If you are planning to hike the Cordillera Huayhuash trail for photography or any other purpose, this guide covers everything you need to know—from the different starting points and acclimatization tips to the best photography locations, essential gear, water safety, and more.
What is Cordillera Huayhuash?
The Cordillera Huayhuash is a remote mountain range in southern Peru, home to one of the most stunning long-distance treks in the world: the Huayhuash Trek. To the north lies the Cordillera Blanca, another famous mountain range known for its glaciated peaks.
The Huayhuash Trek is a challenging multi-day hike that takes you through high-altitude passes, pristine glacial lakes, and some of the most scenic mountain landscapes in the Andes. The trail offers unparalleled opportunities for landscape photography, making it a dream destination for photographers looking to capture dramatic peaks, mirror-like lakes, and star-filled night skies.
How to Get There
There are three possible starting points for the Cordillera Huayhuash trail. They each have different benefits but some are easier than others to access and it depends on what kind of experience you wish to have for your trip. So read and review the options below and choose your own adventure!
1. Llamac (North Side - 3,240m)
Llamac is one of the most popular starting points, located on the northern side of the Cordillera Huayhuash. It sits at 3,240 meters and is accessible by bus from Huaraz, the main hub for treks in the region. The bus ride requires one transfer, but it is relatively straightforward. Huaraz is a small town with basic accommodation (1-star or less), small grocery stores, and trekking supplies. Good to stock up here before the start of your journey to Llamac.
From Llamac, you can start the trek in two possible directions:
• Eastward Route: A gradual elevation gain from 3,240m to 4,150m, which can be done in one day. After that, you’ll cross a 4,650m mountain pass before descending to around 4,200m. This route is ideal for a slower acclimatization process.
• Southward Route: A steeper ascent straight to 4,300m, with the lowest section being 4,150m. This option can be more challenging for acclimatization.
Why start from Llamac? Llamac is well-connected by public transport to Huaraz and Huaraz is a good place to acclimatize before your hike. On that point of acclimitzation, the elevation from the eastward route is gradual making it an easier trek overall. With two possible starting points it also allows for flexibility in joining the trek depending on how you feel on the day. Maybe you feel really fit and strong and the eastward route is looking busy with tourists, well no problem you can go for the southward one.
2. Huayllapa (South Side - 3,500m)
Huayllapa is located on the southern side of the Cordillera Huayhuash at 3,500 meters. This starting point is a bit more difficult to reach, as there is no direct bus. Instead, you need to take a bus to Cajatambo and then hire a taxi to Huayllapa. Huayllapa has some lodging options, but they are very basic and might not be what you’re used to. Camping is also an option here and may be a nicer experience. You can buy food in Huayllapa, but options are limited—expect basic supplies only.
Why start from Huayllapa? This starting point gives you great access to some of the most iconic photography spots, including Siula Grande, the famous peak from "Touching the Void" and Paradise Mountain, a breathtaking location for photography (Check out my workshop here). Another benefit of starting from Huayllapa is that there are fewer hikers here which provides are more secluded hiking experience.
The downsides to this starting point are the lack of direct public transportation and the limited food and accommodation. But if you’re motivated enough and come prepared for the experience then the views are totally worth it.
3. Queropalca (East Side - 3,825m)
Queropalca is the highest starting point at 3,825 meters and is located on the eastern side of the Cordillera Huayhuash. However, it is not directly on the trek route, meaning you will need to hike to join the main trail. Queropalca is hard to reach by car. After arriving, you can either take a taxi or hike to Carhuacocha Camp (4,250m), which is one of the most stunning campsites on the trek.
Why start from Queropalca? The photographic views of Cordillera Huayhuash from this angel are completley unique. As mentioned before, the Carhuacocha Camp offers breathtaking lake views.
The downsides to this starting point are that the starting elevation is the highest of all the starting points and acclimatization is required. Also because it is not directly on the route, extra hiking time is required and this could eat into your overall journey plans. Additionally the travel time to reach the start point is longer too, whether by hiking or by car, it is the least accessible compared to Llamac.
