While many travellers to Peru head south toward Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, experienced trekkers know that the remote northern Andes hold something truly extraordinary: two of the best high-altitude treks in Peru that are as wild as they are beautiful: the Alpamayo Circuit in the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit.

These challenging, fully supported trekking routes offer access to Peru’s most dramatic mountain landscapes, from snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes to quiet Quechua villages and off-the-beaten-track valleys. Unlike the crowded trails of the south, both the Alpamayo and Huayhuash circuits deliver a real sense of wilderness and adventure.

So which one should you choose? Here's a detailed comparison of the Alpamayo vs Huayhuash treks and why both belong on your bucket list of trekking holidays in South America.

Alpamayo Circuit (Cordillera Blanca)

Starting from the buzzing trekker town of Huaraz, this 15-day adventure winds through Huascarán National Park, circling the perfectly pyramidal Alpamayo (5,947m) - often called the most beautiful mountain in the world. The Cordillera Blanca is the highest tropical mountain range in the world and despite its beauty, remains surprisingly under-visited. You'll cross high passes, spend nights camping beside glacial lakes, hike through little-visited Quechua villages and follow ancient trails in Huascaran National Park, where solitude and scenery go hand in hand.

Huayhuash Circuit (Cordillera Huayhuash)

Just south of the Blanca lies the more rugged and isolated Cordillera Huayhuash. Often ranked among the top 10 treks in the world, this 21-day trip follows a full circuit of the range, featuring some of the best alpine trekking in the Andes. This is a truly off-grid experience where you’ll spend most of the trek above 4,500m, crossing high passes and camping near emerald lakes with views of towering peaks like Yerupajá (6,634m) and Siula Grande, the latter made famous by Joe Simpson’s Touching the Void. KE’s long-standing connections in the region and the expertise of our guide, Val, allow for a flexible itinerary that keeps the experience wild and off-grid.

Alpamayo Circuit

Trekking Days: 12

Max Altitude: 4,860m

Grade: 7 - Challenging

KE Adventure’s itinerary includes two acclimatisation walks before the trek begins and three nights in Huaraz to help you adjust. Most trekking days involve 6–8 hours on trail, crossing multiple high passes with the support of a full trek crew and mule team.

Huayhuash Circuit

Trekking Days: 16

Max Altitude: 5,200m (optional Cerro Jyamy ridge)

Grade: 9 - Very Challenging

This is a serious high-altitude trek, with multiple days above 4,500m and several 5,000m+ passes. KE’s expert itinerary builds in ample acclimatisation, including three days in Huaraz and a rest day mid-trek at Laguna Carhuacocha.

Alpamayo Highlights

Base camp views of Alpamayo

Spectacular campsites near glacial lakes

Views of Taulliraju, Huascarán and Rinrijirca

Ancient trails through remote Quechua communities

This route offers incredible variety, from lush valleys and alpine meadows to icy passes and high lakes, all with a backdrop of dramatic Andean peaks.

Huayhuash Highlights

Viewpoints of Siula Grande and Yerupajá

Camps beside lakes like Laguna Carhuacocha and Jahuacocha

Optional ascent of Cerro Jyamy (5,200m)

Unmatched solitude and scale

This trek delivers high-altitude drama from start to finish, with panoramic views on a Himalayan scale.

Both routes are far removed from Peru’s tourist hotspots, but Huayhuash is the more remote of the two.

• Alpamayo allows for more cultural encounters, passing through small settlements and Quechua villages. This is ideal for those wanting a balance of scenery and local culture.
• Huayhuash, meanwhile, is for the true adventure seeker. Expect full days without seeing another group and a pure, immersive mountain experience with minimal infrastructure.

KE Adventure has operated in both areas for over a decade, with carefully curated itineraries and local contacts that help keep the wilderness feel intact.

Whether you’re drawn to the perfect lines of Alpamayo or the wild grandeur of the Huayhuash, both treks promise a rare kind of adventure: raw, remote and unforgettable. These are treks that reward effort with solitude, scale and soul-stirring views. With expert guides, fully supported itineraries and years of experience in the region, KE Adventure makes these incredible journeys accessible without compromising on authenticity or comfort.

Ready to take on two of the world’s most beautiful treks?