Day Trip
Big views of the Cordillera Blanca with no need to carry a tent or sleep on the trail — we leave Huaraz in the morning and return to the city for dinner. Pick a day trip below.
One of the most beautiful turquoise glacial lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. Pickup around 5am at your hostel, with a breakfast stop (not included) on the way to the trailhead (~3,900m) around 9am — from there, 3h up to the lake and 2h back down. Along the way you'll also see the Llanganuco lakes (Chinancocha and Orconcocha), with views of the Chacraraju (6,112m), Pisco (5,752m), Yanapaccha (5,460m) and Huascarán (6,769m) peaks, a queñual forest and glacial waterfalls. Includes transport, guide, first-aid kit and lunch — does not include entry to Huascarán National Park (30 soles per person) or tips.
Departure from Huaraz at 7am, with a 1h private car transfer to the village of Pitec (3,850m), where the trail begins. From there, 2.5h up to the lake and 1.5h back down to Pitec. Includes lunch, transport, guide and first-aid kit — does not include entry to Huascarán National Park (30 soles per person) or tips.
The largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca — an easy one-day trip with panoramic views, including the Artesonraju peak (the mountain that inspired the Paramount Pictures logo) and other snow-capped peaks. From the arrival point, a lookout is just a 30-minute walk away. Kayaks can also be rented on site. Includes private car transport, guide, lunch and first-aid kit — does not include entry to Huascarán National Park (5 soles per person) or tips.
14km from Huaraz, in the Cordillera Negra — a short hike ideal for acclimatizing, with views of the many peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Includes transport, guide, first-aid kit and lunch — does not include tips.
A natural lookout west of Huaraz with one of the best panoramic views of the entire Cordillera Blanca and the Callejón de Huaylas. Reached almost entirely by vehicle, with a short walk to the highest point.
A glacial lake at the foot of the Hualcán peak, with a final zigzag stretch over moraine that requires good physical condition. It takes its name from Glacier No. 513, listed in the national glacier inventory.
