FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

updated Should I be worried about bandits?

Yes. Though walking the streets of Cuzco, for example, is far more dangerous.

Hiking with a reputable guiding service reduces the risk considerably.

Happily there were no reported incidents in 2005. Locals have made efforts to stop potential troublemakers.

Here are just a few old reports (not verified) that we have heard.

• 2002 - two hikers killed near Cajatambo. This is somewhat off the main Circuit. We understand they were leaving a drunken festival of some kind. It was not a robbery.
• 2004 - July 3rd. Six hikers held captive for 5 hours between the pueblo of Huayhuash and Lake Viconga. Four bandits beat a guide & an arriero. The group was robbed before being let go. There were similar hold ups (probably by the same gang) with 2 other trekking groups that same night. Automatic weapons. Death threats. Police in Cajatambo were indifferent & useless.
• 2004 - September. Four hikers, all males in their 20s were attacked. The hikers resisted robbery, threatening the bandits by picking up stones — a catastrophic mistake. All 4 gringos were shot, one dying of blood loss before rescue arrived. Two Peruvian employees were beaten & hospitalized.
• 2004 - Four other hikers had been robbed earlier the same day by the same thieves in the same place, near Portachuelo de Huayhuash pass 4785m. Reports are that suspects were eventually arrested.

South American Explorers cautions you about this hike.

We cannot blame you for choosing one of the many other amazing hikes in South America instead of Huayhuash. But be aware that Huayhuash is the best of them all.

Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) Maoist terrorists that once based themselves in remote mountain areas like Huayhuash are an historical footnote. The main campaign ended in 1992 when their leader was jailed. But bandits sometimes claim to be associated with the Shining Path, especially when dealing with gringos. It helps justify thievery. former Shining Path terrorist camp near Laguna Viconga

Hiking Huayhuash means you might be robbed.

So, what can you do?

Cooperate with any bandit. Accept that all your gear may be stolen. Carry very little cash. Indeed, a very experienced Spanish hiker / climber we travelled with in 2004 carried absolutely no cash. He left all valuables in Huaraz. His arriero paid for the few things he needed. Then travelled back to town with the Spaniard to get paid after the Trek.

But be prepared to have your hiking gear stolen. Accept that you may have a very long, cold walk out! (If you hire horses, you may be able to ride out. This is a big advantage of horses over burros.)

E-mail if you have any additional comments or suggestions.

it could be a long, muddy walk out ... barefoot

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