The Huayhuash Trek 8 days is a stunning adventure in the Cordillera Huayhuash mountains of Peru. This route is perfect for trekkers who want a shorter but complete version of the famous Huayhuash trekking experience. Over eight days, you’ll walk about 95 km, pass through high mountain passes, sleep beside beautiful lakes, and enjoy amazing views every day.
This version of the Huayhuash trek in Peru is slightly faster than the 10-day trek, but still includes all the famous views. You’ll visit Carhuacocha and Jahuacocha lakes, climb to passes like Siula and Trapecio, and explore quiet valleys and traditional villages. It’s a challenging trek, but very rewarding for those with good fitness and trekking experience.
What to expect on the Huayhuash 8 day trek
You’ll begin your journey with a drive from Huaraz to the trailhead. Each day includes about 6–8 hours of hiking, with a mix of uphill climbs and downhill trails. You’ll camp each night in remote, beautiful locations—some near lakes, others in wide mountain valleys. Your bags will be carried by donkeys, and your guides will take care of all meals and camps.
Along the trail, you’ll see snow-covered mountains like Yerupajá and Siula Grande, cross high passes up to 5,000 meters, and enjoy quiet nights under the stars. This trek offers a real connection to nature and a chance to experience the beauty of the Cordillera Huayhuash away from the crowds.
Culture, nature, and adventure
During your Huayhuash trek 8 days, you’ll also pass through small Andean villages like Huayllapa. These communities still live in traditional ways, and it’s a special opportunity to see rural life in the Peruvian mountains. The area is also home to wildlife like condors, hawks, and foxes.
One of the highlights of the trek is Siula Grande, the mountain made famous by the book and movie Touching the Void. You’ll see it up close from the viewpoint near Carhuacocha Lake, one of the most beautiful spots on the entire route.
What is the Huayhuash Trek 8 days like?
The Huayhuash trek 8 days is a shorter, but complete version of the famous full circuit in the Cordillera Huayhuash. It’s a remote, high-altitude trek with views of snow-covered peaks, blue lagoons, and quiet valleys. Each day includes hiking over a mountain pass and camping in nature. Local guides and muleteers help carry your gear and cook meals. It’s a great choice if you want a real Huayhuash trekking experience but have limited time.
Huayhuash 8 days weather and temperature
The weather in the Cordillera Huayhuash depends on the time of year. There are two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy (wet) season.
The dry season is from May to September, and it is the best time for the Huayhuash trek 8 days. During these months, the Huayhuash weather is usually clear and sunny. This means you will have great views of the snow-covered mountains and blue lakes. During the day, Huayhuash temperature can be between 13°C and 23°C — warm enough to hike in a light jacket. At night, especially at campsites around 4,000 meters, it gets cold. The temperature can go down to -3°C or even lower, so warm clothes and a good sleeping bag are very important.
The wet season is from November to March. This is not a good time for the trek. There is a lot of rain, the trails can be muddy, and clouds often block the mountain views. Landslides and river crossings can also be dangerous. Most trekking companies do not offer tours in this season.
April and October are in-between months. They are called the “shoulder season.” Sometimes the weather is good, but there is still a risk of rain.
If you want the safest and most beautiful experience, the best time for the Huayhuash trek 8 days is during the dry season.
How hard is the Huayhuash Trek 8 days?
The Huayhuash 8 day trek is physically demanding. You’ll be walking at high altitude (over 4,000 meters) for most of the days, and some climbs are steep. But the difficulty is balanced by the help of a support team, and the route is well-paced. This version is shorter than the 10-day trek, so you’ll walk more hours each day, but still have time to enjoy the views.
If you want a version of the Huayhuash trek that shows you the best of Huayhuash Peru, this 8-day trek is a perfect choice.
Huayhuash Trek acclimatisation
To get ready for the Huayhuash trek 8 days, it’s important to spend a few (3-4) days in Huaraz (3100m) before you start. This helps your body get used to the high altitude of the Cordillera Huayhuash. During your stay, go on short hikes like Laguna 69 or Rocutuyoc Lake to acclimatize. We recommend doing 3 acclimatization hikes. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and eat light, high-carb meals to stay energized and adjust better to the altitude.
