Huayhuash Circuit in Frames: A Journey Through The Peruvian Andes

These images tell the story of Huayhuash through quiet frames, staggering views, and the feeling of being truly off the grid. No filters, no fanfare—just the raw Andes, real people, and the kind of space that lets your thoughts stretch out. These are some of my favorite photos from the four times I’ve trekked what I consider the best hiking circuit on Earth.

Full Moon at Laguna Carhuacocha – July 2019

One of the most striking campgrounds of the trek, Carhuacocha offers two sites—one perched above the lake (as seen here), and another along its shoreline. In the background looms Yerupajá (6,617m), the highest peak in the Huayhuash and second-highest in Peru. It's rarely climbed due to its technical difficulty—less than 20 successful ascents in recorded history.

New Moon over Laguna Jahuacocha – July 2021

On our last night, the Milky Way lit up the lagoon as we camped just meters from this view. You can see the hanging glaciers of the Cordillera—silent, cold, and massive.

The Original Crew – near Cacanampunta Pass – July 2021

Our first group and during COVID—the OGs. We walked 12 days with no masks, no news, just a dog named Juice who joined us from Day 1. This is near Cacanampunta Pass (4,800m)—the continental divide where rivers split between the Pacific and Amazon. This is where the world changes. Narnia.

Janca Camp under a Half Moon – July 2021

Thank you to Carlos and Carlos for hanging out that frigid night under the Milky Way. This camp, close to Laguna Mitucocha, sits at 4,300m and has a river running through it. From here you can see Rondoy and Jirishanca, jagged giants standing guard.

Moss Mats Somewhere on the Trail – July 2021

Sometimes the most unexpected joys come from the trail—like bouncing across high-altitude moss mats that cushion your steps. Little patches of softness in a tough landscape. These things stay with you.

Mirador Tres Lagunas – July 2019

This is the iconic view—the reason people come. A brutal hike rewards you with the view of three alpine lakes, framed by the spine of the range. Only Paso San Antonio rivals this. The viewpoint sits above 4,600 meters, and when it’s clear, there’s no better vista in Huayhuash. This day reminded me exactly why we keep coming back.

Valle Huanacpatay at Sunset – July 2019

My favorite valley. Walk in solitude, waterfalls on the cliffs, and then a massive boulder field—Jurassic in scale. This is Cuyoc Mountain (5,550m) in the background, catching the last light. Here you don’t just walk—you think, you listen to nothing, and sometimes, you just sit still.

Mars After Trapecio Pass – July 2019

After the Trapecio Pass at 5,000 meters, one of the highest on the trek, everything changes. Red rocks, turquoise lakes, head spinning from altitude and views. The other side is mossy green with hanging glaciers. This moment is pure contrast.

Storm + Stillness – July 2021

We stayed in camp that day. Storms rolled through, but when the clouds broke, Viviana led an alpine yoga session on the shores of Carhuacocha. We stretched, we laughed, and by sunset it was all still.

Mirror Morning – Laguna Carhuacocha – June 2022

This was a sunrise that lasted an hour. Still lake, impossible colors, no wind, just reflection. There’s no way to describe it that does it justice. You had to be there. We were lucky.

Trapecio Towering – June 2022

Massive. One of my favorite pictures—Trapecio (5,640m) towering in the background. You feel the scale in your chest. You feel the joy in the group. The vibes were right.

Moss Mat Mario Bros – June 2022

Same group, same day. Bouncing off moss mats like Mario Bros, grinning like kids. Trapecio in the background, spirits high, feet sore but light.

San Antonio Pass with Laura & Karen – June 2022

They trained for months, and it all led to this. San Antonio Pass (5,020m) is a 2-hour detour but the view is everything. We watched condors soar over one of Huayhuash’s most majestic scenes. There were tears.

On the Way to Campamento Huayhuash – June 2022

I don’t know the name of this place, and that’s fine. Shapes, colors, solitude, and that inner rhythm you fall into when hiking for hours. Everyone is walking at their own pace. This is the essence of Huayhuash—hard work, wild beauty, and time to clear your mind. While the rest of the world chases mass tourism, Huayhuash remains for the ones who want something more real.

Join Us

Come experience this with us—June 28 to July 12, 2025. We’ll have the best guides, nourishing food, and a strong group of like-minded trekkers. But this isn’t for everyone. This is for those willing to get uncomfortable, to push themselves, and to discover what’s on the other side.

Yes, I love comfort, luxury, and a good hotel. But Huayhuash offers something deeper. Out there, you get space to think, to reset, to see things clearly. Whether you come solo or with friends, this place will leave its mark.

And I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Jean Cocteau: "You have comfort. You don’t have luxury. And don’t tell me that money plays a part. The luxury I advocate has nothing to do with money. It cannot be bought. It is the reward of those who have no fear of discomfort."