10 Best Multi-Day Treks From Huaraz In Peru’s Cordillera Blanca
Huaraz is the unofficial trekking capital of Peru. While Cusco is better known, the trekking in the three mountain ranges surrounding Huaraz, the Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Huayhuash is even wilder and has almost no crowds.
If you’re looking to hike surrounded by the most beautiful peaks in the Andes mountains, then Huaraz is your place. Here you will find Peru’s highest mountain 6,768 meters (22,205 feet) Nevado Huascarán, which is the highest snow-covered mountain in the tropics.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing valley hike surrounded by snow-capped peaks or a remote, challenging high-mountain circuit, there’s a trek for every pace and passion. From iconic routes like Santa Cruz and Huayhuash, to hidden gems like Quilcayhuanca or Olleros to Chavín, each hiking trail offers glaciers, colourful lakes, and unforgettable alpine views.
This guide breaks down the top multi-day treks around Huaraz so you can find the perfect fit and plan your hiking adventure holiday in Peru based on your time, fitness level, and appetite for altitude.
Affiliate Disclosure: I get a small commission from some of the hiking tours we recommend. Buying through my links helps support helpful content like this. I have also included links for do-it-yourself hiking trails using AllTrails.
1. Santa Cruz Trek
- Duration: 3–4 days
- Distance: 50 km
- Max Altitude: 4,750 m (Punta Unión Pass)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Price: $250–$400 USD (includes guide, meals, gear, and donkeys)
- Highlights: Alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and a classic Cordillera Blanca route
The Santa Cruz Trek is the region’s most popular multi-day trekking route. Over three to four days, you’ll cross valleys, alpine lakes, and the dramatic Punta Unión Pass with nonstop views of peaks like Taulliraju and Alpamayo. It’s like walking through an awe-inspiring postcard.
This is considered a moderate trek, but don’t underestimate the elevation. On this trek, you’ll top out at nearly 4,800 meters. The nights will be cold and you’ll camp each evening, but the trail is well-supported and often guided with mules carrying the gear.
This is a great trek for those new to multi-day hikes. Packages range from $250–$400, depending on group size and services. Most include meals, tents, porters, and entrance fees, making it an accessible adventure for intermediate trekkers.
2. Huayhuash Circuit
- Duration: 8–12 days
- Distance: 130 km
- Max Altitude: 5,000 m
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Price: $700–$1,000 USD (includes guide, gear, meals, and donkeys)
- Highlights: Remote high-altitude trekking with stunning mountain vistas
The Huayhuash Circuit is the beast of the Andes and one of the most beautiful and demanding treks in the world. You’ll hike through remote valleys, cross multiple 4,800–5,000 meter passes, and sleep beneath jagged giants like Yerupajá and Siula Grande.
The full loop takes 8–12 days depending on your pace and detours. It’s wild, raw, and less crowded than the Santa Cruz Trek but significantly tougher. Expect long days, freezing nights, and moments that’ll make your jaw drop (you’ll earn them!).
Huayhuash trekking tours typically include everything: guides, gear, food, and mule support. If you’ve got the time and fitness, this trek may be one of the highlights of your life. There are also 3-4 day Huayhuash Mini Treks if you think the full trek is too much for you.
3. Quilcayhuanca to Cojup Valley Trek
- Duration: 3 days
- Max Altitude: 4,700 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Price: $200–$300 USD (includes guide, meals, and camping gear)
- Highlights: Less-traveled route with alpine meadows and glacial lakes
This lesser-known 3-day trek from Quilcayhuanca to the Cojup Valley is a hidden gem. It runs through lush valleys, past glaciers and waterfalls, and offers more solitude compared to the busier Santa Cruz Trek. You’ll get great views of Tullparaju, Andavite, and other rugged peaks.
This hiking trail isn’t crowded, so it feels more remote and adventurous than other options on this list. You’ll camp in alpine meadows and often spot wildlife. This trek is a great choice for photographers and hikers who want a quieter route to be mindful in nature.