Acclimatization Advice
Acclimatization is really important—seriously important. Please don’t underestimate it! I strongly recommend staying in Huaraz for at least three to five nights before starting the trek. While there, do some day hikes to progressively higher elevations to help your body adjust.
Start in Llamac because it has the lowest starting elevation (3,240m), making it easier to acclimatize. From there, go slowly toward the east to allow for gradual altitude gain.
Most people will experience this trek as very intense due to the high elevation. I met a couple from the U.S. who only spent one night in Huaraz before starting. They got very sick and had to abandon the trip. There is no way to get around the high elevation—you have to take it seriously and prepare properly.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
You can’t prevent it but you can adapt more easily. There’s no way to completely avoid altitude sickness, but you can make it easier and less painful to adjust.
• Use Medicine (if needed). If you plan to use altitude sickness medication (like acetazolamide), start 24–48 hours before reaching 3,000m or higher.Consult a doctor before taking any medication.
• Drink more fluids than you think you need. Even if you’re not thirsty, drink!
Dehydration makes altitude sickness worse.
• Eat more than you think you need. You won’t feel hungry, but your body needs more energy than usual. Many hikers end up eating way less than they need, which leads to weakness and exhaustion.
• Climb higher during the day and sleep lower at night. If possible, hike to a higher altitude during the day and sleep at a lower elevation. A 500m–700m difference between your highest point and sleeping altitude is ideal.
• Carry oxygen bottles (only as a backup). Bring oxygen bottles only if you really have no other option or want extra security. But don’t rely on oxygen—the best way to avoid altitude sickness is to go slow and acclimate properly.
Final Thoughts on Acclimatization
There is no way to avoid the high elevation on this trek. Take your time, listen to your body, and acclimatize properly to avoid serious altitude sickness. If you do, you’ll have a much better experience on the Huayhuash Trek!
Please note: This trek involves high-elevation hiking, and it takes time to adjust to the altitude. You may experience shortness of breath or altitude sickness, which can be dangerous.
If you want to make the most of your time in Peru as a landscape photographer, I highly recommend the Peru Photo Tour.
Our itinerary is designed to gradually increase in elevation, allowing for better acclimatization. We will do a portion of the Huayhuash Trek, visiting only the most photogenic section. From days 6 to 10, we will photograph the stunning Siula Grande range. Before that, during the first six days, we will explore and shoot the Cordillera Blanca range in the north while staying in mountain lodges and driving to our locations.
Porter Services
You can hire porter services to help carry your gear during the trek. This service is provided by donkeys and their handlers (donkey drivers).
To arrange a porter service, you can contact one of the services in Huayhash
Hiring a porter can make your trek more manageable, especially at high elevations. Be sure to book in advance if you require this service.
Trek Distance & Duration
The Huayhuash Circuit covers approximately 180 km (112 miles). The duration of the trek varies depending on experience and goals:
• 6 days – For highly trained hikers accustomed to high elevations.
• Up to 3 weeks – Recommended for those who want a more relaxed pace, especially for photography.
If you plan to take photos along the route, allowing extra days will ensure you have time to capture the best landscapes.
Huayllapa to Basecamp – A Challenging Trek with a Bonus!
The hike from Huayllapa to the basecamp is about 12 km and can be demanding, especially at high altitude. But don’t worry—when you book our tour, you can use a horse free of charge! This allows you to save your energy for photography while enjoying the stunning Andean landscapes.
Entry Fees
Unlike national parks with standardized fees, the Cordillera Huayhuash region is managed by various local communities, each charging their own fees for access to trails and campsites within their territories. These fees contribute to the maintenance of the trails, campsites, and local infrastructure You will need to pay entry fees to guards stationed along the park. Each section has its own fee collector. Expect to pay around €20 or $20 USD per section.
The classic circuit trekking route passes through most of the Cordillera, meaning we will visit multiple areas managed by local communities. Payments for campsite use and access to these territories vary between 15 and 50 Peruvian Soles. Over the 12-day trek, each participant should expect to pay a total of 220 Peruvian Soles.
