Our classic day treks bring together the very best of the Huaraz region, revealing some of the most beautiful lakes, landscapes and stunning mountain views in the Cordillera Blanca. Depending on your length of stay, we highly recommend incorporating these treks into you trekking itinerary.
The adjacent Lake & Ruins of Keushu is the perfect option for those who have just arrived. Depending on how far you want to walk, either head to the lakes edge (45mins) or hike up and round the lake on the single-track trail (2hrs) to enjoy the great views of the nearby peaks. Whatever option you choose, this trek makes for a great introduction to the surrounding area and a perfect way to gradually acclimatise. Keep your eyes peeled for Patagonia Gigas, the largest Hummingbird on the planet.
Atma Hill offers a great way to ease into things and acclimatise at your own pace. With little elevation gain or loss, the walk is peaceful & relaxing whilst offering exceptional views back onto the Huandoy & Huascaran Peaks. Pass small Andean Adobe mud houses, through a small forest, and pick your spot for lunch with 360-degree views of the Cordillera Blanca & Negra.
The Llanganuco Lakes are the main attractions of the park, situated a 45 minute taxi ride away from the lodge. Located in between the towering black vertiginous valley cliff faces, the lakes sit at the bottom of the Huascaran Peaks, with spectacular views down towards to Cordillera Negra. Depending on how far you want to walk, choose your preferred drop off point and then make your way back down the valley to descend through the cloud forest on a pre-Columbian trail. NOTE: Taxi Drop Off Required – S/. 70
Leave direct from the lodge doorstep and head down to Lake Keushu, to follow the narrow trail that runs alongside a mountain stream that climbs around the lake. Enjoy the increasingly impressive views as you gain height, before entering the narrow, vertiginous gorge of Rajururi – meaning ‘Ice Behind’ in Quechua. Follow the trail uphill towards the 700m towering cliff with its plummeting waterfall, where you will find the lowest ice in the Cordillera Blanca. Here, the Incas have harvested ice for generations, that they use to make cold flavoured drinks. Expect not see another soul during your entire days trekking.
Lake 69 is renowned as one of the most beautiful day treks in the world and a real gem of the National Park that comes highly recommended. As a challenging walk due to the altitude gain, it is wise to attempt this trek once well acclimatised, to maximise your enjoyment and chances of reaching the lake. After a short 45 min taxi ride into the park, you will arrive at the trailhead. From Cebollapampa (3900m), follow the meandering river to the back of the Demanda valley, passing two waterfalls with stunning views back down the valley to Huascaran. After the first ascent, you will arrive at Lake 68, before crossing a flat pampa to tackle the last steep section to arrive at the impressively electric aquamarine coloured Lake 69. After descending the taxi will take you back to the lodge.
NOTE: All Day Taxi Required – S/. 130
Head up into the clouds, and prepare yourself to see one of the most spectacular sunrises with an impressive views down towards the Llanganuco Lakes and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Recommended only for those that are well acclimatised, a pre-arranged taxi will pick you up at 4.30am and drive you up to the pass, in time to see the light show on the east side of the giants of the Andes. After taking some stunning photos, climb up the pre-Columbian trail to the ridge to gain an elusive 4800m, before descending the Inca trail to Cebollapampa via ancient terracing.
NOTE: Taxi Required: S/. 160 (drop-off & pick-up included)
If you would like us to design a personalised itinerary based on your individual requirements, please fill in the form below with the relevant information.
