In the mountains of Peru [March, 2024]

Even more than in Bolivia, my time in Peru was dominated by mountains. After passing Lake Titicaca, I started off in the legendary mountains near Cusco. 

On our way to Humantay Lake near Cusco

I only stayed a few days in the area. Enough time for a day trip to Humantay Lake, a tiny part of the legendary Salkantay trek. 

Humantay Lake near Cusco

Going for breakfast at the big market in Cusco quickly became a daily ritual. 

At the local market in Cusco

One night spent in the Sacred Valley was my parting activity before going to the opposite side of the country.

The Sacred Valley near Cusco

I hadn't heard of Huaraz until I was well into this trip across South America. I don't even remember who told me about it (and more specifically about the Huayhuash trek) but I am forever grateful. 

Breakfast at my hostel in Huaraz north of Lima

I spent a few days getting to know the charming mountain town, work out logistics, and doing some warm up with a day hike to the Churup and Churipita Lakes. 

Hiking near Huaraz on my way to Churup Lake

Churup Lake near Huaraz

A rule of mine: If I see a lake, I have to go in. 

A cold swim in Churupita Lake

View over Huaraz

The town of Huaraz has my heart. Passionately and completely. 

Sunset over Huaraz

Now, it was time for the big challenge: Five days on the Huayhuash trail.

Starting on the Huayhuash trail

I went with a small group of international tourists like myself and a local guide.

First day on the Huayhuash trail

The rainy season was coming to an end but many sections of the trail were still recovering.

Getting to our first campsite by Carhuacoha Lake

Other hikers were scarce but still frequent enough for the dogs that roamed about the trail and the more popular campsites to be happy and well-fed.

Friends at our campsite by Carhuacoha Lake

Carhuacoha Lake

We were also well taken care off, having delicious and bountiful meals every day. Pure glamping.  

In our meal tent

Campsite at Carhuacoha Lake

Moonlight on Siula Grande

I don't really know what else to say. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. 

Still morning at Jahuacocha Lake with Siula Grande in the background

Huayhuash trek, day 2

Between Laguna Cangrajanca and Laguna Ciula

At Mirador de Las Tres Lagunas, Huayhuash

One of the other people from my group (whom I had already met when summiting Huayna Potosí in Bolivia, and who coincidentally ended up on the same guided Huayhuash trek as me) and I liked to go and explore a little on our own. While other people from our group were still making it to a saddle, we asked if we could climb a little further to a nearby top, curious about the view. 

Running off (with permission) to a small peak for a different view

And what a view! We discovered a hidden lake (see photo below) that wasn't visible from the saddle. 

We discovered a hidden lake (to the right)

I will just let the photos do the talking from here.

Morning of day 3 on the Huayhuash trail

View of Laguna Cangrajanca, Huayhuash trek day 3

Doing the trail just as the rainy season was coming to an end, we did get a little rain...

... and a little snow as well on day 4

Huayhuash trail, day 4

Huayhuash trail, day 4

Huayhuash trail, day 4

Our campsite on day 4

Huayhuash trail, (final) day 5

Huayhuash trail, day 5

This was the perfect last stop. I couldn't have asked for a better goodbye with Peru and South America (for now (as always)). 

Also, just as a fun final note: This was my full route through South America after I said goodbye to my dad in Misiones, Argentina:

From Posadas, Misiones to Lima, Peru with a detour in Brazil. Almost 8000 km by bus (a few hundred of them by hitchhiking). I don't really know how I did it. But I know I would do it again.