Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shorter hikes and treks are listed on
Click here
.
For longer, multiday options, turn to
Sights & Activities
PARQUE NACIONAL HUASCARÁN
(admission per day/week S5/65)
Established in 1975, this 3400-sq-km park encompasses prac-
tically the entire area of the Cordillera Blanca above 4000m, including more than 600 gla-
ciers and nearly 300 lakes, and protects extraordinary and endangered species such as the
giant
Puya raimondii
plant, the spectacled bear and the Andean condor.
Visitors should bring their passports to register at the park office in Huaraz (
Click here
) and pay the park fee. You can also do this at one of the control stations. Officials will not
sell park permits to trekkers or climbers who are not utilizing the services of a local re-
gistered agency or a local licensed guide.
| National Park
HUARAZ-WILKAHUAÍN- LAGUNA AHUAC
This is a relatively easy, well-marked day hike to Laguna Ahuac (4560m) starting from
Huaraz or the Wilkahuaín ruins (
Click here
). From Huaraz, the walk will take six hours;
from Wilkahuaín, four. It makes an excellent early acclimatization trip. Look for furry,
rabbitlike
vizcachas
sniffing around and the big mountain views of the Cordillera Blanca.
| Hiking
LAGUNA CHURUP
If overnight trekking isn't your bag, but you'd like to experience the sight of some of the
area's extravagant high-altitude lakes, this one-day hike is for you. It begins at the hamlet
of Pitec (3850m), just above Huaraz, and takes you to the emerald green Laguna Churup
(4450m), at the base of Nevado Churup. Note the altitudes and the ascent (it's a steep
600m straight up). The walk takes roughly six hours and is a good acclimatization hike. A
taxi from Huaraz to Pitec will cost about S30.
| Hiking
LAGUNA 69
A beautiful overnight trek offering backdrops dripping with marvelous views. The camp-
site is a true highlight: you'll wake up to morning views of Chopicalqui (6354m), Huas-
carán Sur (6768m) and Norte (6655m) all around you. From here, you'll then scramble up
to Laguna 69, which sits right at the base of Chacraraju (6112m). From there, the journey
takes you past the famous Llanganuco lakes - a lot of impressive scenery crammed into
48 hours.
| Hiking
