Touching the Ice: The Only Day Hike in Huaraz Where You Can Actually Walk to a Glacier
Are you underestimating the altitude of Pastoruri? Most hikers do, and they spend their trip fighting a headache instead of taking photos. Here is the exact protocol we use at Andeando Peru to ensure you actually enjoy the ice instead of just surviving it.
Except at Pastoruri Glacier.
Why Pastoruri is Different (and Disappearing)
This isn’t just another lake hike like Laguna 69. This is a journey into the high-altitude tundra of the Puyas de Raimondi, those prehistoric giant plants that look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, leading up to a massive wall of blue ice.
But here’s the thing: Pastoruri is no longer technically a glacier. It’s a “fast-melting ice mass.” I remember taking a group there back in 2015, and the ice cave we used to visit was still standing. Today, that cave is gone—swallowed by the warming climate. Walking up to the edge now feels less like a photo op and more like paying respects to a vanishing giant.
The Logistics: Quick Stats
Before you lace up your boots, check these numbers. This is one of the highest points you can reach in Peru without a harness.
Feature Detail Max Altitude 5,250m (17,224 ft) Hiking Distance 3 km (1.8 miles) round trip Difficulty Easy trail / Extreme altitude Drive Time 2.5 hours from Huaraz Best Month May to September (Dry Season)
The Silent Killer: Managing the 5,250m Mark
Trust me on this one: the hike is short, but the air is thin. I’ve seen marathon runners gasping for breath on this paved path while 70-year-old grandmothers stroll past them. Why? Because the marathoners rushed the first 10 minutes.
At Andeando Peru, we call this “the silent squeeze.” Your lungs want oxygen that isn’t there. You’ll feel the biting 4 AM alpine wind as you leave Huaraz, and by the time you reach the parking lot, you’re already higher than any mountain in the continental US.
Local Tip: Don’t just drink water. Sip coca tea for soroche (altitude sickness) and take “baby steps.” If you find yourself huffing, you’re going too fast. The glacier isn’t moving, so why are you?
What You’ll See Along the Way
The drive through the Huapi valley is just as vital as the glacier itself. You’ll stop at the Pumapampa sparkling springs—naturally carbonated water bubbling out of the ground—and the famous seven-color lagoon.
But the real stars are the Puyas de Raimondi. These bromeliads live for up to 100 years, grow 10 meters tall, and bloom only once before dying. They look like jagged spears guarded by the spirits of the Andes.
Gear You Actually Need
- Layers: It might be sunny, but at 5,000m, the wind cuts through fleece like butter. Bring a hardshell.
- Sunblock: You are closer to the sun here than almost anywhere else. Don’t get “glacier burnt.”
- Standard Boots: No need for technical gear or crampon technique here; a sturdy pair of trekking shoes is fine.
Destroying the “It’s Too Hard” Myth
Now, you might be wondering if you’re fit enough. Let’s clear the air: Pastoruri is the most accessible high-altitude site in the Ancash region.
The Andes are wild, which is why our AGMP-certified guides always pack emergency oxygen in the van. However, with our slow acclimatization pace and strategic stops at the Puyas, we prefer you never have to see that tank. We don’t believe in rushing the mountain. We believe in “Type 1 Fun”—the kind where you’re actually smiling in the photos.
❓ Your Pastoruri Reality Check
Can I touch the ice?
While you can walk right up to the edge of the lagoon and the base of the ice, authorities have roped off certain sections for safety (crevasses) and conservation. You are close enough to feel the cold radiating off the wall, but please respect the boundaries to protect the remaining ice.
Is this hike suitable for children?
Yes, provided they have spent at least 2 days in Huaraz (3,050m) first. We’ve had many families enjoy this trip. If someone struggles, there are local horsemen at the trailhead who offer rides to the top for a few Soles.
How do I prevent a headache?
Hydrate the night before. Avoid alcohol in Huaraz. Use the “rest step” on the trail. If you feel a “throbbing” sensation, tell your guide immediately so they can check your oxygen saturation levels.
Ready to Stand at 17,000 Feet?
Planning a logistics-heavy trip from thousands of miles away is overwhelming, especially when you’re worried about how your body will react to the altitude. That’s why our local team in Huaraz handles every permit, the transport, and the expert pacing.
We make sure you don’t just see the glacier—you experience it safely. If you’re looking for the perfect “warm-up” before tackling the Santa Cruz or Huayhuash circuits, this is it.
