DeTrash the Huayhuash Fundraiser updated 26 June 2026
In collaboration with La Cima Logistics (Huaraz) and a local alpine institute (Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Público), and led by Huaraz guide Joel Vargas, I am organizing a fundraiser to DeTrash the Huayhuash. Please donate and spread the word.
In collaboration with La Cima Logistics (Huaraz) and a local alpine institute (Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Público), and led by Huaraz guide Joel Vargas, I am organizing a fundraiser to DeTrash the Huayhuash. Please donate and spread the word.
Reconfirmation of Non-Guided Groups updated 8 June 2026
I received word from a trusted local: "Yesterday I returned from Huayhuash, everything was great, there are many solo travelers at every campsite."
I received word from a trusted local: "Yesterday I returned from Huayhuash, everything was great, there are many solo travelers at every campsite."
Non-Guided Groups Traveling Freely updated 25 May 2026
A trusted local reports that non-guided groups are traveling freely in the Huayhuash: "just came back from the Huayhuash, having cooked for some clients and did the valley circuit, Paso Santa Rosa to Cutatambo, and back out and around to Jahuacocha. There are MANY independent backpackers, who are for the most part camping in designated sites and paying their camping fees. The community members are accepting these fees, and not turning anyone around or "kicking anyone out" of the trek. Interestingly, Huallapa has a seasonally permanent "camp" at Cutatambo and the place that folks refer to interchangeably as Elefante / Cuyoc / Huanapatay. So there are Huallapa community members permanently there, rotated weekly, during the season. As long as folks camp at designated sites, AND pay the mandatory fee imposed by Huallapa of 50 soles per trekker, they are letting folks do as they wish - INCLUDING cross Rasac Pass. One thing that has changed, however trivial, is that pack animals are costing 3 soles each per day extra, paid to collector when camping fees are paid, for grazing costs / rights. So, with burros costing 30 soles a day paid to arrieros and 3 soles per days paid to community that administers camping areas."
A trusted local reports that non-guided groups are traveling freely in the Huayhuash: "just came back from the Huayhuash, having cooked for some clients and did the valley circuit, Paso Santa Rosa to Cutatambo, and back out and around to Jahuacocha. There are MANY independent backpackers, who are for the most part camping in designated sites and paying their camping fees. The community members are accepting these fees, and not turning anyone around or "kicking anyone out" of the trek. Interestingly, Huallapa has a seasonally permanent "camp" at Cutatambo and the place that folks refer to interchangeably as Elefante / Cuyoc / Huanapatay. So there are Huallapa community members permanently there, rotated weekly, during the season. As long as folks camp at designated sites, AND pay the mandatory fee imposed by Huallapa of 50 soles per trekker, they are letting folks do as they wish - INCLUDING cross Rasac Pass. One thing that has changed, however trivial, is that pack animals are costing 3 soles each per day extra, paid to collector when camping fees are paid, for grazing costs / rights. So, with burros costing 30 soles a day paid to arrieros and 3 soles per days paid to community that administers camping areas."
Non-Guided Group Report updated 20 May 2026
Natalie W. reported that she recently did the Classic Circuit with an ariero (donkey driver) and donkey and no hiking guide, with no access issues reported: "Got back from the Huayhuash trek about a week ago unguided but hired an arriero to help carry our stuff and it was 100% the right call and made the experience so much easier and more enjoyable."
Natalie W. reported that she recently did the Classic Circuit with an ariero (donkey driver) and donkey and no hiking guide, with no access issues reported: "Got back from the Huayhuash trek about a week ago unguided but hired an arriero to help carry our stuff and it was 100% the right call and made the experience so much easier and more enjoyable."
!!! Alleged Non-Guided Group Ban !!! updated 12 May 2026
Starting in February 2026, individuals within the Huaraz guiding community began reporting that local communities in the Huayhuash issued a ban on all non-guided groups in the Huayhuash.
There are two possibilities here: (a) that the ban is real and being enforced in the Huayhuash, or (b) the ban is a false flag operation from elements within the Huaraz guiding community in a ploy to generate revenue. I have personally reviewed evidence that the ban was an idea originally proposed by Huaraz guiding leadership. And at this time, I have seen no information that would allow me to disprove the false flag theory. What I need to hear to believe that the ban is real is direct communications from international travellers that went to the Huayhuash in 2026 and were turned away or fined for not having a guide. To date, I have sought but discovered no such evidence. Meanwhile, I have received second hand reports that non-guided groups are being allowed in. I remain agnostic.
I am receiving frequent queries about the ban. Please reach out to me directly on the landing page if you have been to the Huayhuash in 2026 and have direct experience with the non-guided group ban.
Regarding the February 2026 meeting, I had not been informed that this was on the agenda in their meeting. This ban would be eminently enforceable in that most groups approach the Alpine Circuit via the road through Llamac and there is already a checkpoint in place. To be clear, I completely disagree with this decision: my editorial on land management in the Huayhuash.
