The Huayhuash Circuit is widely considered one of the ten greatest treks in the world. The 12–14 day route circles the Cordillera Huayhuash, a compact massif south of Huaraz that contains six peaks above 6,000 metres in a relatively small area. The circuit passes through extremely remote country, crossing seven high passes above 4,500 metres, and requires full camping and food self-sufficiency.
Unlike the Santa Cruz trek, the Huayhuash Circuit sees far fewer visitors and demands a higher level of fitness and mountain experience. The payoff is jaw-dropping scenery: the first view of Siula Grande from the Siula pass, the reflection of Jirishanca in Lago Jahuacocha, and the knife-edge ridges at Carhuac pass are all genuinely extraordinary. The circuit can be done in either direction; most trekkers go anticlockwise starting from Chiquian or Llamac, a three- to four-hour bus ride from Huaraz. Hiring an arriero and cook is strongly recommended.