Peru — Huaraz
Hike Peru's Llanganuco Lakes Trail for a moderate 12km day trip through the Cordillera Blanca. This 5-6 hour walk leads to the vibrant turquoise waters of Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes within Huascarán National Park. Enjoy stunning alpine panoramas and a rewarding introduction to high-altitude wilderness.
Distance: 12.0 km
Elevation Gain: 400 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 5-6 hours
The Llanganuco Lakes Trail, nestled within the breathtaking Cordillera Blanca mountain range of Peru, offers a spectacular day hike to two vibrant turquoise glacial lakes: Chinancocha and Orconcocha. Situated within the Huascarán National Park, this trail is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, accessible yet rewarding terrain, and the sheer beauty of its glacial-fed waters. The hike provides an excellent introduction to the high-altitude environment of the Andes, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Huascarán, Peru's highest mountain. The trail is relatively short in distance but gains significant elevation, making it a moderate challenge that is well worth the effort for the unparalleled vistas it provides.
The Llanganuco Lakes Trail is a quintessential Andean day hike, offering a concentrated dose of the Cordillera Blanca's dramatic beauty. The journey begins at the Llanganuco Lakes trailhead, situated at an already impressive altitude of approximately 3,850 metres. From here, the path winds its way upwards, gradually ascending through a landscape that transitions from sparse alpine meadows to rocky scree slopes. The primary objective is to reach the viewpoints overlooking the twin lakes, Chinancocha (female lake) and Orconcocha (male lake), whose striking turquoise hues are a result of glacial silt suspended in the water. These colours are most vibrant under clear skies, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks like Pisco, Huandoy, and the formidable Huascarán.
The trail itself is well-trodden but can be steep in sections, requiring a steady pace and acclimatisation to the altitude. As you climb, the air thins, and the silence of the high mountains becomes more profound, broken only by the wind or the distant cry of a bird. The vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of hardy grasses, low-lying shrubs, and the iconic Puya Raimondii, a giant bromeliad that can take decades to bloom. The views expand with every metre gained, offering increasingly spectacular panoramas of the surrounding peaks and the vast glacial valleys.
The moderate difficulty rating reflects the altitude and the sustained climb. Hikers should be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, and the possibility of strong winds. The dry season, from May to September, offers the most stable weather conditions, with sunny days and minimal rainfall, making it the ideal time to undertake this trek. The Llanganuco Lakes Trail is not just a hike; it's an immersion into a high-altitude ecosystem, a visual feast of colour and form, and a testament to the raw power and beauty of the Andes.
The Llanganuco Lakes and the surrounding Cordillera Blanca have a rich history deeply intertwined with the indigenous peoples of the Andes. For centuries, these mountains have been considered sacred by local communities, with the towering peaks often revered as powerful deities or apus. The valleys and lakes were likely used for seasonal grazing, hunting, and as part of ancient trade routes connecting different regions of the Andean highlands.
The area's geological history is equally significant. The Cordillera Blanca is a young mountain range, geologically speaking, formed by tectonic uplift and shaped by extensive glaciation. The Llanganuco Lakes themselves are a direct result of this glacial activity. They were formed in cirques carved by ancient glaciers, and their vibrant colours are due to rock flour—fine sediment ground down by glaciers and suspended in the meltwater. This phenomenon is common in glacial lakes worldwide but is particularly striking at Llanganuco due to the mineral composition of the surrounding rocks and the clarity of the water.
In more recent history, the Cordillera Blanca has become a mecca for mountaineers and trekkers from around the globe. The establishment of Huascarán National Park in 1975 was a crucial step in protecting this unique environment and its biodiversity. The park encompasses a vast area of high-altitude ecosystems, including glaciers, puna grasslands, and cloud forests, and is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic. The Llanganuco Lakes Trail, while a relatively short and accessible hike, passes through this protected landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into both the natural and cultural heritage of the Peruvian Andes.
The Llanganuco Lakes Trail is best experienced during the dry season in the Peruvian Andes, which typically runs from May to September. This period offers the most favourable weather conditions for hiking at high altitudes.
Dry Season (May to September): This is the prime hiking season. Days are generally sunny and clear, with minimal rainfall. Temperatures can be cool to cold, especially at night and in the early morning, often dropping below freezing. Daytime temperatures can reach pleasant levels in direct sunlight, but the thin air means UV radiation is intense. The skies are typically a brilliant blue, providing excellent visibility of the surrounding peaks and enhancing the vibrant colours of the lakes. This is the period when the trail is most accessible and enjoyable for most hikers.
