Huaraz, the mecca of adventure sports in the Peruvian Andes, is known as the starting point for many trekking expeditions and ambitious climbs in the Cordillera Blanca, both of multiple days. However, day hikes are equally as beautiful and interesting as multi-day treks. Because of its proximity and accessibility to the different circuits of lakes, ravines, valleys, archaeological remains, stone forests, Andean villages, day hikes are a very good option to acclimatize before heading out on a longer circuit, also ideal for those who do not have much time, but wish to visit Huaraz and take a short hike.
While traveling and discovering new spots in Lima you may need to use one of our mobile phone plans for tourists to have a tourist SIM card. In order to understand and find new adventures, here in PeruSIM. The following is a list of the 10 most interesting day hikes that can be done from Huaraz.
- PUKAVENTANA VIEWPOINT: Pukaventana (red window in Spanish) is an easy to moderate grade circuit. It is a classic hike that is very close to the city of Huaraz. Visiting this circuit we can understand the rugged geography that surrounds the Callejón de Huaylas, the Cordillera Negra and the snow-capped mountains from north to south of the Cordillera Blanca. We feel so fortunate to live in one of the few places in the world where a city like Huaraz offers a 360º panoramic view of the mountains of the highest tropical mountain range in the world. It takes between 4 to 5 hours to do this tour.
- WILCACOCHA VIEW POINT: This hike is a few kilometers from Huaraz, in the Cordillera Negra. Wilcacocha is a small lake at 3640m. It is a perfect habitat for high altitude birds such as ducks, ibis, coots and more. Because of its strategic location, Wilcacocha offers incredible views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca such as Huandoy, Huascarán (highest peak in Peru), Copa, Ranrapalca, etc. Wilcacocha is perfect for a day of acclimatization, for a short and not very demanding day of trekking, for a day of relaxation. To do this hike requires approx. 5 to 6 hours.
- CHURUP LAGOON: It is another lagoon of glacial origin, very popular with international hikers and locals. This lagoon is characterized by being at the foot of the snowy Churup 5450m, embedded between the granite blocks that serve as a natural dam. It is also surrounded by beautiful forests of quenuales (polylepis) and kiswar, native trees of the Andes. The color of its green/turquoise waters attracts the visitor’s attention. Churup is located a few kilometers east of Huaraz. Getting here on foot can be a great challenge for many, but at the same time very rewarding. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours. Recommendations: bring water, lunch, warm clothes and good walking shoes.
- LLACA LAGOON: Like other lakes, Llaca is inside the Huascaran National Park. This lagoon is at the foot of the famous snow-capped peaks Ocshapalca 5888m and Ranrapalca 6162m. Every year this lagoon grows more and more, this due to the global glacial retreat. This trekking circuit is very pleasant because it is progressively gaining altitude. The high Andean vegetation (quisuar trees, quenual), birds, vizcachas and birdsong accompany us throughout the tour. In this ravine have been recorded about 49 species of birds.
- RAJUCOLTA LAGOON: At the foot of the famous Huantsan 6670m, also known as the K2 of the Andes, is the beautiful lagoon Rajucolta 4250m. This hike is a perfect destination for a day of acclimatization, or simply to take a walk with friends. Like many lakes in the Cordillera Blanca, Rajucolta is also dammed. To get to Rajucolta you pass through the friendly village of Macashca, passing through this village is the gate where the hike begins. A semi-flat trail ascends gradually towards the lagoon, which makes the circuit more pleasant, because you walk upstream through an extensive Andean valley. Full day circuit; it is recommended to bring water, lunch, warm clothes and sunscreen.
- HATUN MACHAY STONE FOREST: Hatun Machay is located southwest of Huaraz, at 4,260 meters above sea level in the community of Pampas Chico, Cordillera Negra. It is a set of volcanic rocks with whimsical shapes of animals, mushrooms, anthropomorphic figures, caves, and everything your mind can imagine characterize the forest of stones of Hatun Machay. Being here is like traveling back in time, where the wind and the rains patiently carved the rocks. Hatun Machay (the great cave in Spanish) was also a very important pre-Hispanic ceremonial center of its time. This Machay is decorated with cave paintings and carvings. In addition, it is worth mentioning that Hatun Machay is perfect for climbing enthusiasts, as it has more than 100 sport routes. The entire trek takes about 5 hours, with their respective breaks.
- PASTORURI SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAIN: The Pastoruri trekking circuit, also known as the climate change route, is a very interesting destination to learn more about the current problems of the greenhouse effect in the southern part of the Cordillera Blanca. Not long ago you could walk on the Pastoruri glacier and play making snowmen, but nowadays this activity is no longer possible. This current situation has changed Pastoruri’s physiognomy. The effects of climate change have created lagoons, ice caves, and exposed plant fossils, which has made this place even more interesting. The Pastoruri circuit also includes the emblematic Puya Raymondi, known for its large size and flowering among the bromeliads. For this circuit it is recommended to acclimatize a few days before in Huaraz, since Pastoruri is over 5000m high.
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Featured image: The Culture Trip