Hiking in Huaraz

On a hiking trip in Peru, it should not surprise you that many travelers, who want to do hiking in Huaraz for some of the most impressive and best hikes in the world. The Cordillera Blanca is the setting for hikes in the Huascarán National Park, and you can find different hikes, from the easiest to the most complex. Please note that even easy hikes can be challenging due to the high altitude, the city of Huaraz has an elevation of 3052 m.

If you have come from sea level, it is recommended that you take a few days to acclimatize and begin the easier hikes. Here is our selection of hiking excursions in Huaraz – Peru.

1.- Churup Lagoon

Churup Lagoon The Churup Lake route begins in the small town called Pitec, located right at the entrance to the Huascarán National Park. It is known as one of the most impressive glacial lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. Halfway through the route you will find a fixed rope to climb, when the path becomes narrower and steeper.
As you approach Churup Peak, which rises above the lake, you will find yourself facing a large rocky mountain with cliffs and glaciers. If you’ve just arrived in Huaraz, it’s a great acclimatization hike.

Total time: 3-4 hours.
Rating: moderate.
Maximum altitude: 4450m/14,599 ft.

2.- Lagoon 69

Lagoon 69 This lagoon is undoubtedly one of the most impressive lakes and hikes in the Huascarán National Park, which became the most popular hiking route in the Cordillera Blanca. The hike to Lake 69 will take you through the legendary mountain views of Chacraraju, Pisco, Huascarán, Yanapacha and impressive waterfalls that fall along the hike.

Total time: 6 -7 hours.
Rating: moderate.
Maximum altitude: 4600m/15,091 ft.

3.- Santa Cruz Trek

Santa Cruz Trek The walk has a distance of approximately 50 km, lasting between 3 or 4 days through the wonderful and incredible Cordillera Blanca. During this trip we will see the impressive mountain peaks known as Llamacorral, Taullipampa, Paria, Punta Unión.
The route is full of turquoise lagoons, mountain passes and unique nights outdoors in the middle of alpine landscapes, attracting many visitors to Huaraz. The Santa Cruz hike is definitely one of the most photogenic stretches of mountain range in the world.

Total time: 3 – 4 Days.
Grade: moderate.
Altitude: 3760m – 4750m/15,583ft.

4.- Wilcacocha Lagoon

Wilcacocha Lagoon It is probably one of the easiest day hikes in Huaraz. About 4 hours of walking in total, not only is the path easy, but the way to do it yourself is also easy. If you’re lucky with the weather, you should see a range of snow-capped mountains behind Lake Wilcacocha.

You can also do it SOLO, simply take the Ruta 10 or Ruta E van at the northeast intersection of Antonio Raymondi and Hualcán streets. Laguna Wilcacocha is the perfect hike to acclimatize to the altitude and prepare for other great hikes in Peru.

Duration: Walk 3 to 4 hours round trip.
Difficulty: Easy
Maximum altitude: 3,786 m/12,421 ft

5.- Pastoruri Glacier

This Glacier is one of the easiest and at the same time most traditional hikes in Huaraz. The trip is a great option to acclimatize before reaching more advanced hikes. The Pastoruri Glacier is located 5250m above sea level and is one of the few glaciers that survived in the tropical areas of South America. The hike takes about 50 minutes one way and takes you through the southern part of the Cordillera Blanca.

Total time: 2 hours
Rating: easy
Maximum altitude: 5250m/17,224ft.

6.- Parón Lake

Parón Lake Considered the largest lagoon in the Cordillera Blanca, 4 kilometers long and 900 meters wide. Nestled in a glacial valley, where it offers an incredible view of the snow-capped mountains of Artesonraju, the Garcilaso Pyramid and Chacraraju. Legend has it that Artesonraju Mountain represents the logo of Paramount Pictures, the fifth oldest film studio in the world. The hiking route to Lake Paron passes through a 1,000-meter-high granite canyon.

Total time: 3-4 hours
Rating: moderate
Maximum altitude: 4450m/14,829ft.

7.- Huayhuash

Cordillera Huayhuash The Huayhuash Mountain Range is located south of the Condillera Blanca Mountain Range, this mountain range is considered one of the best treks in Peru and, of course, in the world. For those who want to explore more of Huayhuash’s stunning surroundings, Huaraz offers 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 day treks, from moderate to strenuous levels.

The mountain range is full of color, from turquoise and lush green lagoons, to snow-capped peaks to cascading blue rivers. It is home to legendary frozen peaks such as Hirishanca, Siula Grande, Yerupaja, Ninshanca, etc. Trekking to the Huayhuash Mountain Range is considered one of the best trekking circuits in the world.

Total time: 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 Days
Rating: moderate – strenuous
Altitude: 3300m – 5000m/16,404ft.

Now you know that Huarazhas many magical and mystical places to visit. If you want to enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable moment, do not hesitate to contact one of our sales agents.