Here are some ideas about potential new adventures to be had in the nearby Cordillera Blanca.
Starting in February 2026, individuals within the Huaraz guiding community began reporting that local communities in the Huayhuash issued a ban on all non-guided groups in the Huayhuash.
There are two possibilities here: (a) that the ban is real and being enforced in the Huayhuash, or (b) the ban is a false flag operation from elements within the Huaraz guiding community in a ploy to generate revenue. I have personally reviewed evidence that the ban was an idea originally proposed by Huaraz guiding leadership. And at this time, I have seen no information that would allow me to disprove the false flag theory. What I need to hear to believe that the ban is real is direct communications from international travellers that went to the Huayhuash in 2026 and were turned away or fined for not having a guide. To date, I have sought but discovered no such evidence. Meanwhile, I have received second hand reports that non-guided groups are being allowed in. I remain agnostic.
I am receiving frequent queries about the ban. Please reach out to me directly on the landing page if you have been to the Huayhuash in 2026 and have direct experience with the non-guided group ban.
Regarding the February 2026 meeting, I had not been informed that this was on the agenda in their meeting. This ban would be eminently enforceable in that most groups approach the Alpine Circuit via the road through Llamac and there is already a checkpoint in place. To be clear, I completely disagree with this decision: my editorial on land management in the Huayhuash.
Here are some ideas about potential new adventures to be had in the nearby Cordillera Blanca.
AI translation
On Saturday, February 20th, a meeting was held with representatives from the communities managing the conservation area within the Cordillera Huayhuash, as well as DICERTUR-A, AVAOTTA, ATOCH, and others.
The key points from the meeting include:
On Saturday, February 20th, a meeting was held with representatives from the communities managing the conservation area within the Cordillera Huayhuash, as well as DICERTUR-A, AVAOTTA, ATOCH, and others.
The key points from the meeting include:
- Prohibition of Independent Hikers: One of the main topics addressed was the prohibition of entry for backpackers—specifically those traveling on their own.
- Community Complaints: Local communities expressed concerns regarding independent tourists who refuse to pay established community fees.
- Environmental and Order Concerns: Communities reported that these visitors often create disorder by camping in unauthorized areas, building campfires, and leaving trash on trails and at campsites.
- Final Decision: For these reasons, the decision was made to no longer permit the entry of independent tourists into the Cordillera Huayhuash.
- Traveler Advice: Visitors are advised to take precautions and seek official information from I Perú offices or agencies authorized by DICERTUR.
Negotiations Begin updated 22 Feb 2026
The president of a local guiding association, Beto Pinto, informed me that all of the leaders of all Huayhuah communities met to discuss the future of the Alpine Circuit. Historically, there has been tension and distrust (to put it lightly) between the local communities so the fact that this meeting happened is itself a major milestone.
The president of a local guiding association, Beto Pinto, informed me that all of the leaders of all Huayhuah communities met to discuss the future of the Alpine Circuit. Historically, there has been tension and distrust (to put it lightly) between the local communities so the fact that this meeting happened is itself a major milestone.
Major Breakthrough updated 21 June 2025
Yesterday I met the president of a local guiding association, Peto Pinto. He informed me that all Huayhuash communities (Huayllapa included) recently agreed to permit Alpine Circuit travel, effectively resolving the access issues. This is a major breakthrough! The next item on his agenda is setting up a fee collection process, with the ideal being a single ticket for the entire Circuit.
Yesterday I met the president of a local guiding association, Peto Pinto. He informed me that all Huayhuash communities (Huayllapa included) recently agreed to permit Alpine Circuit travel, effectively resolving the access issues. This is a major breakthrough! The next item on his agenda is setting up a fee collection process, with the ideal being a single ticket for the entire Circuit.
Garagocha Col updated 22 May 2025
A reliable Peruvian friend recently spoke with people from various Huayhuash villages (including Queropalca) and donkey drivers and heard no indication that access to Garagocha Col is banned. It appears that the coast is clear for Garagocha at this time.
A reliable Peruvian friend recently spoke with people from various Huayhuash villages (including Queropalca) and donkey drivers and heard no indication that access to Garagocha Col is banned. It appears that the coast is clear for Garagocha at this time.
Access Advocacy updated 30 Mar 2025
Recently, leaders of the Huaraz mountaineering community have been working in collaboration with the Huayhuash communities to secure access to the Alpine Circuit. The main goal is to have a single Alpine Circuit access ticket. Negotiations are ongoing. Stay tuned.
Recently, leaders of the Huaraz mountaineering community have been working in collaboration with the Huayhuash communities to secure access to the Alpine Circuit. The main goal is to have a single Alpine Circuit access ticket. Negotiations are ongoing. Stay tuned.
Garagocha Col updated 12 July 2024
I am receiving conflicting information about locals charging Alpine Circuit travellers USD$200 per person fines for crossing Garagocha Col. I am told that this is an (over)reaction to the fatality of Israeli Oren Samir, who seems to have fallen over the hidden cliffs on the descent from Garagocha Col in poor weather. One contact says that locals are levying fines. Another says they aren't. If you have any more information, please reach out.
