Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit

The Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit traces mining roads and ancient paths around Peru’s most spectacular mountain range — a compact knot of 6,000-meter peaks that rise like Gothic cathedrals from glacial valleys. Starting from Chiquián, the route climbs through traditional Quechua villages where llama herders still speak the old language, then crosses brutal high passes like Punta Cuyoc at 5,000 meters. Yerupajá, Peru’s second-highest peak, dominates the skyline while the track threads between turquoise lakes and past the ruins of colonial-era mines that once shipped silver to Spain.

This is expert-level high-altitude overlanding — expect difficult conditions with steep, rocky sections, river crossings, and altitude that’ll leave you gasping. A capable 4WD with low range and underbody protection is mandatory, plus mountain weather gear and extra fuel for the remote 10-day loop. Best attempted May through September when passes are clear of snow. No fuel or supplies once you commit to the circuit, but the reward is witnessing some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the planet, where glacial peaks reflect in mirror lakes and ancient ways of life continue unchanged.