Gran Circuito de Huayhuash | The Most Beautiful Trek In The World | Ancash - Lima - Huánuco | Peru

The Huayhuash Trek is considered by many as the most beautiful trek in the world. Having trekked in Nepal, India, Pakistan, as well as parts of South America, I had to see it for myself. Trek itineraries generally range from 5 days to 10 days. I picked the 10-day Huayhuash Circuit to experience more of the Cordillera Huayhuash. The trek (and all the previous day trips I took) started in the city of Huaraz.

My verdict? It is a beautiful trek within a very small area (it is a circuit after all). You get to see a lot - snow peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, alpine meadows, wildflowers - all within a few hours or km of one another. Camp sites are chosen for their scenic location (as well as for the availability of fresh water). Campsites (with toilets) are well-maintained by locals. Campsite and toll fees go to the community, with whom there is a bit of interaction (unlike the Santa Cruz trek for example) with them, as well as the crew, almost all of whom are Quechua. It will not have the superlatives of all the attractions mentioned but you will see a lot in a short period of time, though the high altitude necessitates that one spends a few days in the region beforehand.

00:00 Huaraz to Cuartelhuain
03:21 D1 - Janca (Mitucocha)
08:56 D2 - Carhuacocha
17:12 D3 - Huayhuash
28:38 D4 - Pampa Elefante
34:42 D5 - Cutatambo
41:20 D6 - Huayllapa
49:50 D7 - Gashpapampa
58:40 D8 - Jahuacocha
1:07:28 D9 - Fishing
1:10:28 D10 - Pocpa

I arrived in Huaraz 4 days before the Huayhuash trek and acclimatized to the altitude by making day trips (and hikes) to Laguna Paron, Laguna Churup and Laguna 69.