The Huayhuash Trek is one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in Peru. It takes you through remote valleys, snowy mountain passes, and turquoise lakes in the Andes. Most of the trek is above 4,000 meters, and every day brings new views and new adventures.
Because the Huayhuash Trek is high and remote, good preparation is very important. The better you prepare, the more you can enjoy the experience. This trek is not just about reaching the campsites, but also really enjoyable when you feel strong, safe, and ready every day.
On this page, we’ll help you get ready step by step. Whether you already booked your trek or are just planning ahead, this guide will explain how to prepare your body, what to pack, how to deal with the altitude, and what to expect each day. With the right mindset and the right gear, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable journey.
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Before you go: physical & mental preparation
The Huayhuash Trek is a real adventure. You’ll walk for many hours each day, climb high mountain passes, and sleep in tents. You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but it’s important to prepare your body and mind before you go.
Build your endurance
To enjoy the trek, your body needs good stamina. That means being able to walk for several hours without getting too tired. In the weeks before your trip, try doing activities like walking, hiking, running, cycling, or going up and down stairs.
It’s also helpful to do some strength training, especially for your legs and core. Exercises like squats, lunges, or planks will help your muscles feel stronger and make the trek easier on your body.
Practice hiking with a daypack
Try to go on longer walks or hikes near your home while carrying a small backpack. Walk on hills, stairs, or uneven paths if you can. This helps your body get used to the feeling of walking with a bit of weight, just like you’ll do on the trek.
During the Huayhuash Trek, you’ll only carry your own daypack with things like water, snacks, and extra layers. You don’t need to carry your big bag. A duffle bag of up to 5 kg is included in our Huayhuash trek tours and will be carried for you by mules or donkeys.
It’s also good for building both strength and confidence.
Prepare your mindset
The Huayhuash Trek is beautiful, but also challenging. You’ll wake up early, hike in cold and warm weather, and sleep in tents. Showers are not available, and weather can change quickly.
Be ready for these conditions. Go in with a positive attitude, and accept that some parts will be hard. What makes this trek special is the peace, nature, quiet, and the feeling of doing something truly unforgettable. If you stay open and flexible, the hard moments will pass, and the rewards will be amazing.
Acclimatization Huayhuash trek
The Huayhuash Trek takes place at very high altitude. Most of the trek is above 4,000 meters, and some mountain passes are over 5,000 meters. That means your body needs time to get used to the thinner air. This process is called acclimatization. It’s one of the most important parts of preparing for the trek.
Why acclimatization matters
At high altitude, there is less oxygen in the air. If your body isn’t ready, you may feel tired quickly or get symptoms like headaches, nausea, or dizziness. In some cases, it can become serious. That’s why it’s very important to let your body adjust before you begin.
When to arrive in Huaraz for acclimatization for the Huayhuash trek
If you are coming from sea level or a place below 2,500 meters, we recommend staying in Huaraz for at least four full days before your trek starts. This gives your body time to adapt slowly.
Coming from Cusco, Puno, Bolivia (above 3000m)
If you are already coming from a high place like Cusco, Puno, or Bolivia (above 3,000 meters), then two full days in Huaraz is usually enough.
During these days, take it easy. Rest well, eat light, drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol.
Tips to avoid altitude sickness
Drink lots of water throughout the day
Your body loses more water at high altitude, especially through breathing and physical activity. Staying hydrated helps reduce symptoms like headaches and dizziness. Try to sip water often, not just when you feel thirsty. Carry a bottle and drink throughout the day.
Eat light meals, especially in the evening
Digestion becomes slower at high altitude. Heavy meals, especially at night, can make you feel tired or uncomfortable. Stick to light foods like soup, rice, pasta, vegetables, or a small amount of meat. This helps your body rest better and feel stronger the next day.
Avoid alcohol and heavy food before and during your acclimatization
Alcohol can dehydrate your body and affect your sleep. Both of which are important for adjusting to altitude. It’s best to avoid alcohol during your first days at high altitude, and also stay away from oily, fried, or rich food. These can slow down your body’s ability to adapt.
