tours in huaraz

• Join a Group
• Santa Cruz Classic Trek
• Quilcayhuanca to Cojup Valley Trek
• Quilcayhuanca Valley Trek
• Santa Cruz & Alpamayo Trek
• Llanganuco to Alpamayo Trek
• Huayhuash Classic Trek
• Huayhuash Mini Trek
• Huayhuash Trek Via Trapecio
• Pisco Mountain Climb
• Urus or Ishinca Climb
• Vallunaraju Mountain Climb
• Yanapaccha Mountain Climb
• Tocllaraju Mountain Climb
• Chopicalqui Mountain Climb
• Alpamayo Mountain Climb
• Huascaran Mountain Climb
• Santa Cruz Trek & Ishinca Climb
• Santa Cruz Trek & Pisco Climb
• Santa Cruz Ulta Trek and Pisco Climb
• Huaraz Day Hikes and Tours
• Testimonials

Huaraz Treks & Climbs

Guiding company.

We are the local experts for Cordillera Blanca & Huayhuash Guided Day Hikes and Tours, Multiday Treks and Walks and Climbing Expeditions.

You are going to experience exceptional hospitality and personal attention to detail with our passionate and professional friendly local guides, dedicated to sharing the best parts of our region.

We specialise in providing quality guided treks and climbs for solo travelers and groups of any size.

If you want to join one of our confirmed groups  for a Cordillera Blanca or Huayhuash trek or Cordillera Blanca climb, get in touch  for a detailed information and prices.

Every part of the trek was amazing! One could not have asked for a better guide/chef/donkey driver(s). The whole crew went above and beyond to make sure that they provided a top notch trekking experience. Even though I became sick and had to head down for a few days, Rodolfo was incredible at ensuring that we all still thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Getting back up on the mountains to finish the trek was an incredible experience and by far the highlight of all of my South American travels. I HIGHLY recommend going through Rodolfo versus one of the other organizations. His personal attention to detail and professionalism, coupled with his love of this mountain range make for the ultimate experience. Cheers! Aaron Van Reenen, USA

Why Book a Trekking, Hiking, Walking and Climbing Holiday with us

We want you to experience what our incredible region has to offer. The Cordillera Blanca – Huascaran National Park and Cordillera Huayhuash Trail multiday treks can be hiked independently or with Huaraz Treks and Climbs. Not everyone is equipped to organise the logistics of a full trek or climb, carry their own gear and be prepared for every eventuality in these remote areas. With Huaraz Treks and Climbs, you can still have the hiking adventure – we just take care of the rest.

Guides While your safety is paramount, our guides are also there to provide comfort and knowledge. From supplying bed tea in the morning to an afternoon briefing, they are with you all the way.

Safety Hiking and Climbing through some remote landscapes in Cordillera Blanca or Cordillera Huayhuash, rest assured that your safety and wellbeing is our first priority.

Logistics We will organise all of your transport, camping and meals. We can even lend you a duffel bag.

We provide full support so all you have to carry is a daypack with whatever you require for that day’s walk. Our staff will also erect and take down the tents, cook, wash up and even supply bed tea in the morning. This allows you plenty of free time to relax or explore your surroundings as you wish.

Meals At camps, our meals are prepared and served to us in a dining tent. Our cook will prepare a variety of local and international dishes – (delicious 3 course meals). All dietary requirements can be catered for.

Pack Animals on Treks Donkeys carry your main luggage and all the food, tents and equipment. You only carry a day pack with raincoat, warm jacket, hat and gloves, water bottle, snack, camera, sunscreen etc.

We are here to help make your holiday a hassle-free escape. We have a selection of accommodation and day activities listed on the website and we are more than happy to suggest further alternatives. It is no problem for us to book your accommodation, bus ticktes and domestic flight tickets.

Rodolfo and Huaraz Treks and Climbs met and exceeded our expectations in all respects. His lifelong knowledge of the Cordillera Blanca enriched our trip beyond the trek itself, including identification of birds, animals, mountains, and the local villages. He also was helpful in suggesting other activities for our time in the Huaraz area. Bright, personable, excellent English, quick judge of our abilities and interests. Evan Metcalf, USA

• South America

Huaraz Tours and Trips 2024/2025

We offer 10+ tours in Huaraz having in total 2 customer reviews. Tour durations range from 1 to 18 days. Our Huaraz tours are offered by qualified and hand-picked tour operators and each Huaraz trip comes with a best price guarantee and no added booking fees.

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Hiking to Laguna 69

Mini Huayhuash Trek

White Cordillera

Hike to Laguna Churup

Alpamayo Circuit

Cordillera Huayhuash Trekking Peru

Huayhuash Full Trekking Experience 12D/11N

Santa Cruz Trek 4D/3N

Trekking from Cusco to Huaraz

Huaraz, The Heart Of The Mountains - Semi-private Tour

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Glacier Pastoruri and Puya Raimondi Full Day Tour

Lake Churup at the Huascaran National Park

Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range

Huayhuash Express 6D/4N

• Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash

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Huaraz Tour Companies

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Explorandes

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Good tour overall. Good experience.

Tour states it is operated in English. All of the guides only speak Spanish. Missed out on a lot of the tour.

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• Huaraz Hills Hike

Wilcacocha Hike

Rajucolta lake hike, llaca lake hike.

• Yanapaccha Viewpoint Tour
• Paron Lake Tour
• Pastoruri Glacier Tour
• Churup Lake Hike

Lake 69 Hike

• Ahuac Lake Hike
• 2 Day Pisco Base Camp and Lake 69 Trek
• 3 Day Quilcayhuanca to Cojup Valley Trek
• 4 Day Quilcayhuanca to Cojup Valley Trek
• 4 Day Santa Cruz Classic Trek
• 6 Day Santa Cruz to Ulta Valley Trek
• 9 Day Llanganuco to Alpamayo Base Camp Trek
• 10 Day Santa Cruz to Alpamayo Trek
• 10 Day Huayhuash Classic Trek
• 9 Day Huayhuash Trek Via Trapecio
• 8 Day Huayhuash Unique Trek
• 6 Day Huayhuash Mini Trek
• 1 Day Mateo Mountain Climb
• 2 Day Vallunaraju Mountain Climb
• 2 Day Yanapaccha Mountain Climb
• 3 Day Pisco Mountain Climb
• 4 Day Tocllaraju Mountain Climb
• 4 Day Chopicalqui Mountain Climb
• 7 Day Ishinca Valley Mountain Climbs
• 7 Day Cordillera Blanca Classic Climbs
• 7 Day Alpamayo Mountain Climb
• 7 Day Quitaraju Mountain Climb
• 7 Day Huascaran Mountain Climb
• Group Departures
• Testimonials

• FULLY LICENSED
• KNOWLEDGEABLE LOCAL GUIDES
• UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
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GET UP CLOSE TO THE REAL PERU

EXPLORE PERU’S CORDILLERA BLANCA & HUAYHUASH MOUNTAIN RANGES

Huayhuash classic trek, 10 days trek, alpamayo base camp trek, 09 days trek, santa cruz classic trek, 4 days trek, pisco base camp & lake 69 trek, 2 days trek, mateo peak climb, full day climb, pisco mountain climb, 3 days climb, tocllaraju mountain climb, 4 days climb, chopicalqui mountain climb.

With 20 years experience guiding small groups in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash Mountain Ranges.

Hike, Trek & Climb with local UIAGM – AGMP Certified Mountain Guides.

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30 Aug A Complete Travel Guide to Huaraz: Peru’s Hiking Capital

If you’ve stumbled upon this blog post it must be that you’ve discovered some of the best hiking in Peru is not solely in Cusco. While the treks to Machu Picchu are stunning, some of the most impressive views of this popular backpacker destination can actually be found in Huaraz, otherwise known as Peru’s hiking capital. 

Sitting in a valley outside the Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range, Huaraz is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and a hub for some of the most beautiful trails in the world through the Andes Mountains. Tourists from Huaraz can choose from a number of activities including day trips to glaciers, ice-climbing summits, hiking to gatorade blue lakes,  or even tackling multi-day treks such as Santa Cruz and the famed Huayhuash.

By the time I visited Huaraz, photos of bright blue lakes and icy glaciers had been saved in my bucket list folders for years, so it felt surreal to finally be there. In total, I spent about a month in Huaraz taking day trips to places like Laguna 69 and going on longer treks like Santa Cruz and Huayhuash. My time in Huaraz was nothing short of incredible and a place where I witnessed some of the most mind-blowing natural scenery and pushed my body to limits I didn’t even know it could go. 

If you’re ready for a bit of adventure, here’s everything you need to know to visit Huaraz, Peru:

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where is Huaraz?

Getting to huaraz, how to get to huaraz from lima, how to get to huaraz from trujillo, acclimating to the altitude, how can you avoid and treat altitude sickness, how to deal with high altitude while hiking, things to do in huaraz.

• Explore the city

Laguna Churup

Laguna llaca.

• Laguna Paron
• Pastoruri Glacier
• Laguna Llanganuco
• Nevado Mateo Summit
• Santa Cruz Trek
• Huayhuash Trek
• Take a self-care day!

Where to Book Tours in Huaraz

Where to rent & buy gear, where to stay in huaraz, where to eat & drink, where to buy groceries, how long should you stay in huaraz, best time to visit huaraz, is huaraz a good solo travel destination, is huaraz safe, what to pack, travel insurance.

*This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself. Thank you for your support 🙂

WHERE IS HUARAZ?

Huaraz is about 400 km (250 miles) north of Lima sitting at about 3,052 m, or 10,013 ft (pretty high up there!). It’s a small city in a valley surrounded by snow-capped Andean mountains and is the main hub to depart from when exploring the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash Mountains.

GETTING TO HUARAZ

Huaraz doesn’t have an airport so the only way to get there is to drive yourself or take a bus (the most popular and most practical option for most).

To get to Huaraz from Lima, you can take an 8-9 hour bus. It’s possible to depart during the day, but the most popular option is to book a night bus so you can sleep (hopefully) the entirety of the trip. 

There are a number of bus companies to book with such as Movil , Civa and Cruz del Sur . For easy booking and comparing prices, you can search and book your ticket on Busbud .

When choosing your ticket, note there are different seating options based on seat reclining degrees and other factors. For example, cheaper seats only recline 140 degrees whereas premier seats recline 180 degrees, similar to a bed for better sleep – a game changer on those overnight trips.

Ticket prices are typically around S/100 ($25 USD) depending on when you book and which seat you choose.

After arriving in Huaraz by bus, you can walk or take a taxi to your accommodation.

If traveling the other way from Huaraz to Lima, the process is the same.

To get to Huaraz from Trujillo, you can also take an 8 – 9 hour overnight bus which can be booked with Movil or Linea . For easy booking and comparing prices, you can search and book your ticket on Busbud .

When choosing your ticket, note there are different seating options based on seat reclining degrees and other options. For example, cheaper seats only recline 140 degrees whereas premier seats recline 180 degrees, similar to a bed for better sleep – a game changer on those overnight trips.

Ticket prices are typically around S/65 ($17 USD) depending on when you book and which seat you choose.

After arriving in Huaraz, you can walk or take a taxi to your accommodation.

If traveling the other way from Huaraz to Trujillo, the process is the same.

ACCLIMATING TO THE ALTITUDE

When you arrive in Huaraz, before you do any activities you first need to acclimate to the high altitude. Huaraz is at 3,052 m / 10,013 ft and all the outdoor activities mentioned below are even higher. This can be a shock to the body and it’s absolutely essential that you give yourself time to acclimate  before taking on physical activities.

For those wondering what acclimating means… basically there’s less oxygen at higher levels and your body needs time to get used to functioning while using less oxygen. If you’ve never been at a higher altitude like this, you can expect feeling more fatigued much easier, having headaches, getting dehydrated quicker and if you get major altitude sickness you can have other symptoms like nausea and diarrhea.

Give yourself time to acclimate for at least 2-3 days before doing anything strenuous and anticipate that you may need to take it slowly. Make sure to drink lots and lots of water daily and stay nourished. To avoid altitude sickness you can also take medication (I personally recommend doing this before hiking) and drink coca tea – a popular beverage to help with altitude in Peru. 

In the unfortunate scenario that you do get altitude sickness, it’s ideal to have altitude medication,  Imodium , nausea meds , ibuprofen and electrolytes . If you’re able to descend from the higher altitude, do that otherwise take it very slowly and rest when you can.

