Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
Minibuses run from a small terminal along the highway to Caraz (S2, 15 minutes), Car-
huaz (S3.50, 30 minutes) and Huaraz (S5, 1¼ hours). Buses from Caraz to Lima and from
Huaraz to Chimbote pick up passengers at the Plaza de Armas.
Departures on beat-up buses from Huaraz to Pomabamba via Lagunas Llanganuco pass
by daily.
Lagunas Llanganuco
A dirt road ascends 1350m winding over 28km to the Llanganuco Valley and its two stun-
ning lakes, which are also known as Laguna Chinancocha and Laguna Orconcocha, 28km
northeast of Yungay. Nestled in a glacial valley just 1000m below the snow line, these
pristine lagoons practically glow under the sun in their bright turquoise and emerald hues.
There's a half-hour trail hugging Chinancocha past a jetty and picnic area to where sheer
cliffs plunge into the lake. You can take a boat out on the lake for S5, which is a popular
day-tripping spot from Huaraz, though count on six hours of travel to and from. Continu-
ing on the road past the lake there's a
mirador
with killer views of the mountain giants of
Huascarán (6768m), Chopicalqui (6345m), Chacraraju (6108m), Huandoy (6395m) and
others. The road continues over the pass of Portachuelo (4760m) to Yanama on the other
side of the Cordillera Blanca; several early-morning vehicles go from Huaraz going to
Yanama and beyond.
To reach the Lagunas Llanganuco, you can take a tour from Huaraz or use buses or tax-
is from Yungay. During the June to August high season, frequent minibuses leave from
Yungay's small terminal on the main highway (S15), allowing about two hours in the lake
area. A national-park admission fee of S5 is charged. During the rest of the year,
minibuses do the trip if there's enough demand.
Colectivo
taxis are available for S15 per
person each way. Go in the early morning for the clearest views, especially in the low sea-
son.
Caraz
043 / POP 13,100 / ELEV 2270M
