Best hikes to do from Huaraz

Huaraz is a beautiful city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, known for its stunning scenery and proximity to many great trekking opportunities. There are so man options ! It’s hard to choose. So hopefully this could help you make a good choices based on your hiking skills, how many days you want to spend in the mountains and what you want to see:

Santa Cruz Trek: (50 km/31 miles, 3-4 days)

This is one of the most popular and beautiful treks in the region. It is a 4-day trek that takes you through the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, passing by stunning landscapes, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks. It has been selected as one of the World’s best hikes by National Geographic. 

Huayhuash Trek: (120 km/74 miles, 8-10 days)

This is a longer and more challenging trek that takes around 10-12 days to complete. It is considered one of the most spectacular treks in the world, with stunning views of towering peaks, pristine lakes, and remote villages.

Alpamayo Circuit: (126km/78miles, 9-10 days)

This is a challenging 9-day trek that takes you around the iconic Alpamayo mountain. It is known for its stunning views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and beautiful flora and fauna.

Laguna 69: (14.5km/9miles, 5 hours)

This is a popular day trek that takes you to one of the most beautiful lakes in the region. It is a relatively easy trek that offers stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.

Ishinca Valley Trek: (Multiple choices of length and time)

This is a 4-day trek that takes you through the beautiful Ishinca Valley, passing by stunning glaciers, lakes, and mountain peaks. It is a great trek for those looking for a shorter and less challenging trek. There is also a 7 days trek that takes you to the Tocllaraju summit at 6030m!

Remember to always be well-prepared for any trek and to hire a guide or join a guided tour for safety reasons.

Hiking / Trekking gear list:

Documents:

• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
  Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Original Passport (required) (With photocopies) (if you have old and new passport, please bring both passports)
• One other picture ID, such as a driver’s license
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required).
• International Health Card (“Yellow Card”) with proof of Yellow Fever inoculation within the last 10 years (if you are extending your trip to the Amazon Rainforest)
• Expense money, American dollars, and Peruvian soles in cash, credit/ debit card, there are ATMs in Machu Picchu town and most of the services accept credit cards.

Essentials:

• Cash (US dollars and Peruvian soles), credit card, and debit card.
• Backpack to carry your things (daypack).
• Personal first-aid kit (anti-inflammatory tablets e.g. Ibuprofen)
• Luggage tags and locks
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal towel
• Toilet paper, and face tissue paper.
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Electronic Gadgets:
• Camera, or phone with a good camera.
• Power bank battery, camera charger, and adapter.
• Binoculars.
• Torch or headlamps with extra batteries.
• Outlet adapter
• Memory card
• Clothing:
• Comfortable hiking pants
• Down jacket or a warm jacket
• Fleece top/sweater
• Good hiking boots with protector ankle or similar.
• A pair of flip-flops or light sandals (hiking sandals are recommended).
• Hiking long-sleeve T-shirts and shirts.
• Thermal base layer
• Hiking socks (few pair)
• Sun hat or cap
• Warm hat for the nighttime
• Gloves for the nighttime.
• Buff
• Bandana
• Bathing suit
• Rain gear (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March)

Personal car items:

• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Hands sanitizer gel
• Lipstick
• Deet or mosquito repellent
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Biodegradable soap
• Swipe
• Facial wet tissue

Gear:

• Sleeping bag
• Hiking poles
• Ear Plugs
• Reusable plastic bags
• Waterproof bags