Top Treks in Huaraz

On a hiking trip in Peru, it shouldn’t surprise you that many travelers head to Huaraz to chase some of the most breathtaking hikes in the world. The Cordillera Blanca sets the scene for stunning walks in the Huascaran National Park, and you can find many routes, from easy to complex. Bear in mind that even easy hikes can be challenging due to high altitude, the town of Huaraz has an elevation of 3,052m. If you have come from sea level, it’s recommended that you take a few days to acclimatize and start the easier treks. Here is our pick of the Huaraz, Peru hiking excursions.

 

Pastoruri Glacier

 

 

Laguna 69

Laguna 69 is among the main reasons people visit Huaraz, with its shimmering crystal blue water in front of the snow-capped Pisco Peak. A tour will stop at the turquoise Chinancocha glacial lake on the way. This trek starts at 3,800m and ascends to 4,600m, which can be challenging for those not used to high altitudes. Tours start early to allow plenty of time for the ascent and descent. Trekking Laguna 69 is probably one of the most challenging treks to do in Huaraz. However, Laguna 69 is gorgeous. The hike is jaw-dropping, Lake 69 itself is stunning, and everything about this hike is perfect….. make sure you are acclimatized!

 

Laguna 69

 

Laguna Wilcacocha

This hike is recommended for those getting used to the altitude as it is relatively easy and only takes half a day (approximately five hours), reaching 3,725m. You can take a collective (shared taxi) to Chiwipampa, where the trail starts. While the lake is not quite as spectacular as laguna 69, the scenery is magnificent, and you get a feel for rural life in Peru!

 

Laguna Wilcacocha

Santa Cruz Trek

This four or five-day trek is for those hiking junkies that need their fix. The trek is 48 km and ascends to a height of 4,765m at the Portachuelo pass. You can do this trek with a guide or on your own, beginning the tour by getting a bus to Yungay, then onto Vaqueria, which takes about two hours as you meander up steep winding roads. If you start at Vaqueria (3,700m) rather than Cashapampa (2,900m), you will go downwards on your first day rather than uphill on your last day.

 

Santa Cruz Trek

 

Laguna Churup

Starting at Llupa or Pitec, a path leads upwards, but take it slow as the altitude is challenging. You will have great views over the valley and eventually reach a waterfall and stream, where the fun begins! There is a steel cable to pull yourself up the rocks, and once you have, you are close to the stunning blue waters of the Laguna at 4,450m.

 

Lake Churup

 

Huayhuash Trek

Taking between 10 to 14 days, this is not for the faint-hearted! The altitude ranges between 2,750 to 5,000m, starting at Matacancha and finishing in Llamac. It’s one of the most stunning treks in the Cordillera, winding through the Yerupajé mountains and the second-highest in the Peruvian Andes. The route passes crystal-clear lakes, trickling streams and villages that will take you back into ancient, rural Peru. 

 

Huaywash Trek

Laguna Paron

The Paron Lagoon is one of the most beautiful lakes in Huaraz. As the largest lake inside the Huascaran National Park, it is no wonder why Laguna Paron is a must on any Peru itinerary. Sheer cliffs and snow-capped mountains surround this clear-blue glacial lake, and Laguna Paron is a picture-perfect paradise for avid photographers. This beauty of Lake Paron has successfully earned it one of the most popular day trips from Huaraz. 

 

Laguna Paron
 

 

Pastoruri Glacier

Located in the southern part of the Cordillera Blanca and another day trip from Huaraz, it’s recommended to go on a tour as the glacier is 70km away. On the way, you can visit Laguna Patococha and observe the magnificent Puya Raimondi succulents, also known as Queen of the Andes. It is the largest bromeliad species and is recognizable due to its enormous height! Taking some mate de coca (coca leave tea) is advisable to help with altitude sickness, as the glacier reaches a whopping 5,240m.

 

Pastoruri Glacier