Lake 513 Private Trek
Exclusive private day trek to pristine Lake 513 (4,431 m) at the base of Mount Hualcán, featuring quiet alpine trails and glacial waters.
The challenge is big, the reward is huge. You can do the 513!
Lake 513 is one of the most stunning and serene high-alpine sanctuaries in the Cordillera Blanca. Tucked in the upper valleys of Carhuaz and Shilla at 4,431 m altitude, this turquoise glacial jewel rests directly beneath the massive vertical ice faces of Mount Hualcán (6,122 m).
Itinerary
1 day · 7h hiking · no overnight1Day 1Huaraz - Carhuaz - Shilla - Lake Rajupaquinan - Lake 513 - Huaraz
Huaraz - Carhuaz - Shilla - Lake Rajupaquinan - Lake 513 - Huaraz
Private departure at 5:00 AM from your hotel in Huaraz to Carhuaz and the village of Shilla. We start hiking gradually uphill along an ancestral trail through queñual forest and waterfalls to Lake Rajupaquinan. We continue the steady climb over moraine terrain to reach Lake 513 (4,431 m). Time for lunch facing the ice wall of Hualcán, photos, and descent back to the vehicle to return to Huaraz around 5:00 PM.
Included
Not included
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).
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View allFrequently asked questions
Does it count as acclimatization before a climb?
Sample questions and answers, pending review with the guide.
What time do we leave and return?
Sample questions and answers, pending review with the guide.
Is there an entrance fee for Huascarán National Park?
Sample questions and answers, pending review with the guide.
Sample questions and answers, pending review with the guide.
You join the group on the date you choose.
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