Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cordillera Huayhuash
Often playing second fiddle to Cordillera Blanca, its limelight-stealing cousin, the Huay-
huash hosts an equally impressive medley of glaciers, summits and lakes - all packed into a
hardy area only 30km across. Increasing numbers of travelers are discovering this rugged
and remote territory, where trails skirt around the outer edges of this stirring, peaked range.
Several strenuous high-altitude passes of over 4500m throw down a gauntlet to the hardiest
of trekkers. The feeling of utter wilderness, particularly along the unspoiled eastern edge, is
the big draw and you are more likely to spot the graceful Andean condor here than dozens
of
burro
-toting trekking groups.
In the waning moments of 2001, Peru's Ministry of Agriculture declared the Cordillera
Huayhuash a 'reserved zone,' giving a transitory measure of protection to nearly 700 sq km
of almost-pristine land. Since then, the ministry has backed away from official support as a
unique, private- and community-managed conservation effort has taken root. Several com-
munities whose traditional territory lies at the heart of the Huayhuash range are formally
recognized as 'Private Conservation Areas.' Eight districts along the circuit,
Llamac
(
Click here
)
,
Pocpa
,
Jirishanca
,
Quishuarcancha
,
Tupac Amaru
,
Guñog
,
Huallapa
and
Pacllón
, now charge user fees of S15 to S40, with costs for the entire circuit at S165 at
time of writing and continuing to rise on a yearly basis. Part of the fees goes to improved
security for hikers and part goes to continued conservation work. Support this grassroots
preservation attempt by paying your fees, carrying enough small change and by always
asking for an official receipt. Fees are sometimes lowered for trekkers without pack anim-
als as part of the calculations are based on 'grazing fees.'
HUAYHUASH HOGWASH
Some travelers have complained that the community gatekeepers on the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit sometimes pur-
posely write down the wrong date on your receipt in order to fine you later in a random check at the campsite, so keep
a keen eye on your transactions and don't head out until all is squared away.
