Paso San Antonio (San Antonio Pass Huayhuash)
Le Paso San Antonio est un col pittoresque situé dans la chaîne Huayhuash des Andes péruviennes. Il offre des vues époustouflantes sur les sommets enneigés, les vallées profondes et les lacs glaciaires. Le col fait partie de la populaire randonnée du circuit Huayhuash, réputée pour sa nature difficile mais gratifiante. La traversée du Paso San Antonio permet aux randonneurs de découvrir la beauté sauvage et les paysages de haute altitude de la chaîne de Huayhuash. Ce trek constitue une aventure inoubliable pour les randonneurs expérimentés et les amoureux de la nature, entourés de certains des plus beaux paysages montagneux du Pérou.
Location & Access
Paso San Antonio (San Antonio Pass Huayhuash) is a high-altitude mountain pass in the Cordillera Huayhuash range, located in northern Peru near Huaraz. The pass itself does not have a formal address, as it is part of a remote trekking route. The nearest major town is Huaraz, which serves as the primary hub for organizing expeditions into the region.
Comment s'y rendre
- From Huaraz, arrange a guided trek or hire a 4x4 vehicle to reach the trailhead at Cuartelwain or Llamac, the typical starting points for the Huayhuash Circuit.
- The pass is accessible only on foot, requiring a multi-day trek. Most visitors join organized tours or hire local guides due to the challenging terrain and altitude.
- Public transport is limited; private transport or tour operators are recommended for reliability.
Meilleur moment pour visiter
The dry season (May to September) is ideal, offering clear skies and stable conditions. Early mornings provide the best light for photography, with fewer clouds obscuring the panoramic views. The pass is inaccessible during heavy snowfall (December to March).
Durée de la visite
Reaching Paso San Antonio typically requires 4-6 days as part of the Huayhuash Circuit. The pass itself can be crossed in a few hours, but the surrounding trek demands careful acclimatization.
Activités
- Trekking: The pass is a highlight of the Huayhuash Circuit, offering breathtaking views of peaks like Yerupajá and Siulá Grande.
- Photography: The dramatic landscapes and glacial lakes are unparalleled.
- Wildlife spotting: Andean condors, vicuñas, and vizcachas are occasionally seen.
Installations
No formal facilities exist on the pass. Basic campsites are found along the trekking route, but visitors must be self-sufficient. Huaraz provides supplies, guides, and equipment rentals.
Ce qu'il faut apporter
- Sturdy hiking boots and layered clothing for rapid weather changes.
- Altitude sickness medication, sunscreen, and ample water.
- Camping gear if not traveling with a tour.
Règles et règlements
- Respect the fragile ecosystem: carry out all waste.
- Hiring a local guide is strongly advised for safety and to support the community.
- Drones may require permits; check regulations in Huaraz.
Informations sur le contact
For guided tours, contact Huaraz-based agencies like Andean Kingdom or Huayhuash Expeditions. No official website exists for the pass itself.