Best Hikes in Huaraz 2025: A Complete Guide

Located within the world’s highest tropical mountain range, Cordillera Blanca, is Peru’s ‘hiking capital’ Huaraz. 

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the only place in Peru with amazing hiking opportunities is Cusco. That’s what we first thought too. But after some research, it didn’t take long for us to find out that Huaraz is home to some of the most beautiful trails in the Andes. Think snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see and beautiful glacial lakes in every shade of blue you can imagine. 

After trekking through landscapes we’d only dreamed of seeing with our own eyes, Huaraz quickly became our favourite place in Peru. 

From day hikes to sparkling aquamarine-coloured lakes including Laguna Paron and Laguna 69, to challenging multi-day treks such as Santa Cruz and Huayhuash, there are endless things to do in Huaraz. 

With so many amazing hiking options in Huaraz, it can be difficult to decide which treks to do, especially if you are on limited time. In this guide we outline the best hikes in Huaraz and include all the information you need to lace up your hiking boots and get out on the trail.  

Things to do in Huaraz

Day hikes in Huaraz

Laguna Paron

Laguna Paron is the largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca. Seeing just one photo of this place was the very reason that we decided we had to go to Huaraz, and it was even more breathtaking in real life. 

This gatorade coloured lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is one of the more popular day trips as there is a winding road leading all the way to the lagoon that makes it easy to get to with a tour. 

However, we decided to visit independently and hike to the top before any of the day tours arrived. We saw absolutely no one on the trail and when we arrived at Laguna Paron we were the only people there which was a magical experience.

Length: 18 km return 

Altitude: 4,200 m

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate depending on whether you take the tour or hike.

Entrance fee: S/5 ($1.50)

How to get to Laguna Paron

By Tour 

As we mentioned above, the easiest way to get to Laguna Paron is on a tour from Huaraz. 

The tour includes transport directly from Huaraz to the lake. Once there, you have 1.5-2 hours to spend at the top. 

You can spend this time hiking 40 minutes up a bouldery trail to the viewpoint or renting kayaks to head out on the lake instead. You may have time to do both, but if not, we highly recommend trekking up to the viewpoint as the views from the top are unbeaten.

After some time admiring the lake, you’ll then be taken back to Huaraz. Tours cost around S/115 ($30).

If you decide to take the tour, this would be the perfect option for a trip on your first day in Huaraz to get acclimated to the altitude before going on strenuous hikes. 

Independently 

If you are like us and want to spend unlimited time at Laguna Paron and arrive before the crowds, we really recommend doing the hike. 

The night before the trek we stayed in the smaller, quieter town of Caraz as it is situated 70 km closer to the trailhead than the more popular Huaraz. This means we saved over 1.5 hours of driving each way. We highly recommend this for any one wanting to visit independently.

From Caraz you can take a colectivo in the form of a shared van or taxi from Terminal Terrestre to Pueblo Paron. To make sure you arrive before any of the tours, take the first one that leaves at 6:30am. This should cost around S/15 per person. 

From Pueblo Paron, you will need to walk 1 km to the trailhead. Like us, you may arrive before the ticket office is open but you can slip through the barrier and pay on your way out. 

From here, follow the sign-posted hiking trail 9 km uphill, weaving in and out of the road. This will take around 3 hours. It’s possible to follow the road up instead, but it’s much longer and less scenic.

This is not a technical hike, but with the altitude reaching 4,200m it can become quite strenuous. Therefore, we recommend taking some time to acclimate before doing this trail. 

Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views and unlimited time to enjoy them. We got there around 1.5 hours before any tour groups started to arrive, meaning we could admire the lagoon from the viewpoint and go kayaking with no one else around. 

To get back to Caraz, you need to make sure that you don’t miss the last colectivo from Pueblo Paron at 5pm. 

However, we heard from a few people that the colectivos back to Caraz can be a little unreliable. Due to this, we decided to hitch a ride with one of the tour buses from the top of Laguna Paron back down to Caraz. With so many people visiting, it’s easy enough to find someone with space that is willing to give you a ride for around the same price as the colectivo. 

Laguna 69

Thanks to going viral on social media, Laguna 69 is the most famous and popular day hike from Huaraz. 

Though this trail is busier than many other hikes in the area, it certainly didn’t take away from our enjoyment. 