Expect to pay around $200–$300 for a guided trip. It’s moderately challenging and perfect for those who want a short, scenic backcountry camping experience.
4. Alpamayo Base Camp Trek
- Duration: 7–11 days
- Max Altitude: 4,800 m
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Price: $600–$900 USD
- Highlights: Views of the iconic Alpamayo peak, often dubbed the “most beautiful mountain in the world”
This massive trek takes you to the foot of what many call the world’s most beautiful mountain, the Alpamayo. The route is long (9–11 days), rugged, and less-travelled as it winds through remote valleys with jaw-dropping scenery the whole way.
It shares sections with the Santa Cruz Trek but ventures much deeper into the wild. You’ll cross several passes and sleep under star-filled skies, often without seeing another soul for hours.
Prices start around $600 and climb depending on how remote your outfitter takes you. If you’re into long, immersive wilderness experiences, this one delivers in spades.
5. Olleros To Chavín De Huántar Trek
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 40 km
Max Altitude: 4,700 m (Yanashallash Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate
Price: $300–$500 USD (includes guide, donkeys, meals, and camping)
Highlights: Pre-Inca trail, mountain scenery, and the Chavín archaeological site
The Olleros to Chavín Trek is one of the most unique cultural routes in the Cordillera Blanca. It follows an ancient trail once used by pilgrims travelling to the sacred temple of Chavín de Huántar, a pre-Inca ceremonial site over 3,000 years old.
You’ll cross wide valleys, climb to the spectacular Yanashallash Pass, and descend into the more remote Conchucos region, far away from the crowds. Along the way, you’ll camp in scenic spots with snow-capped views and finish the trek with a guided tour of the mysterious Chavín de Huántar ruins.
This is a perfect option for hikers who want a blend of natural wonder and ancient history. The hiking trail is not technical, and with mule support, llamas and a good guide, it’s manageable for most moderately fit trekkers.
6. Llanganuco, Pisco Base Camp And Laguna 69 Trek
Duration: 2–3 days
Distance: 25–30 km
Max Altitude: 4,650 m (Pisco Base Camp)
Difficulty: Moderate
Price: $180–$320 USD (includes guide, transport, meals, camping gear)
Highlights: Overnight alpine camp, glacier views, and an early, crowd-free hike to Laguna 69
This short but powerful trek combines some of the Cordillera Blanca’s most iconic scenery. Starting in the Llanganuco Valley, you’ll hike up to Pisco Base Camp, sleep in a backcountry camping area surrounded by glaciers, and wake up early to reach Laguna 69 before the day hikers arrive.
The route offers incredible views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Pisco, and Chacraraju. It’s ideal for acclimatizing or for travellers who want more than just a Laguna 69 day trip. The overnight stay adds depth, peace, and more time to soak in the magic of the high Andes.
This a great option for hikers who want a short overnight adventure with high rewards. The trail is well-marked and non-technical, and with pack animals and a guide, it’s doable for most moderately fit trekkers.
7. Nevado Urus Summit
- Duration: 2–3 days
- Distance: 20–25 km
- Max Altitude: 5,495 m
- Difficulty: Challenging (beginner mountaineering)
- Tours: $300–$500 USD (includes guide and gear)
- Highlights: Beginner-friendly summit, views of Ishinca Valley, and a great warm-up for bigger climbs
Nevado Urus is one of the most accessible summits in the Cordillera Blanca for new mountaineers. The approach begins in the Ishinca Valley and includes camping at a base camp before an early morning alpine start to the glacier.
You’ll need crampons, rope, and a guide, but the climb is non-technical and ideal for getting a taste of mountaineering. The views from the summit of Nevado Tocllaraju, Ranrapalca, and many other peaks on the horizon are absolutely stunning.
This mountain peak is a great way to challenge yourself and tag your first 5,000+ meter peak in a relatively safe and guided environment.
