THE BEST HIKING TRAILS FROM HUARAZ
Whether you're a day hiker looking to get a taste of the Peruvian Andes or a trekker on a mission to do the Santa Cruz trail, Huaraz, the trekking capital of Peru has a little something for everyone.
From the sapphire waters of Laguna 69, to the snow-coned mountains of Laguna Paron and not to mention some rope climbing and bouldering to Laguna Churup, the spectacular Cordillera Blanca will keep you on your trekking toes for days on end.
The altitude can be a kicker, but thankfully there are some great acclimatisation hikes to get you up to speed.
The best hiking trips from Huaraz
Wilkacocha
Easy to get to and pretty much free to do (minus what you pay for the collectivo), if you're new to Huaraz, the hike to Wilkacocha is an easy hike and great for acclimatisation.
You'll pass traditional Andean villages on your way to the top, with beautiful panoramic views of the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca. The hike is around 2 hours up and 1 hour down.
Wilkacocha | Huaraz Peru
At the top!
Laguna 69
If you're short on time, this is a hike you don't want to miss.
Whilst it's possible to hike to Laguna 69 without a tour guide, the tour bus is relatively cheap at around 25-30 soles, it's more cost-effective to go with the crowds unless you have a large group to share the costs. Please note that the tour is only transport to and from the entrance. The hike itself is done independently.
For more information, you can check out this blog post here.
If you're lucky to be there on a sunny day, the gorgeous glacier lakes and incredible panoramic views of the mountains make it more than worth doing the hike to the top!
This can be a tricky hike if you're not yet acclimatised to the altitude. Reaching 4650m, it's around 3 hours up and 2 hours down.
Entry to the park is 30 soles which is payable on arrival.
Laguna 69 Hike Peru
Gorgeous!
Laguna Churup
If there's a hiking trail I won't forget, it's Laguna Churup. This hiking trail is 100% possible without a guide and it's one of the lesser crowded trails. It's around 2 hours up and 1.5 hours down.
This is a hike that's ideal for acclimatisation. The trail starts in the town of Pitec and there is a daily collectivo that leaves from Huaraz at 7:30 am from Av. Agustun Gamarra just around the Ursa petrol station.
It will cost 10 soles each way and keep in mind the national park entry fee is 30 soles.
For more information about the entertaining quirks of Laguna Churup, check out this post.
Those mountains!
Laguna Paron
A shorter hike than the latter two, you also have the option to walk around the lake, if going for a birds-eye view doesn't take your fancy.
The largest lagoon of the Cordillera Blanca, the highest altitude reaches 4150m.
The tour cost 47 Soles + 5 Soles entry into the park. To get to the beautiful views and perspectives, you’ll have to hike past the mirador along the jagged boulders and rocks but it’s totally worth it!
You can read more about the deets right here!
Laguna Paron
Pastoruri Glacier
Located in the Southern part of the Cordillera Blanca within the Huascaran national park, I met a climate expert on my tour to Laguna Paron who explained how much of the Cordillera Blanca including Pastoruri Glacier will cease to exist within the next 50 years.
In the last 30 years, it has lost over 20% of its size alone.
Tours can be done from Huaraz at around 30 soles per person.
If that isn't enough there are plenty of other day trips and treks to keep you busy, including the Santa Cruz Trek, Laguna Shallap, Laguna Rajucolta, Lagunas de Llangunco, Laguna Aguak, Laguna Uruscocha and Laguna Llaca.
Where to stay in Huaraz
For some reason, before arriving in Huaraz, I had pictured a quaint little town to relax in for a few days. Far from it, Huaraz it very much a bustling city alive with taxi honks every 3 seconds.
I booked a 3 person female dorm for 16 soles (£3.89) with my hostel Casa de Ana. Slightly out of the centre of town, it was a great place to base myself for a few days. They also have reasonably priced privates.
For somewhere closer to the centre Akilpo Guest House is in an amazing location with comfy, clean and spacious rooms.
For something in the mountains, away from the hustle of Huaraz, check out the The Lazy Dog Inn a Mountain Lodge. On the pricer side, it's homely, cosy and has spectacular mountain views.
Affiliate links above!
How to get to Huaraz from Lima
When booking buses in South America, I love to use Busbud. I used Movil Tours, and there are a number of operators to choose from between Lima and Huaraz.
Planning a trip or fancy a freebie? These are some websites and services I love:
Booking.com: For the best hotel deals! 🏝
World Nomads: Travel insurance on the go 🌎
Airbnb: For the best apartment deals!🏡
Affiliate links above!
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