Coca tea can help, many locals in the Andes use it
Coca leaves have been used for centuries in the Andes to help with altitude. Drinking coca tea (mate de coca) can help reduce mild symptoms like headaches or fatigue. It’s a natural remedy you’ll find in many cafés and hotels in the mountains.
Walk slowly and don’t rush during hikes. It’s not a competition
The air is thinner at high altitude, so your body needs more time and energy to do the same things. If you walk too fast, you’ll get tired quickly or feel short of breath. Walk at your own pace, take breaks when needed, and enjoy the scenery. Slow and steady is best.
Ask your doctor about altitude medicine like Diamox and others
We are not doctors and cannot give medical advice. Everything we share is based on our own experience and that of other travelers. Always consult your own doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
If you’re worried about altitude sickness, speak with your doctor before your trip. Some people choose to take Diamox (acetazolamide). This is a medicine that helps your body adjust faster to high altitude. It’s not for everyone, so be sure to ask a medical professional if it’s right for you.
You might also want to ask about bringing medicine for diarrhea, headaches, nausea, or other common issues that can happen during high-altitude trekking.
Agua de Florida
This is a traditional Peruvian floral water used by locals in the Andes. People often smell it or rub a little on their hands or neck to feel refreshed and relieve dizziness or nausea. While it’s not medical treatment, many hikers find it comforting at high altitudes. You can buy it in small bottles in Huaraz or local shops in Cusco and Lima.
Huayhuash acclimatization hikes around Huaraz
Wilcacocha
Difficulty: Easy
Max altitude: ~3,700 m
A gentle half-day hike with beautiful views of the Cordillera Blanca. Ideal for your first acclimatization hike after arriving in Huaraz. This tour starts relatively late so if you arrive early, you can do it the same day you arrive in Huaraz.
Laguna Llanganuco
Difficulty: Easy (drive-up with optional short walk)
Max altitude: ~3,850 m
This lake is accessible by car with short walks around the shore. A great place for a relaxed day with minimal hiking.
Laguna Rocotuyoc
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Max altitude: ~4,100 m
A less visited lake in the Huaytapallana area. A quiet and peaceful place with a easy to moderate uphill trail.
Laguna Llaca
Difficulty: Moderate
Max altitude: ~4,450 m
A rocky but gradual trail to a glacial valley and lake. Good for second or third day of acclimatization.
Laguna Churup
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Max altitude: ~4,450 m
Steep climb with some scrambling and fixed ropes near the end. A popular choice once you’ve had a day or two to adjust.
Laguna 69
Difficulty: Challenging
Max altitude: ~4,600 m
One of the most famous day hikes. Steep and steady climb with spectacular views. A solid final test before your trek.
Nevado Mateo
Difficulty: Challenging (technical – snow hike with gear)
Max altitude: ~5,150 m
This is a glacier hike that requires crampons and a guide. It’s an excellent way to simulate the high passes of Huayhuash but should only be done after you’ve already acclimatized to around 4,500 m.
Huayhuash acclimatization hikes plan
The best way to get used to the altitude is to do short hikes before the trek. Huaraz is the perfect place for this — there are many beautiful day hikes nearby. These hikes help your body adjust slowly, and they also give you the chance to enjoy the mountains and get used to walking uphill.
Here’s a simple acclimatization plan you can follow in the four days before your Huayhuash trek:
- Day 1 – Arrive in Huaraz and rest. Walk slowly around town, drink water, and take it easy. You can consider visiting Wilcacocha lake.
- Day 2 – Visit Laguna Rocotuyoc, Laguna Llanganuco or if you feel good, Laguna Churup.
- Day 3 – For a final challenge, hike to Laguna 69 (4,600 m) or, if you’re feeling strong and already well-acclimatized, try Nevado Mateo (5,150 m) with a certified guide.
- Day 4 – Relax and prepare for your Huayhuash trek.