While hiking, it’s essential to stay hydrated and take it slowly. You’ll notice physical activity is more difficult at high altitude and you may be out of breath very easily. That’s ok, just remember that how you react to the altitude doesn’t have anything to do with your fitness level. So without judgment, take it slowly and listen to your body. 

For me personally, I feel like I never fully got used to the high altitude and even as someone in decent shape, every hike was exhausting and made me feel like I had asthma. But I learned to be patient and go at my own pace.

To avoid altitude sickness symptoms especially at the higher hiking trails, I also suggest taking altitude medication in the morning before even beginning your hike. You will still feel the effects in terms of exhaustion and difference in breathing, but you should minimize your risk for unwelcome symptoms (especially in the outdoors) like headaches, nausea and diarrhea. Personally I’m not a big medication person, but after getting these uncomfortable symptoms once during a hike which caused me to turn back, I’d rather just take the pill and avoid it altogether. 

It’s also common in Peru to chew on coca leaves while hiking – something I didn’t find helpful but many do.

1. Explore the city

When you first arrive, (like I mention above) it’s best to not have any physical activity immediately planned to allow yourself time to adjust to the altitude. Instead, spend your first day or two exploring the local market, walking through Plaza de Armas, shopping for gear, comparing tour options, hanging out at cafes, stocking up on snacks for hikes, and buying alpaca woven clothes for the cold nights. 

Some exploring on your own is always encouraged, but here’s some places I enjoyed while in Huaraz:

• Mercado Central de Huaraz
• Plaza de Armas
• Artesian market of handmade knit clothing next to the Cathedral

California Cafe

• Andino Cafe
• Cantuu Cafe

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jhon De Paz Sarmiento (@jhon_dps)

2. Do a day hike on your own

Many activities in Huaraz require or are more convenient to do with a guided tour because of transport. However, there are a few day hikes that you can do on your own by catching a colectivo or taxi to the trailhead and following the trail freely. These are all great as highlights to your Huaraz trip or as a means to acclimate before longer treks.

Laguna Churup is my most highly-rated day hike to do self-guided because it’s easy to complete on your own. It’s very straightforward to get to the trailhead and the trail is clearly marked. While still popular, Lake Churup is also not too touristy and it’s absolutely beautiful!

Length: 6 km /  3.6 miles in total

Height: 4,450 meters /  14,600 feet

Type of trail:  In and out. The trail is a steady climb up, not technical although there is a small portion where you’ll need to grab onto chains to climb up, but it’s nothing too difficult.

Time:   From the bus stop, it’s about a 45 minute drive to the trailhead. The hike up takes about 2-3 hours to complete on average. At the top, you’ll probably spend about an hour there (or longer if you want to swim), and finally the way down is about 1.5 hours followed by a 45 minute drive back to Huaraz. Altogether, you should expect to leave Huaraz at 7am and be back around 3/4 PM (if you catch the earlier buses back) making your trip in total about 7-8 hours.

Location:  Laguna Churup is about  45 minute drive from Huaraz, in Huascaran National Park, specifically in an area called Pitek.

Getting there:   To get to the Laguna Churup trailhead, it’s pretty simple. In Huaraz, go to the intersection of Avenue Agustin Gamarra and Avenue Antonio Raymondi. It’s here on Google Maps but also labeled as “Bus to Llupa” or “Combi hacia Llupa” on Maps.Me. From here you can catch a colectivo van by paying 20 soles round-trip and they will drop you off directly at the trailhead. Colectivos begin leaving at 7am and leave thereafter pretty frequently whenever the bus is full. 

My suggestion is to arrive at 6:45 AM and catch the first bus at 7 AM. To get back to Huaraz, the vans begin around 2 PM and leave every half hour or so once they are full.  In my experience, this was a very organized system where the driver gave me a ticket, explained pick up times, and it honestly felt more reliable than many of the tours I went on.

Entrance fee:  The Huascaran National Park fee is S/30 ($8 USD). If you plan to do more activities soon after, there’s also a 3 day pass for S/60 ($15 USD) and a month pass for S/150 ($38 USD).

Solo travel approved?   Absolutely, yes! It’s easy to meet others while in Huaraz to join you on this hike, but even if you don’t and end up venturing out alone, the trail is plenty safe and there will be many other backpackers on the collectivo who will join you on the trail. Just make sure to have all the right gear you need in case.

Laguna 513 is comparable to Laguna 69 (read more later in this post) minus the crowds and features bright blue water with a towering Hualcan mountain peak behind. It’s a well-marked trail that’s easy to do on your own and perfect to acclimate before doing longer treks.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ✈ 𝑺𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒆 🔹 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓 (@rutea_con_sophie)

Length:   15 km  /  9 miles

Time:   6-7 hours to complete not including transportation

Type of trail:  In and out

Height:   4,431 meters / 14,537 feet

Elevation gain:   865 meters ~ 2,837 feet

Location:  The trailhead begins in Carhuaz from an area called Shonquipampa , about an hour drive from Huaraz.

Getting there:   It’s possible to reach the trailhead by a private taxi all the way there, or by taking a colectivo to Carhuaz and then a taxi into the Shonquipampa valley. There are also some tours available for Laguna 513 that you can find in the city.

Entrance fee:  None!

Solo travel approved?   This is a well-marked trail so if you’re confident in hiking alone it’s possible to do, just make sure you have all the appropriate gear and are prepared. Otherwise, I suggest finding some friends to join you, or there are a few tours available in Huaraz.

Laguna Llaca is a much less popular trail and good for those who are really trying to get off the beaten path. I didn’t do it myself, and there’s little information on the internet about it, but I did meet a Peruvian guy and Dutch girl who completed the hike, both of which said it was stunning and a unique experience compared to the other busy Huaraz lakes. However, it seems there is a bit more work to get there, so this is for the adventurous, and down-for-whatever travelers. 

To learn more about this trek here it is on AllTrails and a helpful review on TripAdvisor . But remember, not everything is on the internet, when in doubt ask someone at your accomodation reception, other travelers, or tour guides about Laguna Llaca.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by D A N + B E C K (@travelmademedoit_)

Length:   AllTrails lists this as an 18 km / 11 miles hike

Time:  This is a longer one, and will take about 7 hours to complete not including transportation

Type of trail:   In and out

Height:   4,470 meters / 14,665 feet

Elevation gain: 938 meters / 3,077 feet

Location:  This is close to where Laguna Churup is located, about 27 km out of Huaraz in Huascaran National Park.

Getting there: It’s possible to take a private taxi (ask – they’ll know where to go and give you a price) or take a collectivo to Marian and then start the trail from Lazy Dog Inn .

Entrance fee:  The Huascaran National Park fee is S/30 ( $8 USD). If you plan to do more activities soon after, there’s also a 3 day pass for S/60 ($15 USD) and a month pass for S/150 ($38 USD).

Solo travel approved?  Ishhh… because of the difficulty to navigate getting to this lake I would personally not do it alone. However, if you meet a group of people who want to join and split a taxi, then I would absolutely go for it! Just make sure to have all the appropriate gear you need just in case.

Other honorable mentions for day hikes that I’ve heard of but admittedly know nothing about are Laguna Radian , Laguna Rajucolta , and Laguna Wilcacocha for those who want more day hike options in Huaraz.

3. Take a tour to Laguna Paron

Laguna Paron is one of the most popular day trips you can do in Huaraz because it has absolutely stunning views for almost no physical effort. For those looking for a wild hike, this may sound disappointing but it’s a great way to acclimate and a staple activity in Huaraz. If you’re lucky enough to have clear skies, you’ll see the shiny mountain peak the Paramount Pictures logo is inspired by and yes – the water really is that blue.

What’s included in a tour to Laguna Paron and what to expect:

All tours to Laguna Paron are the same. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or hostel around 8 AM and then have a 3 hour drive in a van stopping once in Carhuaz, where you’ll have 25 minutes to grab snacks and try the famed ice cream in town. From there, the van will drop you off directly at the base of Lake Paron. 

The view is spectacular just from the bottom, but you’ll have 2 hours to further explore the area. Some options are hiking 30 minutes up to the mirador, walking around the lake, and even taking a kayak or rowboat on the water for an extra S/10-20 ($3 – 5 USD). I suggest starting with the mirador to ensure you get that panoramic view and saving any extra time for further activities.

How difficult is a tour to Laguna Paron?

In terms of physical difficulty, not difficult at all. You’ll be dropped off at the base of the lake, so the only hiking you need to do is walking 30 minutes up to the optional mirador.

How long is a tour to Laguna Paron?

In total, the whole trip should be about 9-10 hours , pick-up at 8 AM and arriving back in Huaraz around 5 or 6 PM. While the highlight of the trip is obviously the incredible lake views, the majority of your time will be spent in a car so be prepared by having podcasts, movies, music, and/or a book downloaded for the ride.

Where to book a tour to Laguna Paron:

I recommend  booking through Krusty Travel Hostel which usually has the best prices and is a good place to stay as well. If they’re not offering it at the time, American Tours and Golden Expeditions have competitive prices, as well.

Price:   A tour to Lake Paron is S/50 ( $12 USD) per person + an entrance fee to the park for S/5 ( $1.5 USD).

4. Witness Pastoruri Glacier

Once the highlight of visiting Huaraz back in the day, Pastoruri Glacier is sadly melting due to global warming. But before it goes, it may be worth a visit if you’ve never seen a glacier up close and want another day trip with little physical challenge to acclimate. 

The glacier itself sits at 5,000 meters and is one of the few glaciers left in the tropical region of South America. In my honest opinion, it was much smaller than seen in past photos but still interesting to see up-close (however it will become less impressive as time goes on, unfortunately). The tour also helped prepare my body for high elevation, and the drive was stunning. In fact, the road to Pastoruri Glacier is one of the highest paved roads in the world.

What’s included in a tour to Pastoruri Glacier and what to expect:

A day trip to Pastoruri Glacier includes pick-up from your hotel at 9 AM and a 3 hour drive to the glacier trail. Along the way, you’ll stop at a restaurant for a quick cup of tea and to make a reservation for lunch later, followed by two separate viewpoints along the road for a picture, then finally make it to the glacier.

From the parking lot, you’ll walk along a paved trail about 30 minutes up to the glacier. While the trail is not technically difficult at all, the altitude leaves you pretty winded so just take your time.

You’ll have about 2 hours to explore the glacier (including the walk there and back) and then head back to Huaraz, stopping one last time at that same restaurant for a late lunch before arriving back in Huaraz at 5 or 6 PM.

How long is a tour to Pastoruri Glacier?

In total, the trip is about 8 hours, from 9 AM – 5 PM.

How difficult is a tour to Pastoruri Glacier?

Not too difficult. It’s about a 30 minute walk to the glacier, which is somewhat uphill but nothing crazy. You will be out of breath because of the sheer height of the area, but with patience almost anyone could do it.

Where to book a tour to Pastoruri Glacier:

I recommend   booking through Krusty Travel Hostel which usually has the best prices and is a good place to stay as well.  If they’re not offering it at the time, American Tours and Golden Expeditions have competitive prices, as well.

Price:   A day trip to Pastoruri Glacier costs about S/35 – 45 ($9 – 12 USD) + an entrance fee to the park which is about S/30 ($8 USD).

5. Hike to Laguna 69

This is the day trip that draws most tourists to Huaraz these days, the famous Laguna 69.  Sitting at 4,600 meters is a crystal blue lake reflecting the icy peak of Chakrarahu. Visitors will walk through a vast valley passing cows feeding on grass, and trudge up two ascents past a waterfall, Laguna Lago and then finally making it to Laguna 69. 

Thanks to social media, this lake has gone absolutely viral and 100’s of tourists visit everyday. But despite being tainted in over-popularity I still highly, highly recommend visiting Laguna 69. Not only is it a staple to Huaraz, but a practical way to acclimate for longer treks because of the elevation and the double ascents to get your stamina working.

What’s included in a tour to Laguna 69 and what to expect:

A tour to Laguna 69 includes pick-up at your hotel or hostel at 4:30 or 5 AM, transport to and from the lake, and a licensed guide.

The drive to and from the lake is a long one, about 3 hours one way without stops. However, in the morning along the way you’ll actually make two stops: one for breakfast (which you’ll pay for separately), and one nearly at the trailhead at Laguna Llanganuco to take a quick picture. 

You’ll start hiking at about 9/10 AM and have about 6 hours to complete the trail. To stay on track, the guides will recommend that if you are not at the lake by 1 PM you’ll need to turn back regardless to head for the bus so that the group leaves by 3 PM for Huaraz.

Trail Length, Difficulty & Details of Laguna 69

Laguna 69 is a 14 km (or 8.6 miles) in and out trail that begins with a walk through a valley, a first ascent of switch-backs, another flat walk, and then another final switch-back ascent to the lake.

