Huayhuash Circuit
~5 days · 60.9 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Huayhuash Circuit is known for
A high circuit of the compact Cordillera Huayhuash, crossing a string of 4,500–5,000 m passes beneath Yerupajá and Siula Grande with turquoise lakes at nearly every camp.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 10,604 ft to 16,371 ft over 60.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 27.4 mi · 45%
- Downhill 29.5 mi · 48%
- Flat 4.1 mi · 7%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Huayhuash Circuit?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Huayhuash Circuit scores 47/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Huayhuash Circuit take?
Most backpackers hike the Huayhuash Circuit in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 60.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Huayhuash Circuit?
The Huayhuash Circuit climbs roughly 16,778 ft total — about 276 ft per mile, topping out near 16,476 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.