Bus

Reliability of bus travel in the Peruvian Andes has improved greatly over the years. (Though being videotaped when boarding as a safety precaution against theft & kidnap is disconcerting.)

Most long-term travellers in Peru get around by bus. Discounts may be available if you have a student card.

Lima <> Huaraz bus

A number of companies offer service from Lima, 7-8 hours, costing US$7-14 depending on class. It could be 50% higher around major festivals.

You have a choice of day or night bus. The trip is very scenic — take a day bus at least one direction. You generally want to book & pay for your ticket at least 1 day in advance.

You go from sea level over a 4000+m pass before alighting in Huaraz at 3090m. Expect some symptoms of altitude sickness. The night bus can be cold.

Departing Huaraz is very convenient though there is no central terminal. But finding the right bus terminal in congested Lima can be a pain.

---

Transport Huaraz <> Chiquian <> Llamac

Transport to the trailhead in Llamac via Chiquian is easy to organize. Cost one way is about US$7.

Ask at your accommodation in Huaraz for specifics.

Hikers take the early bus, 6AM with the El Rapido bus company. (Day packs disappear at their Huaraz terminal with alarming frequency. Hang on to your gear in the early morning dark.)

Book your ticket at least one day in advance as the morning bus is often full.

It is a lovely morning drive. Sit on the left side of the bus for the best views.

The bus stops in Chiquian just in time for breakfast.

Hikers formerly started the Huayhuash Circuit here — but most now takes the improved road to Llamac, saving a day.

You arrive in Llamac mid-morning, with plenty of time to organize your pack animals & still get to Laguna Yahuachocha in the daylight.

Transport out of Llamac back to Huaraz is exactly the same, in reverse. Transport leaves Llamac around noon.

There are several simple hostels in Llamac if you get back to Llamac too late in the day.

---

Transport Cajatambo <> Lima

If you do exit from Cajatambo (3375m), doing half the Circuit, transportation is more convenient to Lima than Huaraz.

Hikers finishing here, especially popular with groups of Israelis, usually hire a vehicle to get them back to Huaraz.

Otherwise, you will likely take the regular bus to Lima, 9 hours, about US$9.

---

Other options?

Almost no hikers access the Huayhuash by Pacllon or Huallanca due to difficulties with transport. But these and other options are described in Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes.

New roads are still being built. More options are yet to come.

---

Hitchhiking

Not recommended in Peru. Bus & colectivo are inexpensive & convenient. Few Peruvians driver personal vehicles. Why risk banditry if you do not need to?