Llanganuco Lakes & Huaylas Valley

Discover the dazzling turquoise Llanganuco lakes (3,850 m), Yungay's historic memorial, and Andean mountain towns on this iconic day tour.

Non-technicalDemand: Low

Duration

1 day

Max altitude

3,850 m

Season

Jan-Dec

Duration

1 day

Max altitude

3,850 m

Hiking

1.5h

From Huaraz

2.5 h

Season

Jan-Dec

Looking to experience the jaw-dropping beauty of the Cordillera Blanca without strenuous trekking? The classic Llanganuco Lakes full-day tour is the quintessential day excursion from Huaraz. It seamlessly blends dreamlike turquoise waters flanked by towering granite canyon walls, profound Andean history, and the sweet culinary heritage of the Huaylas Valley.

Our journey heads north through scenic valleys with our first stop in Carhuaz to sample unique artisanal ice creams made with local Andean fruits. We then visit the poignant Campo Santo of Yungay, the historic memorial town buried by the 1970 earthquake and avalanche directly beneath Mount Huascarán. Entering Huascarán National Park, we reach Lake Chinancocha (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) where you can take a peaceful rowboat ride, stroll through ancient quenual fairy-tale forests, and gaze up at the majestic sheer walls of Mount Huandoy and Huascarán.

On our return, we stop in Caraz, fondly known as 'the sweet city', to savor its famous handcrafted manjar blanco (dulce de leche) before heading back to Huaraz. Gentle, scenic, and suitable for all ages, this is the perfect first-day acclimatization excursion. Join us and discover the beating heart of Ancash!

Boat ride and scenic strolls along turquoise Lake Chinancocha (3,850 m)

Guided visit to the poignant Campo Santo of Yungay and 1970 memorial

Artisanal ice cream tasting in Carhuaz and traditional sweets in Caraz

Gentle scenic tour, ideal for your first day of acclimatization in Huaraz

Itinerary

1 day · 1.5h hiking · no overnight

Day 1

Huaraz - Carhuaz - Yungay Memorial - Llanganuco Lakes - Caraz - Huaraz

Departure at 8:30 AM traveling north. Stop in Carhuaz for artisanal ice cream. Guided tour of Yungay Memorial Grounds. Drive up into Llanganuco Gorge in Huascarán National Park to enjoy Lake Chinancocha (optional rowboat ride and stroll through quenual groves). Countryside lunch at a local restaurant and stop in Caraz main square for traditional sweets. Return to Huaraz around 7:00 PM.

3,052 → 3,850 → 3,052 m1.5 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Shared round-trip tourist transportation from Huaraz (pick-up at central lodging).

Certified official tour guide (Spanish / English).

Guided visits to Carhuaz, Yungay Memorial, Llanganuco Lake, and Caraz.

Medical oxygen tank aboard the vehicle.

Complete first aid kit.

Not included

Huascarán National Park entrance fee (S/. 30 foreigners / S/. 12 Peruvians).

Yungay Memorial Ground entrance ticket (approx. S/. 5 PEN).

Lunch at a countryside tourist restaurant.

Optional rowboat ride on Lake Chinancocha (approx. S/. 10 PEN).

Tips for the guide and driver.

Comfortable walking shoes or light sneakers.

Comfortable warm clothing: windbreaker jacket, light fleece, or sweater (lake breeze can be chilly).

Sun hat or cap and UV-protection sunglasses.

Camera or smartphone with fully charged battery.

Cash in soles for entrance tickets (Huascarán and Yungay), lunch, ice cream, and souvenirs.

Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and insect repellent.

Recommendations

Acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Huaraz (3,050 m) before tours that ascend above 4,500 m.
Get a good night's sleep before and eat light meals: easily digestible foods the day before and the day of the tour.
Altitude sickness medication: consult your doctor before your trip. Acetazolamide requires a prescription, should be started the day before, and is ineffective if you already have symptoms.
Travel with insurance that covers mountain activities and rescue.
Do not drink alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude.
Drink water constantly, without forcing yourself: drinking too much does not prevent altitude sickness.
Inform your guide if you experience a severe headache, nausea, or dizziness. The rule is not to continue ascending if you have these symptoms.
Bring water (2 liters) and water purification tablets if you plan to drink from streams. There is livestock in the area, and these tablets are sold in pharmacies in Huaraz.
Bring energy snacks.
Bring sunscreen with SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat: the radiation at high altitude is very strong.
Bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear, even during the dry season.
Bring a personal first-aid kit with your usual medications.
Bring your passport (there is a checkpoint at Huascarán National Park).