Huaraz is the mountaineering capital of Peru and the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. We are a Peruvian agency operating here, and this is the honest guide to the 8 full-day tours that run daily: what you will see, how much it costs, the altitude and — most importantly — how demanding each one is.
First things first: acclimatisation is not optional
Huaraz sits at 3,052 m above sea level and almost every tour climbs above 4,000 m. If you have just arrived from the coast, spend at least 1–2 nights in town before heading to the high routes. Start with the easy tours and leave Lake 69 or Pastoruri for day 3 onwards. Read our altitude tips before you go.
1. Huaraz City Tour & Monterrey Hot Springs — S/ 60
Half day (3.5 h) · 3,050 m · Easy. The best first day: you get to know the city, the Rataquenua viewpoint, and finish relaxing in the Monterrey hot springs. Perfect for acclimatising without effort.
2. Llanganuco Lakes & Callejón de Huaylas — S/ 70
Full day (10 h) · 3,850 m · Easy–Moderate. The turquoise Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes, framed by Huascarán (6,768 m) and Huandoy. There is barely any hiking: it offers the best scenery-to-effort ratio in Huaraz.
3. Pastoruri Glacier — Climate Change Route — S/ 70
Full day (8.5 h) · 5,240 m · Moderate (high altitude). One of the few glaciers in the world where you can walk right up to the ice. The hike is short (about 40 minutes) but the altitude hits hard. On the way you will see the Puya Raimondi, the plant that flowers only once in its life.
4. Punta Olímpica & the Village of Chacas — S/ 70
Full day (10 h) · 4,735 m · Moderate. You cross the highest road tunnel in the Americas, between rock walls and hanging glaciers, and descend to the colonial village of Chacas, famous for its woodcarving school. One of the most scenic and least crowded tours.
5. Chavín de Huántar — S/ 70
Full day (10 h) · 3,180 m (pass at 4,500 m) · Moderate. The only archaeological tour on the list: a UNESCO World Heritage complex over 3,000 years old, with underground galleries and the famous Lanzón monolith. Ideal if you want culture as well as mountains.
6. Lake Parón — S/ 80
Full day (12 h) · 4,185 m · Easy–Moderate. The largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca, deep turquoise, with views of Artesonraju (the peak said to have inspired the Paramount Pictures logo). Only 15–20 minutes uphill to the viewpoint: world-class scenery for little effort.
7. Lake Rocutuyoc (Frozen Lake) — S/ 80
Full day (8.5 h) · 4,550 m · Moderate. A less crowded alternative, with ice lakes and high-mountain landscapes. A good option if you want to escape the busier routes.
8. Lake 69 — Trekking — S/ 75
Full day (14 h, 6 h hiking) · 4,604 m · Demanding. The most famous trek in Peru after the Inca Trail. Electric-turquoise water with the Chacraraju waterfall spilling straight into it. Requires good fitness and at least 2 nights of prior acclimatisation — not for your first day.
Which one should you choose?
- First day in Huaraz: City Tour + Monterrey hot springs (S/ 60).
- Maximum scenery, minimum effort: Llanganuco (S/ 70) or Lake Parón (S/ 80).
- I want to walk on a glacier: Pastoruri (S/ 70).
- I love photography and epic roads: Punta Olímpica (S/ 70).
- I'm interested in history: Chavín de Huántar (S/ 70).
- I'm a trekker and acclimatised: Lake 69 (S/ 75).
Recommended 4-day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival + City Tour and Monterrey hot springs (acclimatisation).
- Day 2: Llanganuco Lakes or Lake Parón (moderate altitude, little effort).
- Day 3: Pastoruri Glacier or Punta Olímpica (now acclimatised).
- Day 4: Lake 69 (the most demanding, with 3 days of acclimatisation behind you).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Huaraz?
The dry season, May to September, offers clear skies and the best trekking conditions. From December to March it rains more, the landscape is green and there are fewer people.
Are entrance tickets included?
No. Entrance to Huascarán National Park and archaeological sites is paid separately (different rates for Peruvians and foreign visitors).
Do I need mountaineering experience?
For 7 of the 8 tours, no: being acclimatised and able to walk normally is enough. Only Lake 69 demands good fitness, with its 6 hours of hiking.
How do I book?
Write to us through the contact form or on WhatsApp at +51 992 745 281. Daily departures from Huaraz with certified local guides.
