A Guide to the Best Hiking in Huaraz Peru

Embark on a thrilling adventure amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Huaraz, Peru – the unequivocal haven for hiking enthusiasts. Nestled amidst snow-capped Andean peaks and soaring altitudes, the Cordillera Blanca and Huascaran National Park beckon with some of the most awe-inspiring trails in the country.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the realm of the Best Hiking in Huaraz, unravelling the reasons why this city and its surrounding region stand out as a premier destination for avid hikers.

Join us as we navigate through the details of four top-notch hiking trails, providing insights on how to reach each destination, tips for organizing independent trips, and other crucial information that will elevate your outdoor experience in this captivating Peruvian locale. Get ready to lace up your boots and explore the unparalleled beauty that awaits in Huaraz Peru.

Best Hiking trails in Huaraz

1. Mirador Rataquenua

Whilst most guides focus solely on the big and impressive hikes, this short hike is very understated yet a great way to spend a few hours in Huaraz. It’s especially good for those who have just arrived and need some acclimating to the higher altitude. Mirador Rataquenua is actually located within the city of Huaraz and can be walked up to within 1 hour

The winding and steep route can sometimes make it difficult to breathe, so be sure to make frequent stops along the way and to bring lots of water.

Along the trail, one will see many runners going about their daily training (very impressive due to the altitude and it just shows how the body can adapt), as well as many shrubs and cacti lining the dirt path.

At the top, there is a giant cross on a hill making for a great photo. From here one can also see the Cordillera Blanca looming over Huaraz, with the snow-capped peaks making for a stunning panoramic shot.

There are also local vendors who have some snacks at the top, but as always it’s recommended to stock up on food and water before making the trip.

Also make sure to put on sunscreen, as whilst it can be cold (especially in the evening), the sun can still easily burn due to the much higher altitude. It’s completely free to visit, however, you can take the taxi back down or up which costs around 20 soles each way.

• Type: Short walk to a viewpoint
• Distance: 7 km return (2-3h)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Leave from: Huaraz city center

2. Laguna Paron

This stunning alpine lake is one of the most beautiful and popular to visit in the Ancash region. However what most don’t realize is that it can be hiked without a tour, and is actually more rewarding doing so like this!

Laguna Parón is a crystal-blue lake (sometimes having a green tint depending on the cloud cover) that is surrounded by white-tipped mountains and rugged terrain.

It’s by far one of the best photo ops in the region. Parón sits at an altitude of 4,200m, making it one of the lesser high destinations in this hiking guide, and a great way to get acclimated before attempting any of the higher and more strenuous hikes in the region.

As mentioned it can get quite pretty popular with many tourist buses arriving around mid-day, however, if you get up early enough it’s possible to have this gem free of the crowds.

First take the bus from Huaraz to Caraz, which takes around 2 hours, and then a colectivo to Pueblo Parón which marks the start of the trailhead. To save time, you can also stay in Pueblo Parón beforehand to make things easier. The trail takes around 3 hours and covers 10km of a slow incline.

Even though this all seems like a lot of time, you will still arrive before the crowds. Once at Laguna Parón, the lake can be enjoyed from the bottom with numerous small boats offering to take you out.

Alternatively, make the further 45-minute hike up to the mirador for the absolute best panoramic photos possible!

Info: if you prefer to join a tour, you can find a guide directly in Huaraz or book online to secure a spot. Check the price and availability here. Most tours will take you directly to the base of the lake which means you will only have to hike 30 min.

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 10 km return (2-3h) – unless you take a tour: 2km (30 min)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Leave from: Laguna Paron Car Park

3. Nevado Mateo

This snow-capped peak is one of the best one-day experiences that one can have of exploring the more hidden gems of the Huascaran National Park.

The peak is located at a lofty 5,180m, so it’s definitely recommended to start with some smaller hikes to gradually ease the body into the higher altitudes.

Whilst the others feature glacial lakes and miradores, here, you will ascend up rocky landscapes as well as through the snow to reach a peak with simply breathtaking views. From here one can see the 6,000+m peaks that surround Mateo as well as many alpine lakes down below and into the horizon.

Nevado Mateo is not a straightforward climb either, with ropes needed for the start as well as crampons and other equipment for the hike up. Whilst one can drive to the base camp and then start the hike, we would recommend to hire a guide unless you are very experienced in mountaineering.

Whilst this wouldn’t be an independent hike this way per se, it will still feel very much off the beaten path as not many do this climb and there’ll be few other people on the mountain too.

The tour leaves at around 4:00 am and arrives at the base camp around 6:00 am, where the first part of the hiking involves using ropes to ascend the jagged rocks that mark the start of the trail. The second part involves climbing up the glacier to the peak.