8. Nevado Artesonraju Summit
Duration: 5–6 days
Distance: 30 km (approach and summit route)
Max Altitude: 6,025 m
Difficulty: Very hard (technical alpine climb)
Price: $900–$1,400 USD (includes certified guide, glacier gear, porters, meals, tents)
Highlights: Iconic pyramid-shaped summit, steep ice walls, and serious bragging rights
Nevado Artesonraju is one of the most iconic peaks in the Cordillera Blanca, known for its near-perfect symmetry and claim to fame as the Paramount Pictures logo mountain. It’s also a serious alpine climb, with sustained 55–60 degree ice slopes that require real mountaineering skill.
The climb begins with a tough approach through the Santa Cruz Valley to the Base Camp, then up to Moraine and High Camps before the final summit push. Ropework, glacier travel, and front-pointing up steep ice are all part of the experience.
This hike is not for beginners, but it’s a dream mountain for many experienced climbers. As you can imagine, the views from the summit are absolutely wild with glaciers and peaks in every direction.
9. Nevado Pisco Summit
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 30 km round trip
Max Altitude: 5,752 m
Difficulty: Hard (beginner-level mountaineering)
Price: $350–$650 USD
Highlights: 360° summit views, gentle glacier slopes, and the best intro climb in the Cordillera Blanca
Nevado Pisco is one of the most accessible and rewarding 5,000+ meter summits in Peru. It’s often called the perfect beginner peak for trekkers looking to step into mountaineering. While it’s not technically difficult, you’ll still use crampons, ropes, and an ice axe, making it a true glacier experience.
The route starts with a hike to Pisco Base Camp, then up to Moraine Camp before a pre-dawn summit push. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Alpamayo, and Artesonraju.
This is an ideal climb for acclimatized trekkers who’ve done hikes like Santa Cruz, Laguna 69, or Huayhuash and want to summit something next level. With a trusted hiking guide and good conditions, it’s a safe and stunning way to stand on top of a glaciated Andean giant.
10. Nevado Huascarán Summit
Duration: 5–7 days
Distance: 40 km round trip
Max Altitude: 6,768 m (Huascarán Sur – highest point in Peru)
Difficulty: Very hard (technical and high altitude)
Price: $1,000–$1,600 USD (includes certified guide, gear, porters, meals, permits)
Highlights: Climb the highest mountain in Peru, massive glacier travel, and jaw-dropping views from the roof of the Andes
Last but not least, you have Nevado Huascarán. This is the crown jewel of the Cordillera Blanca and the tallest mountain in Peru. It’s a massive double summit with Huascarán Norte (6,654 m) and Huascarán Sur (6,768 m) connected by a high mountain pass and guarded by deep crevasses, seracs, and ever-changing glacier conditions.
Climbing Huascarán is no small feat. The trekking route starts from Musho, ascends to Base Camp, then up to High Camp 1 and High Camp 2, where climbers launch a midnight summit push. The altitude is extreme and the technical sections require experience with crampons, roped glacier travel, and solid endurance.
This is one of the most rewarding alpine summit climbs in the Americas. If you’re acclimatized, well-trained, and ready for a serious hiking expedition, standing on top of Huascarán is an unforgettable moment overlooking the frozen ocean of epic mountain peaks in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca.
Choosing The Right Multi-Day Huaraz Trek For You
These mountains are wild, beautiful, and demanding. Trekking with a local hiking guide not only supports the communities who live here, it also ensures your safety, comfort, and access to deeper knowledge of the terrain, culture, and wildlife.
Whether you’re looking to join a group or plan a custom private trek, booking with a trusted guide service takes the guesswork out of logistics. You focus on the hike and while they handle the rest of not-so-fun stuff like permits, meals and donkeys.
If one of these treks is calling your name, now’s the time to answer it. The Andes are waiting. Let’s get you on the trail.
I have been running mindful hiking retreats for the last 7 years that integrate mindful awareness, experiential learning and community building practices.
I have been an experiential learning designer for over a decade through my company DIY Genius, which helps creative people productize their expertise.
I love flying my drone and sharing my adventures on my Instagram.