If you have more time, you can even join the Santa Cruz Trek before Huayhuash — it’s a great multi-day option to build strength and test how your body feels at altitude.
What to pack for the Huayhuash Trek
Packing well is one of the best things you can do to enjoy your Huayhuash Trek. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s important to bring clothing for sun, wind, cold, and even snow. You’ll also want to stay comfortable at camp after a long day of hiking.
Your main bag (a duffle of up to 5 kg) will be carried for you by mules or donkeys, so you only need to carry a small daypack while hiking. Below is a list of what to bring.
Clothing: Layer for all seasons
The secret to staying warm and dry in the mountains is to dress in layers. You can add or remove layers during the day depending on the weather.
Bring:
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom) for sleeping or cold mornings
- A fleece or warm jacket for evenings
- Separate set of clothes for sleeping or camp
- A waterproof and windproof jacket for rain, wind, or snow
- Hiking pants and a pair of leggings or light pants for camp
- A warm hat (beanie) and gloves for cold mornings
- Neck buff or scarf to cover your nose and mouth in cold weather, or to keep warm in the mornings.
- A sun hat or cap for strong sun at high altitude
Footwear
You’ll be hiking long distances on rocky and sometimes snowy and/or muddy trails. Comfortable and sturdy shoes are very important.
Bring:
- Waterproof hiking boots (already broken in — not new!)
- Sandals or camp shoes to wear at camp and let your feet rest
- Wool or synthetic socks (4 or more pairs) to stay warm and dry
Daypack essentials
While trekking, you’ll carry a daypack with things you need for the day. Your big duffle will be waiting at camp.
Pack in your daypack:
- Water (at least 2–3 liters per day)
- Snacks for energy (more on that in the next section)
- Extra layers in case the weather changes
- Sunscreen, lipbalm with SPF and sunglasses (the sun is strong at altitude)
- Headlamp (with extra batteries, for camp or night toilet trips)
- Personal medicine, if needed during the day
- Rain gear or poncho
- Tissues or toilet paper in a ziplock bag
Optional but useful
These items aren’t required, but many trekkers are glad they brought them.
- Trekking poles – very helpful on steep descents
- Trash bag or small stuff sack – for collecting your personal waste like snack wrappers or used wet wipes. “Leave no trace” is important in the mountains
- Power bank or solar charger – no electricity during the trek
- Plastic bag or dry bag – use this to store dirty clothes or wet socks so they don’t mix with your clean clothes in the duffle bag.
- Quick-dry towel – useful for washing your face or hands
- Wet wipes – your best friend when there are no showers
- A book, e-reader, or journal – nice to relax at camp in the afternoons
Food & snacks
On our guided Huayhuash trek, all meals are included. Everything is freshly prepared by the camp cook, and you don’t need to carry or cook anything yourself. Meals are made to give you the energy you need for the long, high-altitude days.
Here’s what you can usually expect:
- Breakfast: Eggs, pancakes, bread, jam, cheese, ham, tea (and sometimes coffee)
- Lunch: Either a warm lunch at camp (usually soup and a main dish with rice, pasta, veggies, meat, or fish) — or a lunch box to take with you (often like breakfast, with sandwiches or simple snacks)
- Dinner: Always starts with a warm soup, followed by a main dish like rice with meatballs or chicken, potatoes, quinoa, and vegetables
- Snacks: Popcorn, cookies, fruit, and tea — usually served in the afternoon after hiking
Vegetarian, and/or any other diets are available — just let us know in advance.
What to bring with you
Even though food is included, it’s a good idea to bring a few extra snacks. These give you a quick energy boost and add variety if you want something different during the day.
Some good options:
- Nuts and trail mix
- Dried fruit
- Energy or granola bars
- Gummies or candy
- Chocolate or cookies for a treat
Choose snacks that are light, don’t melt, and don’t create much trash.
Bring comfort food if you like
If there’s a small treat that makes you feel good — like a special tea, a chocolate bar, or your favorite snack — bring it along. After a long hiking day, a little comfort can feel extra special.