While people of varying physical abilities complete this day hike, it’s definitely not a walk in the park. Because of the altitude & length it can be tough so it’s best to come prepared and have at least a day or two to acclimate in Huaraz. During the trail, it’s important to take it slow, listen to your body, and drink lots of water. If you’re worried about altitude, it’s worth taking medication beforehand as well – in fact, I recommend it.

Where to book a tour to Laguna 69:

I recommend   booking through Krusty Travel Hostel which usually has the best prices and is a good place to stay as well. 

A tour to Laguna 69 is about S/50 ($12 USD) + the entrance fee to Huascaran National Park for S/30 ($8 USD). If you plan to do more activities in the park soon after, there’s also a 3 day pass for S/60 ( $15 USD) and a month pass for S/150 (~$38 USD).

6. Kayak at Laguna Llanganuco

If you’re not feeling up to the challenge of Laguna 69, you can still make it up that way to Laguna Llanganuco where you can kayak and enjoy the vast, turquoise lake. In all honesty, if you’re doing Laguna 69 I don’t think it’s worth it to come all this way again for Llanganuco, however this is a great option for those with limited physical ability who still want to enjoy the outdoors or for those traveling with kids.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by MOCHILA DE VIAJE | Perú (@mochila.de.viaje)

Where to book a tour to Laguna Llanganuco?

I recommend   booking through Krusty Travel Hostel which usually has the best prices and is a good place to stay as well. If they’re not offering it at the time, a number of tour groups in town are safe to go with, all of them offering a similar tour so just go with the best price.

7. Ice Climbing Mateo Summit

On the other end of the spectrum, a challenging and rewarding day trip is ice climbing to summit Nevado Mateo. If you’ve ever wanted to summit a mountain, this is a great opportunity because as far as summits go, it’s minimal effort since it begins high up and therefore can be done in only a day. But even still, it’s a brag-worthy activity to reach the top of this 5,150 meters (16,896 feet) mountain peak plus you’ll have the opportunity to try ice climbing with ice axes, a harness, and all.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steven Guio photographer 🇵🇪 (@stvn.guio)

What’s included in a tour to Mateo and what to expect:

A tour to Nevado Mateo Summit should include all the equipment needed for an ice climb, so no need to rent gear. Get some sleep the night before, because this is an early tour with pick-up from your hotel or hostel at 3:00 AM. The drive to the trailhead is about 2 hours, so you’ll start climbing around 5/5:30 AM. 

The climb itself is 3 km/1.8 miles with a 400 meter/1,300 feet elevation gain and will take about 2 hours to go up. Because of the altitude, expect to be walking very slow which is completely normal. In total, the trip should be about 9 hours so you’ll return to Huaraz mid-day.

Where to book Mateo ice climbing:

I suggest booking through Krusty Travel Hostel which typically has the best prices, provides high quality gear and is a good place to stay making it a convenient option especially when being picked up at 3 AM.  The day before the climb they’ll also have you try on boots and make sure you’re ready to go.

Ice-climbing Nevado Mateo Summit is about S/200 ($50 USD) + the entrance fee to Huascaran National Park for S/30 ($8 USD). If you plan to do more activities in the national park soon after, there’s also a 3 day pass for S/60 ($15 USD) and a month pass for S/150 ($38 USD).

8. The Santa Cruz Trek

Out of everything to do in Huaraz, without reservations I cannot recommend the Santa Cruz trek enough. During this 4 day trek you’ll walk through vast valleys, through blooming meadows, up to a polar lake, climb to Punta Union pass, and camp under the stars.

Beyond the impressive scenery, Santa Cruz is perfect for many tourists for a variety of reasons: it’s super affordable, it’s not too long, and it’s ideal for first-time trekkers! While it comes with some physical challenges, I think it’s totally doable for the average able person. 

I ended up doing this hike in preparation for the Huayhuash trek, and while it wasn’t my main focus coming to Huaraz it ended up being a major highlight. Santa Cruz was just challenging enough to be rewarding, but not so demanding that I couldn’t enjoy the moments in nature, feeling the mountain breeze and photographing memories. A major bonus was enjoying it all with two other solo female travelers I met, joking our way through cold nights in the tent and long days walking. 

Besides the famed Huayhuash trek (read below), which may not be for everyone, Santa Cruz is one of the best things you can do in Huaraz, so be sure to make room in your Peru itinerary!

Distance, Difficulty & Details of the Santa Cruz Trek:

The Santa Cruz trek is 4 days and 3 nights hiking trail through the Cordillera Blanca that covers about 50 km (32 miles) and reaches the highest elevation of 4,750 meters (15,583 feet) at Punto Union Pass. 

The map of the trek is shown below on AllTrails (which is roughly accurate) but when you discuss with tour operators they should give you a map and explain the hiking details of each day.

What to Expect from the Santa Cruz Trek: what’s included, camping conditions, weather, etc:

Most tour operators include the same: a licensed guide with a first-aid kit, camping equipment including tents, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags, all of your meals provided (except for the first breakfast at a homestay), transportation, and mules to carry a bag with your belongings. 

What’s not included is any clothing, hiking poles, hiking boots, travel insurance and a water bottle – although water is provided. Additionally, most tours don’t include the Huascaran National Park entrance fee which is S/30 ($8 USD).

In terms of weather …you can definitely expect pretty cold nights dropping to or below freezing. During the day, the weather can vary between sun and heat, or clouds and maybe rain. This will vary depending on season, elevation, and just luck.

As for camping, the conditions are pretty simple for Santa Cruz: just you, a sleeping bag and a tent. No fires are allowed and the Santa Cruz campsites do not offer any amenities like toilets or a shower.

If you’re not used to camping like this, it will probably be the most rough part of the trip. But it’s only 4 days and *hopefully* you get used to it. My biggest recommendations are to bring plenty of layers to stay warm, something to serve as a comfortable pillow, maybe another item to cushion your hips from the ground, toilet paper and a plastic bag to toss trash, and wet wipes to clean yourself.

Where to Book the Santa Cruz Trek: 

The Santa Cruz trek is available from a number of tour operators in Huaraz but I found the cheapest option was through Krusty Hostel who uses Huayhuash Expeditions. They were professional, provided a duffle bag for my things, easy to book with and were the most affordable compared to other tour groups. They’re also  a comfortable B&B so it’s convenient to book a night’s stay there before and after your trek while they hold onto your remaining luggage.

Price of Santa Cruz Trek:

Booking through Krusty Hostel, the Santa Cruz trek was S/600, roughly $150 USD and the best price you can find in Huaraz. Another guy in my tour booked elsewhere and paid 200 soles more with nothing extra provided (if anything, less because he wasn’t provided a duffle bag).  

9. The Huayhuash Trek

Named one of the 10 most beautiful treks in the world, the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit should absolutely be on your bucket list. While it’s not for the faint of heart, the magnificent views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, rocky terrain, and mind-blowing views pay off all the challenges of the trail. Over 5-12 days you’ll push your strength and stretch your stamina for one of the most rewarding and immersive adventures through the Andes Mountains.

Full disclosure, the Huayhuash circuit is a difficult one, and for many reasons: not only trail distance, but for the high altitudes and mental stamina to span over the whole trip. About every day is a mountain pass, and the entire trip is over 4,000 meters, the highest reaching 5050 m / 16 568 ft. Weather can be unpredictable up there, and you may need to hike or sleep through hail or even snow. What’s more, how your body reacts to these conditions – especially the altitude – can also be challenging.

On the other hand, as long as you have the proper gear, the mental fortitude, are properly acclimated, and in good enough physical condition, the hike itself really isn’t that technical. Just one foot in front of the other! 

So if you’re up to the challenge, I can surely tell you Huayhuash will be an adventure of your lifetime.

Distance, Difficulty & Details of the Huayhuash Trek:

The traditional Huayhuash circuit is considered difficult and can be done in 8-12 days. The most popular route is 8 days, which is what I did and what I’ll speak about. 

During the 8 days Huayhuash Circuit you’ll hike about 130 km/80 miles and reach elevations as high as 5,050 m / 16 568 ft. Unlike the Santa Cruz trek which centers around one mountain pass, during Huayhuash you’ll do about one mountain pass every day which makes it a much more demanding trek. 

The map of the circuit is shown below on AllTrails (which is roughly accurate) but when you discuss with tour operators they should give you a map and explain the hiking details of each day since there can be slight variations.

What to Expect from the Huayhuash Trek: what’s included, camping conditions, weather, etc:

Most tour operators include the same for the Huayhuash trek: a licensed guide with a first-aid kit, camping equipment including tents, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags, all of your meals provided (except for the first lunch at the restaurant in Llamac), all transportation, and mules to carry a bag with your belongings. Some tours (like with Krusty Hostel/Huayhuash Expedition) will also include the park entrance fee and an emergency horse to ride in case.

What’s not included is any clothing, hiking poles, hiking boots, personal items, travel insurance and a water bottle – although water is provided. 

In terms of weather , expect it all. At night and in the morning you can guarantee it’s going to be frigid, with temperatures at or below freezing. During the day you can guarantee you’ll have everything from hot, to cloudy, to cold, to hail, and maybe even a snow storm (if you’re lucky like me…). My group joked that every day in our day packs we needed clothes for all seasons, and the story of our lives was stripping and adding layers every other hour.

As you can imagine,  this is no luxury stay. You’ll be camping in tents throughout the trip except for one day where a hostel is optional. Fortunately, unlike the Santa Cruz trek there were toilets at every campsite. Not always the best, but they did provide some privacy. Halfway through the trek, we also camped in a village where a shower was available and if you wanted to pay extra, this is where you could stay in a hostel. 

Where to Book the Huayhuash Trek: 

I’ve recommended Krusty Hostel to book all tours throughout this blog post, but for Huayhuash I really, really recommend it. I shopped around a lot for the Huayhuash trek in Huaraz and Krusty Hostel offered the lowest possible price at S/1500 ($390 USD). I was extremely pleased with the gear, my guide, the group, and the entire experience. They provided a spacious duffle bag so you don’t have to pick and choose with fresh layers, the guide was encouraging and hilarious, an emergency horse and the entrance fee were included, and it’s a popular place to book the trek so I was paired with the best group of fellow backpackers I could have possible asked for, especially going into it not knowing a soul.

Price of the Huayhuash Trek: 

When booked through Krusty Hostel , it’s S/1500 ($390 USD) for 8 days. Everywhere else in Huaraz who I spoke to was charging anywhere from S/1700 – 2500 a lot of times depending on group size. 

10. Take a self-care day and get a massage

After all that hiking, you deserve a self-care day – my final recommendation of things to do in Huaraz. In between my Santa Cruz and Huayhuash trek I treated myself to a full-body 1 hour massage at Centro de Masajes Huaraz . It was S/80 ($20 USD) and worth every penny after long days of pushing my body to its limit.

WHERE TO BOOK TOURS IN HUARAZ

As mentioned already, I most recommend booking all tours through Krusty Hostel who works with Huayhuash Expeditions for longer treks. In my experience they always had the best prices and provided high quality gear.

Once I discovered Krusty, they were my go to.  Throughout Huaraz you’ll see ‘TOURS’ signs everywhere and are welcome to shop around. However, after booking a few different tours myself with different groups I found that they all offer the exact same packages (sometime even combining groups) and service was never anything to write home about; therefore the only thing that really mattered was price. Once I discovered Krusty had the best prices, it saved me time and energy.

How far in advance do you need to book tours?

For day tours you typically don’t need to book anything more than 1-2 days in advance unless it’s a holiday. However for activities leaving early morning between 3- 5 AM, try to add a time cushion the day before.

For a longer trek such as Santa Cruz or Huayhuash you might want to secure your spot much earlier, just in case. As soon as you arrive in Huaraz or after you’ve done your first hike I would book these. Even still though, I booked Santa Cruz one day before leaving and Huayhuash two days before.

WHERE TO RENT AND BUY GEAR IN HUARAZ

If you’re looking for hiking clothes , you can find everything from windbreaker jackets, winter coats, hiking pants, base layers and more at a number of outdoor apparel stores in Huaraz on the main street. Many sell high-quality brands such as Patagonia, Cotopaxi, Columbia, etc. However don’t expect lower prices, you’ll find about the same name-brand prices you’d find in the U.S.

For those on a budget or backpackers who only need a quick, cheap solution for a one-time trek, there are also plenty of places where you can buy clothing second-hand for a fraction of the cost. On the same street as the Central Market just behind the main street, you’ll find such stores to shop around. I bought a NorthFace windbreaker jacket for about $25 USD and two breathable sweat proof t-shirts for $7 each. 

