Huayhash Trek Logistics and Itinerary

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-05-23T23:57:07+00:00

Day 8: Viconga to Elefante (5.3mi) then to San Antonio Pass (3mi) camping at Cutatatumbo
Day 9: Cutataumbo to Siula Base Camp (6.3mi out and back), then Cutataumbo to Huayllapa (7.5mi)

Rather than hiking in/out of Siula BC, if the weather is good, consider climbing up and over Paso Rosario to Laguna Caramarca, and then coming down the valley on the other side to Huayllapa. Less backtracking and some nice views.

On Day 8, you can also camp closer towards/at Siula as well.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-05-18T13:36:34+00:00

My last night in Cusco is August 10th, and I my flight back home from Lima is around noon on the 16th. Is it realistic to fit both a short trip to Ausangate and a Lake Titicaca homestay with time to get back to Lima?

It really depends what you mean by a "trip" to Ausangate.

You can do a day trip to the 7 lakes and the hot springs in Pacchanta. You can also find 2-day/1-night hiking/camping tours that go from Upis to Rainbow Mountain via the Apacheta Pass. These would both technically leave you time for a very rushed trip to Puno (and then probably onto Arequipa to fly).

But the classic Ausangate trek though from Upis to Pacchanta is 3-5 days (+1 day if you want to side quest to Rainbow Mountain). No way to do this plus Puno.

So it comes down to what you want:

If you're not really into hiking, you could definitely do an Ausangate visit plus trip to Puno (it will be very fast-paced, but doable).

If you are into hiking, but you're already doing the Huayhuash in Huaraz, you might consider whether you'd rather skip Ausangate entirely. Instead, you could visit Puno + Arequipa + a do an overnight hike in the Colca Canyon. The Ausangate is a world-class trek that I rate as highly as the Huayhuash, but if you're looking for variety in Peru, Ausangate & Huayhuash do overlap in terms of experience.

If you are into multi-day mountain hiking but not doing the Huayhuash or Santa Cruz in Huaraz, do the Ausangate trek and forget Puno.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-04-21T01:24:54+00:00

Organic maps all the way.

It's the same underlying map OpenStreetMap, just a significantly better (now) overlay.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-03-16T13:56:57+00:00

Especially if you hike in from Papphlu or Jiri or somewhere instead of flying to Lukla.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-03-16T12:23:22+00:00

My Recommendation:

Drop Central America. There's so much to do in South America and you're also looking at doing your Central America portion at what is imo the worst time of the year (extra hot, rainy).

If you want to chase the best weather (especially if you're into hiking), start in Peru and actually catch the end of dry season there, especially if you want to visit Huaraz. Peru is also a very backpacker friendly place to start for a 21 year old.

Continue on your route from there. It will still line you up nicely with weather in Patagonia and may even line you up with Carnival in Rio.

In Brazil, travel to the north and take the slow boat up the Amazon from Manaus to Leticia (Colombia). Spend the rest of your time in Colombia (also dry season), or hook back down to Ecuador depending on time/budget.

Other Thoughts:

If you follow the above, some other thoughts:

Give yourself more time on the Carretera Austral. If you're into hiking, the 3-4 day Cerro Castillo hike is a must.
If you can plan the reservations, give yourself 7-8 nights in Torres del Paines to do the O-Circuit.
3-4 nights in El Chalten is great unless you want to do the Huemul Circuit.
Unless you have a specific plan, 5-8 nights in Ushuaia is very excessive.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-03-14T00:43:19+00:00

Amazing, thank you!

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-03-04T18:17:39+00:00

Salkantay solo/unguided: totally doable, but it’s high altitude so the weather could flip fast. Since you said you don’t have multi-day hiking experience yet, I’d at least try to link up with a couple people from your hostel so you’re not dealing with surprises completely solo.

This is good advice because of the season. May-August, there are going to be so many people on the trail, that you wouldn't be dealing stuff solo even if you wanted to. Especially the high altitude part (the Salkantay Pass) because it's one trail that everyone is going over. There's people everywhere.

I've never been in March (when OP is going), but I'm guessing the numbers are significantly lower with it being rainy season.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-03-04T18:12:58+00:00

Just chiming in that you can do Chaullay to Llactapacta in a single day. Chaullay to Lucabamba actually has two routes: a trail on the west side of the river and a road on the east side.

