Cordillera Huayhuash, Mountain range in Ancash department, Peru
Cordillera Huayhuash is a mountain range in the Peruvian Andes that stretches roughly 30 kilometers and contains several peaks above 6000 meters, including Yerupajá. The range is composed of limestone and features lakes and streams that flow through steep valleys.
The mountain range was declared a protected reserve zone by the Peruvian government in 2002. This designation prompted local communities to convert their territories into privately managed conservation areas.
The villages surrounding the range, such as Llámac and Queropalca, remain home to herders and farmers whose way of life has changed little over time. Visitors encounter communities that shape daily life in these mountains and organize their year around the seasons.
The classic route is the trekking circuit, undertaken during May through September in the dry season, and takes about 10 to 14 days to complete. Visitors should prepare for high altitudes and challenging mountain passes, as the route covers roughly 130 kilometers and demands physical endurance.
The limestone formations act as a natural watershed, directing water in two directions toward both Atlantic and Pacific ocean drainage systems through the steep valleys. This geological feature makes it a significant water divide for the region.
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