Contact Us
ESPAÑOL
/
ENGLISH
choose from among 9 great huaraz hikes you can do in a day image

Choose from among 9 great huaraz hikes you can do in a day

choose from among 9 great huaraz hikes you can do in a day

As Peru’s hiking capital, Huaraz has surely crossed the radar of any adventurous soul planning a trip to Peru. In fact, if you’re not careful, you can fill your entire Peru adventure on its web of trails through the Cordillera Blanca. For some, that’s exactly what they’re trying to do. For others, perhaps yourself, a simple taste is sufficient. If you’re after a sampling of the gnarly trails and scenic nature surrounding Huaraz, consider opting for one of these 9 Huaraz hikes. We’ve conveniently listed these spectacular Huaraz hikes in order from easy to challenging.

ExplorandesApr 22, 2024

1. Maria Josefa Trail


Quick Details; Distance: 2.9 km / 1.8 miles, Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours, Difficulty: Easy.


Compared to other Huaraz hikes, the Maria Josefa trail is mostly downhill. This trail begins at the glass-like Lake Chinancocha, then continues through Queñual forest and past ancient ruins. Hikers experience all this over the course of a quick hour to an hour and a half on the trail.


huaraz-hikes-image-1

2. Portachuelo de Llanganuco


Quick Details; Distance: 1.9 km / 1.18 miles, Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours, Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.


This Huaraz hike is similarly quick, yet slightly more challenging. The Portachuelo de Llanganuco day hike follows a steady decline in elevation from start to finish, with little to no ascending terrain along the way. Besides the cloud-shaded Llanganuco Valley views, you’ll experience the breathtaking sight of the snow-capped peaks of Huascaran, Chopicallqui, Huandoy, Pisco, and Chacraraju that greet you as you make your way along the trail. Truly among the spectacular Huaraz hikes that can be done in a day.


huaraz-hikes-image-2

3. Huaca Punta


Quick Details; Distance: 4.7 km / 2.92 miles, Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.


This there-and-back Huaraz day hike will take you from 3,719 m.a.s.l. up to 3,879 m.a.s.l., with a summit-capping midpoint at Huaca Punta, a viewpoint situated on the remains of a pre-Inca site. The short hike starts and ends on the scenic shores of Lake Willcacocha. At a duration of 2- 2.5 hours, you could even do one of the other Huaraz hikes on the same day.


huaraz-hikes-image-3

4. Lake Rajucolta


Quick Details; Distance: 13.8 km / 8.57 miles, Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours, Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.


Covering more ground than nearly any of the other Huaraz hikes on this list, the hike to Lake Rajucolta still only takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. It’s there-and-back style, leaving from the Huascaran National Park Control and involves an approximate 550-meter change in elevation to and from this mountain-wrapped glacial lake.


huaraz-hikes-image-4

5. Willcahuain – Monterrey


Quick Details; Distance: 10.4 km / 6.46 miles, Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours, Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.


This full-day hike adventure in Huaraz begins in the village of Marian and ends at the thermal springs in Monterrey. Follow the ancient trail of Chaquinani and visit the archaeological site of Willcahuain, a set of Wari ruins that mark the midpoint of this roughly 10-kilometer hike. If you’re a hot springs lover, this is one of the Huaraz hikes you’ll want to consider.


huaraz-hikes-image-5

6. Lake Churup


Quick Details; Distance: 7 km / 4.34 miles, Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours, Difficulty: Moderate.


The high altitude Lake Churup is worth the nearly 1.5-hour climb to get to it. Once there, you’ll find yourself among peaceful surroundings with fantastic views of nearby Mt. Churup and Huaraz in the distance. It’s the perfect spot to rest and relax before following the same trail back down. Many use this moderately challenging hike as an acclimatization hike for longer multi-day treks through the Cordillera.


huaraz-hikes-image-6

7. Willcacocha Lake


Quick Details; Distance: 5.3 km / 3.29 miles, Duration: 3 to 4 hours, Difficulty: Moderate.


This scenic full-day hike to the grassy meadows of Lake Willcacocha is mostly uphill with a total ascent of 737 meters (2,417 ft). Unlike many of the other hikes on this list, this day hike gives you a taste of the Cordillera Negra and delivers spectacular views of the adjacent Cordillera Blanca peaks. It’s among the more upward-climbing of the Huaraz hikes discussed in this article, but worth it for the amazing views at its peak.


huaraz-hikes-image-7

8. Pukaventana


Quick Details; Distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles, Duration: 4.5 to 5.5 hours, Difficulty: Moderate.


From the city of Huaraz, hike straight up into the city’s nearby hills on this circuit hike. En route, you’ll reach a spectacular viewpoint of the entire Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra ranges known as the Pukaventana or “red window.” The hike involves nearly as much uphill terrain as downhill, but offers plenty of fresh Andean landscape to experience without ever retracing a step.


huaraz-hikes-image-8

9. Lake 69


Quick Details; Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles, Duration: 6 to 7 hours, Difficulty: Challenging.


