Huaraz is the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world according to Peru's protected areas service (SERNANP). The city sits at about 3,050 metres above sea level and a little over 400 kilometres north of Lima, and almost every excursion to turquoise lakes, glaciers, queñual forests and archaeological sites in the Áncash region starts here. If it is your first time, this guide helps you decide what to do in Huaraz, in what order and with what precautions.
First things first: altitude rules
The most common mistake is trying the most famous hike the day after getting off the bus. The city is already above 3,000 metres and many excursions go above 4,500. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend ascending gradually, avoiding alcohol and strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours, and taking day trips to higher altitude while sleeping lower. That is why the order of activities matters as much as the list. We explain it in detail in our acclimatization and altitude sickness guide.
1. Walk around the city and its viewpoints
Take the first day easy: stroll around the Plaza de Armas, the central market and the shopping streets, try local food and find a viewpoint to see the snow peaks. On clear days, especially in the dry season, the Cordillera Blanca is visible from the city itself. It is also the moment to compare agencies, ask about permits and buy any warm clothing you are missing, because nights in the highlands are cold even when the day is sunny.
A practical tip: on that first walk, ask agencies to show you their current SERNANP authorization and whether the guide holds an official ID card. SERNANP recommends exactly that to visitors of Huascarán National Park to avoid informal operators and problems at checkpoints.
2. Laguna Churup: the warm-up hike
Churup is one of the most visited lakes near the city, and many travellers use it as a test before bigger challenges. It is a short but steep hike, with a final section where you need your hands in places. Reaching a glacial lake above 4,000 metres and sleeping back in Huaraz is exactly the kind of trip that helps you acclimatize.
3. Llanganuco lakes: the scenery without big effort
Chinancocha and Orconcocha, the two Llanganuco lakes, lie in a valley surrounded by queñual forest at the foot of Huascarán, Peru's highest peak (6,678 m according to SERNANP material). The visit is mostly by vehicle with short walks, so it is ideal for day two or three, for families or for anyone who does not want a demanding trek. The route also passes villages of the Callejón de Huaylas such as Yungay and Carhuaz. More in Pastoruri and Llanganuco: two classic day trips.
4. Pastoruri and the Climate Change Route
For decades Pastoruri was the most visited glacier in the region. Today Peru's glacier and mountain ecosystem research institute (INAIGEM) presents it as one of the most visible signs of climate change: the glacier is retreating and has fragmented. SERNANP created the Climate Change Route, which includes an interpretation centre, carbonated springs, rock paintings and forests of Puya Raimondi, a giant Andean plant. According to SERNANP, it is about 69 km by vehicle from Huaraz (around 2 h 30) followed by a walk of about 2 km to the glacier. It is a high-altitude trip, so do not schedule it on day one.
5. Laguna 69: the great day hike
Laguna 69 is Huaraz's most famous image: turquoise water at the foot of Chacraraju. It is demanding because of the altitude (the lake is at about 4,600 m) and the length. Since 9 February 2026 entry is only allowed with SERNANP-authorized agencies, as reported by the state news agency Andina. Leave it for when you have spent several days in the area. Everything is in our complete Laguna 69 guide.
6. Chavín de Huántar: 3,000 years of history
On the other side of the Cordillera Blanca, in the Callejón de Conchucos, lies Chavín de Huántar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The temple, with its underground galleries and the famous Lanzón, was a major Andean ceremonial centre. It sits at 3,180 metres according to Áncash's regional tourism office (DIRCETUR), and the Ministry of Culture states it opens Tuesday to Sunday, so do not plan to go on a Monday. It is the essential cultural trip and helps with acclimatization because it is not physically demanding. Details in our Chavín de Huántar guide.
7. Multi-day trekking
For experienced hikers, Huaraz is one of South America's great trekking capitals. The Santa Cruz route is the best-known multi-day trek: according to SERNANP, you drive to Cashapampa and walk about 50 km to Vaquería. The Cordillera Huayhuash, further south, offers even longer and more remote circuits. All adventure tourism inside the park must be done with operators authorized by Huascarán National Park.
8. The Cordillera Negra and the valley villages
Facing the Cordillera Blanca rises the Cordillera Negra, without permanent snow, offering wide views of the peaks. Villages of the Callejón de Huaylas such as Carhuaz, Yungay and Caraz show rural Andean life, markets and food. In the rainy season, when long hikes get complicated, this kind of village and culture tourism remains a good option.
How to plan your days: a prudent example
- Day 1: arrival, rest and an easy walk around town.
- Day 2: relaxed trip to the Llanganuco lakes or a cultural visit.
- Day 3: Chavín de Huántar (remember: closed on Mondays).
- Day 4: Laguna Churup as a warm-up hike.
- Day 5: Pastoruri and the Climate Change Route.
- Day 6: Laguna 69 with an authorized agency, if you feel well.
- Day 7: buffer day for weather or tiredness, and departure.
Adjust the plan to how you feel: with a severe headache, nausea or persistent dizziness, do not go higher. The CDC are clear: anyone who gets worse at rest must descend.
When to go
The dry season, May to September, is best for hikes and lakes. According to SENAMHI climate normals for Huaraz, June, July and August are the driest months and March the wettest. See the best time to visit Huaraz.
Getting there
The usual way is the overnight bus from Lima on the road via Pativilca and Conococha. Step by step in how to get to Huaraz from Lima. Coming from the north coast, you can combine the trip with Chimbote: see what to see in Chimbote.
Responsible tourism in Huascarán National Park
The park protects glaciers, lakes, wildlife such as the Andean condor and queñual forests. Follow park rangers' instructions, stay on marked trails, carry out your rubbish and always get your entry ticket: it is your contribution to conservation. Campfires, pets and flying drones without permission are prohibited in areas such as Laguna 69.
In short
What to do in Huaraz depends on your fitness and your days, but the golden rule is the same for everyone: start easy, go up gradually and hire only authorized agencies. For budgeting, see our budget tips.
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Prefer a licensed local guide? Request your trip · Tours in Huaraz & Áncash
Sources
- SERNANP – Huascarán National Park (official brochure)
- Andina – SERNANP tips for visiting Huascarán NP and routes
- Andina – Laguna 69 entry only with authorized agencies
- INAIGEM – Pastoruri, from tourist splendour to climate alert
- DIRCETUR Áncash – Chavín de Huántar
- CDC – Travel to High Altitudes
- SENAMHI – Huaraz climate normals
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