Monastery of San Francisco — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Monastery of San Francisco
An impressive baroque church and monastery complex in Lima, particularly famous for its underground catacombs.
Huaca Pucllana — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Huaca Pucllana
A massive adobe pyramid of the Lima culture, which today is a fascinating relic in the middle of the modern Miraflores district.
Larco Museum — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Larco Museum
A privately run museum of pre-Columbian art in Lima, housed in a beautiful 18th-century building.
Bridge of Sighs — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Bridge of Sighs
A picturesque wooden bridge in the bohemian district of Barranco in Lima, which has inspired many artists, musicians, and lovers.
Pachacamac — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Pachacamac
A massive archaeological site on the coast south of Lima that was an important religious center long before the Incas.

More places

Yerupajá — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Yerupajá
Yerupajá is the second highest mountain in Peru and is considered one of the hardest to climb in the Andes.
Cave of the Owls — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Cave of the Owls
An impressive karst cave in Tingo María National Park, home to a large colony of oilbirds (guácharos).
Tingo María Banana Farms — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Tingo María Banana Farms
Large tropical agricultural areas that benefit from the Amazonian climate to grow plantains and tropical fruits.
Siula Grande — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Siula Grande
Siula Grande in the Cordillera Huayhuash became world-famous through Joe Simpson's book and film 'Touching the Void'.
Antamina Mine — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Antamina Mine
One of the largest copper and zinc mines in the world, located high in the Andes mountains.
Pastoruri Glacier — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Pastoruri Glacier
An easily accessible Andean glacier that is unfortunately shrinking rapidly due to climate change, but remains an important natural monum…
Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
Cajamarquilla Zinc Refinery
One of the largest zinc refineries in the world, located near the capital city of Lima.
La Pampilla Refinery — Cordillera Huayhuash (Peru)
La Pampilla Refinery
The largest oil refinery in Peru, located in the coastal region of Callao.