SEVEN VALLEY HIKES NEAR HUARAZ 2023
Whether you are looking for an easy hike to get acclimatized before setting off on a multi-day trek, or a day adventure into Cordillera Blanca, this post has you covered, with all the best day hikes that you can find near Huaraz.
You do not need to travel for hours to get to the trailheads and some of the hikes are not known to many tourists.
Huaraz situated at 3090m, this thriving mountain city offers a lovely climate and lively atmosphere. It is a paradise for hikers, trekkers and climbers and you can find plenty of ancient remains within the city and in the mountain valleys as well.
Altitude: When gaining altitude, air pressure drops and the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs is reduced. On reaching heights above 3000m especially when ascent has been straight from sea level, heart pounding, mild headache and shortness of breath are normal, especially on exertion, to avoid these problems rest for a few hours on arrival at altitude and take it easy for the first couple of days.
HUARAZ HIKES / SEVEN EXCELLENT ACCLIMATISATION HIKES AND DAY TRIPS NEAR HUARAZ 2023
LAGUNA WILCACOCHA
Laguna Wilcacocha, is one of our favourite walks on the Cordillera Negra mountain range which is located opposite the Cordillera Blanca mountain range offering amazing views of mountains and deep valleys.
The little lake – Viewpoint sits at 3750m, it is a great option hike to acclimate and you can do it on the first day you arrive in Huaraz.
LAGUNA RAJUCOLTA
This is an excellent hike with Nevado Huantsan dominating the view so you hardly notice the beautiful cliffs and waterfalls en route.
Laguna Rajucolta lies at 4271m, a perfect glacial lake backed by the majestic Nevado Huantsan 6395m.
LAGUNA SHALLAP
This is one of the valleys beneath the immense mountain of Huantsan 6395m and is used by climbers to reach the mountain from the northwest.
Distance: 16km (round trip)
Altitude: 3800m – 4300m
Rating: Moderate
Timing: Full day
First we drive through some Andean villages having the opportunity to see local shepherds and farmers working on the fields using traditional methods before we enter the Huascaran National Park. From the end of the road, we walk uphill into the valley ahead.
We then ascend the valley through some pleasant meadows and past waterfalls till the lake’s moraine. The lake sits at 4300m, just below Nevado San Juan 5843m.
LAGUNA CHURUP
Laguna Churup is a jewel of a lake, deep blue in colour and half encircled by Nevado Churup 5495m.
The lake sits at 4500m and is a great hiking option.
LAGUNA LLACA
Our Llaca Valley tour includes an easy 2 hours hike following a beautiful river up the valley.
The lake sits at 4470m and offers great views.
LAGUNA AHUAC
Laguna Ahuac is a great hiking option for trekking o climbing preparation and known to very few hikers.
LAGUNA MULLACA
Laguna Mullaca hike includes a visit to Laguna Radian and Carhuac, an epic hike within the Huascaran National Park.
Read our hike description.
