Classic Huayhuash Trek
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Huayhuash Classic Photo Trek, where every step offers a perfect shot of the Andes.
This 13-day, 12-night journey is a photography trek through Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash, with time in Lima and Huaraz before we enter the high camps. We arrive in Lima to an airport hotel, with a free day for suggested city exploration and an optional gastronomy experience. An early flight takes us to Huaraz, where Hotel Cordillera is our base for guide briefing and acclimatization: a photography excursion to the Llanganuco Lakes and Portachuelo Pass, and a day hike to Laguna Llaca or Laguna Churup.
From Huaraz we drive overland to Matacancha, the first tented camp at 4,100 m. The route then unfolds through Punta Cacanan, Laguna Mitucocha, the puna grasslands to Laguna Carhuacocha, the Three Lakes Trail, Trapecio Pass, and Elefante camp in the Guanacpatay Valley. A layover climbs to Santa Rosa Pass above the Cutatambo Valley and Siula Grande. We continue over Cuyoc or Viconga Pass to Lago Viconga and Viconga Hot Springs camp, then descend to Cajatambo and transfer to Lima for a farewell dinner. This is a high-altitude camping trek suited to photographers comfortable with remote camps and passes up to 5,060 m.
Jul 8, 2028 Next departures
Why the Huayhuash Circuit for Photography
The Cordillera Huayhuash brings together glaciated peaks, high passes, turquoise lakes and remote valleys in one concentrated route. The trek moves from Huaraz into a landscape where the scale of the mountains and the changing light give each camp and pass its own photographic character.
This is a genuine photo trek rather than a sightseeing circuit: the journey is built around time on foot, remote camps and the patience required to work in high Andean light.
Photography Opportunities in the Huayhuash
The route offers varied subjects from the first acclimatization outings to the main circuit: mountain silhouettes, glacial valleys, high lakes, puna grasslands and the changing atmosphere around camps and passes.
Sunrise and evening light can be especially rewarding, but the best images depend on conditions and on being comfortable working outdoors at altitude. Bring a clear photographic intention while leaving room to respond to the landscape in front of you.
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
What to expect
- Travel Style: l-cant-believe-we-did-that moments
- Lodging: Camping and cold nights
- Transportation: Transport in a comfortable minivan with air conditioning
- Dining Options: Private Cooking Chef during the trek
- Physical Rating: Excellent fitness level required and a good acclimatation
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 5 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Arrival in Lima, airport hotel
Key activities
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Free Day in Lima: Suggested City Exploration
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Optional curated gastronomy experience in Lima
Fly Lima to Huaraz, guide briefing
Key activities
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Guide briefing in the hotel lobby at 6 PM
Photography day at Llanganuco Lakes and Portachuelo Pass
Key activities
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Llanganuco Lakes and Portachuelo Pass photography excursion
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Optional Maria Josefa Trail hike
Acclimatization day hike to Laguna Llaca or Laguna Churup
Key activities
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Acclimatization day hike to Laguna Llaca or Laguna Churup
Overland Huaraz to Matacancha, first Huayhuash camp
Key activities
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Afternoon at Matacancha camp and foothill walk
Trek over Punta Cacanan to Laguna Mitucocha
Key activities
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Punta Cacanan Pass
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Camp near Laguna Mitucocha
Trek through puna grasslands to Laguna Carhuacocha
Key activities
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Laguna Carhuacocha and its wall of peaks
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Local Quechua families in the Carhuacocha valley
Sunrise at Carhuacocha, Three Lakes Trail to Huayhuash camp
Key activities
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Sunrise over the Carhuacocha basin
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Three Lakes Trail
Trapecio Pass to Guanacpatay (Elefante) camp
Key activities
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Early morning light over the Huayhuash valley
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Trapecio Pass and Trapecio Glacier
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Descent through the Guanacpatay Valley to Elefante Camp
Layover, Santa Rosa Pass above Cutatambo Valley (Siula Grande), return to Elefante
Key activities
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Santa Rosa Pass and the Cutatambo Valley
Viconga Pass, Lago Viconga, Viconga Hot Springs camp
Key activities
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Early morning soak in Viconga Hot Springs
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Cuyoc / Viconga Pass
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Lago Viconga
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Viconga Hot Springs
Final hike to Cajatambo, overland transfer to Lima, farewell dinner
Key activities
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Descent along the Pumarinri River to Cajatambo
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Cajatambo, the trek exit point
Depart Lima at leisure
Key activities
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Departure day in Lima at leisure
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Gallery
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 8.595 USD (661 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 7.495 USD (577 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 5.995 USD (461 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 5.195 USD (400 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Costa del Sol Airport Lima — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Hotel Cordillera — 3 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Matacancha camp (4,100 m, tents) — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Laguna Mitucocha Campsite Huayhu (TBD) — 1 night · Ecolodge
- Laguna Carhuacocha Campsite (TBD) — 1 night · Ecolodge
- Huayhuash camp (4,330 m, tents) — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Elefante / Guanacpatay camp (4,200 m, tents) — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Viconga Hot Springs camp (4,365 m, tents) — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Meals indicated in the program: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunchs, 11 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Breakfast on day 2, Lunch on Arrival day, day 2, day 3, day 4 and Departure day, Dinner on Arrival day
- Tips
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Additional drinks and meals
- Medical insurance
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Tips
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Optionnal Services with supplemental Costs
- Backpack Carriage
- Donkey for Ascent / Descent
Deposit
- 30% (1.799 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
- paypal
Second Participant Discount
- Travelling with a companion who isn't a photographer? Their per-person price is reduced by 350 USD.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Services to Expect
Camping and Meals on the Trek
The Huayhuash circuit is a tented mountain journey rather than a hotel-to-hotel tour. Nights are spent at remote camps, with the day’s walking, weather and altitude shaping the rhythm of meals and rest.