As of recent information, the fees per person for some of the main campsites and sections along the classic Huayhuash circuit are approximately:
• Llamac (including Jahuacocha and Cuartelhuain campsites): S/ 30 to S/ 50
• Pocpa: S/ 15 to S/ 20
• Mitucocha: S/ 40
• Carhuacocha: S/ 30 to S/ 40
• Huayhuash: S/ 25 to S/ 30
• Viconga (hot springs): S/ 20 to S/ 30
• Huayllapa: S/ 50 to S/ 65
• Gashpapampa: S/ 25 to S/ 30
These fees can vary depending on the community and may change over time. For a standard 12-day trek, total fees can accumulate to approximately S/ 220 to S/ 270 per person. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash in small denominations to pay these fees directly to the community representatives along the route. Always request a receipt for each payment and keep them accessible, as you may need to present them at various points during your trek.
Camping
Camping is only allowed at official campgrounds, which are plentiful along the trek. Be sure to plan ahead and choose designated camping areas.
Water Safety
At higher elevations, where the water source comes directly from a glacier, it is generally safe to drink. However, at lower elevations, be cautious due to possible contamination from donkeys and horses. To purify your water, you can use filtration systems, purification tablets or liquid treatment solutions.
Always ensure your water is properly treated before drinking to avoid any health issues.
Best places to shoot along the Cordillera Huayhuash
1. The Siula Grande Range
This incredible range consists of four major peaks. Jirishanca, Yerupajá (the highest in the range), Siula Grande (famous for mountaineering and photography) and Sarapo.
The mountains work as a team (in terms of composition). From our viewpoint, Siula Grande appears to be the tallest, while Sarapo, which is mostly snow-free except at its peak ((which often melts within a few days), sits dramatically in front of it. The symmetry and stacked formations of these peaks make for an incredible photographic subject.
From this location, you can also capture:
• Laguna Jurau (visible on the right)
• Laguna Rurigallay (if you ascend high enough, visible in the center)
• Meandering rivers in the valley, which create natural leading lines from the upper left to the right, then back to the lower left, enhancing the composition.
Getting to the Viewpoint
The ascent to this prime photography spot is challenging, and I highly recommend hiring a guide or, even better, joining the Peru Photo Tour. With my in-depth knowledge of the area, I can guide you via a relatively easier route, following a sandy section with cow trails to minimize difficulty
2. Laguna Sarapacocha
This location is incredible with the towering Yerupajá as a dramatic backdrop. With an Elevation of 4,490 meters (14,730 feet), it is situated below Yerupajá, which is the highest peak in the range. The best time to shoot is midday to after sunset for optimal lighting conditions
I recommend shooting at lake level for stunning reflections and slightly higher elevations for a more dynamic perspective.
3. Shooting the Rondoy Mountain
Rondoy Mountain offers incredible photographic opportunities, especially in the early morning light. Here are some key tips for capturing its beauty.
Best Shooting Techniques:
• Use the river as a leading line – The winding river naturally draws the viewers eye toward the peak, creating depth in your composition.
• Frame with trees – Incorporating nearby trees adds foreground interest and helps balance the scene.
• Go higher for wildflowers – Climbing to a slightly elevated position can reveal colorful wildflowers, adding vibrancy and contrast to your shots.
• Shoot from sunrise to late sunrise – The soft golden light highlights the textures of the mountain and valley, enhancing shadows and depth.
Extra Tip:
Look for mist or low clouds in the early morning—they can add a dramatic and mystical feel to your images. Also if the wind is calm, capture reflections in small pools or streams for a more dynamic composition.
This location is perfect for creating layered compositions with a strong sense of depth and scale.
Best Foreground Flowers for Photography in Cordillera Huayhuash
The Cordillera Huayhuash offers stunning foreground elements, with vibrant flowers adding a fresh, summery feel to your photos. Below are some excellent floral options you can find while exploring this breathtaking Andean region.
Lupine Flowers (Lupinus weberbaueri)
• Description: A member of the pea family, these tall, spiky flowers grow in clusters and add a striking contrast to the rugged landscape.
