A multi-day hike in Peru takes us to an altitude of 5000 meters
Places filled: 4/6
A two-week hiking trip to Peru will take us to the most scenic hiking trails in the Andes. The main goal of the trip is to complete a multi-day hiking trail across Huayhuash mountain rangeWe cross mountain passes at an altitude of 4600-5000 meters and camp among snowy peaks by mountain lakes.
Due to its extreme altitudes and breathtaking (sometimes literally) views, the entire Huayhuash Trail has been considered one of the most physically and mentally challenging trails in Peru. But also one of the most rewarding.
From Lima, the capital of Peru, we drive to the city of Huaraz, located at an altitude of 3000 meters, where we take a few days to acclimatize. We take a few easy walks to beautiful mountain lakes and settle into Peruvian culture. After that, we hike for the next 5-6 days with just our group on trails far from civilization. Therefore, we carry all the necessary camping and cooking equipment with us, along with the food we consume.
Are you craving an adventure that offers both a physical challenge and world-class views? This hike through the mountainous trails of the Andes is exactly what you need!
Overview
Objective: To hike around the Huayhuash mountain range in Peru
Dates: 04.05 - 17.05.2025 (+ flight time)
Adventure guide: Tanel Tilk
Technical difficulty level: 1/5 (hikes take place on well-trodden paths)
Physical difficulty: 3/5 (heavy backpack, high ascent angles, altitude 4000-5000 m)
Group size: min 4, max 6 (including guide)
Trip price — €1595
Please note: For community members discount -5% (1515 €) applies
Travel cost
Price includes
Entire trip organization and on-site guidance
Intimately familiar with Peru and South America Elamus+ vedur
Overnight stays in hotels (2-3 person rooms) before and after the hike in Lima, Huaraz
Local transportation in Peru and all transfers from Lima accommodation to the mountains and back.
Nature park entrance fees and camping fees
Breakfasts in Lima and Huaraz
Breakfast and dinner during hiking days (high quality) Tactical food pack/MEKI camping food)
Stylish Elamus+ sports shirt for each participant
Group pharmacy (including high-altitude medications) and health assessment
Gas canisters for the burner for hiking days
Elamus+ mountaineering preparation package (valued at €200)
Access to online mountaineering webinars
Winter mountaineering training day
Summer trial hike/training
Price does not include
Flight tickets to Peru and back (from ~ €950)
Transportation upon arrival and departure to Lima hotel
Insurance (travel insurance and mandatory sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking)
Personal hiking equipment (can also be rented if necessary) Elamus Pluss)
Tents and cooking equipment (a set per tent)
Drinks and lunch snacks on the hike
Meals outside the mountains (in Lima, Huaraz and on the road)
Extracurricular activities and transportation for them
Personal hygiene products and medications
Internet and data packages
Registration for the trip
Before registering, please read travel conditions. To secure your place on the trip, you must pay an advance payment of €3 within 290 working days of receiving the confirmation and invoice by email. If there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more: frequently asked questions ja package tour information sheet.
Schedule and activities
DAY 1: Arrival
The starting point of the trip is in the capital of Peru, Limas. It should be noted that it takes over 20 hours to get there from Estonia, depending on the flights. You can ask the adventure coach for advice on flight tickets. You must be there no later than the evening of May 4th or, in extreme cases, the following morning. Lima is located at sea level.
Day 2: Exploring Lima
On the first full day of the trip, we take it easy, rest from the flight, and explore the Peruvian capital. We walk through the historic center of Lima, visit the main square (Plaza de Armas), and taste local food (like ceviche and lomo saltado).
DAY 3: We drive towards the mountains. Lima -> Huaraz
We start our journey from the ocean towards the Andes. The journey in a comfortable bus takes about 8 hours.
Days 4-5: Acclimatization in Huaraz
Located in the Ancash region Huaraz (3000 m) is a popular hiking and mountaineering destination due to its proximity to Peru's highest peaks (the Cordillera Blanca mountain range). The city is the gateway to Huascarán National Park, known for its magnificent glaciers, lakes and diverse wildlife.
Over the course of two days, we will rest and acclimatize by taking scenic hiking routes such as Willcacocha Lake (3730 m) Rajucolta Lake (4271 m) or 69 Lagoon (4600 m).
Days 6-11: Huayhuash Mountain Range
The transport takes us from Huaraz to the Huayhuash mountain range, where we are dropped off and for the next 5-6 days we are on our own amidst mighty mountains and stunning nature.
Day 1: Huaraz – Cuartelhuain (4180 m) – Cacanan Punta Pass (4700 m) – Mitucocha (4230 m)
Transfer by transport to the starting point of the hike in Cuartelhuain and then we head towards Mitucocha, where we set up our first camp.
» Driving time: 5 hours
» Hiking time: approx. 6 hours.
» Camping: Mitucocha (4230 m)
Day 2: Mitucocha (4230 m) - Carhuac pass "Yanapunta" (4650 m) - Laguna Carhuacocha (4140 m)
Today we ascend to the Carhuac Pass, offering magnificent views of the snow-capped mountains of Siula and Yerupaja. Finally, we reach Carhuacocha.