This hike still remains one of the most beautiful that we have ever done. It takes you through a scenic valley and uphill past a trickling waterfall to Laguna Lago, before ascending further to the crystal blue glacial lake of Laguna 69.

In our opinion, a trip to Huaraz is not complete without seeing Laguna 69.

Length: 14 km return

Altitude: 4,600 m

Difficulty: Moderate. Laguna 69 is an in and out trail which begins in a valley. The first ascent consists of a series of switchbacks and then flattens out for a while. After this there is a second ascent up to the top, which gets increasingly more difficult due to the altitude. 

The hike isn’t technical and it’s definitely doable for people with varying levels of fitness but it’s important to make sure you spend a few days acclimating to make sure you are prepared. 

Entrance fee: Laguna 69 sits within the Huascaran National Park which has an entrance fee of S/30 ($8). There are many hikes that you can do within the national park, so if you plan to do others in the following days, you can purchase a 3 day pass for S/60 ($15) or a month pass for S/150 ($40).

How to get to Laguna 69

By Tour

The most convenient way to reach Laguna 69 is by tour from Huaraz. 

The tours typically pick you up from your accommodation between 4:30-5am to begin the 3-4 hour drive to the trailhead. Along the way, you will stop for some breakfast (which isn’t always included in the price) and at Laguna Llanganuco to take some pictures. 

You’ll arrive at the trailhead between 9-10am and you are given 6 hours to complete the trail as you must make it back to the bus by 3pm to return to Huaraz.

A tour to Laguna 69 will set you back around S/50 ($13) and does not include the entrance fee.

Independently 

Laguna 69 is another hike that we chose to do on our own. Unlike Laguna Paron, it did not mean that we missed the crowds but it did mean that we could take our time and spend as long as we wanted at the top. 

If you decide to do the trek without a tour, we recommend staying in Caraz again because it’s 42 km closer to the trailhead. 

From Caraz, you need to take a bus from the ‘Huaraz’ Terminal to Yungay. The first one leaves at 5am and takes around 30 minutes. From here you need to take another bus or colectivo to La Cebolla, which is where the hike begins. 

If you are travelling independently from Huaraz, the journey is similar but you have to catch a bus from Simon Bolivar to Yungay which takes around 1.5 hours. The first one leaves at 5.30am.

To return to Caraz or Huaraz, you can wait at the main road where you were dropped off and flag down a passing colectivo to go back to Yungay. Switch here to take a bus back to either Caraz or Huaraz.

As with Laguna Paron, we decided not to wait and instead hitched a ride with one of the tour buses back to Yungay.

Laguna Churup

Laguna Churup is another popular day hike but it’s much less crowded than Laguna Paron and 69. Getting to and from the trailhead from Huaraz is far less complicated which makes it an easy hike to complete without a tour. 

Length: 6 km return

Altitude: 4,450 m

Difficulty: Moderate. This is a shorter hike with a steady climb, but it’s still at high altitude which can be challenging if you aren’t acclimated. It also has some more technical sections where you need to use a rope to pull yourself up and do a bit of scrambling. However, it’s not too difficult and definitely doable for people with various physical abilities. It usually takes 2-3 hours to reach the top and 1.5 hours to descend.    

Entrance fee: Laguna Churup is also in the Huascaran National Park, so if you plan to do this one and Laguna 69, it’s worth purchasing the 3 day pass for S/60 ($15). If you just want the day pass, the price is S/30 ($8).

How to get to Laguna Churup

By Tour

It is easy to find daily tours to Laguna Churup that leave from Huruaz. They usually include transport and a guide for around S/30 ($8) per person. 

However, as there is frequent local transport to the trailhead and a well-marked hiking trail, we wouldn’t recommend paying for a tour. 

Independently

The best way to reach the trailhead is to take a colectivo from the intersection of Avenue Agustin Gamarra and Avenue Antonio Raymondi in Huaraz to Pitec. This takes around 45 minutes and costs S/20 ($5) per person for a return trip.

Colectivos leave frequently but it’s best to catch the first one at 7am. You’ll be dropped directly at the trailhead where you can begin to follow the well-marked trail to Laguna Churup.

The colectivos back to Huaraz leave approximately every 30 minutes starting from around 2pm.

Laguna 513

If you are looking for a similar view to that of Laguna 69 but without the crowds, Laguna 513 is the hike for you. This is another hike that is easy to do without a tour, with a well-marked trail leading to a bright blue lake featuring Hualcan peak as the backdrop. 

