Is there puma risk?
The chance of attack by puma (similar to the North American cougar) is miniscule.
The chance to see a puma is miniscule, unfortunately.
We have heard of no encounters in the Huayhuash.
If you are approached by a puma, be aggressive making noise & waving your arms. If attacked, fight back as if your life depends on it. It does.
Storing food safely
Cache food out of reach of animals, especially from canny herd dogs who seem to live mostly on stolen hiker food.
Stay alert. Keep your tent zipped at all times.
The first night on the Circuit we had a number of food bags stolen including a large wheel of cheese. Dogs lurk close to the tents waiting for even the slightest opportunity.
We keep food in the tent, but sealed in air tight kayak bags.
Your arriero will likely keep the group food in enclosed wooden crates. Good protection.
Herd animals including horses have been known to damage tents trying to get at food, especially salty food.
Are there any dangerous snakes?
None we are aware of.
But poisonous ophidians (snake-like reptiles) of the Bothrops species are known in the Machu Picchu region of Peru. Some trekking companies there carry a treatment in case hikers are bitten. The risk is very small, however.
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