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Laguna 69 Lake Hike

Laguna 69 (or Lake 69) has become a popular Peru hike as of late and it’s no surprise why! After an endorphin inducing hike, you’re rewarded with stunning views of glacial turquoise waters surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Huascaran National Park. This trek in Huaraz, Peru has put Northern Peru on the must-visit list for many travelers. Are you one of those wanderlusters?

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Hiking Details

  • Grade: Hard
  • Maximum altitude: 4,604m/15,104ft
  • Price: Contact us for prices.
  • Season: We guide all year round
  • Pickup and Drop-off: We will collect and return you to any hotel located within Huaraz City.
  • Price Includes: Professional English Speaking Guide, First Aid Kit & Private Transport
  • What to Bring: 30L day backpack, Water, Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Camera, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Rain Gear
  • What to Wear: Long Sleeve Shirt, Jacket, Hiking Pants, Hiking Shoes

HIKING ITINERARY

Start our journey early in the morning, pick up at 4:30am from your accommodation and begin our drive along the Callejon de Huaylas Valley. Drive to the north of Huaraz passing the cities of Carhuaz and Yungay, then through some Andean farming villages and entering into the Huascaran National Park. It takes 3 hours to get to the trailhead at Cebollapampa at 3,900m/12,795ft. We have a good breakfast before starting our hike on a well formed path.

A gentle hike for one hour following Demanda Valley then climb on a zig zag track for about 40 minutes to Chaquicocha saddle which opens a big flat valley and from here we can see the moraine wall that holds Laguna 69.

Feel the effects of the altitude at this point and we take advantage of the flat pampa to catch our breath. Then we continue to walk for 30 minutes to the bottom of the moraine wall before facing our final 40 minute climb up a steep zig zag path to our final destination: Laguna 69 Lake at 4604m/15,104ft. Explore this beautiful lake of the most brilliant blue colour and take plenty of memorable photos.

The lake is surrounded by the mountains Chacrarju and Pisco which leave marvelous reflections on the blue lake water. On the return walk we look directly towards the mountains Huascaran being the highest tropical mountain in the world, Chopicalqui and Yanapaccha.

FAQs & Expert Tips for the Laguna 69

WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF LAGUNA 69?

14,927 feet (4,550 meters) above sea level. Huaraz, Peru altitude: 10,013 feet (3,052 meters) above sea level.

HOW DIFFICULT IS LAGUNA 69?

This depends on your hiking experience, especially in high altitude. While the trail is moderate, there are steep inclines that ascend you to just shy of 15,000 feet. (4,550 meters) above sea level. Altitude makes this trek difficult. To put it into perspective, the northern Everest Basecamp sits at 16,900 feet (5,150 meters).

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO ACCLIMATE BEFORE HIKING LAGUNA 69?

Expert Peruvian guide & Travel Advisor; Saul Alvarez Montalvo from SAM Corporation says: “I would recommend at least two or three days to acclimate prior to starting the Laguna 69 hike. Laguna 69 is at 15,000ft and requires proper acclimitization to avoid altitude sickness.”

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE LAGUNA 69?

6-7 hours roundtrip depending on your pace and frequency for taking breaks.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE TO LAKE 69?

You’ll be in a bus for a total amount of 6-7 hours roundtrip. Each way is about 3-4 hours with a short stop.

WHAT AM I GOING TO SEE WHEN I GET THERE?

A gorgeous turquoise blue glacier-fed lake that lies at the bottom of incredibly huge snow-capped mountains.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN HUARAZ OTHER THAN HIKING LAGUNA 69?

A lot! Huaraz has its own rich culture and history worth exploring. Museums, ancient ruins, impressive flora and fauna, and breathtaking views can certainly be seen with minimal effort.

Best time to go to Laguna 69

The dry season is the best time to hike to Laguna 69.

Dry season falls between the months of May to September. July is the driest month. However, weather changes quickly in this mountain region and even the dry season has its showers. With consistently inconsistent weather almost year-round there isn’t a bad time to visit Huaraz and trek to Laguna 69.

Wet season is from October to April. The same as wet season conditions if you’re also planning to hike the Inca Trail. The trail to Lake 69 is open to hikers during all seasons but during these months be sure to come extra prepared for periods of wet weather.

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Find out what our customers think

First Image Martin S Friends
Inca trail with Johny And his porters
    5.0

I enjoyed this trip of my life. Specialy thanks to our ports And Johnys amazing guiding. Thanks a lot. Martina group from Czech

January 19, 2024
First Image Ariel A Couples
Inca Trail 4 day 3 night Machu Picchu
    5.0

An experience of a lifetime and much of this reason was because our tour guide Jhony who is incredibly knowledgeable, personable, kind, and has a great sense of humor. There were times on the trail where I struggled and went super slow and he really helped me push through in a non-pressuring way. He was honest about conditions and provided us with plenty of interesting information. Making it to Machu Picchu was so worth it. Only two others besides my boyfriend and I so it was really intimate experience . Transportation, food, facilities, all was perfect. The nature was indescribably magical. You have to see it to understand. Book this tour!

January 19, 2024
First Image Eben W Couples
Jhony is awesome! Highly recommend
    5.0

The company is amazing and jhony is an incredible guide. We had so much fun, the porters were so nice. I recommend Sam travel and jhony to anyone interesting in the Inca trail or any activity here in Peru. The food was delicious as well. This was an incredible experience with great people!

January 24, 2024
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Quality

Why Choose SAM CORPORATION

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