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
