Laguna 69 trek from Huaraz: Turquoise lake at 4,650 meters
The lake sits at high altitude, ringed by the sheer ice walls of a towering peak.
A full-day guided trek from Huaraz to Laguna 69, a turquoise glacial lake in Peru's Cordillera Blanca at 4,650 meters elevation. The hike covers roughly six hours round-trip through montane forests and highland meadows, with views of Huascarán and Chacraraju. Private transport picks you up at your hotel at 5:00 AM, includes an official trekking guide and entrance fees to Huascarán National Park, and returns you to Huaraz by evening. The trek requires moderate physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Full-day trek to Laguna 69
- Hotel pick-up in Huaraz at 5:00 AM
- Private transport to Santa River Valley
- Pass through Yungay and Quebrada Llanganuco
- Arrive at Cebollapampa (3,850 m)
- Trek to Laguna 69 (4,650 m)
- Explore and photograph Laguna 69
- Return trek to Cebollapampa
- Private transport back to Huaraz
The experience
If you're in Huaraz with a full day free and want to reach one of the Cordillera Blanca's most famous lakes, this trek moves you from the city at 3,100 meters straight to the alpine zone. A private vehicle collects you from your hotel at 5:00 AM and drives through the Santa River Valley to Yungay, then into Quebrada Llanganuco, where the trailhead sits at 3,850 meters. From there, the path climbs through forests and marshy highland meadows bordered by steep ridges, passing several waterfalls before opening onto Laguna 69 itself: a deep turquoise pool surrounded by glacial moraines with Chacraraju's ice walls rising directly above it.
The round-trip hike takes roughly six hours, which includes time to rest and photograph at the lake. An official trekking guide leads the way and handles the logistics. Park entrance fees are covered. The terrain is moderate in difficulty but the altitude (you'll summit at 4,650 meters) demands a solid level of fitness. The descent follows the same route back to the vehicle, which then drives you back to Huaraz, arriving in the evening.
What’s included
- Private transport from your hotel at 5:00 AM and return to Huaraz.
- an official trekking guide speaking Spanish.
- entrance fees to Huascarán National Park.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Operated by Peru Expeditions Tours
Is this one for you?The guide leads in Spanish, so you'll follow comfortably if you speak the language or travel with someone who does. If Spanish is not your language, confirm the guide's English ability before booking, as commentary and safety instructions come through the guide alone.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
How high does the trek climb and what's the physical demand?
Laguna 69 sits at 4,650 meters elevation, roughly 800 meters above the trailhead. The trek is graded moderate difficulty and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The altitude and the sustained climbing make it unsuitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries.
What mountains will I see on the hike?
Huascarán, the highest peak in Peru, dominates the skyline behind you as you climb. Chacraraju, a technically demanding 6,000-meter peak with sheer ice walls, rises directly above Laguna 69 itself and is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the range.
What time does the day start and when do I return to Huaraz?
Hotel pickup happens at 5:00 AM from Huaraz. The full day runs roughly 12 hours from pickup to return, so you'll be back in the city by evening.
What's included in the trek price?
The package includes private transport from your hotel to the trailhead and back; an official trekking guide who speaks Spanish; and entrance fees to Huascarán National Park. You bring your own hiking clothes, shoes and personal gear.
Is this trek suitable for someone visiting the Cordillera Blanca for the first time?
Yes, if you have moderate fitness. Laguna 69 is one of the most famous and accessible high-altitude lakes in the range, and the guided format means you don't navigate alone. The altitude is significant (4,650 meters), so arrive in Huaraz a day or two early to acclimatize if you're coming from sea level.
Laguna 69 trek from Huaraz: Turquoise lake at 4,650 meters
12h · ES
from US$ 30 per person
5.002 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider