Laguna 69 (or Lake 69) has become a popular Peru hike as of late and it’s no surprise why! After an endorphin inducing hike, you’re rewarded with stunning views of glacial turquoise waters surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Huascaran National Park. This trek in Huaraz, Peru has put Northern Peru on the must-visit list for many travelers. Are you one of those wanderlusters?
Huaraz
Up to 16 people
Group
Adventure Hike
Challenging
April to September
Start our journey early in the morning, pick up at 4:30am from your accommodation and begin our drive along the Callejon de Huaylas Valley. Drive to the north of Huaraz passing the cities of Carhuaz and Yungay, then through some Andean farming villages and entering into the Huascaran National Park. It takes 3 hours to get to the trailhead at Cebollapampa at 3,900m/12,795ft. We have a good breakfast before starting our hike on a well formed path.
A gentle hike for one hour following Demanda Valley then climb on a zig zag track for about 40 minutes to Chaquicocha saddle which opens a big flat valley and from here we can see the moraine wall that holds Laguna 69.
Feel the effects of the altitude at this point and we take advantage of the flat pampa to catch our breath. Then we continue to walk for 30 minutes to the bottom of the moraine wall before facing our final 40 minute climb up a steep zig zag path to our final destination: Laguna 69 Lake at 4604m/15,104ft. Explore this beautiful lake of the most brilliant blue colour and take plenty of memorable photos.
The lake is surrounded by the mountains Chacrarju and Pisco which leave marvelous reflections on the blue lake water. On the return walk we look directly towards the mountains Huascaran being the highest tropical mountain in the world, Chopicalqui and Yanapaccha.
14,927 feet (4,550 meters) above sea level. Huaraz, Peru altitude: 10,013 feet (3,052 meters) above sea level.
This depends on your hiking experience, especially in high altitude. While the trail is moderate, there are steep inclines that ascend you to just shy of 15,000 feet. (4,550 meters) above sea level. Altitude makes this trek difficult. To put it into perspective, the northern Everest Basecamp sits at 16,900 feet (5,150 meters).
Expert Peruvian guide & Travel Advisor; Saul Alvarez Montalvo from SAM Corporation says: “I would recommend at least two or three days to acclimate prior to starting the Laguna 69 hike. Laguna 69 is at 15,000ft and requires proper acclimitization to avoid altitude sickness.”
6-7 hours roundtrip depending on your pace and frequency for taking breaks.
You’ll be in a bus for a total amount of 6-7 hours roundtrip. Each way is about 3-4 hours with a short stop.
A gorgeous turquoise blue glacier-fed lake that lies at the bottom of incredibly huge snow-capped mountains.
A lot! Huaraz has its own rich culture and history worth exploring. Museums, ancient ruins, impressive flora and fauna, and breathtaking views can certainly be seen with minimal effort.
Dry season falls between the months of May to September. July is the driest month. However, weather changes quickly in this mountain region and even the dry season has its showers. With consistently inconsistent weather almost year-round there isn’t a bad time to visit Huaraz and trek to Laguna 69.
Wet season is from October to April. The same as wet season conditions if you’re also planning to hike the Inca Trail. The trail to Lake 69 is open to hikers during all seasons but during these months be sure to come extra prepared for periods of wet weather.
Prices
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Huaraz
The Callejon de Huaylas Valley
National park huascaran
Sam Corporations
Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.
The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide
We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans
Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.
We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment
Quality
Contact our travel advisors to plan the most complete trip of your life.
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Our guides are local and have vast knowledge in Peruvian culture and history.
100% local company. Development and environmental sustainability
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you an unforgettable experience
Discover an exceptional journey where perfection meets adventure.
