Huaraz Hikes

explore 8 amazing huaraz day hikes to try

Huaraz hikes are the perfect introduction to Peru’s adventure playground—this city, known as the hiking capital of the country, inevitably captures the attention of every adventurous soul charting a Peruvian itinerary. Indeed, with its network of trails snaking through the stunning Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz alone can fill your travel plans. Some travelers immerse themselves fully in this landscape, while others—like you, perhaps—just want a taste. If you’re after sampling the most exhilarating trails and scenic vistas around the region, explore our curated list of nine standout Huaraz hikes, thoughtfully arranged from easy-going paths to more challenging treks.

By ExplorandesSep 05, 2025

1. Maria Josefa Trail – A Signature Huaraz Hike

Quick Details

Distance: 2.9 km / 1.8 miles

Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Compared to other Huaraz hikes, the Maria Josefa Trail is mostly downhill, making it one of the easiest acclimatization options. Starting at the glass-like Lake Chinancocha in the Llanganuco Valley, the trail passes through a picturesque Queñual forest and by ancient ruins.

Many travelers combine this hike with the Santa Cruz Trek, as the route to Vaquería passes right by these turquoise waters. Compared to Lake Churup or Willcacocha, this trail is far less strenuous but equally scenic.

Tip: Best visited in the morning when the lake’s surface reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Turquoise waters of Lake Chinancocha in Llanganuco Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks in Huascarán National Park, Peru. — Lake Chinancocha in Llanganuco Valley, Huascarán National Park - Photograph by Peter Bocklandt

2. Portachuelo de Llanganuco Lake – Iconic Hiking Huaraz Spot

Quick Details

Distance: 1.9 km / 1.18 miles

Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

This short but memorable hike offers a steady descent with panoramic views of the Llanganuco Valley and the peaks of Huascarán, Chopicallqui, Huandoy, Pisco, and Chacraraju.

While similar in length to the Maria Josefa Trail, Portachuelo feels more exposed and offers a broader alpine panorama. It also forms part of the approach to longer expeditions like the Alpamayo Circuit or Great Inca Trail.

Tip: Ideal for photography lovers — sunsets here can be spectacular.

Snow-covered peak of Mount Huascarán rising above the Andes in Huascarán National Park, Peru — Mount Huascarán in Huascarán National Park - Photography by Eddy Andreolla

3. Huaca Punta – Scenic Huaraz Hike

Quick Details:

Distance: 4.7 km / 2.92 miles

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.

This there-and-back hike begins at Lake Willcacocha and ascends to 3,879 m.a.s.l., ending at the pre-Inca site of Huaca Punta. The summit viewpoint rewards you with wide-open vistas of the Cordillera Blanca.

Compared to Willcacocha Lake’s full ascent route, Huaca Punta is shorter but still provides a solid warm-up before more demanding treks like Lake 69 or the Huayhuash Trek.

Tip: Start early to catch the mountains glowing in the morning light.

Scenic view of Lake Willcacocha reflecting the Cordillera Blanca peaks, located in the Cordillera Negra, Peru. — Lake Willcacocha in the Cordillera Negra - Photograph by T. Bradford

4. Lake Rajucolta – Classic Hiking Huaraz Destination

Quick Details

Distance: 13.8 km / 8.57 miles

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.

Leaving from the Huascarán National Park Control, this out-and-back trail gains around 550 meters before reaching the turquoise waters of Rajucolta, framed by sheer Andean walls.

If you love high-altitude lakes, this one rivals Lake 69 in beauty but with fewer crowds and less steep climbs. Hikers who enjoy glacial lakes might also consider the Enchanting Lake Odyssey, which visits several of the Cordillera Blanca’s most beautiful lagoons.

Tip: Bring a picnic — there’s plenty of space to relax by the shore.

Turquoise glacial lake surrounded by steep Andean peaks in Huascarán National Park, Peru. — Turquoise lake in Huascarán National Park - Photograph by Eduard Goricev

5. Lake Churup – Popular Huaraz Hike

Quick Details

Distance: 7 km / 4.34 miles

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate.

This climb to 4,450 m.a.s.l. offers stunning views of Mt. Churup and the city of Huaraz. The ascent is steeper than Willcacocha or Maria Josefa but shorter than Lake 69, making it an ideal step in your acclimatization plan.

Many use this moderately challenging hike as acclimatization for longer treks like the Best of Huayhuash or Alpamayo Circuit.

Tip: Bring gloves for the short scramble section near the top.

Crystal-clear waters of Lake Churup reflecting rugged peaks in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. — Lake Churup in the Cordillera Blanca - Photograph by T. Bradford

6. Willcacocha Lake – Majestic Hiking Huaraz Viewpoint

Quick Details

Distance: 5.3 km / 3.29 miles

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate.

Ascending 737 meters, this hike offers unique views of the Cordillera Blanca from the Cordillera Negra. It’s more uphill than Huaca Punta but with equally rewarding vistas.

Its gradual ascent is excellent preparation for challenging expeditions like the Huayhuash Trek.

Tip: Perfect for sunrise — the peaks light up in brilliant pinks and golds.

Lake Willcacocha with snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca in the background, Peru. — Lake Willcacocha with views of the Cordillera Blanca - Photograph by Unknown

7. Pukaventana – Panoramic Huaraz Hike

Quick Details

Distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles

Duration: 4.5 to 5.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate.

From the city of Huaraz, hike straight up into the city’s nearby hills on this circuit hike. En route, you’ll reach a spectacular viewpoint of the entire Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra ranges known as the Pukaventana or “red window.” The hike involves nearly as much uphill terrain as downhill, but offers plenty of fresh Andean landscape to experience without ever retracing a step.

Panoramic mountain landscapes on the trail to Lake Willcacocha, with views of Huaraz and snow-capped peaks in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. — Panoramic views from the hike to Lake Willcacocha, Cordillera Blanca - Photograph by Unknown

8. Lake 69 – Iconic Huaraz Hike

Quick Details

Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Difficulty: Challenging

Perhaps the most popular of the short Huaraz hikes, Lake 69 is a challenging 15-kilometer there-and-back hike in Huascaran National Park. The trail ascends to the aquamarine-colored Lake 69 at 4,609 meters above sea level (15,121 ft.) and brings you face-to-face with plenty of snow-clad peaks and glacial lakes along the way. Challenging though the hike may be, most hikers manage to complete it without any issues, regardless of their fitness level. This is another excellent acclimatization option before tackling iconic routes like the Huayhuash Trek, Best of Huayhuash or Santa Cruz Trek.

Tip: Start early to avoid crowds — this is the most popular day hike in Huaraz.

Turquoise waters of Lake 69 with surrounding rocky peaks and a small waterfall in Huascarán National Park, Peru. — Lake 69 in Huascarán National Park - Photograph by Will Southhall

When to Go & How to Prepare

The dry season (May–September) offers the clearest skies and best trail conditions. The rainy season (October–April) brings lush landscapes but also more challenging weather.

Acclimatization Tips:

Spend at least 2–3 days in Huaraz before attempting high-altitude hikes.
Start with easier routes (Maria Josefa, Churup, Willcacocha) before Lake 69 or multi-day treks.
Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and ascend gradually.

Huaraz Hiking Route Comparison

Ready to Hike Huaraz?

Whether you’re after a half-day acclimatization walk or a challenging trek into the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, Explorandes can guide you there. We also offer multi-day expeditions like the Santa Cruz Trek, Huayhuash Circuit, Best of Huayhuash, Alpamayo Circuit, and the Great Inca Trail.

Contact us today to start planning your Huaraz hiking adventure.