Plan your trip
Before you go
Practical information from our team in Huaraz. If something isn't answered here, just ask.
Best time to trek
The trekking season runs from May to September, the Andean dry season, with mostly clear skies, cold nights and stable trails. April and October are quieter shoulder months with more chance of afternoon showers. From December to March the rainy season makes high treks like the Huayhuash circuit difficult, and most expeditions don't run.
Altitude & acclimatisation
Huaraz is at 3,050 m, and the Huayhuash circuit camps above 4,000 m and crosses passes over 5,000 m. Plan at least two to three days in Huaraz before the trek, with progressively higher day hikes. Drink plenty of water, go slowly, and talk to your doctor about altitude medication. Tell us about any health condition that could affect you on the trek. Huayhuash Experience includes a guided acclimatisation day, and on Classic you can add acclimatisation hikes.
Getting to Huaraz
Most travellers take a bus from Lima. The comfortable services take about eight hours, with day and overnight departures. There are also limited flights from Lima to Anta airport, about 30 minutes from Huaraz. We pick you up from your hotel in Huaraz on the morning the trek starts.
Booking and payment
Send us your dates, group size, trek, service level and any special needs, and we send you the itinerary, price and terms. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, and the other 80% is due 7 days before the trek starts. For bookings made less than 7 days ahead, we agree the payment terms first. Prices are in US dollars. You can pay by card through a secure payment link, which adds a 5% processing fee, or by bank transfer, in which case you cover the bank charges so that the full amount reaches us. Send us the receipt after you pay, and we confirm your booking in writing.
Changes and cancellations
Weather, trail conditions or access restrictions sometimes force us to change a route, campsite or timetable. The safety of trekkers, crew and pack animals comes first, and we tell you about any change as soon as we can. A change made for safety reasons doesn't bring an automatic refund; we adjust the price according to the services we provided. To change or cancel a booking, write to us. Your quote sets out the cancellation and refund terms, and you accept them before you book.
Community & park fees
Communities along the Huayhuash circuit charge a fee at each campsite, and the Cordillera Blanca is part of Huascarán National Park, which requires an entry ticket. On Classic treks you pay these fees yourself, in cash (Peruvian soles), and we tell you the current amounts when you book. Huayhuash Experience includes the community fees on your route.
Travel insurance
You must have travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitude (above 5,000 m), emergency medical care, rescue, evacuation and repatriation. Check your policy's limits and exclusions before you travel, because we may ask for its details before the trek. Our company insurance covers our operations and doesn't replace your own policy.
Tipping
Tips are not mandatory but are a meaningful part of income for arrieros and cooks. If you're happy with the service, a tip at the end of the trek, shared among the team, is appreciated.
