Huaraz, oh Huaraz. Little did I know that a mountainous paradise is hidden in the North of Peru. This place shouldn’t be skipped by advocate hikers. The list of best treks in Huaraz is endless, with plenty of unforgettable lagoons and glaciers in the surrounding area. Here is where I have hiked through the most beautiful landscapes and climbed to the top of a glacier for the first time. Which I can’t believe I had never done before considering that I grew up in the Austrian Alps.
Huaraz is a hiker’s paradise. This city, graced by the snow-capped Cordillera Mountains, is the starting point to explore mesmerizing turquoise lagoons, climb up glaciers, and marvel at Puya Raimondii. Wondering what to do, where to eat, how much time to spend in Huaraz, and what on Earth Puya Raimondii are? Read on and find out.
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WHAT TO DO
Finding yourself in Huaraz for a couple of days and you are unsure what the best treks are? Then I suggest you hike to one of the bright turquoise lagoons and the top of a glacier. This should cover all the main attractions Huaraz has to offer. If you are a serious hiking devotee, you can look into 9-day treks of the Cordillera Huayahuash Mountains.
There are multi-day entrance tickets for the Huascaran National Park that are worth purchasing if you visit the National Park for three-days or more. The city is also good for hiking gear shopping.
BEST BREATH-TAKING LAGOON TREKS IN HUARAZ
There are over 400 lakes in the Huascarán National Park within the Áncash region. Needless to say, the park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. My highlight of Peru was the Laguna 69 trek. Although there are alternative lagoons that I haven’t visited myself.
Laguna 69.
Finding yourself in Huaraz and only want to partake in the best trek? Then I recommend trekking to the Laguna 69. The astonishing landscapes you hike through during this trail are ever-changing, from cow filled grassland to rocky, treeless mountains. The nature you immerse yourself in during this hike will grab your attention from start to finish. There are many mysterious lakes on the way such as the Llanganuco Lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha.
The hike there and back only takes 2.30 h to 3.30 h depending on your fitness level. Although the trek is relatively unchallenging, some of you might struggle with the altitude as the highest point is 4,600 m. If you are a fast hiker then keep up your good efforts and lead ahead. You will be rewarded with having the out of this world lagoon to yourself to enjoy the unforgettable bright turquoise colouration and the calmness surrounding this remote lagoon before the rest of the group will join you. And you might even get to see some viscachas on the way.
The Laguna 69 can be reached without a tour. Although it is cheaper to book through Akilpo than getting there yourself. The transportation and a guide costs S/ 30 plus an additional cost of S/ 30 for the National Park entrance. Visiting Laguna 69 is a long, strenuous day with a 5 am pick-up and a return to Huaraz at 6 pm. Ensure to pack your own lunch and bring some spare socks in case it rains. You will be charged S/ 2 for the toilets, although you are surrounded by nature if you want to spare the pennies.
Laguna Paron.
Laguna 69 isn’t the only turquoise lagoon in the surrounding area of Huaraz. If this tourist attraction has not made it onto your itinerary, then the less popular but equally as beautiful Laguna Paron should be on your to-do list. This hike in the Cordillera Blanca Mountains can easily be considered one of the best treks in Huaraz. The main reason I would consider visiting this lagoon over any of the others is due to the bonus of being able to kayak on the lake for S/ 20.
The 10 h tour costs S/ 50 plus a park entrance fee of S/ 5. This hike is for the early risers of you with tours starting as early as 5 am. There are camps you could stay at if you were to decide that you want to attempt this hike without a guide. Although it seems as if the start of the trail can only be reached by taxi costing more than the tour.
Laguna 513 or Laguna Churup.
The most difficult to reach out of the lagoons, but still noteworthy are the Laguna 513 and Laguna Churup. These lagoons are tricky to get to without a car, but if you are up for an adventure then either of these are ventures to embark on.
BEST GLACIER TREKS IN HUARAZ
Huaraz is not only grazed by plenty of turquoise lagoons but equally as mind-blowing glaciers. Like I said before this is a hiker’s paradise.
Panorama Trek.
Up for a challenge or do you want to cramp the lagoons and a glacier into one single trip? Then the one-day Panorama hike is the best trek in Huaraz for you. This 6 h tour starts with a 3 am pick. Say what?! Followed by breakfast whilst marvelling at the sunrise and Peru’s highest mountain Nevado Huascarán. From there the trail will lead you to the highest viewpoint over the Cordillera Blanca Mountains at 4,700 m. The path then leads you to the famous Laguna 69 and the lakes of Llanganuco. The only reason I didn’t chose this trek was due to price, which varies depending on interest. Having travelled during the off-season, not enough people had signed up. The cost starts at $ 44 – $ 61, plus S/ 30 park entrance fee. The price includes breakfast and lunch.
