Laguna 69, Ancash Region, Peru

5rekymartha 5:00 PM Jul 22, 2015

Independent hike to Laguna 69 from Caraz
After hearing that so many people go to Laguna 69 with tour from Huaraz, I decided that I dont want my time at the lake to be restricted. So I stayed in Caraz (cheaper and nicer town than Huaraz) and took the combi (collectivo minibus) to Yungay. It costed 2 soles for 15 min ride. From Yungay, I took another combi that costed 15 soles for 2 hours ride. Tell the driver to drop you off at Sebollapampa para Laguna 69. The entry to the park for 1 day is only 10 soles. If you leave Caraz at 6 AM, you will be at the trailhead by 8:30 AM. Most tourists coming from Huaraz with tour bus get there around 10:30. So if you go independently from Caraz, you have about 2 extra hours to spend at the lake (instead of 15-20 min if you go with a tour). The hike up takes about 3 hours (if you are a fit person). It is a gradual hike up but particularly steep for the last 3 hours. I hike quite a bit and I would put this hike as a difficult hike because it is harder to breath in the high altitude (Laguna 69 is located at 4600 m above the sea level). The hike down takes about 1.5 hours since there are a lot of area with loose rocks so you have to be careful when you go down. The last combi or taxis leave the trailhead around 4 PM. So make sure that you are down by then to catch it. Also, please remember to bring enough water and food, and also carry warm clothing because up at the lake it can get windy and it is cold (about 10 degree celcius). There is no other village or place to stay around there if you miss the last one. Overall, I am so glad I did independent hike and took my time at the lake instead of rushing up and down if I join a tour. Have a great trip.

5Julia R 5:00 PM Oct 27, 2016

Best hike ever!
This was so far my favourite hike, even though I had a big problem with adjusting to the altitude (you start the walk at 3800m and laguna is 4600m). We went independently (no guide or agency) and it was really easy. Here is how to do it: You take a collectivo (local bus or minivan) to Yungay. It costs 10 sol and then anoter collectivo (they are waiting on the same station) that will bring you to the national park (around 20 sol). You will need to pay 10 sol for the entrence. Please note that if you want to spend a night in a refugio or camp in the park the cost for entrence goes up to 65 sol. The colectivo will bring you to the place where you need to start the walk. The root id is very well marked and there are many people along the way, so it's very easy to find your way. We saw the guides walking behind their groups and the only thing they did was checking of noone had a problem with altitude. The hike is 9km one way and the views are absolutelly stunning! The laguna georgious and the color you aee on the photos is real or even better. TIPS: - make sure you leave early in a morning. The travel to the national park from huaraz will take you around 3hrs. The hike takes approx. 3.5 hrs up and 2 hrs down and you still need to catch a bus back. - take enough food and water with you. Once you enter the park there are no stores or restaurants. - take coka leaves or mate de coka with you. Many people suffer here due to the altitude, even thouugh the hike itself is not very difficult.