• Colors: Shades of purple, blue, and occasionally pink.
Tephrocactus floccosus ("Candy Floss Cactus")
• Description: A mounding, mat-forming cactus covered in yellow spines and soft, fluffy white-grey glochids, giving it a candy floss appearance. It produces edible anti-inflammatory fruits.
• Colors: Flowers are orange-red or yellow with a yellow center; fruits turn from yellowish to deep orange when ripe.
Plantago rigida ("Colchón de Agua")
• Description: A dense, cushion-like plant from the plantain family, often found in wet, high-altitude meadows. Its thick, spongy texture gives it the nickname "water mattress."
• Colors: Small yellowish-green flowers with dense foliage.
Paranephelius uniflorus
• Description: A ground-hugging plant in the daisy family with large, striking flowers that stand out against the rocky Andean terrain.
• Colors: Bright yellow petals with a darker center.
Wedelia (Wedelia sp.)
• Description: A vibrant flowering plant that spreads across open areas, creating a carpet of color that contrasts beautifully with mountain backdrops.
• Colors: Golden-yellow daisy-like flowers with deep green leaves.
Keep an eye out for these flowers to add dynamic, colorful foreground elements to your mountain photography!
Weather (general)
The climate in the Cordillera Huayhuash varies significantly with altitude. It features a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. During the dry season, clear skies and mild daytime temperatures make it the optimal time for trekking, while nights can be cold, particularly at higher elevations. The prime hiking season is May-September, with chilly yet dry weather, but temperatures can drop as low as -10°C (14°F) at night. The region is close to the equator, and Peru has only two seasons: dry from April to October and wet from December to March.
Weather for Photography in Cordillera Huayhuash
Sunrises are often clear, providing excellent visibility of the peaks, but sometimes, periods of morning cloud cover can persist for a week or longer, obscuring the view. In contrast, sunsets tend to be more dramatic, with clouds almost always arriving in the afternoon. These clouds often catch the light beautifully as they settle around the highest peaks, creating ideal conditions for photography. However, there are times when the cloud cover is too dense, either enhancing the scene with moody atmospherics or completely blocking the peaks from view.
The weather is generally stable and predictable, but occasional full-day rain or snowfall can occur. Some mornings may also be so overcast that the sunrise is completely hidden.
At night, temperatures can drop below freezing, but the dry air and lack of strong winds make it feel less cold than one might expect.
Food Options in Cordillera Huayhuash
When trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash, bringing the right food is essential. For those hiking independently, lightweight, high-energy foods such as dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, instant soups, pasta, and dehydrated meals are ideal. Fresh food is hard to keep for long, so packing non-perishables is key. In villages like Huayllapa, you may find small guesthouses or family-run lodges that offer simple meals. These meals typically consist of rice, potatoes, vegetables, and meat (like chicken or beef) or stews. It's a good idea to pre-arrange meals if you're traveling with a guide to ensure the availability of food. Some villages have small shops that sell snacks, drinks, and some local produce. These are helpful if you need to stock up on items like bread, cheese, fruits, or crackers.
However, if you join our exclusive photo tour, you won’t have to worry about food at all! We provide two kitchen tents—one for dining and another for our two skilled chefs. They prepare delicious meals every day and keep the food fresh in cool boxes. This level of comfort is available only during our photo tour!
Which Lenses to Bring to the Cordillera Huayhuash
When trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash, it’s important to pack light, as you'll be carrying your gear unless you have a porter service, like the one available on my tour. Bringing just the essential lenses will ensure you’re prepared for a variety of shots without unnecessary weight.
A wide-angle lens around 14mm is ideal for capturing the vast landscapes and dramatic mountain scenery. There’s no need for an ultra-wide or fisheye lens, as 14mm is sufficient to frame the sweeping vistas without excessive distortion.
A midrange lens, such as 60mm, is perfect for versatile compositions, including intimate landscape details and portraits with a strong sense of place. This focal length works well for balanced compositions, as seen in certain example photos.
