Climbs

The Huayhuash mountan range of Peru is a jagged sub-rage within the Cordillera Andes; it's highest summit, Yerupaja, reaches over 6,000 meters. While these statistics would mean a harsh alpine environment in other regions, central Peru is basically tropical. The temperature in the Huayhuash range is mild and stable throughout the year; however, it is punctuated by two distinct rainy seasons: the spring and the fall.

This route begins in Chiquian, a small town in the Western highlands, and follows a river to the foot of Yerupaja. It then crosses a ridge, and swings aroung the northern tip of the range. From that point the route drops South (all following the route of the popular 'Huayhuash circuit trek'). The route diverges from the circuit on the East side, at which point I will head straight East across the highlands. This is mostly rolling hills and and ridges, mountain streams, grazing lands, and small farms. I will orient for the small town of Banos, and from there, walk or ride into the district seat of Huanuco, at the edge of the mountains and the jungle. The entire trek will take between ten and fourteen days I estimate, and cover between 120 and 150 kilometers. There will be no technical climbing invloved. Principle hazards are likely to include sustained elevation of 14,000+ feet, extended rain, relative isolation from emergency services, and possible loss of valuables.