World → South America → Central Andes

One of the best hiking regions in the world is the
CENTRAL ANDES Top 10

You might also assume the trekking season is Nov-Apr as it is in Patagonia. It is. But the best weather for the high peaks out of Huaraz is the drier “Andean summer”: May-Sept.

AT A GLANCE

The “central Andes” as defined by Lonely Planet are in 3 countries: Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

• most famous are the Peruvian treks — but Bolivia has the potential, one day, to be just as popular
• most famous of all is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — though it’s too regulated, too crowded for us
• of the major treks, very popular is Santa Cruz. Nearby Alpamayo is longer, tougher and even better.
• If you are looking for an extreme experience, you can’t do better than the Huayhuash Circuit.
• Our favourite hike in the region, however, is remote Ausangate. Do it. 🙂
• volcano climbs in Ecuador are amongst the world’s best
• towering peaks, perfect alpine lakes, mystical cloud forest. There is much to do and see.
• Inca ruins are a huge attraction
• independent, self-sufficient hikers love Peru, if they speak conversational Spanish
• but it’s easy to sign on with experienced, English speaking, trekking guides if you prefer.
• Peru is very “touristy”. Bolivia, just the opposite. Political instability keeps many away. Ecuador is just right.

WHY WE LIKE THIS REGION

• South American Explorers club! 
• sparsely inhabited. Almost as wild as North America if you get to the right places.
• it’s very inexpensive to travel here
• very inexpensive to hire a guide and pack animals
• the Andes are the second highest mountains in the world, yet hiking is relatively undeveloped. You can have the mountains to yourself
• we enjoy the indigenous Quechua peoples and their Andean culture
• intensely glaciated, intensely beautiful — in the Andes you are almost always “above the treeline”
• hotsprings, volcanoes
• unique wildlife including condors, llamas, etc.
• remote, forbidding mountains are a great challenge
• few biting insects at higher elevations
• few dangerous animals of any kind

CONSIDERATIONS

• conversational Spanish almost essential
• prices are often not “fixed”, you must negotiate
• small bribes & fees are expected of hikers
• altitude sickness is a big risk on many of the best treks
• acclimatization in Cuzco 3326m (10,912ft), La Paz 3810m (12,500ft), or Quito 2800 M (9200ft) means you need time. A lot of time.
• evacuation is difficult in many places
• no rescue service is available. You are on your own.
• No Park officers. No campsites. No toilets. That’s the reality in most of the Central Andes.
• risk of robbery has been greatly exaggerated. Still, we personally bypassed the Illampu Circuit in Bolivia because of reports of systematic robbery.
• in the high mountains you can get snow any month
• expect high winds and cold
• tent camping only, few mountain huts or shelters
• if you are flying, you will likely come via Quito, Lima or La Paz.
• Lima is most often the least expensive destination. Via Lima, many hikers fly directly to Cusco, Arequipa or (best of all) Huaraz.

Peru

• the more time you have for your trip, the better, in this part of the world. Logistics are time consuming.
• sooner or later, someone is going to offer you Guinea Pig to eat, the Andean staple. Be ready.