For wildlife and distant peaks, a telephoto lens is essential. A 200mm to 400mm lens is recommended, especially for capturing wildlife like the Andean condor soaring over the mountains. The longer the focal length, the better for isolating subjects against the dramatic backdrop.
By limiting yourself to these three lenses, you’ll have the versatility needed for stunning landscape and wildlife photography while keeping your pack manageable for the trek.
Other Things to Consider
In the event of an injury or emergency while trekking in the Cordillera Huayhuash, it's crucial to know the nearest emergency services and contact information. The region is remote, and immediate medical facilities are limited.
Local Health Centers and Police Stations
Chiquián
• Health Center: Jr. Guillermo Bracale S/N. Phone: (043) 447085.
• Police Station: Jr. Comercio cdra. 13. Phone: (043) 447-124.
Cajatambo
• Health Center: Calle 31 de Mayo S/N. Phone: (01) 2442042.
• Police Station: Plazuela La Trinidad S/N. Phone: (01) 2442044.
These facilities serve as primary points of contact for medical emergencies and law enforcement assistance in their respective areas.
Mountain Rescue Services
For specialized mountain rescue operations in the Cordillera Huayhuash, the Socorro Andino Peruano is a dedicated organization offering assistance in high-altitude emergencies.
Important Considerations
Communication: Cell phone coverage in the Cordillera Huayhuash is limited. Carrying a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon (PLB) is advisable for emergency communication.
Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and potential rescue operations. Some rescue services may require proof of insurance or an upfront deposit before initiating a rescue.
Local Contacts: Familiarize yourself with the contact information of local communities along your trekking route. For instance:
• Llámac: 043 830785 / 043 830786
• Pacllón: (043) 844344 / 447109
• Huayllapa: (01) 8106342
• Queropalca: (062) 811666
• These communal phones can be used to seek assistance or relay messages in emergencies.
Preparation Tips
First Aid Training: Equip yourself with basic first aid knowledge and carry a well-stocked first aid kit. This is important and the easiest way to be prepared!
Emergency Plan: Before embarking on your trek, inform someone about your itinerary and expected return. Establish check-in times and procedures.
Given the remoteness of the Cordillera Huayhuash, proactive preparation and knowledge of available emergency services are vital for ensuring safety during your trek.
Maps
When preparing for a trek in the Cordillera Huayhuash, having a reliable offline map application is essential due to the region's limited internet connectivity. Here are some recommended apps:
1. Maps.me is a free, user-friendly app that offers detailed offline maps worldwide. By downloading the map of Peru in advance, you can access the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit, including trails and campsites, without an internet connection. Many travelers have found it invaluable for navigation in remote areas.
2. Gaia GPS is renowned for its comprehensive offline navigation capabilities, allowing users to cross-reference various map layers, including topographic and satellite views. It's particularly useful for planning routes and tracking your progress during the hike. While it offers a free version, some advanced features require a subscription.
3. AllTrails offers an extensive collection of trail maps, including user reviews and photos. The Cordillera Huayhuash Complete Trek is featured on the platform, providing insights into the route and conditions. While the app is free, offline map access and additional features are available through the AllTrails+ subscription.
4. Komoot specializes in outdoor navigation and offers detailed offline maps with turn-by-turn voice navigation. It's particularly favored by hikers and cyclists for planning and navigating routes in remote areas.
Tips for Using Offline Map Apps
Download Maps in Advance: Ensure you download all necessary maps and data for the Cordillera Huayhuash region before your trek to avoid reliance on internet connectivity.
Carry a Backup: While digital maps are convenient, carrying a physical map as a backup is advisable in case of device failure.
Max Rive is most driven by seeking new perspectives in the natural world and capturing them in his own distinguished style. Max's powerful portrayals of his interactions with the mountains has earned him international recognition in the outdoor community.
Madison McCardle is a passionate landscape photographer driven by curiosity and a desire to capture the true essence of each place she explores. Through her lens, she seeks new perspectives that reveal the beauty and authenticity of the world.
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