Glacier Pastoruri.
Being on top of a glacier is every hiker’s dream. But it is a straining trek you need to train for you are thinking? Glacier Pastoruri in the Cordillera Blanca Mountains is the answer for anyone wanting to reach the top of a glacier with minimal effort. The hike takes under an hour and is the easiest I have done. Although if you struggle with the 5,000 m altitude you might disagree.
This tour isn’t for anyone seeking thrills, but for all of you who want to tick a glacier hike off your bucket list. There are several brief, unnoteworthy stops on the way to the destination. Although most of the day was spent on the bus leaving you grateful for the needed leg stretch. Luckily on my trip, these breaks were kept interesting through Peruvian flute background music played by a fellow hiker.
The first stop was shortly after we left Huaraz for breakfast and cocoa leaf purchases for S/ 2. Followed by a pointless stop to enjoy a dull view and dressed up alpacas. The next break was to admire the natural green-orange grass landscapes of Huascaran National Park, as well as small orange hot springs. Followed by the most memorable stop, a hill full of Puya Raimondii.
The final stop was the long-awaited, minorly inclining, cobble-stoned path to Pastoruri Glacier. The glistening snow and ice are beautiful, even though signs of global warming are prominent. And if you get lucky you might find yourself immersed in dancing snowflakes.
The tour can be booked through most agencies in Huaraz. Yet again tours are cheaper than getting there yourself. The pick-up is at 9 am and you will return to Huaraz by 6 pm. Transportation and a guide cost S/ 35 and there is an extra charge of S/ 30 for the park entrance fee. Ensure to pack your own lunch. I brought leftover pizza, don’t judge!
Paramount Trek.
Have you ever wondered if the mountains from that famous Hollywood Film logo exist? Look no further, the Artesonraju or otherwise referred to as Paramount Mountain can be found in the Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range. The trek itself takes 3 – 4 h with maximum heights of 4,350 m being reached. Currently, the Paramount trek is only organised by Akilpo. Due to a minimum number of hikers required per tour, it only takes place on specific days, and costs $ 43/ around S/ 152. This hike is on my to-do list for the next time I travel to Peru, as I consider it to be one of the best treks in Huaraz.
ALTITUDE
At 3,052 m Huaraz elevation is higher than Quito, but lower than Cusco. Depending on where you have travelled from, you may want to dedicate a few days to acclimatise, a good one-day trek to do so is the Wilcacocha Lake.
HOW MUCH TIME TO SPEND IN HUARAZ
You could easily spend a week in Huaraz, although two to three days are enough if you do not suffer from altitude sickness. If you plan a two-day itinerary in Huaraz than you can easily see one of the stunning turquoise lagoons and climb on top of a glacier.
WHERE TO EAT
There are plenty of empanada street vendors on the main road and near the market.
La Pizza del Abuelo.
The pizzas here are delicious and at S/ 35 to S/ 40 not too expensive. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available. Parque Ginebra, Jirón Jose de Sucre, Huaraz 02001
Market.
The Mercado Central de Huaraz is a good spot to purchase fresh produce and snacks. Prepare yourself to hold your breath, especially if you are vegetarian or vegan. The meat smell is overpowering.
WHERE TO STAY
Akilpo.
Akilpo is a travel agency as well as a hostel. It is conveniently located; the beds are comfortable, and they have not one but two kitchens. You can book all treks directly through the hostel and some of them are even discounted. One thing to note is that once you have checked out you have to pay for showers. Although you can be cheeky.
WHAT TO PACK
The weather in Huaraz is consistent all year round with highs of 20 degrees and lows of around 5 degrees. I travelled to Huaraz in Mid-December. It was raining most days and freezing cold. Pack warm winter clothing, gloves, and rainwear.
WHERE TO NEXT
Are you in need of a beach break and warm weather? Head to Máncora or Huanchaco for great swell. To reach either destination you have to take a 6 h bus to Trujillo and change there. Huanchaco is only a short local bus S/ 1.50, or taxi ride away from the bus terminal. Máncora is another 10 h bus ride with Ittsa bus for S/ 65. If you continue to Máncora then make sure to get off at the main bus terminal in Trujillo or take a taxi there to continue your journey.
Have you had enough of the countryside? Then head to Lima from Huaraz for Peruvian history, non-stop parties, and surfing. All buses go to Lima! Shop around for the best price. I took the night bus at 22.55 operated by Movilbus for S/ 65. The bus was boiling hot for the first half of the trip. However, my previous experience with this bus company has been much more pleasant.
Did I do a good job of sharing my love for this city? Also, did I mention that I love the look of the Puya Raimondi? Still no clue what it is? The Puya Raimondi also known as the Queen of the Andes is a relative of the pineapple. The giant bromeliad plant can reach up to 15 m in height and gives landscapes a memorable edge.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
