Current safety on the Huayhuash circuit?

Hi,

We are currently in Huaraz, deciding if we should do the Santa Cruz or the Huayhuash trek. From what we have read, the Huayhuash is unanimously the better of the two. But there are lots of posts from 2004 and 2005 about the robberies/murders on the hike too. Is it still dangerous? Has there been any recent incidents? Or have they managed to secure the area a bit more?

We are actually looking into doing a condensed 5 day circuit which takes us through the best 4 days of the trek, and then directly on to Lima without returning to Huaraz. The problem with this is that we would have to take ALL of our belongings with us, and if there is still possible safety issues, this seems to be a real bad choice....

Any info or advice is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Cam.

I went last year and there weren't any crime issues at the time. Did 10 days in the Huayhuash and still didn't get to some of the best passes (just a comment on the sprint option, although if 5 days is all you have, you'll have a fantastic five days). At one campsite we paid a small "security fee", which on the surface seemed a bit schetchy, but was collected for one of the local guys to stand watch and seemed legit. I think the locals have made security a priority since that is a big issue on whether people come or not. Hopefully things haven't moved the other direction since I was there (Sept '06).

Trekking and camping fees imposed by local villages total about 115 soles for the whole circuit. This can and does change, and it doesn't go down. Anybody trekking the Huayhuash would identify the largest problem as trash left by obnoxious and careless trekkers, not security. It's safe, as far as that goes...
The "4 best days of the trek" (???) I'd really like to know which agency is trying to sell you that load of BS. Please share. Also, the price you were quoted for which services. I would guess that your muleteer (arriero) is also, magically, your guide and cook, right? Caveat Emptor, amigo.
-Chris

Thanks...we talked with tourist info and they confirmed that the locals have setup a security scheme now where backpackers pay them a small camping/security fee, of about 15 soles per night, and in return they keep the area secured of bandits...sounds reasonable to me....much better than getting robbed and beaten...
so we went ahead and booked. the company, along with many others we talked to about this shortened trip, agreed the best 4 days were the ones along the northern side of the mountain range (sorry, i don`t know the exact names of the places).
cheers for the info.
cam.

I did 6 days in Huayhuash in 2004 (Llamac to Cajatambo) and there was absolutely no problem, no bandits and friendly people in the few hamlets along the way... and no fees! I'm surprised to hear about this and a bit sad as I can imagine that more and more turists go to this pristine corner of Peru every year. But it is very poor there and that bit of money you may give to local people along the route for the out-of-this-world homemade cheese will be appreciated. ....also sad to hear about the trash. In 2004 there was no trash in sight....
We had a guide and I would recommend that, as you will enjoy the area better with insights a local person can provide and will not get lost (there is somethimes no visible path). Enjoy your experience and help preserve this unique place.