Highlights
- Hike to Laguna 69, a stunning turqoise glacial lake
- Trek to the Llanganunco lakes
The Cordillera Blanca is a hiker’s paradise, boasting dramatic snow-covered peaks and sparkling turquoise glacial lagoons. It lays claim to being the highest tropical mountain range in the world and its concentration of high peaks are considered by many as second only to Annapurna in the Himalayas. Basing yourself at LLanganuco Mountain Lodge you can enjoy beautiful views and privileged access to the Huascarán National Park, taking advantage of a variety of day hikes that offer incredible Cordillera Blanca trekking without prior acclimatization and are carefully structured so you can adjust to the altitude. This suggested 5-day trip takes in highlights like Laguna 69. You can extend this and take more beautiful hikes, visit the ruins of Chavin, or pack your bags for more strenuous Cordillera Blanca trekking such as the popular Santa Cruz camping trek after acclimatizing. Just let us know your interests, the level of difficulty you’re after (or not!) and we’ll give you bespoke suggestions for enjoying the Cordillera Blanca.
Daily Summary 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Day 1
Lima - Cordillera BlancaView on map
The Lake and Ruins of Keushu Half Day Trek
Fly from Lima to Huaraz on the early morning domestic flight with LC Peru. Be greeted on arrival for your one and a half hour road transfer to Llanganuco Lodge in the Cordillera Blanca, arriving around 11.30am. In the afternoon head out for a light trek, perfect for those who have just arrived at altitude. Take a relaxing short stroll from the Lodge to reach Lake Keushu, with views of the Huascaran Peaks and Cordillera Negra. Walk around the lake, relax at this scenic spot, sunbathe on the rocks or enjoy a dip in the lake’s waters. Here you can try and spot the Mega Chulpa bird – just one of two of its kind discovered in the Americas. Afterwards, you will head back to the lodge where you will have dinner.
Accommodation options
- Day 2
Cordillera BlancaView on map
Llanganuco Lakes Day Trek
After breakfast on the lawn terrace, your private transport will pick you up to drop you off in the Llanganuco Valley to hike the Llanganuco lakes. Consisting of the neighboring lakes of Lake Chinancocha and Lake Orconcocha, they glow deep emerald and turquoise hues under the sun’s rays. Your guide will lead you on a scenic walk back past these impressive lakes, taking a little-known pre-Colombian trail through the cloud forest, via waterfalls and bromeliad canopies that shroud the towering U-shaped valley. You’ll take the Pre-Incan stone bridge on your way home, having avoided the tour group day-trippers today that visit the lake from Huaraz.
Accommodation options- Day 3
Cordillera BlancaView on map
Ice of Huandoy Day Trek
After an early breakfast with a view of the majestic Huascarán peaks, set off with your local guide through the Rajururi Valley towards Huandoy mountain. You will most likely not see another soul during your entire day of trekking. The narrow trail follows a mountain stream that winds around the Lake and ruins of Keshua, offering ever-impressive views before plunging into the rather short, narrow, vertiginous gorge of Rajurur – meaning ‘Ice Behind’ in Quechua. Below the 700m towering cliff, with its plummeting waterfall, you will find the lowest ice in the Cordillera Blanca, where the Inca’s have harvested cones for generations - and still do today. You will have a packed lunch from the lodge to enjoy during the trail and a well-earned dinner back at the lodge in the evening.
Accommodation options- Day 4
Cordillera BlancaView on map
Laguna 69 Day Trek
A high, alpine lake with bright blue waters in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, Laguna 69 is a highlight for visitors to the region. After breakfast you will be picked up by private transport for the 45 minute transfer to the start point of the well-established trail to and from the lake. The path winds up the Demanda Valley from the area known as Cebollapampa basecamp, past a huge waterfall and small lake, opening up to views of the twin peaks of the Huascaran massif. Passing some ruins you’ll traverse up the last set of switchbacks before being rewarded by the sight of Laguna 69 nestled at the foot between the peaks of Chacaraju (6112m) and Pisco (5752m). The return is quicker, with more downhill. Your private transport will be waiting to take you back to the lodge.
Accommodation options- Day 5
Cordillera BlancaView on map
Fly to Lima & Departure
Transfer by road from Llanganuco Mountain Lodge to Huaraz airport for your domestic flight back to Lima.
Aracari specializes in tailormade travel. Here are just some of our further trip suggestions. Contact us for more bespoke ideas to inspire your travels.
Some optional activities
- Leave the hiking boots behind and visit the archaelogical site of Chavin
- Go camping on the popular Santa Cruz multi-day hike
Featured Destinations
Journey pricing as of 2024
Basic Pricing - US$6,500 per person
This is a sample journey and can be tailored to your interests and travel style.
- Based on two people travelling together in double or twin occupancy
- Please contact us for the best available rate
What's Included?
This journey is based on two people travelling together in double or twin occupancy, excluding flights (international and domestic).
- Includes all specified services in the journey description
- All transfers and entrance fees
- A welcome pack on arrival including: a pre-loaded cell phone to contact your travel consultant at any time, a printed booklet packed with insider tips alongside your detailed journey and up-to-date recommendations on dining and shopping
- Hand-selected English-speaking guides
- Specialist guides (where noted)
- 24-hour support from our locally based team
- Specified meals at LLanganuco Lodge (Breakfast & Dinner - packed lunches for hikes)
Cordillera Blanca TrekkingSpectacular lodge-based day treks - Day 2