A Complete Guide to Hiking Laguna 69, Peru
Laguna 69 is one of the best day treks in the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz in Peru. Read our complete travel guide to discover everything you need to know before your Laguna 69 hike. Includes how to get to Laguna 69 from Huaraz or Caraz independently or with a tour, trail difficulty, altitude, and what to pack.
Huaraz is a rather large city in the Cordillera Blanca, and although it is not that appealing, it is a place where most of the travelers to Peru eventually meet. In the end, you'll be happy there's a place you can consider the base for exploring the area.
The Peruvian Andes is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and many trails can prove this statement. Despite the endless list of possible hikes from Huaraz, we feel we have a hunch what's the place number one on your itinerary.
And even if it is not your first choice; it is certainly a place you want to visit. Did we guess right that you plan on hiking to Laguna 69?
When we arrived in Huaraz, it even seemed to us there's Laguna 69, then nothing else for a long time, and then maybe the rest of the lakes and mountains in the Huascaran National Park.
Simply put, Laguna 69 turned into a bucket list destination, and the famous hike that leads to it is nowadays a must-do, same as Machu Picchu is a must-visit place when in Cusco. How did this happen?
The lake itself is often placed on the list of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It is one of the most iconic sites in Peru, and hadn't it been for Laguna 69's unparalleled beauty, the scenic trail would have normally been a separate travel attraction on its own.
The trek to Laguna 69 will take your breath away, and we mean it not only figuratively but literally as well as the lake sits 4600 meters above sea level.
Lately, thanks to social media (looking at you Instagram), Laguna 69 experiences an immense demand, and especially in the high season from June to September, the lake's shore changes from a peaceful place to a buzzing spot full not only of avid hikers but also selfie chasers.
This downside of its own popularity doesn't change the fact that the utterly breathtaking blue Laguna 69 is worth a visit.
Nowadays, when tourism is booming, more than ever, it is important to set expectations right, and once you do that, Laguna 69 can easily become your favorite spot in entire Peru.
As you can see, Laguna 69 is no longer a secret, and it might seem that getting there and the hike itself is a piece of cake.
It is probably the biggest misconception about this trek because the popularity completely overshadowed the fact that we're not talking about a morning stroll to the lake, but a serious hike at an altitude where there is no place for jeans and sneakers.
And unlike Laguna Paron, where the tour bus drops you off on the shores of the lake, Laguna 69 is a serious hike.
In this Laguna 69 travel guide, we want to share everything you need to know before getting ready for this adventure.
You'll find here how to get from Huaraz or Caraz to Laguna 69 independently or with a tour, how much things cost, how to acclimatize, what to pack, and overall things we found useful and important, so you won't just tick Laguna 69 off your list, but you'll also enjoy it.
THE LAGUNA 69 FACTS
Laguna 69 lies in Huascaran National Park, and only the drive to the starting point known as Cebolla Pampa was spectacular as we could see Huascaran, the highest mountain of Peru and Laguna Llanganuco along the way.
The hike to the Laguna 69 is not long, only 6 kilometers one way, but you must gain 800 meters - it means some parts are steep, and the combination with the high altitude might slow you down.
It usually takes about three hours to get to the lake and a bit less than two hours to reach the parking lot.
Don't forget to include the time you will spend near the lake - we sat there for about an hour, not only to enjoy fabulous views but also to relax and replenish energy.
The Laguna 69 trailhead is located approximately 3800 meters above sea level, while Laguna 69 itself sits at 4600 meters.
ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION
From our experience, we know many travelers are super-excited and would love to start hiking to Laguna 69 right the next day after arrival in Caraz or Huaraz. But this eagerness could easily ruin the whole trip, so before you set off, make sure you feel well and are well-acclimatized.
Every person is different, and no one can tell how your body will react, but to increase your chances of enjoying hiking at altitude, it is necessary to follow a few simple steps.
