How Difficult Are the Treks?

Understanding the Difficulty Levels of Huayhuash, Santa Cruz & Cedros–Alpamayo**
Your expert guide to altitude, daily distances, and what to expect on Peru’s most iconic trekking routes.

The Peruvian Andes offer some of the world’s most stunning multi-day treks.
But each route has its own level of difficulty, altitude profile, and physical demands.

This guide explains the difficulty level of the three most popular treks operated by Inkaland Treks:

• Huayhuash 8 & 10 Days
• Santa Cruz Trek (4 days)
• Cedros–Alpamayo + Santa Cruz (11 days)

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, this article will help you choose the trek that fits your fitness and goals.

Easiest:

Santa Cruz – 4 Days → Moderate difficulty

Intermediate / Challenging:

Huayhuash 8 & 10 Days → Moderate–Challenging

Most Demanding:

Cedros–Alpamayo + Santa Cruz – 11 Days → Challenging–Very Challenging

All treks require proper acclimatization.

Trek difficulty is influenced by:

✔ Altitude

Most passes are 4,650–5,000 meters.

✔ Daily hiking time

5–8 hours per day on average.

✔ Terrain

Steep ascents, rocky sections, sandy trails, and high passes.

✔ Weather

Cold nights, strong sun, and wind at altitude.

✔ Length of the route

More days = more physical endurance needed.

Best for beginners, first-time trekkers in the Andes, and travelers short on time.

Santa Cruz is one of the most beautiful and balanced treks in the Cordillera Blanca.
It offers spectacular views with a manageable difficulty level.

Features:

• Pass: Punta Unión (4,760 m)
• Daily hiking: 4–6 hours
• Terrain: moderate ascents, good paths
• Ideal for: beginners in good health

Why it’s moderate:

• Only one major high pass
• Good trail conditions
• Perfect for acclimatized trekkers or first-timers

Who should choose Santa Cruz?

• Travelers short on time
• People who want an iconic Andean trek without extreme challenge
• Good first step before Huayhuash

One of the most rewarding circuits in South America.

Huayhuash is longer and more remote than Santa Cruz.
It involves several days above 4,200 m and multiple high passes.

Features (Shared by Both Versions):

• Passes between 4,650–5,000 m
• Daily hiking: 6–8 hours
• Terrain: mixed paths, steep ascents, exposed ridges
• High altitude camping every night

Difficulty depends on the version:

✔ Huayhuash 8 Days (Trapecio Pass) — More Intense

• Faster pace
• Longer hiking days
• Fewer recovery days
• Ideal for trekkers with good fitness
• Strongest version for people with limited time

✔ Huayhuash 10 Days (Classic Circuit) — More Balanced

• Gradual acclimatization
• More time to enjoy viewpoints
• Slightly easier on the body
• Better for trekkers who prefer a steady rhythm

Why it’s moderate–challenging:

• Multiple high passes
• Consecutive long days
• Nights below freezing

Who should choose Huayhuash?

• Travelers with trekking experience
• Fit beginners willing to push themselves
• Photographers and adventure seekers

The most demanding trekking expedition we operate.

This expedition combines two legendary routes in one journey — remote, wild, high-altitude, and incredibly scenic.

Features:

• Multiple passes between 4,600–4,900 m
• Remote trails with fewer people
• Longer hiking days
• Technical sections in some valleys
• Significant elevation gain/loss day after day

Why it’s the hardest:

• Longest duration (11 days)
• Strong altitude exposure
• Physical and mental endurance required
• Windy, rugged, and often colder than other circuits

Who should choose Cedros–Alpamayo?

• Experienced trekkers
• Strong hikers with good endurance
• Anyone looking for a “bucket list” Andean expedition

Those wanting a quieter, more untouched route

✔ Santa Cruz

Basic fitness + 2 days acclimatization

✔ Huayhuash (8 or 10 days)

Good fitness + 2–3 days acclimatization

✔ Cedros–Alpamayo

High fitness + 3–4 days acclimatization

Tip:
You don’t need to be an athlete — but you must be comfortable walking 6–8 hours at altitude.

Altitude affects everyone differently.
Even very fit trekkers can feel:

• shortness of breath
• lower energy
• headaches
• variable sleep

Proper acclimatization reduces difficulty significantly.

👉 Always spend 2–3 days in Huaraz before trekking.

Recommended training (6–8 weeks before your trip):

✔ Regular hikes or long walks
✔ Stair climbing or hill training
✔ Strength training (legs & core)
✔ Cardio 2–3 times per week
✔ Practice with your daypack and boots

Even 45–60 minutes per day helps enormously.

Choose Santa Cruz if:

• You want a moderate trek
• You’re new to trekking
• You want a shorter route
• You prefer easier daily distances

Choose Huayhuash (8 or 10 Days) if:

• You want a big adventure
• You have good fitness
• You want world-class scenery
• You’re ready for long days at altitude

Choose Cedros–Alpamayo if:

• You want a tough and wild expedition
• You have strong trekking experience
• You want fewer people and more remote terrain
• You love photography and dramatic landscapes

Inkaland Treks offers premium small-group and private expeditions across the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash, with:

✔ Certified and experienced guides
✔ High-quality expedition equipment
✔ Professional mountain chefs
✔ Donkey team & logistics
✔ Personalized support from planning to final transfer

➡️ Explore Huayhuash Treks
➡️ View Santa Cruz Trek
➡️ Explore Cedros – Alpamayo Expedition
➡️ Join a Group 2026