Huayhuash Trek Details | Hiking New Zealand

What transport is used on the Huayhuash Trek?

We travel in a public bus for the Lima – Huaraz journey. The buses are very comfortable and we travel first class with the ‘Cruz Del Sur” company. The roads have a lot of switch backs as they climb the Andes – take travel sickness pills if you are not a good traveller!

From Huaraz we travel in private minibuses. For the return journey from Huaraz to Lima, we travel by plane, the morning flight takes approximately one hour.

Additional Costs

What additional costs should I budget for during the Huayhuash Trek ?

Meals in Lima and Huaraz (except breakfast which is provided by the hotel).

Grading & Fitness

What level of fitness is required for the Huayhuash Trek trip?

Grade: D

Average 6-8 hours of trekking per day, up to 9 hours on longer days.

Altitude – most of the trek is at above 4000 meters in altitude. The highest pass we cross is 5000 meters.

If you are an active, healthy person who exercises on a regular basis and have a love for mountains and trekking then this is the trek for you!

As all the nights on the trek are spent in a tent it also helps if you like camping!

Altitude

Most of the trek is above 4000 meters in altitude. The highest pass we cross is 5000 meters. Once above 3000 meters the air is noticeably thinner, and you are likely to experience some side effects. If you are fortunate, this may be as minor as a mild headache, feeling a bit lethargic and shortness of breath after physical exertion. However, it is very important to acclimatise slowly to give the body a chance to adapt to the change of conditions. We have designed the itinerary with this in mind, and have two days of acclimatisation hikes before heading to the Huayhuash. We strongly recommend the use of ‘Diamox’ to medicate against the side effects of altitude. Feel free to discuss this with our team or consult with your doctor/GP. Adequate hydration is also very important and you need to be drinking at least 4 litres a day on the trek.

Health and Hygiene

It pays to be vigilant around food and personal hygiene to avoid illness or upset stomachs leading up to the trek. On the trek we drink only boiled or treated water. While in towns and cities drink only bottled or filtered water and carry your own water purification tabs just in case. While it’s fun and cheaper to eat from the street food vendors you may want to avoid this (at least before the trek anyway) to minimise the risk of eating any contaminated fruit or vegetables. Keep some hand sanitiser and wipes in your day pack. Consult with a travel health clinic at least a month before travelling to see if you require any vaccinations.

Accommodation

What accommodation is used on the Huayhuash Trek?

In Lima we stay in Hotel Miramar in the Mira Flores area. For our nights in Huaraz we stay at the Hotel Suiza Peruna before the trek and Hotel Andino after the trek. Rooms are on a twin share basis.

The trek includes two nights at the eco lodge “Lazy Dog Inn” in the Cordilleria Blanca. Here we stay in beautifully appointed adobe type houses and dine with the hosts. During the trek we camp in roomy two person tents, and there is a communal tent for dining and relaxing.

What to Take

What to pack for the Huayhuash Trek trip?

Day pack – a minimum of 35 liters
Large pack or duffel bag – this will be carried on the donkeys
Trekking boots – broken in
Long trousers – lightweight/quick drying
Long sleeve shirts – lightweight/quick drying/sun protection
Trainers or sandals (for around camp)
Thermal tops and leggings (polypropylene or wool)
Down jacket
Fleece or woolen jacket/jersey
Waterproof raincoat, Gore-Tex or similar
Light water-proof over-trousers
Socks & underwear
Swim wear
Sun hat
Warm hat
Warm gloves
Towel (quick-drying)
Insect repellent
Sun-cream
Toiletries
Head torch
Camera (and power bank/spare batteries) S
Solar charger for other small electronic items
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Walking pole
Spare boot laces & sewing kit
Sleeping bag (rated 3 season minimum) *
Air mattress (compact and lightweight)*

*These can be hired in Huaraz if you want to travel light. Talk to us if unsure or if you want us to arrange for you.

Food

What meals are included on the Huayhuash Trek?

While on the trek all meals are provided; when in Huaraz and Lima breakfast will be provided at the hotel. There is a great selection of restaurants in Lima and Huaraz and we will most probably dine together but you are free to choose. Let us know if you are a vegetarian – choices can be a little limited at restaurants but we can cater for you on the trek no problem. Dinner and breakfast is included at the “Lazy Dog Inn”, and it’s delicious!

Guides & Safety

Who are our guides, and what safety measures are in place on the Huayhuash Trek?

Juanita Miln – Trek Leader

Juanita, a Hiking New Zealand Guide, will be joining the trek to assist our local team and ensure everyone has the “trek of a lifetime”. She began guiding in 2008 after a career with the NZ Army that took her to Antarctica. Her love of the outdoors led
her to a Masters in Biological Sciences and a Teaching Diploma. Her adventures include Peru, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, as well as Iceland and Norway, where she combined sea kayaking with hiking. She has also completed a solo long-distance hike through the European Alps, further deepening her connection with the mountains and wilderness.

Rodolfo Reyes Oropeza – Chief Guide

Rodolfo is a fully certified professional Mountain Trekking Guide. He studied at CEAM, (House of Guides Center for High Mountain studies) dedicated to the training of Mountain Guides in Peru. As well as guiding the Huayhuash trek (over 100 times) Rodolfo has also guided climbing and trekking trips in Bolivia and Ecuador. Rodolfo is born and bred in Huaraz and also studied law here for 3 years before finding the lure of the mountains too strong!
Rudolfo holds a mountain rescue qualification from the Peruvian Mountain Guides Association.

Pelayo Milla Morales – Porter and Assistant Guide

Pelayo has worked for many years as a porter and assistant guide. An accomplished mountaineer who has climbed many of the 6000 meter peaks in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash.

Frael Milla – Chef

Frael is a master cook with more than 15 years of experience plying his trade in the mountains of Peru. A two ring burner in the corner of a tent is all Frael needs to produce first class meals; vegetarian meals are one of his specialties. He is also a skilled mountaineer and works as an assistant guide as well.

Joining our team will be drivers, porters, arrieros and donkeys who are all experienced, professional and well trained (including the donkeys).

Questions

What is the climate like in Peru?

We have chosen the optimum time of year to trek in the Andes. Between May and September, the weather in the mountains is generally more stable, although it can still change rapidly and rain or snow is not uncommon. However, a typical day on the trail will be clear blue skies, sometimes a little cloud in the afternoon. The nights can be very cold and the temperature can fall as low as -10°C at the higher camps. During the day it can get quite hot, up to 25-30°C but more often around 15-20°C. Lightweight shirts with long sleeves and a collar are very important to protect you from the sun which can feel harsh at this altitude.

Booking Conditions

What are the booking terms and conditions for the Huayhuash Trek?

You will be asked to fill out a disclaimer before you begin the trek. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

Payment

For bookings made four or more months prior to the departure date, a US$400 deposit is required, with the remainder due
95 days before your trip. For bookings made within four months of the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

95 days or more prior to departure date: US$400 deposit is forfeited.
94 to 35 days: 50% of the tour price forfeited.
34 days or less: 100% of the tour price forfeited.
The tour price is all-inclusive. There will be no partial refunds or credits for unused services within a tour. Any unpaid, forfeited amount may be pursued as a debt.

Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance required for the Huayhuash Trek?

We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance.

Huayhuash Trek

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