The cost of the tour starts at around 200 Soles, however, many companies in Huaraz offer this tour so it’s possible to get it at a cheaper rate. It’s also important to mention that the Huascaran National Park has an entrance fee of 30 Soles for the day, which is not included in the tour price.

Info: If you don’t have much time in Peru and need organisation, you can book a tour online but expect the cost to be a bit higher than if you were booking directly in Huaraz.

• Type: Summit climb
• Distance: 3km (4hours return) – account for a 9 h guided tour from Huaraz
• Difficulty: Challenging

4. Pastoruri Glacier

Pastoruri is actually a mountain, however, at the top one will find the breathtaking glacier that many come to Huaraz to visit.

It’s located in the Cordillera Blanca (Blanca mountain range) and is one of only a handful of remaining glaciers in the tropics of South America.

Situated at 5,250m, it’s the highest peak on our guide so it’s best to leave this one until last once the body has gone through the acclimation process. This can be done either by competing for smaller hikes, spending more days in Huaraz as well as speeding up the process by taking anti-sickness medications.

Whilst independent travel is the top preference, unfortunately, the bus that comes here has since stopped. However, it’s included here as it’s an absolute must-visit. You can leave with a tour from Huaraz which will take you to the Huascaran National Park and all the way up (along or off the World’s highest paved roads).

Once here, you can do the trek independently and take your time to explore the glacier and surrounding landscapes. If one really wants the feel without a tour, then a taxi can be taken to the trailhead however this will be quite expensive. The tour itself costs around 60 Soles, which includes transport to and from Huaraz.

Info: Check availability here, if you need to book a Pastoruri Glacier tour.

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 4 km (1-2 hours)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Leave from: Nevado Pastoruri Car Park

Other Day hikes in Huaraz

5. Laguna Churup

Laguna Churup stands out as a top-rated self-guided day hike, praised for its accessibility and relatively low tourist footprint. Its trailhead, easily reachable from Huaraz, marks the beginning of a scenic yet straightforward path within the majestic Huascaran National Park, near Pitek.

This 6 km round trip ascends to a height of 4,450 meters so make sure you are well acclimitized to high altitude before heading to the Laguna Churup. It is an easy day trip that can be done independently by taking a 45-min bus to the trailhead. The trail is about 3km to the lake, which should take in average 1.5 hours one way.

The trail’s entrance fee to Huascaran National Park is 30 soles, but if you plan on doing more activities in the area over a few days, you can also buy a 3-day pass for 60 soles or even a month pass for 150 soles.

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 6 km (5 hours) not including transport there
• Difficulty: Moderate

6. Laguna 69

Laguna 69, nestled at 4,600 meters above sea level, has become a magnet for those venturing to Huaraz, drawn by its striking crystal blue waters set against the backdrop of Chakrarahu’s icy summit.

The best way to get there is to join a guided tour. While this hike can be accessed independently, its recent Instagram fame has made it more accessible and cheaper than trying to get there on your own.

Day tours to Laguna 69 leave from Huaraz in the early morning (around 5 am). Because it takes about 3.5 hours to get to the start of the hike, you should be on your way from 9 am. Once at the trailhead you will be left free to walk the 14 km return on your own but asked to return to the bus at a specific time (usually around 3:30 pm).

This day tour to Laguna 69 from Huaraz has really good reviews.

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 14 km (6 hours)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Leave from: Cebolla Pampa

7. Four Lagunas tour

The Four Lagunas Trek is a remarkable hike near Huaraz, through the Ancash region’s high-altitude landscapes, featuring the enchanting Laguna Radian, Mullaca, Carhuac, and Ahuac.

Starting from Huaraz, the trek’s trailhead is easily accessible by taking a colectivo from the corner of Jr. Cajamarca and 13 De Diciembre to Wilcahuain, with services running every 10 minutes from 6 am (about 2.50 soles each way).

The journey itself, through the Four Lagunas, offers a diverse and thrilling hiking experience, navigating through challenging terrains and rewarding trekkers with some of the most stunning sceneries in Huaraz. Although this is not for the fainted heart. Encompassing approximately 24 km, this hike at such altitude is very demanding.

If you are not comfortable hiking on your own, you can join a 2-day tour including transportation, camping equipment, meals and a certified guide. I couldn’t find any tours to book online, but you can do so in Huaraz directly!

