Full Day Trek to Laguna 69 or Laguna Churup
The Laguna 69 trek takes you to one of the most spectacular glacial lakes in the Cordillera Blanca, at the foot of Chacraraju peak; alternatively, you can choose Laguna Churup, closer to Huaraz.
Turquoise waters at the foot of the glaciers
Summary
The Laguna 69 trek is considered one of the most beautiful day hikes in Peru. Located inside Huascarán National Park, at 4,600 meters above sea level, its intensely turquoise waters are surrounded by the glaciers of Chacraraju peak.
The tour begins with a drive through the Callejón de Huaylas and the Llanganuco lakes to Cebollapampa. From there, you hike through a glacial valley with waterfalls, grasslands and views of snow-capped peaks, until you reach the lake after about three hours of climbing.
As an alternative, we offer the hike to Laguna Churup, located closer to Huaraz, at the foot of the peak of the same name. It is a shorter route, although it has a rocky final section, so it is ideal as preparation for other high-altitude hikes. You can choose your lake when booking. Also, the Llanganuco Lakes tour is a gentler acclimatization option.
Highlights
Itinerary
05:00 - 05:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Huaraz before dawn.
Our team picks you up at your hotel in the early morning. Then we begin the drive to Huascarán National Park by tourist transportation.
05:30 - 08:00
Transfer and breakfast in Yungay
Drive through the Callejón de Huaylas, then breakfast in Yungay.
We drive through the Callejón de Huaylas and stop in Yungay for breakfast before entering the park.
08:00 - 08:45
Llanganuco lakes
Stop at the glacial lakes before the trailhead.
Then we climb the Llanganuco gorge, with a short stop to admire its turquoise lakes, until we reach Cebollapampa (3,900 m a.s.l.), the trailhead.
08:45 - 12:00
Climb to Laguna 69
Hike through a glacial valley until you reach the lake.
We start hiking through a valley with waterfalls and grasslands; then we follow a zigzag climb and a high plateau until we reach Laguna 69 at the foot of Chacraraju peak.
12:00 - 13:00
Laguna 69
Time to rest while you admire the lake.
You have time to rest, eat your box lunch and admire the turquoise color of the lake and the glaciers around it.
13:00 - 15:30
Descent to Cebollapampa
Return along the same trail.
Then we descend the same way to Cebollapampa, where our transportation is waiting.
15:30 - 19:00
Return to Huaraz
Return by tourist transportation during the afternoon.
Finally, we return to Huaraz through the Callejón de Huaylas and drop you off at your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Huaraz
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Mountain guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to Huascarán National Park
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Breakfast and box lunch
- Horse rental (subject to availability)
- Trekking poles
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Warm layered clothing, beanie and gloves
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Hiking shoes with good grip
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water and energy snacks
Cash for personal expenses
Passport or identification document
Altitude and acclimatization
Laguna 69 is at 4,600 meters. Therefore, it is essential to have spent at least two or three days in Huaraz and, preferably, to have done a previous acclimatization hike, such as Laguna Churup.
Best season
The tours operate all year. However, the best time is from May to September, the so-called Andean summer, with clear skies and better views of the snow-capped peaks.
Recommendations
It is a long hike, about six hours in total. Also, the guide may call for a return if the group does not reach the lake within the planned safety time, and swimming in the lake is not allowed.
Gallery
FAQ
Laguna 69 or Laguna Churup?
Laguna 69 is higher and longer, with views of several snow-capped peaks. In contrast, Laguna Churup is closer to Huaraz, the hike is shorter and it has a rocky final section with cable support; therefore, Churup is ideal for acclimatization before Laguna 69.
How difficult is the hike to Laguna 69?
The Laguna 69 trek is demanding because of the altitude and the length: about 14 kilometers round trip with more than 700 meters of elevation gain. Therefore, it requires good physical condition and acclimatization.
How many days of acclimatization do I need?
We recommend at least two or three days in Huaraz before the hike, especially if you have just arrived from the coast.
Do I need to bring food?
Yes. The tour includes a stop to buy breakfast; also, we recommend bringing a box lunch and energy snacks.
Are horses available?
On some sections of the Laguna 69 trek horses can be rented, although subject to availability, so ask us when booking.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
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