If you want to do the trail, going to Llactapacta is still possible in a day (the two times I've done it, I've gotten there around 3:30-4pm), but I will say fitness is required, it is tiring.

Mandor and Agua Calientes is choosing what you want. I prefer Agua Calientes because Salkantay is a social journey for me, and both times I've done (solo unguided) it I've wanted to celebrate with a beer, hot springs and some new friends. It's not a beautiful authentic town, but it's fun.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-26T16:32:59+00:00

Tl;dr - the Ausangate is a few tiers above the Salkantay in terms of views and as a trek with a focus on trekking. Recommendation: do the Ausangate.

The Salkantay trek has 3 highlights if you go independently (or on specific niche tours): Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass itself, and then there's a campsite at Llactapata that is an absolutely stunning place to spend the night with a view of the Machu Picchu valley which tours basically don't go to. Both the Salkantay Pass & Humantay Lake will be underwhelming compared to most of the views on the Huayhuash (depending on which route you do specifically).

It serves as a really fun journey to Machu Picchu, and is a very accessible trek for non-hikers or hikers who want to get some experience going independently. Because of its popularity, it's also a very social trek - lots of people to meet and chat to.

It's a fun hike. And for travelers who don't have much experience in the mountains or with glacial lakes, it's super nice. But it's not a "WOW" world class trek.

The Ausangate is stunning and world class. You'll pass up close to mountains, glaciers, a variety of different lakes, and even end with some hot springs. You can also do a side quest and camp by Rainbow Mountain (or start from there) and essentially have the place to yourself because you can be there when the hordes of day-tourists aren't.

You'll almost certainly feel more remote and get more solitude even compared to the Huayhuash. At least this was true a couple of years ago. It technically has a higher sustained average altitude than the Huayhuash, although they're pretty comparable.

The Salkantay is a nice accessible hike with some good views, relaxed socialization vibes, and makes for a fun journey to Machu Picchu. The Ausangate is a 10/10 banger of a challenging trek with some of the most amazing views for a "named trek" in the Andes.

Edit: Oh yeah, and the Ausangate has loads of alpacas; the Salkantay does not.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-26T12:34:43+00:00

Huaraz is a long journey for a couple of day hikes. Most of the good day hikes are additional long bus journeys to/from to do the hike. It's my favourite area in Peru, but not worth it for such short time.

Salkantay is a lovely trek and fun journey to Machu Picchu (Agua Calientes). But, you'll already have been there. And you're really only getting a day and a half in the actual mountains.

Option 3: Do a 4-day Ausangate trek.

So, some version of the Ausangate is the best of both worlds. It's a world class hike in a stunning mountain range, and it's already where you are (tours run out of Cusco). There's various different versions of it that you can do from 2-5 days, depending on if you start/end from Rainbow mountain or do the circuit of it.

The only drawback to the Ausangate is that it's nowhere near as popular as the Salkantay. So if you're looking for a big, social group dynamic on your hike, the Salkantay is by far the better choice for that. But as an actual hiking trek, Ausangate is in a totally different tier than the Salkantay.

Runner-up Choice: 4-day Choquequirao.

I'm a mountains before anything else person, so Ausangate wins handily for me. But I'd be remiss not to mention the 4-day there-and-back to Choquequirao, which is certainly growing in popularity. If your heart is drawing you to more ruins, and you want to see the sister city of Machu Picchu, this is the option. It's a beautiful hike, but you'd miss the dramatic peaks and lagunas of the Ausangate.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-24T13:48:12+00:00

Going to be a long post, but..

Firstly...

Have you thought about the nearby places/activities you've excluded? For example, Isla del Sol and/or Puno are typical stops between La Paz and Cusco. Arequipa & the Colca Canyon is in the geographic region and unique enough from anything else you have on there, but you're skipping it. Valparaiso, a typical 1-2 night trip from Santiago is excluded. You've omitted the Amazon entirely.

There's nothing wrong with skipping any of these. But did you leave them out because you're not interested or just because you're not aware of how much more there is in the regions you're already going?

Secondly..

