Best Day Hikes in Huaraz

Discover the most spectacular high-altitude trails in the Cordillera Blanca — curated by local experts and premium trekking specialists.
By Inkaland Treks — Huaraz, Peru

Huaraz, the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca, is one of the world’s top day-hiking destinations. With turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, dramatic valleys, and breathtaking viewpoints accessible in just a few hours, it is the perfect place for acclimatization hikes, short adventures, and immersive nature experiences.

Whether you are preparing for the Huayhuash, Santa Cruz, or simply exploring northern Peru, this guide presents the very best day hikes in Huaraz for 2025 — all operated by Inkaland Treks with premium service, certified mountain guides, and personalized attention.

Awarded by the TOURISE Awards – Recognized by MINCETUR & UN Tourism

In 2025, Ancash — the region home to Huaraz, the Cordillera Blanca, and part of the Huayhuash — was officially crowned the World’s Best Adventure Destination at the prestigious TOURISE Awards. This global recognition celebrates Ancash’s extraordinary combination of:

Spectacular Natural Landscapes

• Huascarán National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Dozens of turquoise lakes
• The highest tropical mountain range in the world
• Glacier valleys, waterfalls, and dramatic peaks

Cultural and Archaeological Richness

• The ancient ceremonial center of Chavín de Huántar
• Living Andean culture and traditional communities
• Colorful ancestral festivals and rituals

International Trust & Recognition

The award — given in collaboration with MINCETUR and UN Tourism — places Ancash at the very top of global adventure tourism.

Impact of the Award (2025–2026)

• Expected 15% increase in international visitors
• Boost to hotels, restaurants, transport, and local businesses
• Higher demand for premium, sustainable, small-group experiences
• A spotlight on the region as Peru’s adventure epicenter

Ancash is no longer a hidden gem — it is now one of the world’s leading adventure destinations.

(Premium small-group service, unique in Huaraz)

While most day tours in Huaraz are large and standardized, Inkaland Treks offers a more elevated style of adventure.

We specialize in premium, personalized day hikes, designed for travelers who want comfort, exclusivity, and authentic outdoor immersion — far from crowded buses and generic tour routes.

✔ What Makes Our Day Hikes Different

• Small groups (max 10 participants)
• Private tours available for couples, families & friends
• Freshly prepared hot lunches served outdoors, right beside the lakes
• Tables, chairs, Andean textiles & real tableware
• Early departures to avoid crowds
• Dietary preferences respected (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
• Professional English-speaking mountain guides
• Access to hidden lakes & trails few operators offer

This outdoor lunch experience — like the one below — is one of the most loved elements of our day hikes:

More than 90% of our Brazilian clients visit Huaraz specifically for 3–4 days of personalized day hikes with Inkaland Treks.
It is a signature experience that sets our service apart in the Cordillera Blanca.

Carefully selected for scenery, acclimatization value, accessibility & uniqueness.

The most iconic day hike in Huaraz – a must for adventure lovers.

Laguna 69 is famous for its deep turquoise color, the dramatic ice wall of Chacraraju, and its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful alpine lakes.

Highlights

• World-renowned glacial lake
• Waterfalls and dramatic vertical ice walls
• Ideal for trekkers preparing for Huayhuash

📈 Difficulty

Challenging (6 hours round trip, steep final ascent)

✔ Perfect For

Strong acclimatization before multi-day treks.

A classic acclimatization hike — short, scenic, and fun.

Churup is a stunning lake surrounded by sharp granite walls. The route includes a short scramble with fixed ropes, adding excitement.

Highlights

• Crystal-clear blue water
• Fun scrambling section
• Great for early acclimatization

Difficulty

Moderate–challenging

Home of Artesonraju — the real “Paramount Mountain.”

One of the largest lakes in the Cordillera Blanca, Parón offers a gentle walk to a panoramic viewpoint facing massive peaks like Artesonraju, Pirámide & Chacraraju.

Highlights

• Emerald lake surrounded by ice giants
• Perfect for photos
• Gentle acclimatization

Difficulty

Easy–moderate

An exclusive Inkaland Treks route — peaceful, scenic, and uncrowded.

Rocotuyoc is a hidden gem ideal for travelers seeking privacy, gentle acclimatization, and breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

• Quiet, untouched valley
• Waterfalls & high pastures
• Perfect for photos and beginners

Difficulty

Easy–moderate

A dramatic glacial valley with granite towers and peaceful alpine scenery.

Llaca is perfect for stronger acclimatization without heavy physical demand.

Highlights

• Glacier views
• Granite walls
• Quiet, wild atmosphere

Difficulty

Moderate

A high-altitude experience accessible to everyone.

Pastoruri offers a short, gentle walk to a glacier viewpoint at 5,000 m — ideal for families or relaxed travelers.

Highlights

• Glacier lookout
• Puya Raimondi plants
• Accessible trail

Difficulty

Easy

Inkaland Treks recommends:

✔ For Huayhuash (8–10 days): 2–3 acclimatization hikes

✔ For Santa Cruz (4–5 days): 1–2 hikes

Suggested sequence:

1. Rocotuyoc or Churup
2. Laguna Parón
3. Laguna 69 (final challenge)

• Daypack (20–30 L)
• 1.5–2 L of water
• Sunscreen & sunglasses
• Warm layers
• Gloves, beanie, buff
• Rain jacket
• Trekking poles
• Snacks
• Comfortable hiking shoes

Weather changes quickly — always be prepared.

✔ Local operator based in Huaraz
✔ 12+ years of experience
✔ Safety-focused guiding team
✔ Premium outdoor lunch service
✔ Personalized pacing & small groups
✔ Early departures to avoid crowds
✔ Trusted by international travel agencies

We design unforgettable day hikes for travelers of all levels — from beginners to experienced trekkers preparing for high-altitude expeditions.

We offer:
✔ Private day hikes
✔ Premium outdoor lunches
✔ Classic group hikes
✔ Custom acclimatization programs
✔ Complete travel planning in Huaraz

📲 WhatsApp: +51 943 332 193

Explore the Andes — one perfect day at a time.