Length: 15 km return

Altitude: 4,430 m 

Difficulty: This is a moderate in and out hike that takes 6-7 hours to complete. As with the other treks, it’s important to acclimate for a few days before doing this trail.  

Entrance fee: The entrance is free, though you may be asked to pay entrance to Huascaran National Park. 

How to get to Laguna 513 

By Tour

You can take a tour here from Huaraz which includes transport and a guide. However, as it’s easy to do on your own, we don’t recommend this option. The cost of a tour is around S/90 ($24) per person.

Independently 

To get to the trailhead with local transport, you need to take a shared van to Carhuaz from the Paradero Carhuaz colectivo station in Huaraz. This takes around 1.5 hours and costs S/6 ($1.50). 

From Carhuaz you then need to take a taxi to Shonquilpampa where the trailhead is located. 

To get back to Carhuaz, the most convenient option is to hire a taxi to wait for you to return or agree on a time for them to come back and pick you up. This usually costs around S/150 ($40). You can then catch a colectivo back to Huaraz. 

Laguna Llaca

To really get off the beaten path, the perfect hike to do is Laguna Llaca. This in and out trail will take you around 5-6 hours to complete but you’ll be rewarded with views of some of the tallest mountains in the Cordillera Blanca, Ranrapalca and Ocshapalca. 

The hike takes you on a rocky trail which occasionally meets a mountain road. You’ll follow a beautiful glacial river that you’ll have to eventually cross, before ascending up a steep series of switch-backs leading to the stunning duck-egg blue Laguna Llaca

Length: 13.65 km return

Altitude: 4,474m 

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.  

Entrance fee: Unless you already have a 3 day or month pass, you’ll need to pay S/30 ($8) for entrance into Huascaran National Park.

How to get to Laguna Llaca 

By Tour

Tours can be sourced from Huaraz and include transport, a guide and often free lunch.  

Independently 

To visit independently, take a colectivo with Transport Turistico Andes Peru, that leaves from Huaraz here. 

The colectivo will first pass through Pitec, where it will drop off hikers at the trailhead of Laguna Churup. It will then continue to Carretera Llaca, where you will be dropped off directly at the trailhead of Laguna Llaca. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and costs S/40 ($10) per person for the return journey. 

The driver will wait for you to finish the hike and then take you back to Huaraz, picking up Laguna Churup hikers along the way. 

Laguna Wilcacocha

The hike Laguna Wilcacocha sits at a slightly lower altitude than the previous hikes we’ve discussed, which means it’s a great one to start with to acclimate. This is an easy hike that offers beautiful views of the Cordillera Blanca. 

Length: 13 km return

Altitude: 3,200 m 

Difficulty: Easy. Laguna Wilcacocha can be reached on a fairly flat dirt road. It takes around 3 hours to reach the top and 1.5 hours to come back down.   

Entrance fee: Free

How to get to Laguna Wilcacocha 

Laguna Wilcacocha is really easy to visit yourself so there is no need to take a tour here.

To get to the trailhead, flag down a colectivo marked Route 10 or Route E from the corner where the streets of Raymondi and Hualcan meet in Huaraz. Once in the van, let the driver know that you want to go to Laguna Wilcacocha. The journey takes 20 minutes and costs around S/1 ($0.25) per person each way..

You’ll be dropped at the trailhead which is an open dirt road that takes you along a fairly flat trail with just a steady incline to the top. There is a shorter path but this is much steeper which makes the trek more difficult if you are not yet acclimated. 

If you’d prefer, you can hire a taxi for S/35 ($10) to take you to the top of the hill. 

To get back to Huaraz, return back to the road where you were dropped and cross the street to flag down a colectivo.  

Mateo Summit

If you are looking for a real challenge, a fun day trip is ice climbing to the 5,150 m summit of Nevado Mateo. This is a different style of trek that gives you the opportunity to use ice axes, a harness and other cool gear.  

Due to the technicalities of this trek, you’ll need to go on a tour. Tours include all of the ice climbing equipment, transport and a guide. 

Make sure to get to bed early the night before as you’ll be picked up from your accommodation at around 3am to drive 2 hours to the trailhead. You’ll begin the 3 km climb at around 5am which takes around 2 hours due to the altitude.    

The full tour lasts a duration of around 9 hours in total, getting you back to Huaraz around midday. 

This is one of the more pricey tours, costing anywhere from S/200 ($53) per person, excluding the entrance fee to Huascaran National Park. 

