3-day Huaraz trek: Parón Lake, Pastoruri Glacier, Lake 69

Three days climbing from turquoise lakes to a glacier showing climate change.

A 3-day trek from Huaraz visiting three landmarks in the Cordillera Blanca: the turquoise Parón Lake on an easy-access day, the Pastoruri Glacier with its visible retreat and high-Andean plants, and Lake 69 after a demanding 3-hour ascent. The tour includes a live guide in English or Spanish, round-trip transport from your hotel, and a trekking guide for all three days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Visit Parón Lake and return to Huaraz

• Pick up from hotel at 5:30 a.m.
• Drive north from Huaraz to Caraz
• Stop in Caraz to buy supplies
• Short hike to Parón Lake viewpoint
• Optional kayak ride at Parón Lake
• Lunch at tourist restaurant (not included)
• Return to Huaraz by 6:30 p.m.

Day 2: Pastoruri Glacier and Puya Raimondii visit

• Depart hotel at 8:30 a.m. south of Huaraz
• Stop at Patococha (Duck Lagoon)
• Visit Puma Pampa Carbonated Spring
• Stop at Pumapashimi Lagoon (Seven Colors Spring)
• Visit Puya Raimondii plant
• Hike 40 minutes to Pastoruri Glacier
• Lunch in Ticapampa on return
• Return to Huaraz

Day 3: Trek to Lake 69 and return to Huaraz

• Pick up from hotel at 5:00 a.m.
• Drive through Callejón de Huaylas
• Breakfast stop at 7:30 a.m. (not included)
• Visit Llanganuco Valley lagoons
• Drive to Cebollapampa starting point
• Trek 3 hours to Lake 69
• Enjoy Lake 69 views
• Descend 2 hours back to Cebollapampa
• Return to Huaraz

The experience

The first day is built around Parón Lake, the largest in the Cordillera Blanca, known for its intense turquoise color and the peaks of Pirámide de Garcilaso and Artesonraju rising above it. You'll depart Huaraz at 5:30 a.m., pass through the traditional villages of Callejón de Huaylas, stop in Caraz to buy supplies, then take a short hike to the viewpoint at 4,155 meters. The lake is easy-access and built for photography. You're back in Huaraz by 6:30 p.m.

Day two heads south toward Pastoruri Glacier, known as the "Climate Change Route" for how visibly it has retreated. The 8:30 a.m. departure takes you through Recuay, Ticapampa, and Catac, with stops at Patococha lagoon to watch wild ducks, the Puma Pampa Carbonated Spring, Pumapashimi Lagoon with its seven color variations, and the towering Puya Raimondii plant. At Pastoruri Base Camp (5,050 m), a 40-minute hike brings you to the glacier itself. Horses are available for an extra cost. Lunch happens on the return trip through Ticapampa.

Day three is the demanding trek to Lake 69. You leave at 5:00 a.m., stop for breakfast in Yungay, drive through the Llanganuco Gorge to see the Chinancocha and Orconcocha lagoons, then start the trek from Cebollapampa. The 3-hour climb to Lake 69 (4,604 m) passes through valleys, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The lake's deep blue color and dramatic setting sit at the top. After time at the lake, a 2-hour descent brings you back to your waiting transport and the return to Huaraz.

What’s included

• Round-trip private or shared transportation from your hotel in Huaraz.
• a live trekking guide in English or Spanish for all three days.
• drop-off in Huaraz city center at the end.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Peru Expeditions Tours

Is this one for you?Day three climbs for three hours straight to reach Lake 69, and day two involves multiple high-altitude stops, so this trek suits travelers with at least moderate fitness who are ready for early starts and sustained walking at elevation. The first day's easy-access Parón Lake gives you a gentler introduction before the demands increase.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the physical demand like on each of the three days?

Day one to Parón Lake is easy-access with a short hike to the viewpoint. Day two involves stops at various lagoons and springs, then a 40-minute hike to Pastoruri Glacier at 5,050 meters. Day three is the most demanding: a 3-hour trek uphill to Lake 69 at 4,604 meters, followed by a 2-hour descent.

Do I need to bring my own food and water?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included, so you'll need to arrange or bring your own meals. On day one, you'll have time to buy water and food in Caraz before heading to Parón Lake. Lunch on days two and three happens at stops along the route, but you'll want to carry water for the trek itself.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes round-trip private or shared transportation from your hotel in Huaraz, a live guide in English or Spanish for all three days, and drop-off back in Huaraz city center. The entrance fee to Huascarán National Park is not included.

Is the Pastoruri Glacier still there, or has it melted completely?

Pastoruri Glacier still exists but has retreated significantly, which is why the route is called the "Climate Change Route." The 40-minute hike to the glacier from the base camp shows the visible environmental impacts of the glacier's retreat over recent decades.

Can I ride a horse instead of hiking to Pastoruri Glacier?

Yes, horses are available at Pastoruri Base Camp for an extra cost if you want to avoid the 40-minute hike to the glacier.

What time do I need to be ready for pickup each morning?

Day one pickup is from your hotel or the office, with departure at 5:30 a.m. Day two departs at 8:30 a.m. Day three begins at 5:00 a.m. with hotel pickups, so you'll need to be ready before dawn on days one and three.