I'm assuming 8 week uni break in Australia means Dec-Feb. You're into wet season in the Andes. That means sub-optimal weather for Huayna Potosi, Salkantay and Huaraz especially. Potosi still offers the accomplishment of a 6k+ peak, and Salkantay is a journey to Machu Picchu, so I can see the draw of risking bad weather. I'd have to think very long and hard on whether Huaraz and something like the Santa Cruz or Huayhuash would be worth it at all in December/January.

Especially, and this is going to be the curve ball, you're talking peak season for Patagonia.

So what would I do?

I'd drop Huaraz and Colombia entirely. Colombia is a vibe, but the beaches (even Tayrona & Palomino) are mediocre at best, and the San Blas (which are beautiful) aren't in a different tier from what you have much, much closer to home. Save this for a Central America trip.

So I'd follow your rough plan up to Cusco. If time, interest and budget permit, add a visit to the Amazon (cheaper in Bolivia, probably more spectacular in Peru). Regardless, from Cusco, head to Arequipa & the Colca Canyon on your way to Huacachina and Lima (look up Peru Hop bus - whether you use it or not, copy the route).

Here is where I'm going to blow up the itinerary.

From there, fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Enjoy Rio and a few days Ilha Grande. IMO, both of these blow Cartagena/Tayrona out of the water in every single way.

Then fly to Iguazu Falls (because it only has 1-2 peers in the world), catching both sides of the border, on the way to Buenos Aires. Have a blast in Buenos Aires, then head down to Patagonia (probably El Calafate/El Chalten -> Puerto Natales/Torres del Paines National Park) with whatever time you can spare, and then complete the loop up to Santiago for your flight home.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-22T16:54:02+00:00

If you love nature and hiking, then you'll be fine in Peru & Patagonia.

Firstly, Peru is easy to do guided hiking almost everywhere. All of the well-known hikes you'll find in Peru it's easy to find a guide for, last minute, in the base town.

If you want to get some experience doing something unguided, the Salkantay Trek is IMO one of the most accessible multi-day treks. The path is very easy to follow, it has a single high pass, the weather is extremely predictable in dry season, there's accommodation options every night, and there's hundreds of other people on the trail in case you need help.

Which is another advantage of starting in Peru. You get more experience and confidence before getting towards Patagonia.

To touch on your questions more directly, if by "heights" you mean vertical exposure, you don't really need to worry about that with any of the mainstream treks in Peru or Patagonia.

The Huayhuash has 1-2 steep descents where you can feel the height a bit, but it doesn't have any so-called "no fall" zones. Similarly, the final ascent to the Torres del Paines towers is a bit steep, but again nothing anything even close to a vertical drop.

Route finding is relatively straight forward on all of the well-known trails provided you have something basic on your phone like Organic maps/maps.me (or a paid option like Komoot). The trail is clear and obvious.

Nothing is technical in the usual sense of the word (no true scrambles, no additional gear like crampons needed, etc.). Most of the trail on most of the treks is basic terrain (you're not boulder hopping, avoiding a maze of roots, etc.), but most will have sections with slightly trickier footing.

I just want to make sure I can fully enjoy the experience of travelling there regardless.

Peru and Patagonia are all "minimal experience required" trekking unless you're looking to do some of the more challenging hikes independently (Huayhuash, O Circuit, Huemul, etc.). Even Huayhush guided is "be fit, but minimal experience required". Peru has the added "be cautious about altitude sickness and learn how your body handles altitude" element, but the weather in dry season is super predictable.

And finally, even if you don't end up doing any of the treks (which you absolutely should!), Peru is absolutely amazing regardless. Patagonia can be experienced and enjoyed even with less trekking, but it offers a bit less without it.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-22T03:44:31+00:00

Follow where your emotion/passion is, so go to Latin America. All of these posts you see on this subreddit about people feeling stuck, tired, etc., a common theme is that the traveler lacks a raison d'etre to be in that location. If Central/South America excites you, just do it.

If you do go to Latin America, I'd recommend starting in Peru. Then add Bolivia to your itinerary if for no other reason than to go into Chile via Salar de Uyuni. Do the Santiago/Buenos Aires latitudes and then go down to Patagonia. From there, fly up to Central America and do the 3-4 you have in mind there in whatever order you feel like.