To avoid tempting fate, it might be wise to cross the Mitucocha Valley quickly after descending from Garagocha Col.
I am receiving conflicting information about locals charging Alpine Circuit travellers USD$200 per person fines for crossing Garagocha Col. I am told that this is an (over)reaction to the fatality of Israeli Oren Samir, who seems to have fallen over the hidden cliffs on the descent from Garagocha Col in poor weather. One contact says that locals are levying fines. Another says they aren't. If you have any more information, please reach out.
To avoid tempting fate, it might be wise to cross the Mitucocha Valley quickly after descending from Garagocha Col.
perhaps it's best to avoid lingering near Mitucocha until the Garagocha Col access issue is resolved
Rasac Pass updated 31 May 2024
In February 2024, the community of Huayllapa issued a proclamation barring anyone from crossing Rasac Pass to Jauacocha, threatening a S/2000 ($600 USD) fine. My understanding is that they collect fees from Valley Circuit hikers for camping and traveling through their land but historically have been unsuccessful at collecting fees from Alpine Circuit travellers because the Alpine Circuit does not pass near enough to Huayllapa to make fee collection feasible.
In late May 2024, a Peruvian Huaraz-based friend visited the people of Huayllapa and received several updates:
- non-guided Alpine Circuit groups are permitted to cross Rasac Pass as long as they pay the S/60 per person fees
- the people of Huayllapa will send a representative to Cutatambo, a homestead 600m SW of camp at Jurau Lake, to collect fees. See the description of Day 4: Trapecio Pass for more information about how to reach Cutatambo.
- guided groups are still not permitted to cross Rasac Pass
My Huaraz contacts inform me that several Huaraz-based guiding agencies have tried to resolve the guided-group access issue but have unfortunately not had any success.
Be aware that in the past, arguments between locals and Valley Circuit travellers have resulted in violence and even homicide. If a local confronts you near Rasac Pass (or anywhere in the Huayhuash), I recommend taking a gentle, conciliatory tone. Near Rasac Pass, forget any Spanish you know and offer S/60 per person (the going rate for passing through and camping in Huayllapa) for "permiso de camping, permiso de transito".
I will keep this page updated as more information becomes available. If you have any news, encounter any enforcement, and/or are able and interested in helping resolve this issue, please reach out to me in the comments portal on the Home page.
Google Translation:
RELEASE
The tourism committee of the community of Huayllapa, Copa district, province of Cajatambo, Lima region provinces, informs travel and tourism agencies, tourist guides, national and foreign tourists and visiting groups about camps and restrictions within the circuit of the Huayhuash mountain range, Private Conservation Area (ACP) Huayllapa.
The camps are: Viconga, Cuyog (elephant pampas), Cutatambo, Huayllapa and Huatiag.
The restrictions within the tourist circuit are:
• Do not return from the Cuyog (elephant pampas) camp to Viconga or Huayhuash, since some guides and tourists carry out this type of tourism for not paying the rate established by the community.
• Do not cross with mules through the Mirador San Antonio to Cutatambo pass.
• Likewise, it is completely prohibited to cross the Rasac glacier pass to Jahuacocha.
In addition, it is necessary to inform national tourists, make the right to pay that they corresponds to their entry into the community landscapes. On the other hand, all tourism operators and tourists are encouraged not to leave waste behind. inorganic solids in the camps, no roads; Please dispose of them accordingly. If they ignore or violate the community statement and agreements, they will be sanctioned the sum of S/2000 to the offenders.
Sincerely,
The Tourism Committee
Huayllapa, February 2024.
RELEASE
The tourism committee of the community of Huayllapa, Copa district, province of Cajatambo, Lima region provinces, informs travel and tourism agencies, tourist guides, national and foreign tourists and visiting groups about camps and restrictions within the circuit of the Huayhuash mountain range, Private Conservation Area (ACP) Huayllapa.
The camps are: Viconga, Cuyog (elephant pampas), Cutatambo, Huayllapa and Huatiag.
The restrictions within the tourist circuit are:
• Do not return from the Cuyog (elephant pampas) camp to Viconga or Huayhuash, since some guides and tourists carry out this type of tourism for not paying the rate established by the community.
• Do not cross with mules through the Mirador San Antonio to Cutatambo pass.
• Likewise, it is completely prohibited to cross the Rasac glacier pass to Jahuacocha.
In addition, it is necessary to inform national tourists, make the right to pay that they corresponds to their entry into the community landscapes. On the other hand, all tourism operators and tourists are encouraged not to leave waste behind. inorganic solids in the camps, no roads; Please dispose of them accordingly. If they ignore or violate the community statement and agreements, they will be sanctioned the sum of S/2000 to the offenders.
Sincerely,
The Tourism Committee
Huayllapa, February 2024.