Perhaps the most popular of the short Huaraz hikes, Lake 69 is a challenging 15-kilometer there-and-back hike in Huascaran National Park. The trail ascends to the aquamarine-colored Lake 69 at 4,609 meters above sea level (15,121 ft.) and brings you face-to-face with plenty of snow-clad peaks and glacial lakes along the way. Challenging though the hike may be, most hikers manage to complete it without any issues, regardless of their fitness level.


huaraz-hikes-image-9

img-card
Plan exploreInca Trail to Machu Picchu
img-card
Plan exploreDestino Cusco
Inspiring stories from our Blog
five peruvian dances that will enchant and delight you
five peruvian dances that will enchant and delight you by Explorandes / Apr 22, 2024Read more
what to do in the sacred valley
what to do in the sacred valleyby Explorandes / Jul 23, 2024Read more
a description of lakes in huaraz and how to reach
a description of lakes in huaraz and how to reachby Explorandes / Apr 22, 2024Read more
lake titicaca: birthplace of the sun
lake titicaca: birthplace of the sunby Explorandes / Nov 21, 2024Read more
img-card
ExpertTraveler'sBlog
this season featured experiences
HIKING&TREKKING
huayhuash-trek-image
huayhuash trek

April - October

12 days / 11 nights

The Huayhuash Trek is an amazing journey to the very heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, the second highest tropical mountain range in the world. A trekker's paradise, this terrain is remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful. The film Touching the Void, the tale of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, was made about their harrowing experience as the first mountaineers to scale Siula Grande, which is part of this mountain range. This version of the Huayhuash trek crosses six high passes over 4500 m (14,763 ft) and two that are higher than 5000 m (16,404 ft)! Throughout the 12 days of the trek, we camp next to stunningly beautiful alpine lakes and in broad, grassy valleys replete with wildflowers and rushing alpine creeks, while basking in the imposing presence of the White Mountains looming over us, with peaks at elevations above 5000 m (16,404 ft) and 6000 m (19,685 ft). At least three days of acclimatization hikes in the area are strongly recommended to be able to enjoy the trek.
From
1750
/ Per Person
View tour details
HIKING&TREKKING
ancascocha-trek-image
ancascocha trek & the short inca trail

March - December

5 days / 4 nights

National Geographic Magazine has rated this Inca Trail alternative trek as one of the top hikes in the world! This Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail is truly the road less traveled by, for those who crave time away from crowds, amidst the beauty of nature. The journey begins at the Parpishu Footbridge and ascends amidst the dramatic backdrop of Mts. Salkantay and Verónica. Crossing through rugged terrain, remote mountain communities, ancient ruins, and diverse ecosystems for around 37 km (23 mi), the trek culminates at the village of Camicancha, near Km 77 on the railroad tracks to Machu Picchu. On day 4, we will board the train to Km 104 to walk along the pathway that covers the final stretch of the Inca Trail, where you will have a taste of the famous longer Inca Trail hike, and the thrill of entering Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. On our last day of the Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail, we will spend time exploring Machu Picchu, one of the ancient wonders of the world.
From
1290
/ Per Person
View tour details
HIKING&TREKKING
running-inca-trails-image
running the inca trails - choquequirao to machu picchu

April - November

8 days / 7 nights

On this run, we will traverse an incredible Inca highway consisting of over 125 km (77.7 mi) of ancient roads. The activities include trail running, enjoying the tranquility of nature, and exploring two amazing and enigmatic archaeological sites. We will cross through highly varied terrain of diverse ecosystems: from majestic rivers at 1500 masl (4921 fasl) to high mountain passes at 4650 masl (15,256 fasl); from tropical rainforests to imposing glaciers; from the territory of the endangered spectacled bear to the skyways of majestic condors in flight; all combining to make this a unique and memorable experience. The route begins in the town of Capuliyoc and passes through the famous archaeological complex of Choquequirao. We’ll visit small villages along the route, running lightly over intact Inca paths winding through the mountains, and ending at the mystical ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
From
2310
/ Per Person
View tour details
CULTURALCLASSICS
journey-heart-titicaca-image
journey to the heart of titicaca

April - October

4 days / 3 nights

Embark on a unique journey through one of the most mystical and culturally rich regions of the Andes. Our 4-day/3-night program takes you on a deep dive into the heart of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, known for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient traditions, and spiritual significance. This immersive experience blends adventure with cultural exploration, guiding you through the iconic Uros Floating Islands, the historical Isla Taquile, and the serene community of Luquina Chico. Along the way, you’ll engage in traditional activities, connect with local communities, and hike ancient Inca paths that lead you through the stunning altiplano. Whether you’re hiking the sacred trails of the Inca, meditating on the shores of the lake, or sharing stories by the fireside, this program offers an unparalleled chance to experience the timeless spirit of the Andean world.
From
810
/ Per Person
View tour details