CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH TREK WITH IMG
Trek through the incredible Cordillera Huayhuash with IMG! Rated as one of the most beautiful trekking experiences in the world, this high-altitude trek will traverse nearly 90 miles through 8 high altitude passes, the highest at an impressive 16,700’.
The mountains of northern Peru, including the Cordillera Huayhuash, include the most well-known and spectacular peaks in the Andes. High, stunning peaks piercing the sky with beautiful turquoise lakes and alpine meadows surround many of our camps; this is without a doubt one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in the world. In transit, our group will have incredible views of dozens of peaks, many over 5,000 and 6,000 meters.
Upon your arrival to Lima, you'll meet your local guide and driver and be ushered onto a private van/bus. From Lima, your 8-hour drive to Huaraz will allow time to get to know the rest of the team, talk about the upcoming program with your guide, and perhaps catch up on some sleep.
In Huaraz, you'll check into our nice European-style hotel, get oriented in this hospitable and scenic town and enjoy your first in-country dinner. The guides will be full of useful information and will organize the group's activities over the next few days. Huaraz is located at 10,000 feet in elevation, so this is a crucial time to start the acclimatization process. The first full day is limited to mild exertion only, touring town and trekking above the city. On day two, our guides will lead you on an acclimatization hike to one of our favorite local hikes for the day, a gain of 2,000 to 3,000 feet in elevation. Days three and four will be spent exploring and acclimatizing, followed by gear checks and packing to prepare for the trek. Four nights in Huaraz will allow plenty of time to start adjusting to altitude prior to the start of the actual trek.
During the trek itself, you'll trek for 4-8 hours a day, with an average time of 6 hours, depending on terrain and distance to be covered. Most of your gear will be carried by mule or porter, and you will carry only necessary items for that day's travel on your back: water, snacks, camera, shell clothing and insulating layers. You'll be crossing passes up to 16,000+ feet in height, and generally camping at elevations around 12,000 feet to 14,800 feet. The scenery is spectacular, and the hiking terrain varies from good trail to cross country grass and scree slopes. The mules and porters usually travel in advance of the team, and camp is normally set up and waiting when you arrive.
The Guides
An IMG veteran guide will lead the trip, in addition to local guides who we’ve worked with for years. In addition, this trek will be accompanied by a local veteran guide knowledgeable of the geography, history and culture of the area. During the trek portion of our program, we will use mules to transport our gear and supplies. This permits us to enjoy the walk each day, as we move along unencumbered, free to take photos and investigate our surroundings. Meals will be served by our experienced cook in a dining tent set up for your comfort during breakfast and dinner.