Best multi-day hikes in Huaraz 

The Santa Cruz Trek

If you’re looking for an amazing multi-day hike from Huaraz, the Santa Cruz Trek is a great option. 

This is a 4 day trek that takes you through vast valleys of the Cordillera Blanca, past beautiful meadows, to a glacial lake and over the 4,750 m Punto Union Pass. After days full of tiring but rewarding hiking, the evenings will be spent camping under the stars. 

Of the multi day treks, Santa Cruz is one of the most affordable and it’s doable for most people with an average level of fitness.  

The best way to do the Santa Cruz Trek, particularly if you don’t have your own camping equipment, is to take a tour. There are places where you can rent camping gear, but with the cost of this, it usually ends up more economical to take a tour anyway.

Tours typically include a licensed guide, camping equipment, transportation, all meals and a mule to carry your belongings. Water is also included but we’d recommend taking your own water bottle.  

The entrance fee is usually excluded from the price and you’ll also need to bring your own hiking equipment. This includes a good pair of hiking boots, good quality hiking clothing (with lots of layers, especially for the cold nights) and hiking poles if you’d like them. 

It’s important to note that you will basically be wild camping as the campsites on the trek do not offer any amenities such as toilets or showers. Therefore it’s a good idea to bring some toilet paper, wet wipes and a bin bag to dispose of them in. 

Tours can cost anywhere from S/450 to S/950 ($120-$250) per person, depending on whether you go for a budget tour or a more reputable tour operator. We recommend shopping around in Huaraz for the best deal and go somewhere in the middle.    

The Huayhuash Trek

The Huayhuash Trek has been named one of the 10 most beautiful treks in the world, which has put it on many people’s bucket lists. 

The Huayhuash Trek is definitely not for the faint hearted. This is a difficult trek that can be completed over 8-12 days and it really does push you to your physical limits. 

The full circuit is 130 km, reaching altitudes of 5,050 m. Almost every day you will cross at least one mountain pass and the weather can be very unpredictable, meaning you might need to camp or hike in challenging conditions including hail or snow.   

However, if you are up for the challenge, this may be one of the most rewarding hikes you’ll ever do and an adventure of a lifetime. You won’t be shocked to know that you’ll be treated to some incredible views of snow-capped mountains and bright blue glacial lakes.

Tours typically include a licensed guide, camping equipment, transport, all meals and a mule to carry your belongings. The entrance fee is sometimes included in the cost, so make sure to clarify this with your tour operator.  

You’ll need to take your own hiking clothes and lots of layers as temperatures can vary greatly, plummeting to below zero in the early mornings and during the night. You’ll also need a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots and hiking poles if you’d like them. 

The camping on this trek is basic but waking up to incredible views of lagoons and mountains definitely makes up for it. All of the campsites have toilets for you to use, though showers are not as common to find. Make sure to take some toilet roll and wet wipes. 

The price of a Huayhuash tour is anywhere between S/1500 and S/2500 ($390-$650) per person. This can all depend on how reputable the company is, as well as the quality of their gear. Make sure to shop around in Huaraz and check the reviews of the companies to get the best deal. 

Akilpo-Ishinca Trek

An alternative, less popular multi-day trek is Akilpo-Ishinca. This is a 3 day trek that stretches over 30 km and reaches top altitudes of 5,041 m. 

This trek offers some spectacular views of Laguna Akilpo and the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. The hike includes Akilpo pass and the Ishinca base camp as its highlights. 

Tours for this off the beaten track hike, include a guide, camping equipment, transport, all meals and a mule to carry your belongings. Tours cost between S/650 and S/850 ($170-$220) per person.  

Other things to do in Huaraz

Day trip to Pastoruri Glacier

If you’re looking for a day trip that includes a little less hiking, Pastoruri Glacier is a great option. Unfortunately, due to global warming, Pastoruri has been retreating over the years meaning the longer you leave it the smaller it will be, if it’s even still there at all! 

The glacier sits at 5,000 m and is one of the few remaining in the tropical region of South America. The road to get here is one of the highest paved roads in the world! This makes it a perfect day trip to acclimate before you go hiking.  

The best way to visit is on a tour. Tours typically pick you up from your accommodation at 9am to drive 3 hours to the glacier. Once you arrive, there is a 30 minute walking trail up to the glacier. 