If you’re looking to rent gear or equipment such as hiking poles, tents, sleeping bags, or even winter coats then I recommend Mont Blanc Trekking & Climbing .

WHERE TO STAY IN HUARAZ

For the backpackers and budget travelers, I recommend staying at Krusty Hostel . It’s nothing fancy, but I found this B&B a really comfortable stay and a bang for your buck. The dorm rooms are about $8 USD a night, and have larger twin beds that are not bunks which is a major plus. Private rooms are also available for about $20 USD. The showers are always hot, breakfast is included, there’s a rooftop, fast wifi, and it’s where I recommend booking tours from as well.

Search for availability or book here

Mid-Range $$-$$$

If you’re looking for a step up in accommodation from the broke backpacker budget, try Selina . They have both comfy dorm rooms and privates available at their beautiful courtyard stay which also features a spacious kitchen for cooking, several rooftop balconies, a cowork space, yoga studio, and movie theater. Note, they do host events late into the night on weekends, so if you have an early wake-up call be aware there will be loud music Friday’s & Saturday’s. However, if you’re the party hard and still wake-up and hike type, this is for you. Otherwise, during the week it’s pretty chill.

Search for availability or book Selina here

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Selina Huaraz - The Garden (@thegardenhuaraz)

Overall, most stays in Huaraz will be very much homestay/lodge style; you won’t find massive chain hotels in this mountain city. However, since most of your time in Huaraz will be spent in the mountains anyways, you don’t really need anything too fancy. The most important things to have wherever you choose is a hot shower, warm blankets, and in relative proximity to the main square to book tours, etc.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN HUARAZ

Andino cafe .

Andino has fantastic food at all hours of the day but I especially loved the Andino breakfast which included homemade bread, fresh juice, a nicely brewed Americano, perfectly scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, pico de gallo, and a spicy mango salsa. It also has great wifi if you want to stay and chill – although there are no outlets which may shorten your stay.

This is a great hangout spot if you’re having a slow day while acclimating, just have some downtime or are looking for a cafe with good wifi to work from. The only thing, I’ll admit, is the food was not anything special to me. Not bad at all, but not special (I came for the atmosphere) – although the pancakes are impeccable. You can also find a lot of guide books and information about trekking here. 

Paulino’s Indian Cuisine

If you love indian food and are craving something besides Peruvian food, I highly recommend Paulino’s. For a mountain town in Peru it was surprisingly pretty decent indian food and the hearty meal I always needed after trekking. In fact, I went about 3 times and thought about it through my whole Huayhuash trek!

Cantuu Cafe 

Cantuu is a small vegan cafe that serves breakfast items, hamburgers, sandwiches, pizzas and other items. Although I’m not vegan, I loved this little spot as a place to grab a coffee, piece of cake or avocado toast and chill. They also have great wifi!

If you’re looking for a quick and affordable lunch, Pashta has good sandwiches made with quality bread for around S/9 ($3 USD).

For the Americans or others craving some soul food, Archies is your place. There was one day I had a mean craving for fried chicken and stumbled upon Archies and it did the job with a huge crispy portion accompanied with ranch and a spicy sauce.

This is a good all-rounder restaurant with various options to suit a large group. They also have great cocktails, I recommend the various pisco sours!

Wintata Karaoke

I didn’t party much in Huaraz, but out of the two nights that I did – this was my favorite spot! After trekking Huayhuash my entire group celebrated by getting drunk and having a night of karaoke. Highly recommend ending your trip on this note.

WHERE TO BUY GROCERIES IN HUARAZ

Whether you’re cooking a lot in Huaraz or looking for somewhere to buy food/snacks for trekking, you can find everything you need at the local grocery store known as Trujillo . They’re all over Huaraz.

 Additionally, there’s a local market known as Mercado Central de Huaraz where you can also find fresh produce. Keep in mind if you plan to do multi-day trekking on your own, you won’t find any dehydrated food in Huaraz and will need to bring it yourself either from Lima or your home country.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU STAY IN HUARAZ?

This totally depends on what activities you plan on doing and if you want to do multi-day treks like Santa Cruz or Huayhuash. To figure out how long you should stay, decide which activities you want to do, tack on 2-3 days to acclimate if coming from sea level, and then consider any rest days you want to have in between activities.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HUARAZ?

The best time to visit Huaraz is from May to September. This falls during Peru’s winter but it’s also dry season which means you’ll mostly avoid rain during hiking. 

Normally traveling outside of a peak season can be beneficial because it means less people and lower prices, but in this case I would not recommend it. I mean why visit the mountains anytime outside of mountain season? It would be a shame to miss out on activities because conditions are bad or hike a long way just for the views to be covered in fog or rain. My advice: stick to May – September.

IS HUARAZ A GOOD PLACE FOR SOLO TRAVELERS?

Yes!! Actually as far as outdoor-activity heavy destinations go, it’s a great solo traveler destination! Huaraz is safe, there are many other travelers to meet, and it’s not only easy but standard to join a tour group for most of the hikes. As a solo traveler myself, I met fantastic people on every single hike/trek and also made lots of friends at my hostels.

IS HUARAZ SAFE?

The city itself is considered very safe and I personally ran into no issues – not even cat-calling. However, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down; as always use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. When trekking, especially if on your own, make sure you’re prepared with the right equipment, follow the path and make sure you know the way.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO HUARAZ

Below is a packing list of items I would consider must-haves for Huaraz, Peru:

• Waterproof hiking pants
• Long sleeve shirt(s)
• Short sleeve shirt(s)
• Pullover or hoodie
• Thermal base layers for camping
• Sweater, pants, socks (authentic wool from Peru is a good option!)
• Jacket for warmth
• Rain jacket
• Beanie , gloves , neck gaiter
• Baseball cap
• Supportive hiking boots
• Hiking socks
• Reusable water bottle
• First aid kit
• Altitude medication, imodium , nausea meds , ibuprofen , & electrolytes
• Microfiber towel
• Pillow (for camping)
• Portable charger and/or solar charger (esp. if doing multi-day treks)
• Kindle (a lot of downtime on treks)
• Larger pack
• Waterproof backpack covers
• Camera gear to capture the amazing views!

And everything else you would need on your trip such as regular clothes, toiletries, etc.

Travel insurance is always a must, but especially during your trip to Peru where it’s likely you’re doing physical, outdoor activities and have many reservations at risk if any plans change. Injury and cancellations happen, it’s goo to have peace of mind!

My most recommended travel insurance is World Nomads which is designed and made specifically for adventurous backpackers.

→ Learn more about World Nomads Travel Insurance coverage here

However, if you’re on a budget I  suggest Safety Wing asa cheaper alternative for just travel medical emergencies. 

→ Learn more about Safety Wing Insurance coverage here

And that concludes my Huaraz guide! I hope you found it helpful and are as hyped as I was to visit this hiking mecca. Get ready to have your mind-blown and have some adventures of a lifetime!

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I’ve read some very bad reviews about the gear and the food when doing the Hauyhaush trek with Krystyna Tours I’m a bit nervous to book with them

Caroline Rose

You mean Krusty travel? The gear was totally fine in my experience and the food albeit repetitive, was good to me and considering we were remote for 8 days!

Lucinda Ware

Hi Caroline, my boyfriend and I are in Huaraz now and are trying to decide between Santa Cruz and Huayhuash which is proving incredibly difficult Did you have a clear favourite? Or which would you recommend if you absolutely had to chose one. For reference – we are both pretty fit and enjoy hiking and will be heading to Patagonia later in the year.

Hi Lucina, sorry for the late reply I hope you had an amazing time in Huaraz! For the sake of other’s visiting this blog post, I want to answer this question.

Both Santa Cruz and Huayhuash are beautiful and there’s pros/cons to both. Santa Cruz is shorter, cheaper, and involves more hiking through the valley. It is still a challenge as you’re a high altitude, but the whole trek is kind of working up to one mountain pass and down the other side. I will say, the distances though per day are pretty long even if not always up hill, it’s a lot of walking. But absolutely beautiful!!

Huayhuash on the other hand is 8 days, more expensive, and involves a mountain pass every day and is considered much more challenging, although the days hiking ended earlier than Santa Cruz (shorter distances). I will say the views are absolutely epic, and if this is your deciding factor then I would choose Huayhuash. Not to say Santa Cruz isn’t also beautiful and a really fun trek, but Huayhuash is more iconic in my opinion.

Both have something different to offer though, and I really enjoyed both treks.

Hi Caroline, Thanks for the informative blog! I am looking into doing the Santa Cruz hike, but will be limited in time so would like to book ahead wherever possible. The bit of information that I cannot find in your blog is if any of the recommended tours provide English speaking guides. As a solo female traveler that doesn’t speak any Spanish this is kind of high on my wish list. Thanks!

Hi Marije! Many companies provide an English-speaking guide, in fact the company I went through that I recommend here in this post spoke English. Krusty Hostel using Huayhuash Expeditions. I believe the Selina hostel also works with English speaking guides.

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• Tours in Huaraz

Laguna 69 – Full-Day Trek

Let the turquoise waters of the gorgeous Laguna 69 hypnotize you while trekking through astonishing landscapes, along mesmerizing lakes, waterfalls, and immense mountains.

The emerald waters of Laguna 69 are situated up-high in the Huascaran National Park at an altitude of 4500m / 14,764 ft . While the hike is rather easy, the altitude can be demanding, but the effort will be well worth it. Not without reason is the “ Laguna 69 ” due to its captivating beauty one of the most popular lakes and forms part of a  UNESCO Biosphere Reserve  and was named a World Heritage Site .

This trek will lead you through some of the most beautiful sites in the Huascaran National Park offering you some of the most exquisite and mind-blowing panoramic views that the region has to offer.

The hike to Laguna 69 is the perfect day trip for all mountain and nature lovers. During the hike, you will be able to see incredible views of mountains, waterfalls, streams, and occasionally spot some wild animals.

• Departure: 05:00 a.m. Return: 7:00 p.m. aprox.
• 06 hrs approx. walking / physical condition required.
• In mobility 03 hrs, restaurant (optional breakfast), stop at the lagoon of Llanganuco (10 minutes).
• Llanganuco (10 minutes), arrival to Cebollapampa where the trekking starts
• approx. 03 hrs. hike along the slopes and ascent to Laguna 69 with a view of the snow-capped mountain
• Pisco, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui and Huascaran; return of 03 hrs to Cebollapampa
• Cebollapampa to board the bus to the city of Huaraz.
• (Bring lunchbox)

TOUR INCLUDES

• Official Tourist Guide
• Tourist Transport (SOAT, first aid kit, oxygen) with 50% capacity.
• Entrance ticket to the Laguna 69
• Personalized service complying with the established biosecurity measures.

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE

• National or international flight tickets.
• Services not detailed in the program
• Extra money.
• Tips and others.
• [email protected]

More Information

How is huaraz known.

The city of Huaraz is known as the very noble and generous city of Huaraz, recognition given by the liberator Simón Bolívar for the contribution of its inhabitants to the cause of national independence. The name Huaraz comes from the Quechua “waraq”, which in Spanish means Lucero.

What is the best time to travel to Huaraz?

The best time to visit this city is between the months of April and June, as the weather becomes more refreshing. The minimum temperature is 5°C and the maximum is 29°C, and its climate is mild and dry from May to September, which is why it has been called “Andean summer”.

How many hours travel time is it from Lima to Huaraz?

The distance from Lima to Huaraz is approximately 404 km.

if traveling by road, which can take about 6-8 hours.

If traveling by flight, 50 min to 1 hour approx.

What to do in Huaraz in 1 day?

• Campo Santo de Yungay.
• Base of Nevado Pastoruri.
• Churup Lagoon.
• Paron Lagoon.
• Chavin de Huantar.
• Llanganuco Lagoon.

What is the coldest month in Huaraz?

The coldest months are January, February, March, April, July, August, October, November and December. The rainiest months are January, February, March and December.

What are the handicrafts of Ancash?

They emphasize typical costumes and polychromatic wool blankets with designs and embroidery, in which they show the flora, fauna, bridle paths and the rainbow. They also emphasize the confections of wool hats of ram, carved in wood and baskets made of reed.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

We have price alternatives that accommodate all budgets, prices per person, expressed in US Dollars.

Make your quotes and reservations by email [email protected] , you can also communicate with one of our sales executives at the telephones detailed below, we will be happy to assist you.

