Laguna 69 Day Trek
The turquoise glacial lake beneath Chacraraju that put Huaraz on the world hiking map - a full-day trek in Huascaran National Park that climbs to about 4,600 metres and rewards you with one of the Andes' most photographed views.
Peru
Huaraz
Huaraz is the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range on Earth, where more than 600 glaciers, turquoise lakes and peaks above 6,000 metres sit inside Huascaran National Park.
This guide covers the headline day trips - Laguna 69, Pastoruri Glacier, Llanganuco and Paron - alongside the Chavin de Huantar temple, the Santa Cruz and Huayhuash treks, beginner glacier climbs, quad bikes, horse rides and Andean food. It also pairs each outing with a place to stay, from central Huaraz hotels to quiet bases in Monterrey, Anta and Carhuaz, and with practical advice on altitude, seasons and building a sensible itinerary.
Don't miss
Laguna 69 Day Trek
The turquoise glacial lake beneath Chacraraju that put Huaraz on the world hiking map - a full-day trek in Huascaran National Park that climbs to about 4,600 metres and rewards you with one of the Andes' most photographed views.
Pastoruri Glacier
A high-altitude glacier day trip that is easier on the legs than most Cordillera Blanca outings - drive close to 5,000 metres, walk to the ice edge and see first-hand how fast tropical glaciers are shrinking.
Chavin de Huantar
A UNESCO-listed pre-Inca temple complex over 2,500 years old, with underground stone galleries, carved heads and the mysterious Lanzon monolith - the cultural highlight of the Huaraz region.
Llanganuco Lakes
Two glacier-fed lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha, set beneath Huascaran and Huandoy - a scenic day tour with easy lakeside walks, the Portachuelo pass and some of the Cordillera Blanca's most dramatic views.
Things to do in Huaraz
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Pastoruri Glacier
A high-altitude glacier day trip that is easier on the legs than most Cordillera Blanca outings - drive close to 5,000 metres, walk to the ice edge and see first-hand how fast tropical glaciers are shrinking.
Chavin de Huantar
A UNESCO-listed pre-Inca temple complex over 2,500 years old, with underground stone galleries, carved heads and the mysterious Lanzon monolith - the cultural highlight of the Huaraz region.
Llanganuco Lakes
Two glacier-fed lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha, set beneath Huascaran and Huandoy - a scenic day tour with easy lakeside walks, the Portachuelo pass and some of the Cordillera Blanca's most dramatic views.
Laguna Paron
The largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca, a vivid turquoise basin at about 4,185 metres ringed by glaciers and the pyramid of Artesonraju - reached by road, so the views come with very little walking.
Santa Cruz Trek
The classic four-day trek across the Cordillera Blanca - a high pass at Punta Union, glacial valleys, turquoise lakes and views of Alpamayo, often called the most beautiful mountain in the world.
Huascaran National Park Highlights
A UNESCO World Heritage park of more than 600 glaciated peaks, turquoise lakes and high valleys - home to Huascaran, Peru's highest mountain at 6,768 metres, and the setting for nearly every great day out from Huaraz.
Puya Raimondi at Titanca
The world's largest bromeliad, standing up to ten metres tall on the high puna near Catac - a rare, century-long plant that blooms once and dies, best seen on the road to Pastoruri.
Laguna Churup
The best acclimatisation hike near Huaraz - a short, steep half-day climb to a glacial lake at about 4,450 metres, with a rope-assisted rock section and wide views of the Cordillera Blanca.
Nevado Mateo Climb
A beginner-friendly glacier climb to a 5,150-metre summit near Huaraz - a one-day introduction to crampons, ice axes and the thrill of standing on a snow peak, with a guide who handles the technical parts.
Yungay and the Callejon de Huaylas
A full-day drive through the Santa River valley to Yungay, buried by the 1970 earthquake avalanche, and on to Caraz and the Llanganuco gateway - a moving history lesson with big mountain views.
Huayhuash Circuit
One of the world's great high-altitude treks - a loop of around 130 kilometres in the Cordillera Huayhuash, with Yerupaja, Siula Grande and passes above 4,800 metres. A serious expedition for experienced hikers.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Hotel Santa Cruz
Central Huaraz
A central three-star base in Huaraz, convenient for early tour pickups, restaurants and the market, and a practical choice for hikers who want a simple, comfortable room at the start of a mountain trip.
Check rates →Cordillera Hotel
Huaraz
A three-star hotel in Huaraz named for the range outside its windows - a straightforward, practical stay for travellers who want a comfortable room, an early breakfast and quick access to the city's tour operators.
Check rates →Hotel La Joya
Huaraz
A three-star hotel in Huaraz with a name that means the jewel, offering a calm and practical stay for travellers who divide their time between mountain days and quiet evenings in the city.
Check rates →Selina Huaraz
Huaraz
A social, design-minded stay from a hospitality brand known for hybrid hostel-hotel spaces, shared lounges and activity programmes - popular with younger travellers and remote workers who want company between mountain days.
Check rates →Hotel Morales
Huaraz
A three-star Huaraz hotel for travellers who want a simple, well-priced room close to the action - good for short stays, early tours and trips that start and end in the city.
Check rates →Hotel de Turistas Huaraz
Huaraz
A three-star hotel in the long tradition of Peru's tourist hotels - a calm, comfortable choice for travellers who like a quieter setting and a more traditional style of service.
Check rates →Hotel El Patio de Monterrey
Monterrey / Independencia
A quieter stay in Monterrey, just outside Huaraz and close to the town's thermal baths - for travellers who prefer a calmer base to the busy centre and do not mind a short ride into the city.
Check rates →Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel
Anta
A boutique-style hotel in Anta, north of Huaraz in the Callejon de Huaylas valley - a peaceful, scenic option for travellers who want a calm setting with mountain views and are happy to drive or ride into the city.
Check rates →Hotel El Abuelo
Carhuaz
A small-town stay in Carhuaz, a friendly market town north of Huaraz with views of Huandoy and Hualcan - a good option for travellers heading to Llanganuco, Laguna 69 or the Santa Cruz trailhead.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Laguna 69 Day TrekStay
Hotel Santa CruzCentral Huaraz
Do
Pastoruri GlacierStay
Selina HuarazHuaraz
Do
Chavin de HuantarStay
Cordillera HotelHuaraz
Huaraz guides
Huaraz in Three Days: Acclimatise, Hike and See the Lakes
A realistic three-day plan that eases you into the altitude, saves Laguna 69 for the right moment and still fits in the lakes, the market and a cultural day.
The Best Time to Visit Huaraz: Seasons, Weather and Crowds
When to go for clear skies, when the lakes look best and what the rainy season really means for hiking, climbing and driving in the Cordillera Blanca.
Altitude in Huaraz: How to Acclimatise and Stay Well
A practical guide to altitude in Huaraz, from the first night at 3,050 metres to the high lakes and passes, with a sensible order of hikes and warning signs to watch for.
Huaraz Day Trips Compared: Which Excursions Are Worth Your Time
A side-by-side look at the main day trips from Huaraz, from Laguna 69 and Pastoruri to Chavin, Paron and Llanganuco, with effort, altitude and scenery for each.
Trekking the Cordillera Blanca: Santa Cruz, Huayhuash and Beyond
How to choose between Santa Cruz, Huayhuash and shorter routes, what fitness and gear you need, and how to find a responsible operator in Huaraz.
Where to Stay in Huaraz: Central Hotels, Quiet Valleys and Small Towns
How to choose between central Huaraz, Monterrey, Anta and Carhuaz, with notes on what each base offers for tours, treks and rest days.