After 2 hours of exploring and admiring the view, you’ll head back to Huaraz, stopping for lunch along the way. 

Tours cost between S/35 and S/45 ($9-$12), excluding the S/30 ($8) entrance fee into Huascaran National Park. 

Relax at the Monterrey Hot Springs

Just a 10 minute drive from Huaraz city centre, you will find Monterrey Hot Springs. This is a great activity to do for some well deserved relaxation after a difficult hike. 

To get here you can either take a taxi or catch the local bus from Centenario street. Look out for the bus marked number 1 that says Monterrey on it. The journey costs just S/1 ($0.25) per person each way. 

Once at the hot springs, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of S/15 ($4). Inside you will find several different hot pools and a large cold pool.  

Go Mountain Biking

If you want a little more adrenaline than just hiking, it is also possible to go mountain biking around Huaraz. 

The Cordillera Blanca offers some of the most challenging and scenic routes in the whole of Peru, taking you through valleys, trails and dirt roads winding through the mountain range. Alongside mountain views and crystal clear lakes, you’ll also ride through rural countryside and local villages, allowing you to observe how the locals live. 

Chakinaniperu Mountain Bike Adventures are a popular and reputable tour company to go riding with, taking you to all the best spots in the area. 

Best time to visit Huaraz

The best time to visit Huaraz is in Peru’s dry season from May to September. Visiting in this season will mean that you can avoid the rain and experience the best hiking conditions. 

During this time, the days are usually clear and sunny which means you’ll get to experience the best views of the mountains and observe the lagoons at their brightest and most beautiful.  

However, make sure to layer up and bring some warm clothes as this is also winter in Peru, meaning temperatures can drop below zero once the sun goes down.   

How long should you stay in Huaraz

How long you spend in Huaraz really depends on which hikes you are planning to do. You will need a few days to acclimate if you are coming from sea level, so you may want to pick an easy hike or day trip to start, and then choose a few harder hikes or embark on a multi-day trek. You also need to consider any rest days that you might need between hikes.

We’d recommend staying at least a week but you could easily spend months here and not get bored.    

How to get to Huaraz

From Lima

There is no airport in Huaraz, so the only way to get there from Lima is by bus. As it takes 8-9 hours, the most popular option is to take a night bus. 

Movil, Civa and Cruz del Sur are a few of the bus companies that offer this route, but the best way to check routes or book your ticket is on BusBud. 

Bus tickets range between S/75 and S/114 ($20-$30) depending on the company, the time and which seat you choose. 

From the Coast

If you are somewhere along the northern coastline of Peru, Huaraz is a logical next stop. It is best to travel to Huaraz on a night bus from the city of Trujillo. This takes 8-9 hours and costs around S/55-S/65 ($15-$17). Linea is the main bus company that runs this route. 

RedBus is the best website to search for booking this route. 

From Cajamarca

We travelled to Huaraz from Cajamarca. This is a little more complicated than one night bus but is still an easy route. From Cajamarca, take the night bus to Trujillo or Chimbote. Many of the routes and times between Cajamarca and the coast do not show up online. Therefore it’s best to book your ticket in person at Terminal Terrestre in Cajamarca.

Once in Trujillo or Chimbote, take a direct bus to Huaraz. 

Where to book tours in Huaraz

Booking tours from Huaraz is no easy feat. There are huge variations here in the quality of tours as well as in pricing. As a best practice, we always check the reviews of the agencies or tour operators we book through. 

But often in Huaraz (as with many places in South America), whichever agency you choose, you will likely just be sent off with one of the few main operators, grouped with people who have booked through all different agencies. 

If you are going on a day hike where all you need is convenient transport, it doesn’t matter so much which company you go with. The best thing to do here is to just shop around for the best price.

However, if you are going on a longer multi-day trek where it’s important to have a good guide and quality equipment, it’s best not to just go with the cheapest you can find. Instead do some more research into a reputable company to book with. 

One of the best things to do here is to ask your hostel or hotel where they would recommend. Some hostels even sell tours through their own agency. Krusty Hostel is one that we’d recommend for competitive prices and quality tours.

Though it’s possible to book tours just 1-2 days in advance once in Huaraz, if you are someone who prefers to book in advance, we recommend comparing and booking tours through GetYourGuide.