• Type: Loop Hike
• Distance: 24 km (10 hours)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Leave from: Wilcahuain

8. Laguna 513

Laguna 513, set within the stunning Cordillera Blanca and overshadowed by the majestic Nevado Hualcán, offers a remarkable hiking experience characterized by its serene beauty and the vibrant turquoise hue of its waters. The lake itself will more than likely remind you of Laguna 69, but here, no hoard of tourists! Laguna 513 is not as popular and well worth a day trip.

The Laguna 513 hike however is known for its moderate to challenging difficulty due to the high altitude, reaching up to 4,430 meters. You will need to be well-acclimatized to the altitude before attempting this trail. Though, despite the strenuous journey, the path leading to Laguna 513 is well-marked, passing through picturesque cascades and the emerald waters of Laguna Rajupaquinan before revealing the breathtaking expanse of Laguna 513 itself​.

The hike spans approximately 14 km and offers diverse and captivating scenery, from agricultural lands to the striking views of Huascarán mountain.

You can get to the start of the trail by taxi from Huaraz or by taking a colectivo to Carhuaz (and a quick taxi to Shonquilpampa area). If you want to join a tour, you should be able to find one from the city directly.

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 15 km (9 hours)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Leave from: Carhuaz (Shonquilpampa)

Why Hiking in Huaraz?

Over the years, Huaraz has earned its reputation as the adventure capital of Peru, offering not only hiking and trekking but also a myriad of thrilling things to do in Huaraz. The city serves as a gateway to some of the country’s most iconic trekking routes, promising an unforgettable experience for all who seek the thrill of the great outdoors.

For many travellers exploring Peru and its mountainous tourist attractions, Huaraz has always been one of the classic staples to visit. Sitting at an altitude of 3,052m, the city itself is surrounded by a vast sea of white mountains and jagged peaks, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking.

Most of the hiking trails are fairly close to the city, quite accessible and can be completed within a day making Huaraz a great place to spend a few days. Some of the best day hikes in Huaraz will take you to beautiful alpine lakes, and incredible viewpoints of the Andes. Below we have details the 4 best hikes in Huaraz that we know you will absolutely love during your trip in Peru.

TIPS for Hiking Safely in Huaraz

The most important advice is to properly prepare for higher altitudes. Huaraz sits at an altitude of 3,000+ meters, and even here the altitude can be felt when walking around town.

And this is without even taking into account the hikes in the surrounding region that can be above 4,000m or even 5,000m, making symptoms more likely and severe the higher one goes.

As with most places, travellers go hiking while backpacking in South America at these altitudes, it becomes very difficult to breathe with less oxygen readily available in the air, which commonly leads to altitude sickness.

The best ways to prepare for higher altitudes are to acclimatize properly by spending a few days relaxing at a higher altitude for the body to get used to it, as well as taking altitude sickness pills (known locally as Soroche pills). These can be bought from any Inkafarma or pharmacy in town. Another good method for preventing altitude sickness is to drink Coca-leaf tea.

Another top recommendation is to seek local advice on hikes in the region. Whilst independent travelling is our main aim, one can still go to tour companies to get important tips and information before attempting a new hike.

Whilst most of the hikes in this guide can be done independently, others in this region would be pretty reckless to attempt alone, not to mention if you don’t have the right experience level.

Important factors to take into account are the altitude, difficulty level as well as the tendency for the weather to change drastically without much warning.

How to get to Huaraz

Located 400km north of Lima, it can be reached by bus which takes around 6 hours. There are numerous bus companies in the Plaza Norte Terminal that offer many departures daily, which is interesting due to its more remote location.

Those who are backpacking Peru on a modest budget will find the buses are quite cheap (from €12- and even less if one buys in the station closer to the departure time as discounts can then be made) and tend to be of great quality in Peru, with reclining seats as well as being a direct journey with no stops along the way.

Aside from the hiking, the city of Huaraz itself is pretty interesting to visit and to also wander around on days of rest and in between hikes. The Plaza de Armas is a great place for a stroll and to relax with the imposing cathedral located on the North end.

For those who love colonial streets, be sure to visit Jirón José Olaya, which gives a great look into Huaraz’s past. It’s the only street still standing in the city after numerous earthquakes had destroyed pretty much everything else.

Where to stay in Huaraz

The town of Huaraz offers multiple types of accommodation available to every budget. Below is a selection of places you might want to check out while preparing for your trip.

• Selina is a chain of Hostels offering high-quality accommodation across South America. In Huaraz, they offer ladies-only dorms for €12, family rooms (from €60) and a lovely decorated deluxe Double with a private bathroom (€59) – Check prices & availability here.
• Villa Valencia is a 3-star hotel with private bungalows for large groups. Double rooms also start at €34 a night – Check this hotel’s availability here.

You can also, use the map below to find a place to stay in the area of your choice:

Booking.com