Claire Dean
Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
Top Treks in Huaraz
Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 2022-08-12
The gateway to some of Peru’s most spectacular hiking trails can be found out of the town of Huaraz, a small Andean city located at the foot of the almighty Cordillera Blanca. Snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear glacial lakes entice mountain climbers, trekkers, and travelers from all over the world, to this lesser-known Peruvian town. Often overlooked, with Cusco taking the spotlight (famous for Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain), Huaraz is in fact much closer to Lima and an alternative, less crowded destination for intrepid adventurers and mountaineers. Here are some of the best things to do while in Huaraz!
Puya Raimondi Cactus in Huaraz
On a hiking trip to Peru, it’s no surprise that many travelers head to Huaraz, drawn by some of the most breathtaking hikes in the world. The Cordillera Blanca provides the perfect backdrop for stunning treks in Huascarán National Park, offering routes that range from easy to challenging. However, even the simpler trails can be tough due to the high altitude—Huaraz itself sits at 3,052 meters (10,013 feet) above sea level. If you’re arriving from lower elevations, it’s wise to spend a few days acclimatizing before embarking on any hikes, starting with the easier ones. For lovers of the great outdoors, there’s no better place to explore than this adventure hub. Nestled among the glaciers of the Cordillera Blanca, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges, Huaraz is also home to Peru’s tallest peak, Huascarán, which is the fourth highest in South America. The Cordillera Blanca, the largest tropical ice-capped mountain range in the world, soars to elevations exceeding 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). Here are our top picks for hiking excursions in Huaraz, Peru.
Pastoruri Glacier
Alpamayo Mountain
Famous for its natural beauty and its distinctive shape, the Alpamayo is an impressive mountain located in the Cordillera Blanca of the Peruvian Andes. Found 5,947 meters above sea level, it is one of the peaks that belong to the Santa Cruz Massif and offers several different routes for climbers, who flock here to climb the Cordillera's magnificent mountains. If something looks remarkably familiar about this mountain, that's because it is used by the film company Paramount Pictures. Quite possibly because it is deemed the "Most Beautiful Mountain in The World!
Alpamayo Mountain
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. The hike to Laguna 69 is probably one of the most popular hikes to do as a tour, but can also be done on your own. The Laguna 69 tour is a one-day hike, and day tours usually leave at around 5.30am, returning at 6 in the afternoon. Lake 69 is a stunning spot that is not to be missed and a paradise, especially for photographers. The trek is 8km long at a high altitude. 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), to reach 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. This trek is for the more hardcore walkers crossing tricky terrain and at high elevations. The Santa Cruz Valley circuit normally takes hikers four days and three nights. You will have to take camping equipment, which is provided by your trekking operator. Prepare yourself for vast mountain passes, alpine lakes, and a crystal-clear view of the night-time sky.
Santa Cruz Trek
Laguna Churup
Set out early from Llupa or Pitec, near Huaraz, which takes you directly to the trailhead of the trek. From here the path leads upwards, but take it slow as you gain altitude rapidly. You will have great views over the valley and eventually reach a waterfall and stream, where the fun really begins! There is a steel cable to haul yourself up the rocks and once you have, you are close to the stunning blue waters of the Lagoon, found at 4,450m.
Lake Churup
Huayhuash Trek
If 3 or 4 days just isn’t enough time spent in this beautiful landscape, why not take the 10 – 12-day hike on the Huayhuash trail? It’s a challenging hike at an altitude of mostly above 4000m elevation but is widely considered one of the most spectacular walking routes in the world. The Cordillera Huayhuash is an inspiring place and home to Peru’s second-highest summit “Yerupaja.” 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 the 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.