What to pack for a trip to Huaraz

You need to make sure that you are well prepared for the hikes in Huaraz and also the varying temperature and unpredictable weather you’ll find here. Below are some essentials that we recommend taking with you: 

• Lots of layers – As with any mountainous destination at altitude, the temperature here can quickly drop from pleasantly warm to below freezing. To help regulate your temperature, make sure to take plenty of layers, including thermal base layers, long and short sleeved t-shirts and at least 2 sweaters or fleeces. It’s best to bring breathable and fast drying clothes that are made from materials such as merino wool.

• Hiking trousers – Make sure to bring some hiking trousers or at least pants that are comfortable to hike in such as leggings. Water and windproof hiking trousers would be even better.

• Hiking socks – Make sure to bring some lighter hiking socks for the day and some heavy, warm hiking socks for the cold nights. 

• Insulating jacket – This is particularly needed for that extra layer of warmth if you are going to be camping on multi-day treks. 

• Waterproof jacket – Even if you are visiting in the dry season it can still rain, or even snow! A waterproof jacket is a must.  

• A hat, gloves and buff (or scarf) – You’ll be so grateful for this warmth on the cold nights.

• A good pair of hiking boots – Hiking boots that are reliable and provide good ankle support are a must. 

• Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses – As you will be hiking at high altitudes close to the equator, the sun is very strong so it’s possible to burn easily.    

• Camp shoes – Bring some flip flops, birkenstocks or crocs that you can easily run to the toilet or go to the shower in. 

• Reusable water bottle 

• Microfibre towel 

• Altitude medication and some paracetamol, ibuprofen and imodium

• Portable charger

• Inflatable pillow for camping 

• A supportive day bag

• Camera gear

• Hiking poles – however these can be rented if you don’t have your own.

For a full packing list for Peru, you can read more here.

Where to rent and buy gear in Huaraz

If you’d like to rent camping gear or trekking equipment to go on some of the multi-day treks yourself, the best place to go for this is Mont Blanc Trekking & Climbing. 

If you came a little unprepared clothing wise, you can also buy what you need in Huaraz. The main street in Huaraz provides a variety of mainstream outdoor stores where you can find good quality, branded hiking gear. 

If you are looking for something a bit cheaper, but maybe not as high quality, you can shop at the Central Market.

Where to stay in Huaraz

• Low Budget: Krusty Hostel B&B – This is a basic but comfortable hostel that offers both private rooms and dorm rooms, free wifi and complimentary breakfast. Prices range from S/40 to S/130 ($11-$34).

• Mid-Range: Selina Huaraz – Selina is a modern hostel that offers both private rooms and shared dorms. It has its own restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden, as well as free wifi. Breakfast is included in the price of some rooms but you may have to pay extra. The price ranges from S/50 to S/400 ($13-$105).

• High Budget: The Lazy Dog Inn Mountain Lodge – This is a cozy mountain stay with delicious free breakfast and stunning views. It’s a little outside of Huaraz but offers a peaceful, more luxury stay. Prices start from S/590 ($160).

• In Caraz: There are also some beautiful places to stay in the smaller, quiet town of Caraz. We recommend spending a few nights here if you wish to visit Laguna Paron and Laguna 69 independently. Some good options are Hotel Cordillera Blanca or IntiRumi Inn.

Is Huaraz safe?

Both Huaraz and Caraz are very safe places to stay, we didn’t feel uncomfortable or in danger in either of these places. In general, the hiking trails are also safe but it is important that you know where you are going and make sure you are prepared with the correct equipment and plenty of water and food. 

If you are hiking by yourself, always tell someone where you are going. This is particularly important if you are going on a quieter trail where there are not as many people around. 

The biggest issue you are likely to face in Huaraz is altitude sickness.

Avoiding and treating altitude sickness

Altitude sickness typically occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly and your body struggles to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels. 

Symptoms of altitude sickness include a headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath. 

The best way to avoid this is to increase your altitude slowly in order to acclimatise. This means don’t start with the most difficult and highest hike! Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid overexertion, especially during your first few days at altitude. If you do get altitude sickness, it’s best to take some medication for it, have some rest and if needed descend to a lower altitude.

Final Thoughts on Hiking in Huaraz

Huaraz is one of the most beautiful places to visit, not only in Peru but in all of South America. If you have the time, we highly recommend adding Huaraz to your itinerary and doing at least a few of the hikes.

We hope that this guide has helped you to make an easier decision on which hikes to do, how long to stay and more. As always, if there are any questions we haven’t answered in this guide, feel free to send us an email, we’re always happy to help!

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