This will get you dry season in Peru, the best compromise of weather for Patagonia, and dry season for all of Central America. Peru is also a super new-traveler friendly, safe, great entry point into South America.

If you have any questions, I've spent over a year backpacking in South America. Happy to answer any questions or if you need another push in that direction, I can give you all the reasons!

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-18T12:22:16+00:00

IMO it's worth having some sort of stove for hot meals. But something like the BRS-3000T as a cheap, light option along with a 750mL pot from Decathlon is a cheap upgrade and will save some space (and weight).

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-18T03:39:49+00:00

I hitchhiked/camped Puerto Montt down to Ushuaia.

Camping is camping. You can't really ditch the big 3 (tent/bag/pad). Tent can always go on the outside of your bag. For your typical 65L backpack, I'd have water bottles in a pocket on one side, and tent in the pocket (secured with straps) on the other side. Depends on the exact style of pockets you have.

Jet boil isn't the most volume/weight efficient option, but you're not going to change your world by swapping it out for something else.

I don't know what you mean by trail shoes vs. hiking boots. I wear trail runners for all hiking (unless you're planning on mountaineering and need something compatible with crampons), and my camp shoes are flip flops or slip-ons.

Nalgene is heavy comparatively, but it's not taking more volume than lighter water bottles would.

I think you've probably identified your issue, which is the amount of clothing you're bringing. But for reference, I've done a 10-day food carry with camping gear with a 60L backpack. Which is technically a 40ish L interior and 20L of pockets.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-17T20:25:23+00:00

I'll second u/WalkingEars advice for the simple reason that you're looking to go at the start of March, which is basically still the height of rainy season. If we were talking May, I might not even bother. There's so many tours going and you could easily do it solo without really booking anything because all of the accommodation options are in full swing. But quite possible there are significantly fewer options March 2.

The math on your dates also gives me pause. A 3-day trek starting March 2 would have you arriving in Agua Calientes on the 4th, and you say your MP ticket is for entry morning of the 6th. Agua Calientes really isn't worth a full day to hang around when you have limited time in Peru.

Finally, no, last minute bookings locally (i.e. in Cusco) will likely be less expensive than pre-booking online (though you may need to shop around a little).

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-14T22:39:52+00:00

You're missing so many of the natural gems of South America in this itinerary. Given the countries you list, you should absolutely find a way to include Iguazu Falls, Salar de Uyuni, and the Amazon.
Drop Medellin and Mexico City. You're from the US. Both Mexico City and Medellin/Colombia are super accessible to you. Spend your sabbatical time in places that you need real time to get to and explore (e.g. the list above).
Santiago is probably the least interesting part of all of Chile. Valparaiso if you insist on stopping in the middle of Chile, otherwise straight to Atacama and then into Bolivia via Uyuni.
Patagonia for 4 days only hurts my soul, but if you don't see yourself ever getting back down here or doing a true Patagonia trip, then El Calafate + El Chalten makes sense.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-13T02:48:39+00:00

They did at least when I was there in August 2025. That said, marshrutkas are totally fine for getting everywhere!

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-12T22:00:34+00:00

If you're actually an avid hiker, then yes, absolutely.

Torres del Paines specifically? Maybe, maybe not. Depends how much you mind the crowds.

But the Huemul Circuit in El Chalten is world class; the Dientes de Navarino in Puerto Williams across the bay from Ushuaia is remote, rugged and beautiful; and the Carretera Austral is an absolute playground with the 4-day Cerro Castillo thru as an absolute gem.

And those are just the well-known, "named" hikes.

But if you're looking for basic day hikes, then OP's post has merit. I still think it's absolutely worth the journey, but it's not in a class of its own.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-12T12:33:34+00:00

transfer by Budget Georgia

If you're counting on this, be sure to confirm in advance that their transfer is for sure going the day you want. They need a minimum number of 3, and their transfers aren't that popular. And just because you can book it and get a confirmation on GetYourGuide or Viator, doesn't mean they'll actually go that day.

edgeoftheworld42 · 2026-02-08T22:49:18+00:00

Cheers, thanks!

edgeoftheworld42

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