Lake Auquiscocha and peaks in Honda valley

Lake Auquiscocha Private Trek

Exclusive private trek to secluded Lake Auquiscocha (4,350 m), a brilliant turquoise lake flanked by peaks Chequiaraju and Hualcán.

Non-technicalDemand: Medium
Duration
1 day
Max altitude
4,350 m
Season
Apr-Nov

The Cordillera Blanca is waiting for you. All that's missing is you!

Lake Auquiscocha (Aquiscocha) is one of the most untouched and authentic alpine destinations in Huascarán National Park. Perched at 4,350 m in a sheltered side branch of Honda valley, it captivates hikers with its electric turquoise waters framed by Mount Chequiaraju (5,286 m) and Mount Hualcán.

Glacial alpine lake at 4,350 m in Honda valley
Panoramic vistas of Chequiaraju (5,286 m) and Mount Hualcán
Private route with dedicated guide and vehicle at your own pace
Pristine natural environment free from mass tourism

Itinerary

1 day · 5h hiking · no overnight
1
Day 1

Huaraz - Marcará - Honda Valley - Lake Auquiscocha - Huaraz

Private departure at 6:30 AM from Huaraz towards Marcará and Quebrada Honda. We start hiking across high pastures and Polylepis native forests, steadily gaining altitude toward the lake. Reach Lake Auquiscocha (4,350 m) with front-row views of Mount Chequiaraju's glaciers. Mountain lunch, photography, and restful descent back to our vehicle, arriving in Huaraz around 4:30 PM.

3,052 → 4,350 → 3,052 m5 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Round-trip private transport from your hotel in Huaraz.
Certified official trekking guide.
Nutritious box lunch and warm beverages.
First aid kit and medical oxygen cylinder.
Emergency medical oxygen and pulse oximeter.
First aid kit.

Not included

Huascarán National Park entrance fee.
Travel insurance and personal expenses.
Trekking poles and gratuities.
Trekking boots or sturdy trail shoes.
Layered warm clothes, windbreaker, and rain gear.
Sunscreen and water (at least 1.5 L).
Beanie, gloves, and UV sunglasses.
Daypack (20 to 30 L).

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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USD 120S/ 400