Meal arrangements are organised around the trek, so tell us about dietary requirements before departure. Keep a small personal supply of essentials accessible during the walking day rather than relying on the main camp arrangement.
Support Team and Personal Luggage
The trek is supported by a field team that helps move the camp operation between remote sites. Your daypack should contain the camera equipment, water, layers and personal items you need while walking; the rest of your luggage should remain organised for camp-to-camp movement.
Pack compactly and protect delicate equipment. The route is remote, and keeping the daily load manageable is part of making the trek enjoyable.
Practical Information
Trekking Pace and Photography Time
This is a physically demanding camping trek, with early starts, sustained walking and high mountain passes. Photography adds pauses to the walking day, so the rhythm is different from a conventional fast-moving trek: progress, rest and time to work carefully with the light must all fit together.
You should be comfortable hiking for several hours on uneven mountain terrain while carrying your personal camera equipment and the day’s essentials.
Weather and Conditions in the Huayhuash
Conditions can change quickly in the high Andes. The trek combines strong daytime sun, cold after sunset, wind on exposed passes and the possibility of rain, hail or snow. Weather can affect walking speed, campsite comfort and the time available for photography.
Plan to layer clothing and protect both yourself and your equipment from wind, precipitation, dust and cold. Conditions remain variable even when the broader forecast looks favourable.
Permits and Community Access
The Huayhuash route passes through areas managed and used by local communities. Access and camping arrangements may involve community checkpoints and local fees along the route.
Keep your original passport available during the trek and follow the guidance of the local team at each checkpoint. Exact arrangements can vary with the route and current local conditions, so the final briefing remains the reference before departure.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Altitude is one of the defining realities of this trek. The programme spends time in Huaraz before entering the circuit, with acclimatization outings to places such as the Llanganuco Lakes, Portachuelo Pass and a possible Laguna Llaca or Laguna Churup day.
The main route then reaches remote camps and high passes, including the approach to elevations around 5,060 metres. Arrive prepared for sustained effort at altitude, follow the guide’s pace and discuss any health concern with a qualified travel-health professional before departure.
Physical Preparation for the Huayhuash Trek
Prepare for consecutive days of walking on uneven mountain terrain, repeated ascents and descents, cold conditions and sustained effort at altitude. Training should combine aerobic endurance, leg strength and practice walking with the daypack you will use for your camera equipment.
Arriving in Huaraz with time to acclimatize is important. Build up gradually before the trip and discuss the demands of a high-altitude trek with your doctor or travel-health professional if you have any concerns.
Respect for Communities and the Mountain Environment
The route crosses land used by Andean communities and passes through a fragile high-mountain environment. Follow local guidance, stay on the route indicated by the team, and ask before photographing people or private activities.
Carry out personal waste, keep noise low around camps and lakes, and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation. A light footprint helps protect the places that make the circuit worth photographing.
Clothing and Essentials for the Trek
Pack a reliable layering system for strong sun, cold mornings and evenings, wind on exposed passes and changing mountain weather. Include warm insulating layers, a waterproof and windproof outer layer, gloves, a hat, sun protection and comfortable broken-in trekking footwear.
A small daypack should hold water, personal medication, an extra layer, rain protection and the camera equipment you will carry during the day. Keep the rest of your luggage compact and protected from moisture.
Camera Gear for High-Altitude Trekking
Choose a camera setup that you can carry comfortably for consecutive days at altitude. A wide or standard lens is useful for the large mountain landscapes, while a telephoto can help with distant details and wildlife without requiring an oversized kit.
Bring spare batteries, sufficient memory, a lightweight support if you use one, and a simple cleaning and weather-protection kit. Cold drains batteries quickly, so keep spares insulated and protect the camera from rain, dust and condensation.
Detailed Trip Notes, including practical tips, cultural insights, and a complete packing list will be sent to you 60 days before departure.
Booking this tour means you agree to our full Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary of the key points. As life is unpredictable, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
- Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is refundable for 7 days (less transaction fees), after which it becomes a non-refundable credit, transferable to a future tour offered by Remote Expeditions within 4 years of the cancellation date, less any non-recoverable costs already paid on your behalf.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins.
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund of any payments made, except for the 30% deposit. Your deposit will be converted into a travel credit valid for 4 years on a future tour Remote Expeditions.
- Cancellation within 90 days of departure: 100% of the tour price is forfeited. There are no refunds or credits.
* This is a summary only. Please read our complete
Terms and Conditions
for full details before booking.
** We strongly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Your Tour Guides
Tristan Quevilly
Tristan has been to over 40 countries in his quest for the perfect adventure. He has biked all Guatemala, trekked alone across the Triglav in Slovenia, travelled through all the Amazon by boat. He also has worked and leaded tours in Senegal, Morroco, Croatia, Greece, Cuba, Colombia, Brazil and many more. Remote Expeditions is the fruit of his love for people and travel.
- Nationality: French
- Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
- Guiding since: 2003
- Specialties: Photography, Trekking, Indigenous Communities
Emerson
I have been a lover of nature and adventure sports for many years. After years of expeditions such as trekking and mountaineering in Peru, I became an experienced professional. I improved my skills and became certified as a mountain guide, by the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM), and the Association of Mountain Guides of Peru (AGMP). Let me share some of my most challenging and memorable expeditions.
- Nationality: Peru
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Guiding since: 2009
- Specialties: High Mountainering, Hiking
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
