What is the Inti Raymi festival at Huánuco Viejo?

It is the Inca Sun Festival celebrated each 27 July by some 600 local dancers and actors in traditional costume, giving thanks for the harvest. Unlike the crowded Cusco version, this one is little known and very relaxed.

When does the trek depart?

This special departure leaves Huaraz on 26 July so that the second day coincides with the festival on 27 July.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes. It is the least demanding Huayhuash option, with shorter days and rest nights, though four passes above 4500m still require reasonable fitness and acclimatisation. Horses can be arranged for part of the route.

Expedition Dossier

Inti Raymi Sun Festival & Huayhuash Mini Trek — 9 Days

A special departure that pairs the pristine heartlands of the Cordillera Huayhuash with the colourful Inti Raymi Sun Festival at the Inca ruins of Huánuco Viejo — a celebration little known to tourists, far from the crowds of Cusco.

The trek itself is our least demanding Huayhuash option, with shorter days and rest nights, camping beside beautiful lakes beneath Yerupajá, Siula Grande and Jirishanca.

Duration

9 Days trekking (departs Huaraz 26 July)

Grade

Moderate

Highest Point

4750m

Cordillera Huayhuash · Huánuco Viejo

An Inca festival and the heart of the Huayhuash

Grade: Moderate
Duration: 9 days
Highest point: 4750m
Departs: 26 July (festival 27 July)
Family-friendly

The Inti Raymi at Huánuco Viejo is celebrated each 27 July by some 600 local dancers and actors in Inca costume, giving thanks for the harvest. Unlike the crowded Cusco festival, here you share a relaxed day with the local people. The trek then follows the gentlest Huayhuash route — ideal for active families — though four passes above 4500m still demand fitness and acclimatisation.

Expedition Logistics

Essential Trekking Notes & Rules

Grading

Although graded moderate, you cross four passes above 4500m, so reasonable fitness and adequate acclimatisation are necessary. Shorter days and extra rest nights make it the least demanding Huayhuash option.

Horses

Horses can be arranged (at extra cost) for those who want to visit the Huayhuash but not hike the whole distance — ridden on flat and undulating ground and to the tops of passes, descending on foot.

Community-Owned Land

The entire Huayhuash circuit crosses privately owned community farmland, not a national park. Communities allow groups to pass and camp and charge access and camping fees (included in the trek fee), providing toilets at campsites. Please leave no rubbish and respect the local people and their animals.

Hiking Hours & Kms

Hiking hours are estimates including breaks and the lunch stop, for our average groups; the altitude affects people differently, so some are faster and others much slower. Distances are estimated. Access roads are unpaved and bumpy, so road travel is slower than the distance suggests.

Route Progression

High Altitude Tactical Itinerary

Review the route day by day: altitudes, distances and acclimatisation.

Technical Timeline // Day 01

Drive Huaraz to Huánuco Pampa, visit the Huánuco Viejo ruins

Distance

230 km drive

Time Window

5 to 6 hours drive

Max Altitude

3736m

Delta Profile

A 5 to 6 hour drive (230km) to Huánuco Pampa (3736m), with first distant views of the Huayhuash. We camp near the extensive Inca ruins of Huánuco Viejo — a major stopover on the Cusco–Quito road, with fine interlocking stonework and the usnu temple — and spend the afternoon exploring.

Bespoke Cross Selling

Related routes

More routes in the same spirit — the same range or the same kind of trip. Tap any one for the full itinerary, or write to us and we will tailor your own.