Huaraz Treks and Climbs – Frequently Asked Questions

Where do your trips depart from?
Our trekking, walking and climbing trips depart from the City of Huaraz, Peru. We will pick you up from your accommodation in Huaraz and drop you off after the trekking or climbing trip.

How do I get to Huaraz?
By far the most common way to travel between Lima and Huaraz is to take a long bus journey through desert and mountains which takes about 8 hours depending on the service. There are many bus companies offering daily services, however it is highly recommended to pay a bit more and going with a more professional company such as Cruz del Sur, Oltursa and Movil Tours.
The other option is to fly. There is one airline operating the route between Lima and Huaraz. LC Busre is a quite reliable and professional company. There are 3 flights per week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) and the flight time is about 65 minutes.

When is the best time to come to Huaraz, Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash?
The peak season is between June and August with July being the busiest month. It is the dry season in Huaraz, the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash. During the dry season in the mountains, the nights can be very cold, often falling to freezing from May to September. Average temperatures from menus 5C to 18C.

How far do we walk each day?
This question is best answered in terms of time rather than distance, as it all depends on altitude and terrain. Ten kilometers at altitude can take considerably longer and be physically much harder than the same distance at sea level. Walking distance can also vary with the weather. For each grade we give an indication of the number of hours walked on a normal day.

Am I fit enough?
The most common misconception about Trekking, Walking and particularly climbing trips, is that you must be young and super-fit to go on, and then nothing could be further from the truth. If you want an arduous high altitude mountain trek or climb that will stretch you physically, then we can certainly provide it, but most of our trips are about an enjoyable trekking and climbing experience for those who, whatever their age, are reasonably fit and healthy and enjoy a good hill hike. The fitness level required would obviously depend on the trip you choose and to help you with this decision we have graded all our trekking and climbing holidays.

What level of support is there?
We offer full service treks and climbs, which basically means we do the work and you walk or climb. We provide full support so all you have to carry is a daypack with whatever you require for that day’s walk. On climbing trips, it is necessary to carry personal and climbing gear from basecamps to moraine and high camps. Our staff will also erect and take down the tents, cook, wash up and even supply bed tea in the morning. This allows you plenty of free time to relax or explore your surroundings as you wish.

How big are the groups?
All our groups are small with a stated maximum group size, which is never more than 5. We believe that small groups are safer, socially more fun and perhaps, more importantly, essential to preserve the local environment and cultural integrity of the areas we visit.

What will my companions be like?
Many different kinds of people walk and climb with us. They may be of any nationality, although English is the common language, either sex, alone or accompanied, experienced trekkers or climbers or first timers. There is also often a wide age range, with our youngest trekkers and climbers being in their late teens and the oldest often into their sixties. Whoever is in your group you can be reasonably sure that they will share a passion for the great outdoors and you will probably find several who have trekked and climbed with Huaraz Treks and Climbs before!

Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend you book in advance to secure your place on our trips, as space is limited, particularly during the months of June, July and August.