Minimum age: 8 years old – Must have parents permission
Maximum age: 65 years old – Medical proof of optimum health status

The trip starts with pickups at hotels, from where we will head north in our private mini-bus along the Callejon de Huaylas valley. We will follow the course of the main river in the valley, which divides the Cordillera Blanca to the east and the Cordillera Negra to the west. We will pass traditional towns with farmlands, and views of the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. As we reach Yungay, we’ll drive up on the dirt road to the north east where the Llanganuco valley is located. Just at the entrance of the valley, we’ll stop at the Huascaran National Park. We will pass the beautiful, pristine lakes of Chinancocha and Orconcocha, making a stop at the side of Lake Chinancocha to take some pictures, and then drive ahead to Cebollapampa, which is located at 3900 metres altitude. This will be the starting point for our long hike to Laguna 69.

At the beginning, it will be a pleasant hike on an almost flat area for about 1 hour, passing through quenual trees and enjoying the scenery, with amazing views of the Huascaran mountain, the highest peak in the Cordillera Blanca, as well as Chopicalqui and Yanapaccha. We will then ascend on a well-marked zig-zag path to the first small lake. As we gain height, the dramatic glaciated peaks of Chacraraju, Yanapaccha, Huascaran, and Chopicalqui will come into view.

We will continue ascending on the last zig-zag path to the lake. Some people find this last section just before you reach the lake quite difficult, as it is common to feel the effects of the altitude and get tired during your final effort to get to the lake. Relax, take pictures, take a break in between the hike, and have some of your packed lunch while you enjoy the landscape.

The rewarding view of the beautiful aqua-coloured lake will be well worth the trek. The glowing hues under the bright sun are unlike anything you will ever see, and you will be glad to have made it that far.

After taking some time to admire the beautiful lake, we will hike back the same way to Cebollapampa. Here is where our mini-bus will be waiting to drive you back to Huaraz at 6:30 pm approx.

Max altitude: 4,600m/15,092ft

05:00 - 05:30

Pick up from hotel or hostel

05:30 - 08:30

Drive to Huascaran National Park

08:30 - 09:30

Start trekking in Cebollapampa

09:30 -12:30

Start hiking up to Lake 69

12:30 - 13:30

Relax with an amazing view of the lake

13:30- 15:30

Hike down to Cebollapampa

15:30 -18:30

Go back to the main square

- Pick up from your hotel or hostel
- Trekking guide, English speaking
- Basic first aid kit

- Breakfast (there is a stop on the way for breakfast - the cost is 8 soles approx. - or
otherwise you can take your own breakfast)
- Lunch / box lunch (Bring fruit, cereal, energy bars, water, sandwiches, etc)
- Huascaran National Park entrance tax
Foreigners 30 soles (approx. USD 8.00)
National 15 soles (approx. USD 4.00)

- Personal items
- Backpack
- Cap or hat
- Sunglasses
- Mineral water or rehydration drink
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Kit for small injuries
- Shoes or hiking boots
- Gloves
- Thick stockings
- Long, lightweight pants/trousers or shorts
- Trekking poles
- Windbreaker and waterproof jacket with hood (in the case it rains)

Cancellation or changes of this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date need to be done before 6:00 pm (Lima time) 2 days before the tour begins.

No Shows & Cancellations of this tour - If you cancel before 4:00 pm (Lima time) 3 days before the tour begins or earlier, there is a 10% administration fee (+ the card fee). After this time, there is a 100% no show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

1. I can’t find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations as I’m making my booking. What should I select?

   This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodations listed. This list covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. If you cannot find your hotel on the list, please select an alternative pick up location close by and be ready for pick-up at the time shown on your booking confirmation.

2. How physically fit do I need to be?

   You should be reasonably fit to undertake the trek. The trek is not particularly steep, but at this altitude the gradual climb can be challenging.

3. Do I need trekking shoes?

   Not necessarily, but as it takes several hours hiking up and down through the canyon, we recommend to at least wear stable and comfortable shoes.

4. What else do I need to bring?

   We recommend that you bring enough water (around 2 litres per person), snacks (there are no shops in the mountains), sunglasses, warm clothes (jacket & scarf), camera, walking sticks (optional), coca leaves or sugary snacks, and sunscreen.

5. Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

   Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500 metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.

6. Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

   Apart from our low-price guarantee, with us you are 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide an instant email confirmation, and have live spaces and availability for each tour. If you have any queries, you are in the hands of our team of 20 local experts here on the ground, who speak perfect Spanish and English. We guarantee quick responses to any questions or queries. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours... We are the experts at reservations, organisation and assistance with your plans for these tours.