It is important to know that it does not mean you won't have mild symptoms such as headache or nausea, but these steps should protect you from developing altitude sickness. Before you set off, you should stay at least a couple of nights at an altitude above 3000 meters, which is Huaraz, for example.
Try to take it slowly, there are luckily plenty of things to do in Huaraz.
You can also take a few day trips so you will also get higher but sleep lower - this is the only way you can adjust your body and get ready for Laguna 69 hike (or any other similar hike like the one to Laguna Churup).
Drink a lot of water, avoid alcohol, eat nourishing food (but not too much), and increase the load little by little to get ready for the long-awaited trip.
HOW TO AVOID CROWDS
We've already mentioned Laguna 69 is one of the top attractions in Peru, so imagining yourself standing in absolute silence on the shore is a utopia.
On the other hand, there are a couple of tricks that are worth mentioning. As tours arrive simultaneously from both Caraz or Huaraz around 8 AM, it means the majority of hikers reach the lake around 11 AM.
Getting by public transport is not that faster - we arrived about fifteen minutes before the first bus. Your best bet is to get to the trailhead by taxi, so you can beat the crowds by leaving either Caraz or Huaraz early in the morning. Being said that, it's going to be much more expensive alternative.
Another alternative is to consider staying at a campsite by Llanganuco lake near the hike's trailhead and start as early as you wish.
ENTRANCE FEE TO THE LAGUNA 69
The entrance fee to Huascaran National Park for one day costs S/30, meaning you must pay this amount if you want to visit Laguna 69, which lies within the park's borders.
You can also buy multiday passes for two to three days for S/60 or a ticket that will allow you to hike in the park up to one month for S/150.
So always think in advance what you want to visit in the area and for how long you want to stay so you won't have to pay the one-day fee multiple times.
HOW TO GET TO LAGUNA 69
You can visit Laguna 69 in a way that suits the best your travel style and budget. Independently by taking public transport or taxi, or with a tour. Most of the travelers base themselves in Huaraz, and it is also the most common way to travel from Huaraz to Laguna 69's trailhead.
Although we also stayed in the Ancash region's capital for a while, we visited Laguna 69 from Caraz individually.
Under normal circumstances, we usually prefer traveling independently, and our trip to Laguna 69 was no exception.
However, it is not that advantageous in the case of Laguna 69 hike as the transport is not that reliable, time spent on the road is very similar to the tour, and traveling individually is also not that much cheaper.
Nevertheless, we've put together all transportation options; feel free to choose the alternative that makes sense for you.
LAGUNA 69 TOUR
If you think that taking a one-day tour must always be more expensive than traveling on your own, visiting Laguna 69 with a travel agency will show you this is not always true.
Although calling the service a tour is probably not correct in the right sense of meaning as this tour generally includes only transport (no guide or meals).
Daily departures from either Huaraz and Caraz and a big competition drove prices down, and today you can find a one day tour for about S/40 - S/55 (to get the best price, shop around).
The price doesn't include the entrance fee that must be paid at the park's gate separately.
Buses from Huaraz to Laguna 69 usually leave at 5:30 AM, so you will get to the hiking trailhead around 8:30 AM. The early start is essential, but you can sleep on the bus later on for three hours, so it is not that bad.
You should be back in Huaraz around 6 PM or 7 PM, but it mostly depends on your fellow travelers' hiking pace, so prepare yourself for a long time spent on the road.
The itinerary is very similar when you start in Caraz; just the drive is about one hour shorter because this little town is closer to the trailhead.
If you want to arrange the transport before arrival in Huaraz, it is possible to book a Laguna 69 Day Tour here.
Pros | When taking a tour, you don't need to worry about your transportation back to Huaraz or Caraz, which is the biggest advantage we could see. It is, for sure, the most comfortable way how to visit Laguna 69. The price is also very competitive.
It only depends on whether you're comfortable traveling by bus full of people and do not mind to be part of a group.
On the other hand, once you get to the trailhead, you can set your own pace and not care about others much.