Phone – WhatsApp: +51 969 787 221 Phone – WhatsApp: +51 986 994 218

HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?

To start the reservation process, please send us the following information:

• Name and surname:
• Passport number:
• Nationality:
• Date of Birth:
• Very important – We need the address and information about the hotel that you are staying at, in the city of Huaraz, to be able to pick you up at the time when the tour starts

To confirm reservations it is required to pay 50% in advance and the other 50% can be paid upon arrival at your destination.

PAYMENT METHODS

• WESTER UNION
• TRANSFER TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT PERU

GENERAL CONDITIONS

• All rates for our  Peru Packages  are expressed in US dollars (subject to currency exchange rates) and are priced per person
• The rates for Peruvians only include VAT
• All our rates are subject to availability and circumstances
• Children under 2 years and 11 months are considered INF (babies) and are not permitted on this tour
• Children from 3 to 10 years and 11 months are considered DCC (child) and thus eligible for special rates and obliged to share the room with their parents
• Children over 11 years old are considered adults
• Minors must travel with an identity document
• Rates do not apply to holidays, Easter, long weekends, national holidays, Christmas, or New Year

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Huaraz: Complete Travel Guide For Peru’s Hiking Capital

Travelers often say they’re going to Huaraz but the city is more often used as a stopover point before journeying into the Cordillera Blanca – where the real action is.

The Cordillera Blanca is touted as the mountaineering capital of Peru. Its name means White Range which hints at the wonderland of picturesque glacier lagoons and less trodden trails that are amid these snow capped mountains. Here, trekkers, rock climbers, runners, and mountain bikers have access to world-class experiences without mass crowds. Even folks who visit Huaraz and prefer a lighter agenda of day excursions by car with minimal walking are easily overwhelmed by the region’s beauty.

Regional Map & Climate

Huaraz attractions, santa cruz trek info, lesser-known hikes near huaraz, huaraz city, huaraz travel tips, planning your trip.

• Huaraz: 10,013 ft (3,052 m)
• Huascaran Mountain Summit: 22,205 ft (6,768 m)
• Santa Cruz Trek, Highest Mountain Pass: 15,584 ft (4,750 m)
• Laguna 69: 14,764 ft (4,500 m)

Temperature

• Daytime: 69 to 75ºF (21 to 24ºC)
• Nighttime: 44 to 50ºF (7 to 10ºC)
• Dry season: From April to September. Best months for trekking. Expect clear sunny days and cold nights.
• Rainy season: From December to March. Highest precipitation levels generally in January and February.

Distances and Times from Huaraz

• Airport: 40 minutes. 14 miles (23 km)
• National Park Trailheads: 1 to 3 hours depending on hike
• Lima : 8 hours by Bus. 248 miles (400 km)

Explore the best attractions and things to do in Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca. Video produced by Esteban Barrera

Huascarán National Park

Declared a protected natural area by UNESCO in 1985, Huascaran National Park safeguards 340,000 hectares of the Cordillera Blanca. It’s home to more than 27 mountains above 6,000 meters but none surpass the soaring 6,768 meter (22,205 feet) summit of Mount Huascaran – Peru’s highest peak. Alongside rugged mountains are turquoise lakes, deep ravines, glaciers, and a diversity of vegetation types. With some luck you may spot local wildlife favorites like vicunas or Andean condors .

Santa Cruz Trek

Glaciers clinging to jagged mountaintops, piercing turquoise lagoons, and grazing herds of alpacas amid river ravines are around every bend of the Santa Cruz Trek. These striking landscapes are no doubt why this trek is the most popular option in the Cordillera Blanca. Typically organized on a 4-day/3-night itinerary, the daily walking distances and uphill climbs paired with the high altitudes make the Santa Cruz Trek best suited for people in good physical condition.

Laguna 69 is one of the most recognized day hikes within Huascaran National Park. The uphill journey to Laguna 69’s blue waters backed by snow covered peaks is your picture perfect reward. It takes about 3 hours to arrive to the lagoon, and 2 hours to return.

“I loved this hike! It starts off in a beautiful field with streams and cows before you start going up. All the views throughout the hike were gorgeous and the lake itself was nice and bright blue. This is a hike I’d recommended for active people.” – Rachel W, Travel Advisor

Llanganuco Lakes

Sandwiched between towering cliff faces, these iconic lakes in the national park sit at the bottom of the Huascaran Peaks. On a sunny day their waters are a dazzling shade of turquoise. Driving into the park, the first Llanganuco Lake of Chinancocha is often dotted with rowboats filled with passengers. The other lake is Orconcocha. Along the lakes’ shores you’ll come across trees with unusually flakey red trunks known as queñua trees that grow in high Andean regions.

Rock Climbing

Huaraz is likely on your Peru trip planning radar if you’re a person who spends their weekends scaling walls and a lot of free time at the local indoor climbing gym. Accessible from Huaraz are numerous routes for sport climbing and bouldering.

Chavín de Huántar

In a region where nature gets most of the limelight, the archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar (near Huaraz) reminds us of the early human civilizations that called these mountains their home. This pre-Inca complex is a UNESCO site that served as a ceremonial and pilgrimage center. The lithic art and symbolic carvings that decorate the plazas and columns are among its most significant features.

At Chavin de Huantar visitors can marvel at the rich history and culture of the Chavín culture , which is believed to have developed from 900 BC to 200 BC. The site consists of a principal pyramid-shaped temple that presides over a large plaza. Walls were constructed from large stone slabs, polished and stacked one atop the other. One of the Chavin site’s most extraordinary facets is the abundance of stone art – carvings, sculptures , pottery , and tenon heads   – decorated with plant, animal, and human motifs. Depictions of jaguars, monkeys, serpents, eagles, and caimans are common.

The Lanzón Stela at Chavín pierces through the gallery ceiling. Photo by Lacey Nutting.

Beneath the pyramid structure is an enigmatic maze of underground passageways with a single entrance. Small ducts circulate air into the tunnels and transmit sun beams from the outside, creating plays of light and shadow on the carved iconography of the gray stone walls. The passages also display remarkable acoustics ; the sound of water rushing into the temple via small canals becomes amplified and replicates the roar of a jaguar. Most thrilling of all is the Lanzón de Chavin , a knife-shaped stone monolith carved with the figure of an anthropomorphic god with a feline mouth and a head of snakes.

First excavated by the famed Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello in the early 1900s, Chavin retains many of its mysteries. The ruins feature a museum which boasts a number of original artifacts, but many have been taken to museums in Lima and replicas put in their place.

Huayhuash Circuit Trek

The Huayhuash mountain range neighbors the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. Noted as one of South America’s premier multi day treks, the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is packed with high mountain passes, glacial lagoons, hot springs, and remote villages. The 8 to 14 day itinerary for the Huayhuash Circuit – frequently compared to trail routes in Nepal – is far more demanding than the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in southern Peru. Most people organize their Huayhuash expedition from trekking providers based in Huaraz.

Trail Running

Each year a growing number of events bring runners to the Cordillera Blanca. These include the 45K Sierra Andina Chavin Trail and the Sierra Andina Mountain Trail.

Pastoruri Glacier

The Cordillera Blanca is home to some of the highest tropical glaciers in the world. In total, the range tallies over 700 glaciers, and one of these ice masses is Pastoruri. Like many destinations within Huascaran National Park, Pastoruri resides in a very remote location and there is no direct public transportation to get there, so the best way to reach the glacier is by tour.

Violeta from Chavin Tours in Huaraz answered some common questions about the Santa Cruz Trek:

Why is the Santa Cruz Trek so popular in Huaraz?

The Santa Cruz Trek takes you to beautiful areas full of nature. The trek follows a path with breathtaking views, quenual forests, lagoons, rivers and other attractions of the Santa Cruz ravine.

What are unexpected highlights along the Santa Cruz trail?

Definitely all the spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca. It’s breathtaking!

What is the most challenging day of the trek? Why?

The third day is the most difficult one as the highest point of the trail goes over a mountain pass of 4,750 msnm. High altitude trekking is always a challenge!

The Santa Cruz Trek is best suited for what type of outdoor lover?

The Santa Cruz Trek is one of the best in the region and is suited to trekker in good physical condition. Training in advance is a must as it’s a high altitude trek. There is also others good treks such as Cedros Alpamayo and Huayhuash that are also challenging!

The most publicized hikes are located on the North side of the Cordillera Blanca approximately 60 to 100 km (37 to 62 mi) from Huaraz , a town that serves as the region’s home base for climbers, hikers, and other outdoor adventurers. Typically, any given hike takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours one way of travel time to reach the trailhead, equating up to a 10 to 12 hour day. Time and distance combined with large numbers of people to popular areas during high seasons, take away from the beauty and silence of the mountains.

A great benefit of the southern side of the Cordillera Blanca is the access from Huaraz . Travel time to the trailheads take between 45 minutes to 2 hours of driving one way, and there is minimal to no tourists . There you will find day hikes that are equal in beauty to the northern hikes in terms of the glaciers and lakes that make the Cordillera Blanca unique. Below we share 3 of our favorite hikes on the southern side of the Cordillera Blanca (that you probably haven’t heard of): Laguna Rajucolta, Quebrada Shallap, and Quebrada Llaca.

Laguna Rajucolta

This is a good day hike for acclimatizing as the lake sits about 250 m (820 ft) lower than most lakes in the Cordillera Blanca, the hike is shorter than most and it’s a gentle incline from the trailhead gates to the lake, making it a great acclimatization hike .

The added bonus is there’s never many hikers and you are rewarded with a crystal blue lake cradled under the towering Nevado Huantsan which boasts an impressive height of 6,395 m (20,984 ft) and is the 2 nd highest mountain in the Cordillera Blanca. While it requires more driving than the other two hikes, the payoff is driving by the massive Puya Raimondis , the largest bromeliads in the world, right off of the road, past the indigenous village of Macashca.

Trail Stats: Rajucolta

• The hike is out and back and takes about 5 to 6 hours, (2 hours longer if going up to the glacier)
• Total round-trip is 13 km (8 mi).
• Elevation gain is 450 m (1,476 ft).

• Laguna Rajucolta is at 4,250 m (13,944 ft).
• The entrance is via the small town of Macashca located 20 minutes outside of Huaraz. Follow the road over an 18 km (11 mi) bumpy dirt road, when it splits stay to the right, to the Huascaran National Park gates. It typically takes about 1.5 hours to travel to the park gates from the city center of Huaraz. If you are feeling good you can hike up to the glacier and get up-close and personal with Mountain Huantsan.

Quebrada Shallap

Quebrada Shallap is a great day hike for people that are still acclimatizing but would like to experience Huascaran National Park and its iconic lakes. This can also be a great option for older or younger trekkers that need a gentler ascent with a lake at a lower elevation , as Lake Shallap is almost 250 m (850 ft) lower than other lakes in the area. 

While hiking through the mounds of the valley you will find chozas, traditional resting huts , and frequently see the local indigenous people in large skirts and tall hats tending their fields. Typically you won’t find any tourists in the area and only the Quechua speaking locals.

The valley is filled with large boulders the size of whales , in fact the word “Shallap” is the Quechua word for place of boulders.  As the trail flattens out into a meadow you have panoramic views of the area peaks, the largest is San Juan looming an impressive 5,780 meters (18,963 feet) overhead. This hike is also known for a large cave you can explore when ascending the scree field to the lake.

Trail Stats: Quebrada Shallap

• Generally the hike takes between 5 to 6 hours.
• The hike is 16 km (10 mi) out and back, but feels shorter due to the gentle ascent.
• From Huaraz, the best way to get to the trailhead is from the small village of Jancu, located about 1 hour outside of Huaraz.
• From Jancu the elevation gain is 350 m in 8 km (1,150 ft in 5 mi).
• Drive to the small town of Jancu to the mouth of the Shallap Valley. From here you head to the left and follow the path to the National Park boundary and up the valley. When the river meets the scree, field stay to the right to access the cave and lake. 

Quebrada Llaca

Llaca Valley is one of the most under-used hikes and lakes on the southern side of the Cordillera Blanca and is characterized by a celestial blue glacial lake surrounded by the three glaciers : Oshcapalca, Ranrapalca and Vallanaraju.

Llaca is one of the few hikes that allows you to get close enough to the glaciers to notice their sounds and movement , which can be very ethereal. In the Llaca Valley you also find a dense forest of endangered Polylepis trees which serves as a habitat to birds that are rare in the area, such as the Giant Conebill and the Pied Crested Tit-Tyrant to name a few.

