Best Day Hikes In Huaraz to Help Acclimate

Discover Huaraz, Peru – Your Gateway to the Cordillera Blanca

Discover the incredible region of Huaraz, Peru — a destination known for dramatic Andean landscapes, glacier-fed lakes, and a rich blend of Indigenous and modern culture. Whether you’re planning multi-day treks or scenic day trips, your time in Huaraz will be nothing short of extraordinary. If you’re hoping to hike Laguna 69, Laguna Parón, Laguna Churup, or even take on the famous Huayhuash or Santa Cruz treks, this guide will help you prepare for your adventure.

First Thing’s First:

How to Get to Huaraz from Lima (or Other Regions of Peru)

There are two main ways to reach Huaraz:

By Bus: Buses depart from Plaza Norte in Lima and take about 8 hours. Popular companies include Cruz del Sur, Allinbus, and Movilbus. The route follows a winding mountain road, so give yourself time to rest once you arrive.
By Air: Currently, LATAM is the only airline operating flights to Huaraz, with one flight per day. Availability changes seasonally, so book early.

How to Prepare for Altitude in Huaraz

Huaraz sits at 3,052 m (10,013 ft), which means proper acclimatization is essential, especially if you plan to hike Santa Cruz Trek, Huayhuash (5–8 days), or any of the high-altitude day hikes. Many day-trip trails reach 4,000–4,600 m. Give your body time to adjust — your first day should be easy and slow.

Instead of hiking right away, explore the local markets and get a feel for daily life. Huaraz is a blend of Quechua traditions and modern Peruvian culture — listen to the language, try traditional foods, and enjoy the experience while your body rests.

You can research the lakes, viewpoints, and trails you want to visit. Most are at least a 2-hour drive from Huaraz, so hiring a driver or booking through a travel agency gives you better logistics and a stress-free experience.

Best Acclimatization Day Hikes in Huaraz

➡ Laguna Wilcacocha
One of the easiest and closest acclimatization hikes:

Distance from Huaraz: 8–10 km (20–30 min) by car or local colectivo
Hike distance: 3–4 km (one way)
Hiking time: ~1.5–2 hrs up / 1 hr down
Elevation: 3,710 m — about a 400–500 m climb

Wilcacocha offers panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca — perfect for a light warm-up day.

➡ Laguna Churup
One of the most popular day hikes in Huaraz:

Distance from Huaraz: 25 km / 45–60 min to Pitec trailhead
Hiking distance: 3–4 km (one way)
Hiking time: 2–3 hrs up / 1.5–2 hrs down
Elevation: Lake at 4,450 m, trailhead at 3,800 m

This steep, rewarding hike ends at a bright turquoise lake beneath Mount Churup. It’s tougher than Wilcacocha but still a great acclimatization day.

➡ Laguna 69
The famous high-altitude trek every traveler talks about:

From Huaraz: 3–3.5 hrs to Cebollapampa trailhead
Hike distance: 7 km one way (~14 km round trip)
Hiking time: 3–4 hrs up / 2–3 hrs down
Elevation: Trailhead 3,900 m → Laguna 69 at 4,600 m

It’s a long day (about 10 hours total), but it’s one of the most stunning hikes in Peru — waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, and the iconic turquoise lake beneath Nevado Pisco and Chacraraju.

➡ Laguna Parón
One of the most beautiful and highest lakes in the Cordillera Blanca — and the easiest to reach:

Travel time: 3–3.5 hrs each way from Huaraz
Elevation: 4,200 m
Hiking options:
- Drive directly to the lake shore — no mandatory hiking
- Short 45–60 min hike to the classic mirador
- Extend to Laguna Artesoncocha for experienced hikers

Unlike Laguna 69 or Churup, Parón is a great option if you want incredible views with minimal physical effort.

General Acclimatization Tips for High Altitude

Climb high, sleep low — Hike high during the day, sleep at lower elevation.
Increase sleeping altitude slowly — Once above 3,000 m, don’t gain more than ~500 m per night.
Hydrate well — Carry 2+ liters of water and electrolytes.
Avoid alcohol — It increases dehydration and slows acclimatization.
Eat well and often — High-carb foods help; eat light dinners and avoid heavy meat at night.

Ready to Plan Your Huaraz Adventure?

Whether you want to trek the Huayhuash Circuit, explore the Santa Cruz Trek, or complete iconic day hikes like Laguna 69 and Laguna Parón, our team can help you plan the perfect itinerary.