Huayhuash Circuit

The Cordillera Huayhuash is a short, steep chain of ice peaks on the borders of the Áncash, Huánuco and Lima regions. It includes Yerupajá, the second-highest mountain in Peru, and Siula Grande, made famous by Joe Simpson's account of survival in Touching the Void.

The circuit loops around the whole range, crossing one high pass after another and camping beside turquoise lakes such as Jahuacocha and Solteracocha, below the walls of the Cutatambo valley. Villages are few and the trail spends most of its time above 4,000 m, so acclimatisation and good weather gear are essential.

PromPerú gives twelve days for the classic circuit and notes that there is nowhere to buy food until Huayllapa, on the ninth day. It advises going with an agency or hiring at least one arriero with donkeys, and campsites with basic services are found beside water sources along the route.