Years ago a road was built to facilitate building a dam to help control the lake level as the melting of the glaciers created a surplus of water. After the road was built the park service built a refugio in hopes it would bring more climbers, but it hasn’t happened. Currently the refugio is rarely open to the public and is used by the Casa de Guias (a local guide association) for large group climbing courses, wilderness first aid courses and training exercises for the Peruvian military for outdoor rescue. The road is hardly used due to its rough condition and currently the only traffic you’ll find are hikers or climbers that are headed to the base camps to climb one of the surrounding peaks.

Southern Cordillera Blanca Photo by Rebecca Hollman and François Haché

Trail Stats: Llaca

• The Llaca Lake hike takes about 7 to 8 hours starting on the single track above Caserio Cachipampa.
• The total hike is 15 km (9.3 mi) and is an out and back trail.
• Elevation gain is 850 m (2,788 ft) in 7 km (4.7 mi).
• The lake is located at 4,550 m (14,600 ft) and it’s best hiked after at least 48 hours of acclimatization.
• The Llaca hike starts a few steps up from a white post marked KM 12, across from “The Lazy Dog Inn” sign on the Wilcahuain/Llaca Country Road above Caserio Cachipampa, and is marked with a painted boulder placed on the right side of the trail.

Llaca Trail Bonus, For Serious Trekkers

If you want more of a challenge, you can add a hiking loop to the Vallunaraju Base Camp where you can gain an additional 400 m (1,300 ft) in elevation then descend through the adjacent valley coming out next to an indigenous community called Uquia. This add-on offers two more high glacier lakes and sweeping views of Ocshapalca, Ranrapalca, and Vallunaraju glaciers.

• This add-on to Llaca will take a total of 10 to 12 hours by foot or with car support to the Llaca Lake Refugio 5 to 6 hours.
• Elevation gain is 1,250 m (4,101 ft).
• As the base camp is located at at 4,950 m (16,240 ft) you will want at least 3 days of acclimatization before attempting this hike.
• The extension start is located approximately 200 meters before the Refugio Llaca, marked by a small concrete staircase. Follow the staircase and the trail markers up a steep incline for 1.5 hours to a hut at Campo Morrena, located at 4,950 m (16,240 ft). From Campo Morrena follow the trail markers across the sloping rock faces, passing two glacier lakes on the right. To descend follow the sign post marked “A Uquia”, which descends half way down the adjacent valley through a quenal forest, passing the National Park border until you reach the main country road next to the Caserio of Uquia. Turn left and a 45-minute walk will bring you to The Lazy Dog Inn , turn right and a 45-minute walk will bring you to the Wilcahuain ruins.

Restaurants

Cafe andino.

The food served here is varied, from classic Peruvian favorites to sandwiches and some veggie options. Charming decor with a fireplace and chill music greet you at the door. Go up to the second floor balcony for a nice view.

Address: Jirón Lucar and Torre 530, Huaraz Facebook

California Cafe

This cozy cafe is the spot in Huaraz to enjoy North American style breakfasts and international dishes for lunch and dinner. Complement your meal with homemade bread, speciality coffee, or fresh juice. Check out the selection of books in the cafe’s sharing library.

Address: Av. 28 de Julio 562, Huaraz Facebook

Creperie Patrick

This restaurant’s speciality is in its name. Order from an extensive list of savory and sweet crepes. More filling options include pepper steak, chicken dishes, and classic Peruvian meals.

Address: Av. Luzuriaga 422, Huaraz Facebook

Founded in 1997, this dining establishment has a Novoandino menu with meat specialities like pollo a la brasa and anticuchos served with a side of fries. Open for lunch and dinner.

Address: Av. Mariscal Toribio Luzuriaga 928, Huaraz Facebook

An Italian restaurant with a Peruvian twist and other traditional dishes. Enjoy handmade pasta in various sauces or a classic lomo saltado.

Address: Calle Juan Bautista 840, Huaraz Facebook

Sala de Estar

Come for sourdough artisan pizzas and artfully presented tapas served on home baked papa amarilla (yellow potato) bread. The menu is filled with vegetarian-friendly options.

Address: Mariscal Toribio de Luzuriaga 923, Huaraz Facebook

Trivio Resto Bar

Order the locally brewed Sierra Andina beer on tap with a casual meal. Burgers, Thai soup, and fettuccine alfredo are on the wide-ranging menu.

Address: Av. Luzurriaga (block 6) – Parque del Periodísta, Huaraz Facebook

Hotels in Huaraz

In and around the city’s main plaza, backpacker hostels and no frills hotels are the norm. These accommodations are particularly enticing to budget travelers or someone planning a brief overnight stay close to the bus station.

Lodges Outside of Huaraz

Staying at a comfortable lodge away from the bustle of the city is a wonderful opportunity to maximize your contact with nature. Book a few nights to take it easy while adjusting to the high altitude before a trek, or stay after your adventures in Huaraz to enjoy the mountain scenery at a slower pace.

• Churup Mountain Lodge
• Lazy Dog Inn
• Llanganuco Mountain Lodge

Follow this essential info and advice for planning your trip to Huaraz.

How to Get to Huaraz

Take the bus, fly, or drive to Huaraz from Lima. The city of Huaraz is the region’s main transport hub.

Bus travel is the easiest and most affordable way to get from Lima to Huaraz. Daily departures also permit more trip planning flexibility if you don’t know your desired travel dates far in advance.

• Direct bus service Lima to/from Huaraz is about 8 hours
• Lima – Javier Prado Bus Terminal
• Huaraz – bus companies have separate terminals

Cruz del Sur, Movil Tours, and Oltursa are reputable bus companies that offer comfortable service to Huaraz. Upgrading your ticket to VIP generally includes a fully reclinable seat, a personal TV screen with entertainment, and meal/snack service. Travel Tip: Take the overnight bus to Huaraz. That way you arrive to Huaraz early in the morning between 6 to 7 am and can maximize daylight hours to acclimate and soak in the region’s beautiful scenery.

The 45-minute flight from Lima to Anta Airport in Huaraz is the most time efficient transport. Flights are best booked from May to September during the dry season months. Inclement weather may delay flights or cancel them altogether during the rainy season. Update: As of 2020, flight service is not available to Huaraz. Contact Peru for Less for help planning your trip to Huaraz and up-to-date transport details.

The journey from Lima to Huaraz in your own transport takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. Traveling during the daytime is advised due to the curvy road conditions and limited phone coverage in the mountains.

Huascarán National Park Entry Fee

Altitude Sickness in Huaraz

Soaring elevations of 9,840+ feet (3,000+ meters) greet you in Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca. Monique, our general manager at Peru for Less, shares her advice for adjusting to the altitude:

“In Huaraz, most activities start early in the morning (especially treks) so try not to cram too much in; your body will already be dealing with altitude and the long bus ride from Lima.

Acclimatization in Huaraz is more key than Cusco, arguably. Why? I arrived super tired from the bus ride, so the combination of little sleep plus higher altitude meant I was out of it for the first day completely. In general, this is a region for doing more outdoor and adventure activities so you want to make sure you’re feeling as good as possible.

Ideally, arrive at least 2 days before starting any rigorous activity. Don’t have anything planned for the first day you arrive, and on the second day consider doing one of those van tours. Lago Llanganuco was great, for example, with several stops and a modest amount of walking. Don’t feel guilty about taking it easy!”

Huaraz Packing List

Don’t forget to pack these essential items for your trip to Huaraz:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months after the end of your trip).
• Copies of passport, visas, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travel insurance, and emergency contact information.
• Trekking or hiking boots/shoes.
• Shoes to wear after hikes.
• Quick-dry long sleeve top.
• Hiking pants.
• Rain jacket with hood and/or rain poncho.
• Warm down jacket.
• Warm fleece beanie.
• Fleece gloves.
• Sun hat with brim and chin strap.
• Trekking backpack.
• Trekking poles (these mountains are rugged).
• Water containers (Nalgene or similar water bottle, 32oz or reservoirs).
• Flashlight or headlamp.
• Lots of sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Compressed toilet paper.
• Day snacks (nuts, chocolates, energy bars).
• First aid kit.

Travelers going to Huaraz are encouraged to book services with credible companies to receive quality service, professional guides, and security. Our Peru for Less travel advisors are happy to help out with trip planning and answer your questions.

Alternatively, if Huaraz is a leg of your Peru trip you’re planning on your own, be sure to ask around for recommended trekking and excursion providers. Not all tourism services are the same and super low pricing may be a cautionary flag of cutting industry standards or lacking proper certification.

Contact Peru For Less for help planning your trip to Huaraz.

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• Huaraz – Huayhuash Trek
• Individual Tours in Peru

The Huayhuash trek on the mountain range is one of the most beautiful treks in the world – and it’s easy to believe.

The villages Pocpa and Llamac are usually the trailheads for this trek.

The entire length of the Cordillera Huayhuash ranges only 30 km but within its compact area lays amazing towering peaks. At almost every turn, you come face to face with glistening vertical walls of ice, snow and rock. Beautiful lakes, different kinds of birds and keep an eye out for the massive Andean Condors and for Siula Grande 6,344 m.s.n.m , the site where the popular book and motion picture “Touching the Void” took place!

• Entrance Fee: Camping fees (This varies per year, please ask current rate, approx. 260 soles
• Maximum altitude : 5200 Meters (Santa Rosa pass).
• Location: Cordillera Huayhuash.
• Average temperature : Between 13° C – 23° C during the day/ -3°C to – 1°C at night.
• Distance: 70 Km
• 06 Days/ 05 Nights
• April to October
• Easy-Moderate

Travel Program

Day 1: huaraz - transfer cordillera huayhuash at 9:00 am – via chiquian village -camp matacancha camp (4150 m).

Leaving Huaraz at 9am, arrive to the first campsite at 3pm aŌer a lunch stop in Chiquian. There is no hiking on the first day. After arriving, relax and enjoy the view of Rondoy mountain and the valley, where there is often spectacular sunsets.

Driving  4 hours approx 

Overnight Camping

Hiking  5 Hours approx

 B/L/D

Day 2: Camp Matacancha Camp (4150 m) - Mitucocha - Trekking Punta Carhuac Pass (4640 m) - Laguna Carhuacocha (4200 m)

Hiking  8 Hours approx

Day 3: Camp Carhuacocha - Trekking Siula Pass (4950 m) / Laguna Quesillococha - Huayhuash Camp (4450 m)

Day 4: huayhuash camp - trekking to pass trapesio (5041 m) / elefante camping over (4400 m).

Wake up early for the Trapesio pass at 5,041m, with an optonal 40 extra minutes of hiking to reach the glacier Then descend while passing 5 beautiful lakes to reach the campsite Elefante Camping at 4,400m. Approximately 6-7 hours of hiking to reach the campsite. It is also optional to hike 2 hours from the campsite to San Antonio pass at 5,100m.

Hiking  7 Hours approx

Day 5: Camp Elefante - Trekking up to the Pass Santa Rosa (5100 m) - Trekking Down to Village Huayllapa at (3487m)

Day 6: from village huayllapa - with public transport to the city of barranca and return to huaraz, or you also have the option of continuing to go to lima.

Waking up at 1am in Huayllapa, say goodbye to the staff and take a car to Barranca on the coast. From Barranca there is an option to go by bus back to Huaraz or conƟnue to Lima. Both the bus to Huaraz or Lima are not included in the price of the trek.

Overnight  Hotel

Hiking  No more hiking

Driving  8 hours approx 

 B/L/-

Included meals: B =breakfast; L =lunch; D =dinner

What's Included

Services included in the prices:.

• 5 MEALS PER DAY: (breakfast, snack, lunch, tea time, dinner).
• BREAKFAST: Omelet, pancake, fruit salad, serial, scrambled eggs… coffee, tea, milk, chocolate, butter, jam, cheese etc.
• SNACK: fresh fruit, chocolates, crackers, cookies, sweets drinks.
• LUNCH: salads, soups, rice, chicken, coca tea.
• TEA TIME: different hot drinking’s, coffee, tea, milk, chocolate, crackers, popcorn, and Tequeños.
• DINNER: different kind of soups, salads, main courses, pasta, chicken, trout, beef, vegetarian options available, dessert, hot wine
• One free acclimatization tour, you can choose; ( lake Paron , Lake 69 , Glacier Pastoruri ) Information: www.huaraz.viajes
• One free night at Hotel Valery; www.hotelvalery.pe
• Entrance Fee Huayhuash community (250.00 soles) per person
• Tent Superior (04 season) special for Huayhuash trek
• Sleeping mat: Size, 200 cm X 60 cm X 5 cm
• Kitchen tent
• Dining tent
• Certificated Trekking guide: (Speaks English and Spanish)
• Certificated cook
• Donkey driver
• Emergency Horse
• 05 Kilos personal Luggage for the Donkeys
• Kitchen and dining full utensils.: Chair, table, stove, gas, plates, caps, forks
• First aid kit
• Private transport
• Hot water every day in the morning to clean up your hands and face
• Boiled water to fill your bottle every day
• For traveling with us we give you a gift: A cap, a buffet and a t-shirt

Not included:

• Personal Trekking gear.
• First day breakfast.
• Travel accident and health insurance.
• Transfer – Airport/hotel/airport /🕸️🕸️bus station/Hotel – Lima.
• Bus ticket Huaraz/Lima.
• Travel luggage and Travel cancellation insurance.
• Not mentioned food (restaurant) and beverages.
• Personal Spending.

