If you take one thing away from this guide let it be this...do the HUAYHUASH trek!!!!!!

Wow, I have never seen nature so raw, untouched, and stunning. This 8 day trek will take you through the most gorgeous scenery with constant wildlife, glacial lakes, and panoramic mountain views. The trek is 80KM in total and you reach heights of 6,000meters!!

It was easily my highlight in Peru and my whole South America trip in general. I didn't even know of this hike before I was in Peru but once I saw the photos, I was sold. And let me just say, the pictures barely do it justice.

I booked this trek through Krusty Travel. They were the cheapest option and honestly were phenomenal. The guide, food, equipment, and safety was all top notch. I can't fault them for anything. We also had the best group and all bonded so well. We even got matching tattoos!

But in all honestly, this trek was CHALLENING. I had never done a multi day trek before and this one is 8 whole days with a mountain pass every day, sleeping in a tent, not showering, waking up at the crack of dawn, and feeling the altitude. So if you do this trek, you have to be mentally and physically prepared. Take altitude pills, have coco leaves, and do at least 3 acclimatisation hikes! Bring candy for some energy/dessert, have EXTRA warm clothes because the nights are freezing, bring a plastic water bottle to put hot water in and hold it while you sleep. Download your music and motivational podcast so you can lock in during the ascents.

You can technically do this hike unguided but to be honest, I saw people who did that and it just seemed miserable. The amount of planning and prep and carrying your bag/tent didn't seem worth saving 100 bucks to me. When you book a tour you don't have to carry your bag and all the tent set up and cooking is done for you. So when you get to base camp, all you need to do is relax, play cards, read, and enjoy the nature. To each their own though, so choose whichever way is best for you!