» Hiking time: approx. 7 hours.
» Camping: Carhuacocha Lake (4100 m)
Day 3: Laguna Carhuacocha (4140 m) - Paso Siula (4830 m) - Huayhuash (4350 m)
This day we will visit the famous Siula viewpoint, famous for its photo opportunities of the Huayhuash mountain range. There are also 3 lagoons to see; “Quesillococha, Siula and Gangrajanca”.
» Hiking time: approx. 8 hours.
» Camping: Huayhuash (4350 m)
Day 4: Huayhuash – Trapecio pass (5000 m) – Cuyocpampa (4560 m)
This day the hike takes us to the southern tip of the Huayhuash mountain range, then ascends the Trapecio Pass. Finally we reach the Cuyocpampa camp at 4560m.
Optional: Mirador San Antonio
» Hiking time: approx. 8 hours.
» Camping: Cuyocpampa (4560 m)
Day 5: Cuyocpampa (4560 m) - Paso Santa Rosa (5070 m) - Huayllapa (3600 m) - Cajatambo
On the last day, our goal is to cross the Santa Rosa Pass, the highest point of the hike. There is a magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains: Cuyoc, Puscanturpa, Trapecio, Siula, Yerupaja, Sarapo and Jurao. Then we head to the town of Huayllapa, where we will be met by transport that will take us to the town of Cajatambo.
» Hiking time: approx. 9 hours.
» Driving time: 2 hours
Day 11-12: Transport back to Lima
We leave ourselves one spare day in case we want to stay in the mountains longer or if the weather plays tricks on us. The following day, we have organized transport back to Lima. The end point of the hike, Huayllapa/Cajatambo, is a little closer to Lima and the bus ride only takes 6 hours.
Day 13: Free day in Lima
We relax from the long hike. We enjoy the culture and culinary experiences of Peru.
Day 14: Departure from the slime
The end of the itinerary is planned for the morning of May 17. From here, everyone can decide for themselves whether they will fly back home or want to continue their Peruvian adventure on their own. There is plenty to discover here.
NB! The schedule and planned activities may be subject to minor changes depending on the traveler's wishes or the weather.
Peru
Capital: Lima
Currency: sol (PEN) (1 € = 4,04 sol)
Traffic: right-hand traffic
National language: Spanish
Population: 33,73 million.
Area: 1 285 216 km2
Neighbors: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile
Peru is generally relatively safe, but petty theft can occur. It is best to avoid walking alone at night in larger cities. Protests may occur. The tour operator is constantly updated on local conditions and changes to the itinerary will be made as necessary.
Prices are rather affordable. Depending on the restaurant, you can expect to pay around €5-15 for a meal.
Not everywhere you can make card payments, so it is important to have cash. There are ATMs in the cities, with fees ranging from €4 to €10 per transaction.
Tipping in restaurants is recommended, but not mandatory, and is generally 10%. In smaller and local eateries, tipping is generally not necessary.
Traveling to Peru
Estonian citizens can travel to Peru visa-free for 90 days (within any 6 months).
We recommend vaccination against hepatitis A and yellow fever. Additional information is available vaktsineeri.ee and travel medicine offices.
You can consult with the tour operator regarding flight tickets, but it is important to be in Lima no later than the evening of May 4th (or, in the worst case, by the morning of the next day).
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
passport (no visa required)
sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable sports insurance policy must be carried and is a prerequisite for participating in the mountain hike;
travel insurance
Important health information. The Huayhuash mountain hike takes place in the high mountains. We will hike and sleep at altitudes of 4+ m for 5-4000 consecutive days. At such altitudes, there is less air and it is harder anyway, but it is possible that milder symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, fatigue, dizziness may occur during the hike.
We are taking the necessary measures to reduce the risks. 2-3 days of acclimatization are planned at the beginning of the trip. The locomotive will carry high-altitude medications. We will keep an eye on everyone and, if more serious complications arise, we will take the necessary measures (including descending to lower altitudes).
Read more also travel conditions or feel free to ask the adventure locomotives.
FAQ
I've never been this high before. Can I still do it?
People's bodies behave very differently at altitude. It's important to be aware of the dangers, but don't worry too much about it. The adventure guide is always there and if problems arise, we can easily find a solution.
What clothes and equipment should I pack?
The climate of the Huayhuash mountain range is predominantly cold and dry due to the influence of glaciers. At altitudes above 4000 meters, temperatures drop to minus degrees at night. When choosing a sleeping bag, you should consider a night temperature of up to -10 °C. During the day, we expect temperatures of 5 - 20 °C. The rainy season is from September to April, so our hike will be in the dry season. Nevertheless, the climate of the mountains is unpredictable and we must be prepared for unexpected precipitation.
The climate in the cities is more moderate, with daytime temperatures of 20°C in Lima and 10°C in Huaraz.
What happens after registration?
After filling out the registration form, we will send you a prepayment invoice. After paying this, you are registered for the trip. 30 days before the trip, we will send you an invoice for the total cost of the trip. We will create a common chat between the trip participants, where you can discuss everything you need with each other.
Read more also frequently asked questions.
