Llanganuco Mountain Lodge is owned and managed by the charismatic Charlie Good, a former chartered accountant based in London who gave up his city job to undertake this eco tourism initiative. They strive to be intimately involved with the local community by providing employment and educational opportunities. The lodge is contained within a three–story building that is comprised of eight guestrooms, each of which has a balcony for taking in those remarkable views.
Location:
At an altitude of 3,503 metres (12,500 feet) above sea level, this owner-operated lodge is situated on the slopes of the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world and one of the most spectacular mountain locations in all of Peru. Nestled within the foothills of Huascaran, the lodge is about as close to Peru’s highest mountain (6,858 metres/22,500 feet) as you can stay and is half an hour’s walk from the boundary of the Huascaran National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This allows for some magnificent close-up views of both Huascaran and neighbouring peak Alpamayo, along with the entire Cordillera Blanca range. This stretches into the distance, high above deep, folding valleys lush with vegetation. The lodge is approximately a forty minutes drive along an unpaved road from the village of Yungay, which is a further two hours from Huaraz.
Bedrooms:
At the higher end of the accommodation options, the luxury suites offer guests orthopedic mattresses with high-grade cotton linen and goose down duvets and pillows for warmth during chilly nights. This is available made up as a super-king or two king-single beds. Access to the room is via a rear-balcony that has a wicker sofa and coffee table with views of Huascaran and Huandoy. French double doors opening onto a larger balcony complete with hammock, views of Callejon de Huaylas and the Cordillera Negra, which makes for some stunning sunsets. All windows and doors are from solid Peruvian hardwood and are double glazed for the warmth of guests. The bathroom includes a shower with dedicated 5 Litres-per-minute Bosch gas water heater and large bath-towels, hand, floor mat and bath robes.
All of this comfort in the remote wilderness of some of the highest mountains of the Andes! Other options include double ensuite, dormitories, or for those who want to get closer to the outdoors, there are camping options as well.
Facilities:
For some delicious home cooking and refreshments, there is a restaurant and a well-stocked bar located across the compound, and these are accompanied by cosy lounge. The kitchen is graced with internationally trained chefs. The lounge also hosts a variety of games, while a few hours of diesel-generated electricity can be enjoyed every evening.
Activities:
In terms of outdoor activities, the lodge is the perfect base for day hikes, mountain biking and multi-day climbing and trekking expeditions; it is strategically positioned for visiting Laguna 69 on a day hike, and the surrounding lakes are ideal for canoeing or even taking a quick swim.
Here is our suggested 5 day / 4 night Cordillera Blanca hiking itinerary, to maximise your time at Llanganuco Mountain Lodge, enjoying a variety of day hikes, perfect for acclimatising, and returning to the comforts of the lodge each night.
Once acclimatised, a great multi-day trekking excursion with camping is the 4 day / 3 night Santa Cruz trek, consistently named as one of the best trekking circuits in the world.
More extreme pursuits such as single-track mountain biking, rock climbing, ice climing and mountaineering can also be arranged for experienced mountaineers.