Shoulder Seasons (April and October): These months can be transitional. April may still see some lingering rain from the wet season, while October can mark the beginning of increased rainfall. However, these periods can also offer fewer crowds and potentially more dramatic cloud formations over the mountains. Weather can be more unpredictable, with a higher chance of afternoon showers or cloudy conditions.
Wet Season (November to March): This period is characterised by frequent and heavy rainfall, often in the form of intense afternoon thunderstorms. While mornings might be clear, the afternoons are typically overcast and wet. The trails can become muddy and slippery, and visibility of the peaks is often obscured by clouds. The vibrant colours of the lakes may be muted by overcast skies. While hiking is still possible, it is generally less recommended due to the challenging weather conditions and potential for reduced visibility and trail conditions.
Altitude and Weather: Regardless of the season, it is crucial to remember that you are at high altitude. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Even during the dry season, unexpected showers or strong winds can occur. Always be prepared for a range of conditions, including cold temperatures, wind, and rain, even if the forecast is for clear skies.
Early Morning (approx. 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Departure from Huaraz
Morning (approx. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Arrival at Trailhead and Park Entrance
Midday (approx. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Hike to the Lakes
Afternoon (approx. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Return Hike and Lunch
Late Afternoon (approx. 3:00 PM onwards): Departure and Return to Huaraz
Important Notes:
The Llanganuco Lakes Trail is a popular day hike, and while it doesn't require the extensive advance booking of multi-day treks, proper preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable experience. The primary logistical hub for accessing the Llanganuco Lakes is the city of Huaraz. It is highly recommended to spend at least one to two full days in Huaraz (altitude 3,050 metres) for acclimatisation before attempting this hike, which reaches an elevation of over 4,000 metres. This allows your body to adjust to the thinner air, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Huaraz offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to comfortable mid-range hotels. It also has numerous tour operators that can arrange transport to the Llanganuco Lakes, often as part of a larger day tour that may include other attractions in the region. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi or take a colectivo (shared van) to Yungay and then arrange a taxi from there to the trailhead. Ensure your transport is confirmed for both the outward journey and the return trip, especially if you are not part of a tour group.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation.
Access to the Llanganuco Lakes Trail is within the Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Therefore, an entrance fee is required to enter the park. This fee is typically paid at the park entrance gate before proceeding to the trailhead.
Park Entrance Fee:
Booking Requirements:
Important Considerations:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Llanganuco Lakes Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Llanganuco Lakes Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The region around Huaraz and Huascarán National Park offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural explorers:
Altitude Sickness (Soroche): This is the most significant risk when hiking at high altitudes. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. To mitigate this:
Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for:
Trail Conditions:
General Safety:
While the Llanganuco Lakes themselves are the primary destination, the journey and the surrounding area offer several points of interest:
Laguna Chinancocha: The larger and more accessible of the two lakes, Chinancocha is renowned for its striking turquoise colour. The vibrant hue is a result of glacial silt (rock flour) suspended in the water, which reflects sunlight. The lake is often surrounded by lush green meadows and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks, particularly the imposing Huandoy massif.
Laguna Orconcocha: Located just a short distance from Chinancocha, Orconcocha is the smaller of the two lakes. Its colour can sometimes appear slightly darker or more muted than Chinancocha, depending on the light and water levels. It offers a quieter, more intimate experience and still provides beautiful views of the alpine landscape.
Puya Raimondii: Keep an eye out for these magnificent plants, also known as the Queen of the Andes. The Puya Raimondii is a giant bromeliad that can grow up to 15 metres tall and takes decades, sometimes over a century, to bloom. Its single, spectacular flowering event is followed by its death. While not always in bloom, their unique form is a notable feature of the high-altitude landscape.
Panoramic Mountain Views: The trail offers increasingly expansive views as you ascend. Key peaks visible include:
Alpine Meadows and Flora: The lower sections of the trail pass through alpine meadows dotted with hardy grasses and wildflowers. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparser, transitioning to a more rocky, scree-covered environment, showcasing the resilience of life in extreme conditions.
The Llanganuco Lakes Trail traverses a fragile alpine ecosystem within Huascarán National Park. Adhering to Leave No Trace principles is paramount to preserving this beautiful environment for future visitors and for the health of the ecosystem itself.
Plan Ahead and Prepare:
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:
Dispose of Waste Properly:
Leave What You Find:
Minimise Campfire Impacts:
Respect Wildlife:
Be Considerate of Other Visitors:
