Yerupajá is the second-highest mountain in Peru and the highest peak in the Amazon river basin, featuring a notoriously difficult knife-edge summit ridge.
Joe Simpson famously documented his harrowing survival story and descent from the adjacent Siula Grande peak in his book Touching the Void.
The complete Huayhuash trekking circuit typically covers around 130 kilometers and crosses multiple passes above 4,700 to 5,000 meters elevation.
The range is home to over twenty major peaks grouped closely together in a relatively compact geographical area.
Vegetation transitions from high Andean puna grassland to glacial moraines, supporting native wildlife including Andean condors, vicuñas, and vizcachas.
The Cordillera Huayhuash is a remote mountain range in the Peruvian Andes, renowned for housing some of the highest and most spectacular peaks in the tropical world, including Yerupajá at 6,617 meters. It is situated southeast of the Cordillera Blanca near towns like Cajatambo and Chiquiian, serving as a pristine alternative to more crowded trekking circuits in Peru. The classic Huayhuash Circuit is a legendary multi-day backpacking route that circumnavigates the entire range over high altitude passes exceeding 5,000 meters. Glacial lakes with striking turquoise and emerald waters, such as Lake Carhuacocha and Lake Jahuacocha, sit directly beneath towering ice walls. The region features extreme high-altitude terrain with variable weather conditions requiring complete self-sufficiency or organized expedition support. Local indigenous communities manage the conservation areas along the trail and collect community access fees at various checkpoints.
The dramatic viewpoint overlooking Lake Carhuacocha with the reflection of Yerupajá and Siula Grande in the background.
Spend at least three to four days acclimatizing in Huaraz or Chiquián before attempting any high-altitude hiking in the Huayhuash.
Carry water purification tablets or a reliable filter, as natural water sources can be contaminated by local livestock.
Pack comprehensive cold-weather gear capable of withstanding sub-zero temperatures and sudden high-altitude snowstorms.
Attempting the multi-day high-altitude circuit without prior acclimatization or adequate navigation and emergency equipment.
Accessible year-round, but trekking is strongly discouraged from November to April due to heavy seasonal rainfall and snowstorms.
Respect local indigenous communities by paying required community fees and packing out all trash.
