Laguna 69, Peru: complete guide + my experience from Huaraz
There are places you see a thousand times in photos…
and still, you’re not prepared for what it feels like to actually be there.
The Laguna 69 hike is one of those.
It’s one of the most popular hikes in Huaraz, and also one of the most impressive you can do in Peru.
In this guide, I’ll share my real experience, how to get there, what to expect on the trail, and the tips I wish I knew before going.
📍 Laguna 69 quick facts (altitude, distance & difficulty)
- 📍 Location: Huascarán National Park, near Huaraz
- ⛰️ Altitude: ~4,600 meters (15,091 ft)
- 🥾 Distance: ~14 km (round trip)
- ⏱️ Duration: 5–7 hours
- 🔥 Difficulty: Moderate – challenging due to altitude
- 🌤️ Best time to visit: May to September
My experience hiking Laguna 69
I did the Laguna 69 hike with a tour, mainly for logistics.
And even though I wasn’t sure at first if it was worth it… it absolutely was.
The day starts REALLY early.
Around 4:30 am, you’re already up and waiting to be picked up.
If your accommodation is in the northern part of Huaraz, expect to be one of the last stops.
But once everyone is in the van, the drive through the Callejón de Huaylas begins… and that’s when the adventure starts to feel real.
It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach Cebollapampa, where the hike begins.
That day started cloudy.
I wasn’t sure if that was a good sign or not.
But little by little, the sky began to clear…
and with every step, the landscape kept revealing itself.
Mountains, waterfalls, small lakes…
and that cold, crisp air that constantly reminds you you’re in high altitude.
This isn’t a technical hike.
And if you’re properly acclimatized, it’s definitely doable.
But it is challenging.
Especially because of the altitude, particularly if you’re coming from sea-level cities.
Most tours give you around 6 hours total:
3 hours up, 3 hours down.
If you’re in good shape, you might reach the lake in about 2 hours or a bit less.
The trail starts easy, almost misleading.
Then come steady climbs, followed by a valley where you can catch your breath…
and then, the final section.
The last kilometers are all uphill.
But the final stretch… that’s the one that really tests you.
And then… you arrive.
The color of the lake you see in photos is real.
But in person… it’s something else.
If you’re lucky and get a clear day, the turquoise is incredibly vibrant, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
It’s one of those places that literally takes your breath away.
✨ Extra insights
Along the way, there’s another lake known as “Laguna Consuelo.”
Guides say it’s for those who don’t make it all the way to the top…
and honestly, the name couldn’t be more accurate 😅
Also, in the valley before the final 3 km, you might spot vizcachas.
They’re small Andean rodents, kind of like a mix between a rabbit and a squirrel.
Since we were among the first groups to start the hike, we were lucky enough to see them moving around freely.
🚐 How to get to Laguna 69 from Huaraz
Option 1: Tour (most common)
Most people visit from Huaraz.
Includes:
- Round-trip transportation
- Local certified guide
💡 Ideal if you’re traveling solo or want an easier, stress-free option.
It’s usually better to book directly in Huaraz, since online prices tend to be higher.
Option 2: On your own
Cheaper, but more complicated.
According to some guides, starting this year, a guide may become mandatory, although it’s not fully enforced yet.
If you decide to go independently, you’ll need to plan:
- Transport to Yungay
- Transport to Huascarán National Park
- Start the hike from Cebollapampa
- Arrange return transport in advance (there’s no signal or WiFi there)
💡 Recommended only if you’re comfortable navigating local transportation.
Also, you’ll still need to pay the park entrance.
And honestly, it can end up being more expensive than a tour unless you split costs with a group.
🥾 Laguna 69 hike: trail breakdown
1. Start (easy section)
The hike begins in a wide open valley, mostly flat.
It feels easy… but don’t trust it.
2. Middle section (gradual climb)
This is where you start feeling the altitude.
The climb is steady, but manageable if you go at your own pace.
3. Final section (the hardest part)
Short but intense.
Zig-zag climbs, less oxygen, heavier legs.
This is where most people start questioning everything 😅
4. The arrival
And then… it appears.
Even if the weather isn’t perfect (like in my case), seeing it in person still feels unreal.
You forget about the effort almost instantly.
What to pack for Laguna 69
- Warm jacket (even if it’s sunny)
- Sunscreen (UV is very strong at altitude)
- At least 1.5L of water
- Snacks / energy food
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Sunglasses
Tips for hiking Laguna 69
- Go at your own pace → don’t rush
- Spend at least 1–2 days acclimatizing in Huaraz
- Don’t underestimate the cold at the top
- Bring cash (entrance fees, bathrooms)
- If you feel short of breath… it’s normal
How much does the Laguna 69 hike cost?
The cost depends on whether you go with a tour or on your own.
Tour from Huaraz:
Around 40–70 soles (~$10–20 USD)
Huascarán National Park entrance:
30 soles (foreigners)
15 soles (Peruvians)
Extras:
Snacks, water, breakfast (if not included)
In total, you’ll likely spend around 70–120 soles ($20–35 USD).
💡 Tip: Most tours don’t include the park entrance, so bring cash.
Is Laguna 69 worth it?
Yes. Absolutely.
But it’s not something to take lightly.
The altitude makes it a real challenge.
If you love mountain landscapes and want a rewarding but accessible hike… this is a must.
FAQ – Laguna 69 hike
Is Laguna 69 difficult?
Moderate, but challenging due to altitude.
Can you do it without a tour?
Yes, but it requires more planning.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
It can be. Proper acclimatization is key.
If you’re planning this hike or have questions about Huaraz, feel free to reach out on Instagram @_mariamorav — I’ll be happy to help.