Camping & hygiene tips
During the Huayhuash Trek, you’ll stay at basic campsites in the mountains. Each night, you’ll sleep in a tent, usually shared with one other person. It’s not luxury, but with the right mindset (and a few smart tips), it can still be very comfortable.
What to expect
There are no showers during most of the trek, except for in Huayllapa (night 5) where you may have the option to shower in a village (for a small fee, not included). Most people use wet wipes to freshen up each evening.
Each campsite has simple toilets. These are often toilet tents, a small private tent placed over a hole in the ground. It’s basic, but it offers some privacy and works fine if used properly. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as these are not provided.
Tips for staying fresh and comfortable
- Bring wet wipes to clean your body after hiking. It feels great to wipe down your face, arms, and feet before getting into your sleeping bag.
- Keep a separate camp outfit (like warm leggings, a thermal top, and socks) and don’t use them for hiking. Always sleep in clean, dry clothes to stay warm and comfortable.
- Separate your clothes: One set for hiking, one set for sleeping. Rotate your hiking clothes during the day, but try to keep your sleep clothes clean and dry.
- Bring a small towel or cloth for washing your face or hands with boiled water (if available).
- Pack a plastic bag or dry bag for dirty clothes so they don’t mix with your clean ones.
Camping in Huayhuash is simple, but the peace and views at night are unforgettable. With a bit of preparation, you’ll feel good and sleep well — even without a shower.
Weather & seasons
The best time to hike the Huayhuash Trek is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, the weather is more stable, and the days are usually sunny with clear views of the mountains.
During the day, temperatures can feel warm, sometimes up to 20°C, especially when the sun is strong. But at night, it gets very cold. Temperatures often drop to freezing or below, especially at higher campsites.
Weather in the Andes can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for sun, wind, rain, or even snow, all in the same day.
Clothing tip: dress in layers
The best way to stay comfortable is to wear layers. This way, you can add or remove clothing as the weather changes. Start with a thermal base layer, add a fleece or sweater, and carry a windproof and waterproof jacket. Always bring a hat, gloves, and a sun hat in your daypack. You’ll probably use all of them at different moments during the trek.
Safety & group support
The Huayhuash Trek is a challenge, but with the right support and attitude, it’s a safe and rewarding experience.
One of the most important things is to go at your own pace. This trek is not a race. Everyone walks at a different speed, and that’s okay. Take your time, breathe deeply, and enjoy the views. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to altitude sickness or injury.
Always listen to your body. If you feel unwell, tired, or dizzy, tell your guide right away. They are trained to help and carry a first-aid kit during the entire trek.
Our tours have an emergency horse in case someone can’t walk due to altitude or fatigue. The horse is with the group, but it’s not automatically included in the price. If you need to use it, there may be an extra cost.
The group moves together with support from your guide and cook. There’s always someone checking that everyone is okay. If you need help, you won’t be left behind.
Tips & local info
The Huayhuash Trek goes through remote mountains and small villages. Once you start the trek, there are no shops, no ATMs, and no pharmacies. Make sure to bring everything you need from Huaraz.
The only village with a small shop is Huayllapa, usually visited around day 5 or 6. There you can buy a few basic snacks or drinks, but it’s very limited. Don’t count on restocking anything important during the trek.
If your tour does not include the community entrance fees, you will need to bring cash to pay these at the briefing. These fees support the local communities that maintain the campsites and trails. Usually, you will pay the full amount at the briefing before the trek starts, and the guide will handle the payments during the trek.
To stay on the safe side, bring extra cash in Peruvian soles, stored safely in a ziplock or dry bag.
Final checklist: before you leave Huaraz
Before starting the Huayhuash Trek, take a moment to go through this checklist. It’s your last chance to make sure you have everything you need for a smooth and stress-free adventure.
Once everything is ready, take a deep breath and enjoy the excitement. You’re about to begin one of the most beautiful and unforgettable hikes in the world.
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