We Recommend To Bring :

• Hiking boots.
• trekking socks (synthetic fibers).
• Hat for cold weather (fleece or other).
• microfiber shirts and thermal.
• Trekking pants.
• Sunglasses.
• Day Backpack or advance 20-30 liters.
• down Jacket.
• waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or other) seasonal.
• Waterproof Pant (Gore-Tex or other) seasonal.
• Waterproof Layer seasonal.
• Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulbs).
• Sunscreen (lips and skin).
• Personal First Aid Kit.
• Photographic Material.
• Wash bag and towel.

Hiking poles.

Toilet Paper.

What to Bring

What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition

This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, climbing or mountain expeditions tours is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.

Equipment Trekking

Equipment Mountain

Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.

In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.

→ If you need to rent mountain equipment click here :

Prices & Dates

PRICE (USD)

TRAVEL STATUS

01 MAY 2024 / 06 MAY 2024

01 JUN 2024 / 06 JUN 2024

01JUL 2024 / 06 JUL 2024

01 AUG 2024 / 06 AUG 2024

• Sin­gle Sup­ple­ment (I want my own room and tent) – $000 on request.

Please note: Insurance for emergency evacuation is required for this trip. Call for more details.

» Additional dates available upon request » Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays

Prices (per person):

Deposit for reservations: — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!

3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2024

Legend Booking-information: EZZ Single room supplement 🟢 On this trip, places are still available. 🟡 On this trip, only a few places left. 🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

Juventino Albino Caldua

Expert guide certified by IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA Co-Founder, Peru Expeditions

• WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066
• E-Mail: [email protected]

Hans Honold | Certified Mountain and Ski Guide

For a trip with a Professional Certified Mountain Guide from abroad with your own language that you speak, please request us to get in touch. We have guides working for our company from all over the world who are members of IVBV/UIAGM/IFMGA Certified Guides.

• Tel: +49(0)7344 929144-0

It is very important to have accident coverage for trekking and climbing mountains, more if you go a technical mountains over 6 thousand meters, we oblige and recommend buying travel insurance with our partner Global Rescue, you get the peace of mind that the finest medical, security evacuation, field rescue, intelligence and telehealth.

• Tel: +1 (617) 459-4200

Only $1000 deposit to book

Pay over time, interest free

No booking fee, no change fee

24/7 support

Accommodations

Scroll through our exclusive accommodations for this trip below. Although very unlikely, we will be able to make substitutions when necessary. The comfortable accommodations that guests stay in every night offer comfort, the level that these options are are 3 stars and some hostels in some towns of first class quality to make your stay very pleasant. *These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some cases, alternative accommodation of similar quality and location can be used.

Peru: Hotel Conde de Lemos Arequipa

Best mountain tents – luxury service – premium overnight in camping, peru: hotel rumi wasi in chivay, peru: hotel conde de lemos puno, peru: hotel inca wasi plaza cuzco, peru: hotel puma, peru: hotel rubi, peru: hotel churup, peru: hotel valery, peru: hotel kamana, maps & downloads.

• Weather Forecast
• Location on Google Maps
• Detailprogramm [DOC/PDF]

Frequently Asked Questions

What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.

Suggested FAQs

What experience and how fit do i need to be to climb this mountain is this program suitable for children or older people.

For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.

Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.

Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?

In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.

Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?

Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.

We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.

For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?

In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.

Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.

If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.

If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide

In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?

For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

Do I have what it takes to succeed on this expedition?

In the interest of the team’s enjoyment and success, we work with every single guest to ensure they are properly prepared and ready for this expedition. We pride ourselves on vetting every member to make sure that the team can bond and succeed together. It really sucks to be grouped with members that are much faster, or much slower, than you are. No one wants to the weakest link on a trip like this. By setting expectations and a solid training plan, we work to insure maximum cohesive success. Use this trip as an exercise motivator, and we will succeed together with style.

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

What happens in the event of bad weather.

About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

Can I join a group?

We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.

Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.

In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .

For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066

Additional information

Vaccinations, first aid kit, why choose us, join a group.

VISA NEEDED

Citizens traveling for tourism purposes are exempt from the visa requirement for up to 90 days. 

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of return to the country.

There are some countries that have some restrictions on the visa to be able to visit some countries in the world, for this important information request us to be able to give you more exact information, since the information changes every year and then to be able to provide you for more accurate updated information,   →  contact us!

CURRENCY EXCHANGE DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU ARE:

Local money | $1 = 000 | EUR 1 = 000 = Let us to know which destination would you like to travel to so we can send you the current information of the day to your → E-mail, or by WhatsApp.

Local currency is exchanged on site. You can change both dollars and euros, the two currencies are the most used. We recommend taking bills of different denominations.

ATMs are available in the larger cities. Attention! We avoid dollars from the years 1996-2006 (some series from these years are not accepted at all). It is better to take dollars issued after 2006 to better the most recent of the current year.

VACCINATIONS BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Compulsory vaccinations :

– They are not required

Recommended vaccinations : – Hepatitis A and B (3 doses: 0/1/6 months, at least 2 doses administered at least 2 weeks before departure) – Tetanus – Diphtheria – Typhoid fever – Yellow fever (yellow fever) – Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for traveling in the jungle area

In some destinations that you are going to visit, the information that is on our website may not be updated. To have more precise information, contact us by → E-mail or WhatsApp and we will provide you with more detailed information.

TRAVEL FIRST AID KIT

Everyone should have a personal first aid kit, and in it: medicines against diarrhea and stomach problems (sometimes appearing when the bacterial flora changes), painkillers and medicines for the throat. In addition, good creams with a UV filter or so-called blockers (sun radiation in the mountains is very high).

ATTENTION! Due to parasites and bacteria for drinking, we recommend using mineral water in the original bottle and boiled. To have more precise information, contact us by → E-mail or WhatsApp and we will provide you with more detailed information.

WHO ARE WE AND WHY CHOOSE US?

We are a travel agency that provides authentic and innovative experiences with a respectful relationship with the socio-cultural customs, the environment and the regulations of the countries we promote. We are characterized by the personalization of our tourist services, with empathy, attitude and professionalism; turning customer dreams into reality and exceeding their expectations. We are “Registered Travel and Tourism Agency”. To know more about → US click here please!  

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL PARTNER?

Join a group with us: Trekking, hiking and expeditions. What is your profile? Are you planning to go on a trek or expedition in South America and you are not yet sure about the most suitable offer? If you are looking for a partner, we have the solution. Peru Expeditions Tours has some groups that you can join and share you experience with on an unforgettable journey. (» Upcoming Trips / Upcoming Departures / Open groups / Confirmed / Trips Guaranteed 100%) » WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO CLIMB, WALK, HIKE, AND TREK? For more information please click here! → JOIN A TRIP WITH US!

Why Travel with us

Your safety is our priority, expert guides, sustainable tourism, andean chefs, food on the trail, small groups.

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A Guide to Visiting Laguna Paron in Huaraz, Peru

If you’re planning on visiting Laguna Paron from Huaraz and want to learn more about what your day trip could look like, then you’ve found the right post.

Laguna Paron is one of the most popular day trips in Huaraz , so we’ll discuss whether you should do it independently or with a tour as well as cover the few things you can do at the lake. We’ll also talk about the length, difficulty and altitude of this day trip and what to wear and pack to have the best possible experience.

If you’d like to see our adventures, then check out our dedicated Huaraz video on our  YouTube Channel. For more Peru videos check out our Peru Playlist .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

About Laguna Paron in Huaraz

Laguna Paron is located within the Huascaran National Park near Huaraz in Peru. The 340,000 hectare national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The park comprises most of the Cordillera Blanca (“White Mountains”) mountain range. It also boasts Peru’s highest peak: Huascaran Sur (6,768 m / 22,205 ft). Cordillera Blanca is actually the world’s highest tropical mountain range which means that Huascaran Sur is the world’s highest tropical mountain.

Laguna Paron sits about 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. It is the largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca and is surrounded by several snow-capped mountain peaks. Probably the most recognisable peak is the 5,885 m (19,308 ft) tall Pirámide. The lake formed as a natural moraine reservoir. Compared to the deep blue hue of Laguna 69 , the colour of Laguna Paron is more turquoise thanks to the high concentrations of dissolved lime.

Good to Know Before Visiting Laguna Paron in Huaraz

Tour options to laguna paron.

There are actually two main tour options to visit Laguna Paron:

• 5AM start that includes a few hours of hiking either to Huandoy Viewpoint or to Artesonraju Mountain.
• 8AM start that includes a short hike to the Laguna Paron viewpoint.

Top Tip. It’s worth noting that in the low season the longer hiking tours might not get as much interest as the shorter one does. Therefore, if you really want to do the longer hikes it’s probably best to come in the busier season.

For reference, we opted for the later tour for a change of pace after getting up at the crack of dawn for almost every day or multi-day hike we’d done in Peru so far. It was actually nice to start our day a little bit later.

On the later tour you’ll also have the option to hire a small boat or kayak to take out on the lake which looked like a fun activity. Just bear in mind that you won’t have a long time to spend at the lake with the later tour. If you want to both hike to the viewpoint and go kayaking then you might feel a bit rushed.

You can check out t his day tour or the longer hiking tours on t his website.

Cost of a Tour and Entrance Fee to Laguna Paron in Huaraz

Tour costs can vary slightly depending on who you book with. We paid around S/.60 ($17 USD) per person for the later tour. The hiking tours will cost a bit more depending on whether any meals are included in the price or not. We recommend having a look around in Huaraz and booking it once you’re in the city.

During our time in Huaraz we noticed that  it doesn’t really matter which tour company you book your later day trip with . Most companies actually work together and fit people from different companies into the same few vans to try to be more cost efficient.

There’s also an entrance fee of S/. 5 ($1.5 USD) per person that you’ll have to pay when you enter the park.

Note. Laguna Paron isn’t included in the Huascaran National Park Pass. This means that you’ll have to pay the S/. 5 entry regardless of if you have the multi-day pass or not. You’re basically contributing to the local communities with your visit. However, for many other day trips within the national park such as Laguna 69 or Pastoruri Glacier , you’ll have to pay an entrance fee of S/. 30 ($8.5 USD), or more if you want a multi-day entry ticket.

Independent Visit to Laguna Paron

If you don’t want to join a tour then you can also visit Laguna Paron on your own. Since the lake is located much further away from Huaraz, we recommend spending a night in Caraz . It’s a smaller and definitely less touristy town, but it’s quicker to get to Laguna Paron independently from there.

Based on our research, there should be an early morning colectivo leaving Caraz to a small village called Pueblo Paron. This is where the hiking trail to Laguna Paron starts. If you want to skip the hike, you’ll likely have to arrange a private taxi from Caraz, which could cost you more than the tour unless you share the cost.

Now, getting to the lake will be easier than getting back to Caraz if you want to hike. You’ll definitely have to ask the colectivo driver and the locals in Pueblo Paron when the next colectivo leaves to Caraz. If you miss it, or their not that reliable, then you might need to negotiate a ride back with one of the tour buses or hitchhike. Otherwise, you might end up hiking all the way back to Caraz.

Another option is to spend a night at the Tourist Information Centre on the shores of the lake. Apparently they have a few bunkbeds, so it’s a great option if you want to do some additional hikes around the lake.

Tour or Independent Visit Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to either visiting with a tour or independently, so let’s run through them.

Pros of Taking a Tour:

• Unlike in most places in Peru, joining a tour could work out the same price, or even cheaper, than trying to get there with a mix of public transport or taxis.
• Taking a tour is also way more convenient. You’ll just need to hop in a minivan and then get off at the start of the trailhead. No need to worry about getting from A to B.
• You’ll have about 8 hours in total to chat and bond with people in the minivan depending on the group.
• If you pick the hiking tour, then you can spend more time in the outdoors and enjoy hiking around the lake.

