The Huascaran National Park is located in the heart of Peru’s mountainous Cordillera Blanca region. Home to some of the world’s best day and multi-day treks, the park offers a range of trekking suitable for different levels of fitness and abilities. If it’s a lung busting climb into the thickness of the clouds or a gentle riverside strolls you are after, the region’s diversity provides a wilderness so vast and beautiful that it’s difficult to comprehend.
Surrounded by serrated snow-capped peaks, electric-blue glacial meltwater lakes and contrasting flora and fauna, it’s almost impossible to narrow down the very best treks. Ranging from high-octane multi-day adventures to mind-blowing day treks, it is not uncommon to be the only soul lapping all this up. For now, the Cordillera Blanca’s trails and hidden gems remain relatively off-the-beaten track, but for how long?
Below we have put together a list of some of our favourite multi-day and day treks.
Lake 69 – 4650m (6hrs)
Lake 69 has become increasingly popular over the past few years (for good reason), putting it on the stage amongst the best day treks in the world. The trek is challenging due to the altitude, beginning at 3900m and finishing at the electric aqua-marine coloured Lake 69 at 4650m. After a short 35-min taxi ride from the park entrance, you will arrive at the trek trailhead. Set-off on a well established trail that winds up the Demanda valley from Cebollapampa, past a huge waterfall & a small lake affording open views of the twin peaks of the Huascaran massif. Passing some ruins, you’ll attain the last set of switchbacks, before staggering onto the banks of the aqua-marine coloured Lake 69 hemmed in by the peaks of Chacaraju (6112m) & Pisco (5752m).
Santa Cruz – 4750m (3-4days)
The Santa Cruz circuit is a multi-day trek that is normally completed in 3-4 nights, depending on individual fitness and time restraints. The 50km trail takes you deep into the heart of the mountains through open valleys, passing glacial meltwater lakes heading up to one of the highest passes in the region – Punta Union (4750m). At this dizzying height the views of the surrounding peaks are unprecedented, bringing into sight the Andean giants Alpamayo, Santa Cruz, Taulliraju and Rinrijircas, among others. Trekkers can choose to start at either Vaqueria or Cashapampa, with both routes offering an equally exceptional trekking experience in one of the most picturesque valleys in the Cordillera Blanca region.
Llanganuco Lakes – 3850m (6 hours)
The Llanganuco Lakes are one of the most iconic treks in the park. Located just inside the park entrance, a short taxi ride (30mins from park entrance) will have you positioned at either Chinacocha or Orgoncocha. Head back down the valley and walk alongside the lakes and the vertiginous black walled cliffs, that are offset against the pristine glacial meltwater lakes creating a spectacular view back down the valley. After skirting the lakes and passing Chinacocha enter the cloud forest, and onto a little known pre-Columbian trail to make your way downhill hugging the river, passing a crashing waterfall whilst ducking and weaving through the bromeliad canopies and dense vegetation. Next you will cross a pre-Inca stone bridge before reaching the park entrance.
Huayhuash Circuit – 5000m (8-10days)
Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash circuit is one of South America’s and the world’s most under-rated yet mind-blowing multi-day treks. High altitude passes, turquoise lakes, thermal baths and an abundance of glistening snow-capped peaks and first class mountain scenery are what summarise this adventure into the wilderness. Due to it’s remote location and demanding route, the trek can take between 8-12 days depending on whether you are hiking independently or in a group, your fitness level and time restraints. However, most people start from Matacancha and finish in the town of Llamac, although there are alternative options. Along the way the trail takes you on a complete loop crossing several spectacular passes, two of which top out at over 5000m. Among the many notable peaks visible on the trek are Rondoy, Ninashanca, Jirishanca, Yerupajá chico, Yerupajá and the famous Siula Grande, which was real life setting for Joe Simpson’s “Touching the Void” novel.
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Due to the altitude of some of the treks it is necessary to acclimatise properly, to avoid the effects of altitude sickness and maximise your enjoyment of the area. Llanganuco Mountain Lodge has a prime location just 25 minutes from the entrance to the Huascaran National Park giving clients great access and time to adjust to the environment. All of these treks are accessible if not right from our doorstep, or a couple of hours’ taxi ride away.
Why stay in Huaraz when you can be on the doorstep to all the action?
