When finishing the Huayhuash Trek, many travelers wonder where the trek ends and how to continue their journey to Lima or Huaraz. The final logistics can be confusing, so here is a clear and complete guide to help you plan your return transportation and accommodation.
Trek Finish & Transportation Options
Option 1: Finish in Cajatambo (Highlands)
Most trekking routes end in Cajatambo, a small Andean town located at around 3,000 m (9,840 ft).
- Arrival time : around 3:00 PM
Cajatambo is a small but charming Andean town, ideal for resting after a long trekking expedition.
From Cajatambo you can:
- Stay overnight in a local hotel
- Take private transportation directly to Lima or Huaraz
- Use public transportation to Pativilca or Barranca
The following services and accommodation are available:
Accommodation
Average price: USD 20 per night (single room). Here are some recommended hotels:
- Hotel Huayhuash
- Hotel Tambo del Inka
Services
- Restaurants
- Small shops
- Pharmacies
- Basic medical services
Transportation from Cajatambo
There are no direct buses from Cajatambo to Lima or Huaraz, so you must transfer in Pativilca or Barranca.
Recommended route:
- Cajatambo → Pativilca/Barranca: Estrella Azul bus (~3 hours), Price: approx. PEN 25 per person
- Pativilca/Barranca → Lima: InstaBus (~4.5 hours)
- Pativilca/Barranca → Huaraz: Shared car (colectivo) (~4 hours)
Option 2: Finish in Barranca (Coast)
Some itineraries continue descending to the coast and finish in Barranca.
Barranca is a coastal city north of Lima, located near the Pacific Ocean. It offers more services and better hotels compared to Cajatambo.
- Arrival time : around 6:00 PM
Barranca is a coastal city north of Lima, located near the Pacific Ocean. It offers more infrastructure and comfort compared to mountain towns.
From Barranca you can:
- Stay overnight in a hotel
- Take private transportation directly to Lima
- Take public buses to Lima
Public bus departure: from 2:00AM to 7:10 PM
The following services and accommodation are available:
Accommodation
Average price: USD 40 per night (single room). Here are some recommended hotels:
- Hotel Chavin
- Hotel Plaza
Services
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Pharmacies
- Basic medical services
Transportation from Barranca
From Barranca, there are many buses to Lima and connections to Huaraz.
Recommended route:
- Barranca → Lima: InstaBus / Móvil Bus (~4.5 hours)
- Barranca → Huaraz: Shared car (colectivo) (~4 hours)
Where is Pativilca?
Pativilca is a small town located 15 minutes before Barranca, on the Pan-American Highway.
It is the main transfer hub for buses returning to Lima or Huaraz.
👉 Important tip:
If you want to take public transportation directly after the trek, we recommend boarding the bus in Pativilca instead of entering Barranca, because Barranca has heavy traffic and delays are common.
Overnight stay:
- Not recommended
- Best used only as a transfer point
Travel Times Summary
- Cajatambo → Pativilca/Barranca: ~3 hours
- Pativilca/Barranca → Lima: ~4 hours
- Pativilca/Barranca → Huaraz: ~4 hours
Summary
Cajatambo Option
Most routes end here at 3,000m. Arrival is around 3:00 PM
- Arrival Approx. 3:00 PM
- Altitude 3,000 m / 9,840 ft
- Bus to Pativilca 6:00 AM / 2:00 PM
- Total Travel to Lima 7–8 hrs (via Pativilca)
- Total Travel to Huaraz 7 hrs (via Pativilca)
- Hotel Avg. $20 USD
Services: Restaurants, small shops, and basic medical care
Barranca Option
Descending to the coast . Arrival is around 6:00 PM.
- Arrival Approx. 6:00 PM
- Altitude Sea level
- Bus to Lima 2:00 AM – 7:10 PM
- Total Travel to Lima 4–4.5 hrs
- Total Travel to Huaraz 4 hrs (colectivo)
- Hotel Avg. $40 USD
Services: Restaurants, shops, pharmacies, and medical care
Final Recommendation
If you prefer comfort and flexibility, finishing the trek in Cajatambo and staying one night is the best option.
If you want to reach the coast the same day, finishing in Barranca is possible, but it will be a longer and more tiring travel day.