Training before your trek will also help. Try hiking with a backpack, jogging, or doing leg workouts like squats and lunges to build strength and stamina. Practice flexibility with stretching or yoga to avoid injuries.
Check your gear before the trek. Make sure your hiking boots are comfortable and already worn in. Pack layers for cold nights and sunny days, including warm clothes and a waterproof jacket.
Before your trip, you may want to visit your doctor to make sure you’re fit for a high-altitude adventure. Ask about medicines like Diamox for altitude sickness if needed. With good preparation, you’ll enjoy the amazing views, mountain passes, and adventure of this unforgettable Huayhuash 8 day trek in Peru.
Huayhuash Trek 8 days: An amazing adventure in Peru
The Huayhuash trek 8 days is a stunning high-altitude circuit in the Cordillera Huayhuash of Peru. This adventure starts in Huaraz, where you travel by car to Cuartelhuain and begin your hike through the heart of the Huayhuash mountain range. The trek takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in Huayhuash Peru, including turquoise lakes, high mountain passes, and peaceful valleys.
Start of the trek
On the first day, you hike over Punta Cacanan Pass and descend to your camp at Laguna Mitucocha. From there, the second day takes you to Alcaycocha Pass and down to the stunning Carhuacocha Lagoon, a highlight of the Huayhuash trekking route. The third day brings you past the famous viewpoint of the three lagoons, and then over Siula Pass, with views of the massive Yerupajá mountain.
High passes and remote camps
You’ll continue to the Trapeze Pass, the highest point of the 8-day version of the trek, and descend to a quiet campsite near the base of the Cuyoc mountains. The next day, you climb to the San Antonio viewpoint, known for its wide mountain views, and then descend into the Cutatambo Valley and reach the village of Huayllapa for a more comfortable overnight.
Final stages and return to Huaraz
The trail climbs again through green valleys to Tapush Pass, where you camp at Gashpapampa. On day seven, you cross Yaucha Pass and walk down to the peaceful Jahuacocha Lagoon, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. This is your final night camping under the stars.
End of the 8-Day Huayhuash Trek
On the last day of the Huayhuash trek 8 days, you hike over Punta Jahuacocha and descend to the village of Pocpa, where a car will take you back to Huaraz.
Who is this huayhuash trekking for?
This route is one of the most scenic trekking options in Peru and is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a highlight version of the full Huayhuash trek in Peru. The Huayhuash 8 day trek covers around 95 kilometers and includes several mountain passes above 4,700 meters. It offers a perfect mix of nature, challenge, and culture in one of the most beautiful regions of the Andes.
Huayhuash altitude and elevation
The Cordillera Huayhuash is a high-altitude region. The trek starts at 4,180 meters and reaches up to 5,000 meters at Trapeze Pass. You will cross several passes above 4,700 meters. This is why good acclimatization is important before starting the huayhuash trek in Peru. Spend a 4 days in Huaraz to adjust.
Huayhuash Trek cost and price
The Huayhuash trek 8 days cost depends on the service level. In group tours, our 8-day Huayhuash trek costs $525 USD. Private treks cost more, but can be arranged as well. Prices usually include transportation, meals, camping equipment, guide, mule support, and entrance fees. It’s one of the best value treks in Peru Huayhuash trekking, considering the scenery and logistics required.
Best time for the Huayhuash Trek
The best time for Huayhuash trek is during the dry season: May to September. These months offer stable weather, sunny days, and clear mountain views. April and October are shoulder months with fewer people, but more chance of rain. From November to March, it’s rainy season. The trail is wet and not ideal for trekking, but still possible.
8-day Huayhuash Trek difficulty
Yes, the Huayhuash trek 8 days is a challenging trek due to its elevation, long days, and remote campsites. But it’s more accessible than the full 10-day or 12-day circuits. If you’re physically fit and well-acclimatized, the 8-day version is very rewarding. With guided support, you’ll carry only a small daypack. The trail is hard but doable, and very beautiful.
