Lake 69: The Turquoise Crown of the Andes

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Overview

  • Duration:15 hours 0 minutes
  • Travelers:1 - 12 guests
  • Tour Type:Single-Day Expeditions
  • Language:English

Your journey begins with a private pickup from your hotel in Huaraz, heading toward the breathtaking Llanganuco Valley. Upon arriving at the trailhead in Cebollapampa, you will meet your professional local team—certified guides who are not just experts in high-altitude terrain, but your protectors and companions throughout the day. As we begin the ascent, you will witness the raw beauty of the Huascarán National Park, moving through a landscape of winding rivers, granite walls, and waterfalls in a safe, expertly managed environment.


Safety through Connection Walk alongside our guides, who share the ancestral stories of the Cordillera Blanca and the secrets of the alpine flora and fauna. Throughout the route, you will have the freedom to photograph and immerse yourself in the landscape at your own pace. While you focus on the horizon, our team monitors your well-being with professional safety protocols, ensuring your body adapts comfortably as we approach the final 4,600 masl (15,091 ft) destination.


The Turquoise Reward As you reach the crystalline shores of Laguna 69, the magic of Andean hospitality truly shines. Under the shadow of the massive Chacraraju peak, you will have time to rest and fuel your recovery. While you soak in the electric blue water and the hanging glaciers, our team ensures you have the best vantage points for photos, sharing the moment with the local experts who prioritized your safety during the steep "zigzag" sections.


A Professional Return The descent is a time for reflection as we move back through the glacier-fed valleys toward our private transport. You return to Huaraz not just with the achievement of reaching one of the world's most beautiful lakes, but with the peace of mind that comes from a truly human and professional Andean experience. You leave the mountain not as a tourist, but as a friend of the Cordillera.

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Highlights

  • The Electric Blue Jewel: Witness the world-famous turquoise waters of Laguna 69 directly beneath the massive Chacraraju glacier.
  • Huascarán National Park Immersion: Hike through the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's highest tropical mountain range.
  • The Scenic Llanganuco Valley: Drive through the iconic valley and stop at the twin turquoise lakes of Chinancocha and Orconcocha.
  • Panoramic Andean Vistas: Observe breathtaking views of legendary peaks like Huascarán, Pisco, and Yanapaccha throughout the trail.
  • Expert Safety and Local Connection: A high-altitude experience led by certified guides who monitor your well-being and share local history.

Itinerary

05:00 AM – Private Pickup in Huaraz

Our journey begins with a private pickup from your hotel. We drive for 3 hours through the Callejon de Huaylas toward the heart of the Huascarán National Park. Starting at this hour ensures we maximize daylight and enjoy the trail with fewer crowds.

07:30 AM – Llanganuco Valley & Lakes

We enter the high-altitude valley for a brief photo stop at the turquoise Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes. This scenic drive serves as a final visual preparation before we reach the trailhead at Cebollapampa.

08:30 AM – Trailhead & Ascent

Starting at 3,900 masl, we begin the hike through a landscape of waterfalls and granite walls. Your guide manages the group’s pace and monitors O2 levels to ensure a safe and steady climb toward the lake.

12:00 PM – Arrival at Laguna 69

We reach the crystalline shores at 4,600 masl. You will have time to rest and enjoy your personal snacks while overlooking the massive Chacraraju glacier. This is the reward for the physical effort of the ascent.

01:00 PM – Professional Descent

We begin the return trek along the same path. Your guide ensures a controlled descent back to the valley floor, where our private transport will be waiting.

06:30 PM – Drop-off in Huaraz

We arrive back in the city and drop you off directly at your hotel. You return with the satisfaction of completing one of the most iconic treks in the Cordillera Blanca.

Includes/Excludes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Huaraz within the city limits.
  • Private transport from Huaraz to the Cebollapampa trailhead and back.
  • Professional mountain guide certified in high-altitude trekking.
  • Basic first aid kit and professional oxygen saturation monitoring.
  • Continuous technical support and professional pacing for high-altitude safety.
  • Any type of meals, snacks, or beverages as this is a one-day service.
  • Professional chef or cooking services at the trailhead or during the hike.
  • Entrance fee to the Huascarán National Park.
  • Personal trekking gear such as clothing, boots, and trekking poles.
  • Personal travel and medical rescue insurance.

Frequently asked questions

What to bring

- Trekking clothing: Mandatory 3-layer system including breathable base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof hardshell jacket for potential rain.
- Proper Footwear: Broken-in trekking boots with good ankle support and thick moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters during the long hike.
- Daypack: A 20L to 30L backpack to carry your personal layers, water, and food comfortably throughout the day.
- Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, UV lip balm, a sun hat or cap, and Category 3 or 4 polarized sunglasses to protect against high-altitude radiation.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended to reduce impact on your knees during the steep descents and provide stability on rocky sections.
- Personal First Aid: While we carry a kit, bringing your own moleskin for blisters or personal medication is encouraged.
- Hydration and Nutrition: You must bring at least 2L of water and a high-energy box lunch, as no meals or drinks are provided.

Not allowed

-Single-use plastics: Disposable plastic bottles and wrappers are prohibited to help preserve the Huascarán National Park environment.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Not permitted during the trek due to the high altitude and the physical demand required for safe breathing.
- Inadequate Gear: Cotton clothing or street shoes are not allowed as they increase the risk of hypothermia and injury.
- Drones without permits: Use of drones is restricted by park authorities unless you have obtained official government authorization.

Know before you go

- Service Scope: Our service is strictly focused on professional transport and certified guiding; no food, water, or entrance fees are included.
- Nutrition Responsibility: Since no chef or meals are provided, you are responsible for carrying all your own hydration and high-protein snacks.
- Acclimatization: You must have at least 2 days of prior activity above 3,000 masl in Huaraz to safely attempt this 4,600 masl trek.
- Physical Condition: This is a demanding 6 to 7 hour hike; being in good physical shape is essential to reach the lake within the scheduled time.
- Safety Protocol: Your guide will perform regular O2 checks and has the authority to turn back if weather conditions or health risks arise.

Extra Services

Local Transfers & Arrivals

Local Transfers & Arrivals

We provide private transportation from Anta Airport (ATA) and Huaraz bus terminals directly to your hostel. As a licensed local tour operator, we guarantee safety, premium quality, and the peace of mind that comes with our extensive regional expertise and professional service.

$ 30.00/person
Pack Mules & Arrieros

Pack Mules & Arrieros

Essential logistics for multi-day trekking. Our healthy pack mules and experienced local muleteers transport camp gear between sites, allowing you to hike lightly with only a daypack. Please note: Rates are charged per mule, per day. We guarantee humane animal care and fair wages for reliable trail support.

$ 90.00/person
Secure Storage & Concierge

Secure Storage & Concierge

Travel light and worry-free. As a local tour operator, we provide secure, monitored storage for your non-trekking luggage at our Huaraz headquarters. Our team offers expert concierge assistance for the best local dining, hotel bookings, and recovery services, ensuring you have professional support throughout your stay.

$ 12.00/package
Specialized Summit Porters

Specialized Summit Porters

Vital support for technical summits like Alpamayo. Experienced high-altitude porters carry heavy gear between camps, saving your energy for the climb. Please note: rates are charged per porter, per day. We ensure reliable, fairly-paid local staff with essential expedition experience.

$ 60.00/person
Technical Gear Rental

Technical Gear Rental

Access premium high-altitude equipment without the luggage weight. We offer high-end essential gear rental, including 4-season tents, technical mountaineering boots, ice axes, and specialized alpine clothing, all maintained to international safety standards.

$ 65.00/person

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