Located in the department of Ancash, the Cordillera Huayhuash is held to be the world's least-known and most beautiful mountain ranges. It stretches across an area of 30 km, running from north to south, and is studded with a string of soaring peaks, including Mount Yerupajá and dozens of glacial lakes.

The trekking circuit runs across the entire range and covers nearly 165 km in 12 days. The experts deem it one of the most spectacular trekking circuits on Earth.


The route -the only trail that circles the cordillera- sets out from the town of Chiquián (3,400 masl) and takes two days to reach the heart of the cordillera. Along the way, the trail runs through five high mountain passes and passes through picturesque farming and livestock herding villages such as Llamac, Pocpa, Huayllapa and Pacllón, bordering the mountains to the north, before following the eastern edge and completing the circuit on the west side. A shorter circuit (45 km) links Chiquián with Lake Jahuacocha, setting out from the villages of Llamac and Pocpa and returning through Pacllón.


Towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, flocks of llamas and alpacas, hospitable people, and above all, Nature in all her unspoiled glory is the prize for those who venture to discover this unique circuit.


Climate: Heavy rains from December to March and a markedly dry season from May to October, where sunny days post temperatures of 25°C and freezing nights.


Access: The town of Chiquián is located some 360 km northeast of Lima and 50 km south of the Cordillera Blanca.


Adventure sports and activities in Peru: