Callejón de Huaylas and Llanganuco Lakes
Our Llanganuco Lakes tour travels through the Callejón de Huaylas between the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra, with its traditional towns, the Yungay Campo Santo and the turquoise lakes at the foot of Huascarán.
The valley between two mountain ranges
Summary
The Callejón de Huaylas is the valley of the Santa River, set between the Cordillera Blanca, with its snow-capped peaks, and the Cordillera Negra, without glaciers. Therefore, it is one of the most impressive landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
On the Llanganuco Lakes tour, you visit traditional towns such as Carhuaz, famous for its artisanal ice cream, and Yungay, where you see the Campo Santo, a memorial to the avalanche that buried the old town after the 1970 earthquake, with views of Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru.
The highlight is the Llanganuco lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha, with turquoise waters surrounded by queñual forests and guarded by the Huascarán and Huandoy peaks. Also, if you wish, you can take a boat ride on Chinancocha Lake. Since it is an ideal acclimatization tour, it is a great first step before the Laguna 69 trek; also, Pastoruri is another classic excursion.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00 - 09:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Huaraz before the tour.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the tour of the Callejón de Huaylas by tourist transportation.
09:30 - 10:30
Carhuaz
Traditional town, especially famous for its artisanal ice cream.
We drive through the Callejón de Huaylas with a stop in Carhuaz, where you can try its famous artisanal ice cream in local flavors.
10:30 - 11:30
Yungay Campo Santo
Memorial to the 1970 avalanche, including views of Huascarán.
Then we visit the Yungay Campo Santo, where your guide tells you the story of the avalanche that buried the old town after the 1970 earthquake, with views of Huascarán peak.
11:30 - 14:00
Llanganuco lakes
Turquoise lakes at the foot of the snow-capped peaks.
Later, we climb the Llanganuco gorge to the Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes. Then you have time to walk the queñual forest trail and, optionally, take a boat ride on the lake.
14:00 - 15:30
Lunch in Yungay
Free time for lunch before the return.
Then we descend to Yungay, where you have free time for lunch with typical regional dishes.
15:30 - 18:00
Return to Huaraz
Return through the Callejón de Huaylas.
Finally, we return to Huaraz with a stop at a local handicraft workshop and drop you off at your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Huaraz
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to Huascarán National Park
- Entrance to the Yungay Campo Santo
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Lunch
- Boat ride on Chinancocha Lake
- Drinks and snacks
- 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
Weather
Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca have a cold, dry climate, with temperatures between -1 and 20 °C. Days are sunny and nights cold; also, December to March is the rainy season.
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 an excellent acclimatization tour for your first days in Huaraz. However, at the lakes it is cold and windy, so bring warm clothing.
Gallery
FAQ
What is the Callejón de Huaylas?
It is the valley of the Santa River, located between the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra, with many traditional towns as well as views of snow-capped peaks.
What happened in Yungay?
In 1970, an earthquake triggered an avalanche from Huascarán that buried the old town of Yungay. Today, the site is a memorial called Campo Santo.
How demanding is the tour?
The Llanganuco Lakes tour is easy, because the walks are short and optional; therefore, it is ideal for acclimatization.
Can Huascarán be seen?
Yes, on clear days. It is the highest mountain in Peru, at more than 6,700 meters above sea level.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The Llanganuco Lakes tour is one of the most recommended tours for families in Huaraz.
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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