How to Acclimatize in Huaraz Before Your Trek (3-Day Plan)
Your essential guide to adjusting safely to altitude before Huayhuash, Santa Cruz, or any multi-day trek in the Peruvian Andes.
Huaraz sits at 3,050 meters, and most treks in the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash reach altitudes between 4,000–5,000 meters. Acclimatizing properly is essential to enjoy your trek safely and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
At Inkaland Treks, we recommend spending 2–3 days in Huaraz before starting any multi-day trek.
This guide provides a simple, effective, and proven 3-day acclimatization plan, built from our 12+ years of experience operating high-altitude expeditions.
Quick Guide: How Many Days Do You Need?
| Trek or Activity | Recommended Acclimatization |
| Santa Cruz | 2 days |
| Huayhuash (6–10 days) | 3 days |
| Cedros–Alpamayo | 3 days |
| Glacier climbs | 4+ days |
Even if you’ve trekked in Cusco, you still need time to acclimatize in Huaraz — the altitude here is significantly higher.
What Happens to Your Body at Altitude?
Above 3,000 meters, your body must adjust to:
- Reduced oxygen
- Faster breathing
- Increased hydration needs
- Colder temperatures
- Higher energy demand
Proper acclimatization helps prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and prepares you for steep ascents and high passes.
The Perfect 3-Day Acclimatization Plan
Prepares you for:
- Huayhuash (6, 8 & 10 days)
- Santa Cruz
- Cedros–Alpamayo
- Climbing programs (Pisco, Mateo, Yanapaccha, Vallunaraju)
DAY 1: Soft Start (Huaraz 3,050 m)
Morning
- Arrive in Huaraz
- Light breakfast (soup recommended)
- Hydrate well
- Settle into your hotel
Afternoon
- Gentle walk through town
- Optional: Rataquenua viewpoint
- Early dinner + rest
Avoid
✖ Alcohol
✖ Heavy meals
✖ Exercise
Goal: Let your body adapt gently to 3,050 m.
DAY 2: First Acclimatization Hike (Easy–Moderate)
Recommended Hikes
Wilcacocha (3,700 m) — Easy
Gentle ascent, big mountain views.
Rocotuyoc (3,900 m) — Easy/Moderate
Exclusive Inkaland route; quiet, progressive.
Why this works
✔ Moderate altitude gain
✔ Smooth adaptation
✔ No overexertion
DAY 3: High-Altitude Acclimatization (4,450–4,600 m)
This day must include real hiking, not a car-accessible lake.
Recommended Hikes
Laguna Churup (4,450 m) — Moderate/Strong
Steep ascent + scrambling sections.
Llaca Valley (4,600 m) — Moderate
Quiet glacier valley.
Laguna 69 (4,600 m) — Strong
Best final challenge before multi-day treks.
✖ Not recommended for acclimatization
Parón Lake — too flat; not enough physical effort.
Optional 4-Day Plan for Climbers
- Day 1: Rest
- Day 2: Wilcacocha
- Day 3: Churup
- Day 4: Laguna 69
Then you’re ready for glacier training
Can You Skip Acclimatization Hikes?
No. Acclimatization should never be skipped — whether you’re trekking Huayhuash, Santa Cruz, or Cedros–Alpamayo.
Even if you arrive from Cusco, you still need at least 1 full day in Huaraz.
If you come directly from Lima, you need 2–3 days, and 4 days is ideal.
Day hikes significantly improve:
✔ Oxygen efficiency
✔ Endurance
✔ Sleep quality
✔ Overall safety
✔ Adaptation to 4,000–5,000+ m
A proper acclimatization plan is the key to a successful trek.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Starting a trek the day you arrive
❌ Drinking alcohol on Day 1
❌ Heavy meals
❌ Not drinking enough water
❌ Doing difficult hikes too soon
❌ Skipping acclimatization days
Inkaland Treks Expert Tips
- Drink 2–3 liters per day
- Sleep early
- Avoid alcohol
- Do two acclimatization hikes minimum
- Add extra days if flying
- Listen to your body
Best Acclimatization Hikes (Ranked)
Easy
- Wilcacocha
- Rocotuyoc
Moderate
- Llaca Valley
- Laguna Churup
Strong
- Laguna 69
Prepare for Your Trek With a Trusted Local Operator
Inkaland Treks offers:
✔ Certified mountain guides
✔ Private transport
✔ Box lunches
✔ Tailored acclimatization programs
Start Planning:
➡️ Explore Day Hikes
➡️ Prepare for Huayhuash
➡️ Join a 2026 Group
➡️ Contact for Private Programs
📲 WhatsApp: +51 943 332 193