WAROMA Eco Tours Peru Huayhuash Hike: A 10-Day Review (2025)
So, choosing a company for a big walk in the Peruvian Andes is kind of a major decision. I spent a long time looking at different groups for the Huayhuash circuit, and you know, WAROMA eco tours just kept coming up. Their focus on being green and helping out the local people really caught my eye, to be honest. This review is basically just my thoughts on the ten-day experience with them in the Huayhuash mountain range, which, by the way, is an absolutely breathtaking place. We went in with some high hopes, especially about seeing those famous peaks and lakes, and frankly, we were also curious about how the whole “eco” thing would actually play out on the trail day after day. It’s one thing to say you’re responsible on a website, but actually, it’s another thing to see it in action up close.
What to Honestly Expect from the Guides and Support Team
At the end of the day, the people you are with can really shape your entire trip. The crew from WAROMA was, pretty much, a group of very skilled individuals. Our main guide, let’s call him Luis, had this incredibly calm way about him, which was so needed when the altitude started making some of us feel a little strange. He seemed to have a story for every mountain and, like, every small village we passed. His knowledge of the local plants and their uses was actually amazing; for instance, he’d point out things for altitude sickness along the way. The supporting people, you know, the cook and the arrieros who manage the donkeys, were just incredible. They often moved ahead of us to have the camp all set up by the time our tired group of walkers got there, which was almost like a bit of magic. Honestly, seeing our tents ready and smelling food cooking was one of the best sights each afternoon. Communicating was fairly easy, you know, as our guide’s English was very clear and he was always happy to help us practice our very basic Spanish phrases.
The Daily Grind: A Look at the Trekking Itinerary
Okay, so let’s talk about what a standard day felt like out there. A person’s morning typically starts very early, sometimes before the sun is even up, with a soft call and a cup of hot coca tea at your tent flap. Breakfast was usually served around 6:30 AM, and honestly, it was always a filling meal with things like oatmeal, pancakes, or eggs to give you energy. We were usually walking by 7:30 AM, which feels a bit early, but you really want to make the most of the daylight. The pace set by the guide was, you know, intentionally slow and steady. He called it the “Andean shuffle,” and frankly, it’s the only way to manage the high altitude passes without feeling totally worn out. We’d often stop for rests at places with amazing views, where Luis would share more stories or just let us take it all in. Lunch was a pretty big break in the middle of the walking day, and our cook, a person with amazing skill, would meet us with a full spread. The afternoons were sort of a mix; sometimes it was a tough uphill push to a pass, and other times a more relaxed walk down into a valley. We’d more or less get to the new campsite around 4 PM, with plenty of time to relax before the evening meal.
To be honest, the views from the passes like Cuyoc and San Antonio were just on another level. Pictures really don’t capture the full scale of how massive and beautiful those peaks are up close. It’s the kind of thing you just have to see for yourself.
Food and Lodging: Comforts in the Wild
Seriously, I was not expecting to eat so well at 14,000 feet. The food situation was sort of a real highlight of the whole thing. The chef, who was a really quiet and kind man, whipped up some amazing dishes in his little kitchen tent. Every night we sat down in the mess tent for a three-course dinner, like, with soup, a main course, and dessert. The meals were a great mix of Peruvian foods like lomo saltado and quinoa soup, and more familiar things to please everyone. They were also pretty good about asking about food sensitivities ahead of time; for example, they made special food for one person in our group who couldn’t eat gluten. As for sleeping, the tents were really sturdy and held up well against the wind, which can get a bit strong at night. They provide the tents and sleeping mats, which were surprisingly comfortable. You still have to bring your own sleeping bag, so, my advice is to get a really warm one, as the nights get very cold. Each morning, they’d even bring a bowl of warm water for a quick wash, which, you know, felt like absolute luxury out there.
The “Eco” in WAROMA Eco Tours: What It Really Means
So, this was the part I was most curious about. What does “eco tour” mean in practice? Well, from what I could see, they take it pretty seriously. First, their leave-no-trace policy was followed very strictly. All of our trash, and I mean every little piece, was packed out on the donkeys. The campsites were, frankly, left cleaner than we found them sometimes. Second, they have a really good connection with the local people whose land we were crossing. Instead of just passing through, WAROMA pays fees to the communities for using the trails and campsites, which actually helps them maintain the area. Our guide, Luis, made it clear that we were guests there, and that our visit should be a good thing for the local families. Also, the care they showed for the donkeys and horses was really apparent. The animals were not overloaded, and the arrieros, the animal handlers, treated them with a lot of respect, which was just great to see. It’s kind of about a mindset of respect, you know, for the land, the people, and the animals. It felt very genuine, not just like a marketing thing.
My Main Recommendations After Ten Days
At the end of the day, I would totally recommend this trip with WAROMA, but it is definitely not for a person who is a casual walker. You have to be in pretty good shape. The altitude is seriously no joke, so showing up in Huaraz a few days early to get used to it is a really smart move, maybe even doing some smaller day hikes first. I mean, we did that and it seemed to help a lot. My other big piece of advice is to pack for every type of weather you can think of. We had brilliant sun, a bit of rain, and even some snow high up on the passes, all in one day sometimes. So, you need layers of clothing, and really good waterproof gear is something you just have to have. Finally, just be ready to be disconnected from everything. There’s no cell service or internet out there, and frankly, it’s one of the best parts. It lets you really be present and take in the massive beauty of the mountains around you.
- Acclimatize Properly: Arrive in Huaraz at least two or three days before your trek starts. It makes a huge difference.
- Pack Smart Layers: Be ready for sun, wind, rain, and cold. Good quality waterproof gear and a very warm sleeping bag are essential.
- Physical Prep is Key: This is a challenging trek. So, do some training with hills or stairs before you go to prepare your legs.
- Bring a Power Bank: If you want your camera or phone to last for ten days to take pictures, a power bank is pretty much a must-have item.
- Trust Your Guide: Just listen to their advice on pacing and hydration. They know this area like the back of their hand.
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