Cons of Taking a Tour:

• It won’t be your typical guided hiking tour as you may have experienced in other parts of the country. Most day tours in Huaraz will act more like transportation services. Although the guide will go up to the viewpoint with you, you’ll get given a time that you should be back at the minivan by and pretty much left to your own devices.
• You’ll spend about 8 hours crammed into a minivan only to stretch your legs for about an hour on the later tour. The ride is also pretty bumpy so take motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive. Even if you’re not, you might be by the end!
• Food is normally not included in the tour cost.

Pros of an Independent Hike

• You’ll definitely have a more adventurous day by travelling on colectivos, local buses and taxis.
• Staying a night in Caraz will give you the chance to stay somewhere less touristy. You can even stay at the tourist centre and enjoy a sunset and sunrise at the lake.
• If you time your visit well, then you could have the whole viewpoint to yourself.
• You won’t have a very long travel day from Huaraz if you’re staying in Caraz. Plus, you can hike at your own pace.

Cons of an Independent Hike

• The cost of your own transport could very well add up to being more expensive than a tour. Especially if you end up having to take a private taxi.
• Getting to the trailhead is always easier than getting back from such a remote area. We read that some people ended up getting a ride back in one of the tour minivans because there wasn’t any other options available.

Best Time to Visit Laguna Paron in Huaraz

You can technically visit Laguna Paron all year round. However, there are better and worse times of the year to visit.

The  wet season  is normally  between December and March/April.  Whilst visiting during this time frame doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be visiting in the pouring rain, the chances are much higher. The rocks along the short trail can become quite slippery in wet conditions so definitely wear appropriate shoes during this time. The jaw-dropping scenery and turquoise-coloured lake are why many people put up with being crammed in a minivan for 8 hours, so you really want to visit on a clear (and potentially sunny) day.

The  dry season is from about April to November.  This time frame definitely gives you a high chance of a sunny and enjoyable visit. If you come just before the dry season, around April, then you’ll probably have a pleasant and rain free day trip. It’s also less busy with tourists, so a good time to come to avoid the crowds. When we visited in early May we had a very beautiful day with an almost clear blue sky. However, the clouds were definitely building up by the afternoon and we had some heavy downpours and thunderstorms on our way back in the van.

June to September are the most popular tourist months, so be prepared for more people to be visiting with you.

What is the Altitude and Elevation of Laguna Paron in Huaraz

Laguna Paron sits at just under 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. If you opt for the later tour that doesn’t include much hiking, then you really won’t have much elevation gain to worry about on your day trip.

However, bear in mind that Huaraz’s elevation is 3,052 m (10,013 ft). This mean that you’ll gain over a 1,000 m (3,280 ft) during your car journey there.

This can be a bit of a shock to your body especially if you’ve not acclimatised properly. You should definitely visit lower altitude places such as Laguna Wilcacocha (3,725 m / 12,221 ft) first.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness at Laguna Paron?

It is important to know that  anyone can develop altitude sickness  and its symptoms can be less or more severe depending on the person. Symptoms of altitude sickness include dehydration, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, heavy breathing, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

If you haven’t visited other high altitude places in Peru such as Cusco before arriving to Huaraz, we recommend taking it easy on your first day and not booking Laguna Paron straight away. Starting with an easier day trip such as Laguna Wilcacocha (3,725 m / 12,221 ft) is probably much better since it’s located at a lower elevation. This way you can acclimatise properly and avoid altitude sickness.

It’s also good to avoid drinking too much alcohol before your day trip and not eating too many heavy foods either. Staying hydrated during the day is also very important to avoid dehydration and headaches. You can drink Coca tea like the locals do at high altitudes in Peru. In addition, you can also buy some altitude sickness tablets before you hike anywhere in Peru.

Of course, if you’ve done some high altitude hikes in Peru already such as the Salkantay Trek , the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain or you went on a 2 or 3-day Colca Canyon Trek , then you’ll most likely be fine booking a trip to Laguna Paron straight away.

What to Wear and Pack for Visiting Laguna Paron in Huaraz

If you’re doing the hiking version of this day trip, then it’s important to wear an appropriate hiking outfit.

Even if you’re only doing the short walk up to the viewpoint we recommend  dressing   for   colder temperatures.  Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you’ll most likely need long trousers, a fleece, and even a hat and gloves on this hike. The temperatures will change a lot during the day so definitely wear layers. You’ll likely get warm as you climb up to the viewpoint but it can feel colder once you stop at the top if it’s not a nice, sunny day.

Make sure to also pack waterproofs like a  rain jacket . When we visited in May we had a lovely day but we had a few thunderstorms and heavy downpours on the way back in the afternoon. Luckily, we were already in our transport vehicle, but you could easily get caught in an afternoon storm especially if you’re doing the longer hike. Especially for those doing the hike, make sure to pack a waterproof cover for your backpack too.

In terms of footwear, we suggest wearing  hiking boots or shoes  that have good grip and support. The trail up to the viewpoint is pretty rocky so supportive shoes will come in handy.

We recommend carrying a daypack with all the essentials in that you might need for the day. Pack your lunch to eat at the lake and enough snacks and water to stay hydrated. Don’t forget your camera gear either and perhaps bring a portable charger for your phone.

Make sure to use sun-cream, a hat or cap and sunglasses for protection. Also have enough cash  on you to pay for anything extra such as toilets and snacks at the trailhead and tips for the guide and driver.

We suggest having a  basic first-aid kit  with you with some painkillers, altitude tablets, band-aids and any prescribed medications in.

Facilities at Laguna Paron

Toilet. You can use the toilet at Carhuaz ice cream shop if the tour stops there. There’s also a toilet available at the tourist centre building next to the lake for S/.1. Make sure to bring some change if you’d like to use these toilets.

Cafes / Restaurants. The later day tours normally stop briefly in Carhuaz so you can try some ice cream. Here you can quickly pick up some last minute snacks if you wish. The lake bar might have a few refreshments too. However, we do recommend bringing your own packed lunch that you can eat at the Laguna Paron viewpoint or along the shore.

Things to Do at Laguna Paron in Huaraz

There are a few things you can do at Laguna Paron, depending on how you choose to visit this beautiful location.

1. Hike Up to Laguna Paron Mirador (Viewpoint)

Most day trips will drive you up to the shore of Laguna Paron. From there you have the option to go on a short 30 minute hike up to the viewpoint. Luckily, the elevation gain is very minimal. However, you’ll be starting the short hike around 4,200 m (13,780 ft) which means that even a short uphill hike can feel much more tiring.

One thing to note is that the trail becomes quite rocky at the end so you’ll need to be careful when walking. It’s so easy to twist an ankle if you’re not concentrating, so perhaps wear supportive boots and keep an eye on the path.

The views you get from the mirador are absolutely stunning and taking the long and bumpy ride just for these views alone is totally worth it. Unfortunately, if you come with a tour, you won’t have an awfully long time to relax and take it all in. We definitely felt a bit rushed. But then again, if you come on your own you’ll have to worry about getting back to catch a colectivo.

You can book your day trip in Huaraz or check out this tour if you want to book it in advance.

2. Rent a Boat or a Kayak

If you enjoy water activities, then you can either rent a boat or a kayak and get a different perspective of Laguna Paron. Kayaks are around S/. 20 and boats are S/. 10 per person.

Note. The boat or kayak hire normally isn’t included in the tour price, so come prepared with extra cash.

Top Tip. If you’re fast enough, you can get up to the viewpoint, take in all the views and also make it back to the shore of the lake and rent a boat or a kayak. Just note that you won’t have a long time to do either activity, so if you want to take things a bit slower, then perhaps just pick one or the other.

3. Spend a Night at Laguna Paron

As mentioned before, if you visit independently you can actually spend a night at the Tourist Centre on the shores of Laguna Paron. They have a few bunk beds that you can pay around S/. 20 per night for which means you’ll have the lake pretty much all to yourself for the evening and morning.

Imagine seeing the sunset there and waking up in such a stunning location before all the tourists arrive. Just make sure to come prepared and bring enough cash and a sleeping bag. Plus, be willing to arrive by multiple colectivos with a high chance for an adventurous return journey to Huaraz.

4. Book a ‘Paron Loop’ Hiking Tour to Huandoy Viewpoint

If you enjoy hiking, then you can book a tour that takes you on a 2-3 hour long hike around the lake up to Huandoy Viewpoint.

This tour usually leaves at 5 AM from the city. However, you’ll be outdoors for longer unlike with the later tours where you only have about an hour or so at the lake.

This particular trail is about 5 km long and takes a good 2.5 hours to complete. You’ll have an elevation gain of 300 m with the highest elevation at the viewpoint being around 4,560 m.

Note that this tour will go to a higher viewpoint than the later day tour but would still initially walk up to the Laguna Paron Mirador.

We found that the Akilpo tour agency offers this Paron Loop day tour , but you can always ask around in Huaraz or check tour options with your hotel or hostel.

5. Book the Paron and Artesonraju Mountain Hiking Tour

Some tour operators also offer a longer hike around Laguna Paron which would also take you to Artesonraju Mountain.

This tour usually leaves at 5 AM from the city but involves a longer time spent outdoors than the later tours.

This particular trail is about 11.5 km long and initially follows the northern shore of the lake. This part is relatively flat and you can just enjoy the views of Laguna Paron. Once you’re at the eastern end of the lake, you’ll follow the trail to the north towards Artesonraju Mountain.

Did you know? Artesonraju is often referred to as the ‘Paramount’ mountain because its pyramidal shape is said to have inspired the Paramount logo.

Your final destination will be Artesoncocha Viewpoint located at an altitude of 4,350 m (14,270 ft). Therefore, you’ll only have about 150 m (500 ft) of elevation gain on this hike.

We found that the Akilpo tour agency offers this Paron and Artesonraju Mountain tour , but you can always ask around in Huaraz or check tour options with your hotel or hostel.

Related Posts You May Like:

• A Guide to Hiking Laguna 69 in Huaraz
• A Guide to Hiking Laguna Wilcacocha in Huaraz
• A Guide to Visiting Pastoruri Glacier in Huaraz
• A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Huaraz
• The Ultimate 3 Week Peru Itinerary – How to Plan a Trip to Peru

Final Thoughts on Visiting Laguna Paron in Huaraz

We were definitely blown away by the scale, colour and beauty of Laguna Paron. In our opinion, this lake is even prettier than Laguna 69 , which is one of the most popular places people visit in Huaraz.

The only downside of this visit is that the ratio between travel time and time spent at the site is very unbalanced and you’ll have to spend the majority of your day in a minivan. However, to witness such beautiful scenery we think it’s totally worth the long and bumpy ride.

Have you ever visited Laguna Paron in Huaraz? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you add this day trip to your Peru itinerary ? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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10 comments.

Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I’d never heard of Laguna Paron (or Huaraz to be completely honest), but I’d love to visit and see some of these views! Hiking and kayaking sound like such a blast here. Thanks for sharing! Xx Sara

Thank you so much Sara. We hope you can visit Huaraz soon and see this stunning lake 🙂

Dare I say Peru’s natural beauty is my absolute favorite thing in South America?! I didn’t get to visit Huaraz while I was in the country for three months, but I would LOVE to go back and see this place. It looks beautiful and I’m sure that although the pictures are excellent, it is even better in person.

We totally agree Taylor. Peru totally stole our hearts and we would love to go back for more, although we also spent about 3 months in the country too. Just so much to see and do there. Hope we can all return in the near future!

No denying that Laguna Paron is beautiful! That is a very long car trip and I do not enjoy long car trips so tough decision if I would go. It would depend how much time I had in Peru, and I do want to go there!

Thanks Melinda. I agree Huaraz is definitely not on many people’s radar and it’s a long way to get to. The car journey to laguna Paron is also long and even though we don’t get car sick easily, by the end we were ready to get out of that minivan! It was still worth to see such a stunning place though. Hope you get to visit Peru soon.

Laguna Paron in Huaraz looks incredible! I would love to hike it. The color of the water is gorgeous! Great tips on a guided hike vs. going independent. And great tips on the altitude because altitude sickness is real. Great post!

Thank you so much Yvonne, we’re glad you found our tips helpful. Laguna Paron is really stunning and we’re so happy that we had a chance to visit such a place.

Your photos are so pretty!! Peru is definitely on my travel bucket list so I’m hoping I’ll get to come here someday!

Thank you so much Farrah. Hope you can visit Peru in the near future.

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