Cons | Some might mention that the biggest downside of taking a tour is that you will reach the lagoon more or less at the same time with others and won't have the place only for yourself.
This is not what would bother us the most as it is the same as with other top tourist attractions.
Particularly in this tour, we would be frustrated by a different level of fitness of all participants. The bus must wait for the slowest person in a group, so it can easily happen that you will be sitting on the cold bus for a couple of hours only to wait for everyone to return.
Here's where you'll understand you did not book a tour with a guide who would keep an eye on everyone's pace, but just a transport.
When we were coming back from Laguna 69 (after sitting on its shore for more than an hour), we still met several people who hadn't reached the lake yet, and the slowest ones were still about an hour from getting to the lake.
TAXI
If you are not short on money or you are in a hurry but still want to visit Laguna 69, taking a taxi might be an option for you, although we haven't met anyone who visited the lake this way.
You can arrange a taxi from Huaraz, Caraz, or Carhuaz, and the cost is around S/180 for roundtrip (this price should include waiting time). If this is the way of transport you prefer, you can try to find other people in a hostel to share the cost - in that case; the price would not be that high.
You can arrange a taxi service easily on the street or to be a bit safer, ask your hostel to call you a cab, preferably the day before the hike because it is better to start early in the morning.
It is also essential to communicate with the driver conditions (especially if there's a language barrier) because he needs to understand you also require (and paid for) a pick-up.
Pros | Taking a cab is certainly a bit more comfortable, although it is not so much faster. The advantage is that you don't need to wait for others to finish the hike, and you can leave once you are ready. Hiring a taxi is the best way to beat the crowds.
Cons | Because hiking Laguna 69 is so popular and the cost of a tour is relatively cheap, taking a taxi makes this trip very expensive while you don't save that much time as the road to the trailhead is bumpy and unpaved.
We would recommend it for fit hikers who know they can return to the trailhead faster than others and do not want to wait for the slower travelers.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: VISITING LAGUNA 69 INDEPENDENTLY
We traveled to Laguna 69 on our own from Caraz, but we will also cover the option when you decide to start from Huaraz - it is pretty similar.
CARAZ TO LAGUNA 69
First, take a frequent bus to Yungay. The first bus goes at 5 AM from the 'Huaraz' bus terminal, and it takes about 30 minutes to get to Yungay (the cost is S/2).
In Yungay, you must take another bus going to La Cebolla (the place where the hike starts, you can also say Laguna Sesenta Nueve or Cebolla Pampa). But there we hit a snag as the first bus to La Cebolla was about to leave the bus terminal not until 7 AM - we didn't want to arrive that late, and also we didn't want to wait there that long.
When this happens, you have two options here. Either leave Caraz later to arrive in Yungay around 7 AM or wait by a road leading to La Cebolla. Here is also an official stand for colectivos (shared vans leaving when full).
Here we were facing a problem as drivers were willing to take us but for a ridiculously overpriced amount of money, about S/30, which is double the normal rate. The problem was we didn't have any leverage, as we were the only tourists there.
Luckily, there was one empty van going in the right direction, we flagged the driver down, and because it was a driver from one travel agency on his way to pick up clients from Santa Cruz trek, he was willing to take us for a fair price.
On the way back, we could travel to Yungay with one of the tour buses which had empty seats (it is never guaranteed though), but we waited for a colectivo (this time for the right price S/15), which goes irregularly, but usually, it passes the trailhead between 2 PM and 4 PM.
Once you get to Yungay, catch the regular bus again to Caraz.
HUARAZ TO LAGUNA 69
Getting from Huaraz to the hike's trailhead also requires changing a bus in Yungay. Take a minibus from Simon Bolivar for S/5, the first bus leaves between 5:30 - 6 AM.
Once in Yungay, you will face the same circumstances as we did while traveling from Caraz. You can either take a taxi, wait for colectivo or hitchhike.
The colectivo to Laguna 69 should cost S/15 - 20 per person one-way.
On the way back, you must also be either lucky and fit into one of the tour buses (be ready to wait for the last passenger to finish the hike) or catch a minivan to Yungay (the last one should be passing the trailhead around 3 - 4 PM).
In case you wouldn't make it, you can try to hitchhike some of the bypassing cars.
Pros | When lucky you can get to the lake earlier than those traveling with a tour and have Laguna 69 for a few moments just for yourself.
On the way back (when everything goes as it should), you don't need to wait for the slow hikers traveling on the same bus.
Cons | Traveling by public transport, in this case, is not really quicker, not cheaper plus there is no guaranteed transport back (we found the transport in Peru surprisingly unreliable at some places).
But it makes the journey more adventurous, right.
The uncertainty of return transport is a shame, but on the other hand, this was our second hike in Peru with an open return (the first was a hike to Laguna Paron), and we were always able to get back.
WHERE TO STAY IN HUARAZ
As the majority of travelers decide to reach Laguna 69 from Huaraz, we've handpicked the best three hotels for every budget category so that you can make your reservation in advance.
It is always important to check whether the location of the hostel suits you the best.
If you plan on making several day trips, it pays off to stay close to the city center where it is easy to catch a bus or take a tour, and you won't need to deal with taxi drivers all the time.
Budget | Selina Huaraz - This colorful hostel offers everything a traveler needs for a very reasonable price. Rooms are small but well-kept, and the property provides free wifi and a terrace to hang out.
Mid-range | La Casa de Zarela - Rooms in this hostel are spacious, clean, and comfortable. The staff is friendly and welcoming, great breakfast is included, and the restaurant serves Thai food. It is one of the most popular hostels in Huaraz.
Luxury | The Lazy Dog Inn a Mountain Lodge - If you like Finnish sauna, great food, romantic fireplace, and quiet location, this lodge is perfect for you.
HIKING TO LAGUNA 69
The actual hike to Laguna 69 is not long - the total distance is only 6 kilometers one way, but it is the altitude that makes this trek demanding - this is why we would rate the Laguna 69 hike moderate. Once your transport has dropped you off at La Cebolla trailhead, leave the main road and walk down to the river.
You will have a spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain behind you.
The beginning of this hike is surprisingly easy and flat.
Approximately the first kilometer of the trek leads through an open meadow. It is not until the end of this meadow when the path starts to zig-zag all the way up.
The path is not technical at all, and you shouldn't experience any troubles here (climb up slow and steady). You must climb to the edge on your left side, but before you get there, you can enjoy views of waterfalls on both sides of the valley.
Once you reach the edge, there is a small lagoon and a short flat section.
Many people at this point think that the worst part is over, but unfortunately, the opposite is true. Behind this section where you can take a rest starts the more difficult ascent to the lake.
Now you are only about 1 kilometer from the lake, but the path is more inclined, and also, there is a chance you start feeling the altitude. This part leading to Laguna 69 took us a little less than an hour, but the first glimpse of the lake made us forget the exertion very quickly.
The hike to the lake takes about three hours, but less than two hours back as you will go all the way downhill.
We'd seen pictures of Laguna 69 before the trek, but we were still amazed by the blue waters of the lake.
A narrow waterfall is running down and feeding the lake with the melting water from the iceberg of the Chacraraju mountain towering above the lake, which makes it even more special, but the insane color is for sure the reason to put Laguna 69 on your Peru itinerary - believe us, photos won't do the justice.
We stayed by the lake for about an hour - took some photos, ate lunch, and then we knew it was time to return to the trailhead as we needed to arrange transport.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Make sure your travel insurance also covers high altitude hiking.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE THE NAME LAGUNA 69 COMES FROM
You might be wondering why one of the most popular glacial lakes in the country does not have a proper name but is only numbered. It is no mystery, the answer is also not that exciting as the name suggests, but we feel our Laguna 69 travel guide should include this information.
During the years 1977 and 1985 was the area first appreciated by creating a new national park, Huascaran, and later it also received international recognition by enlisting to UNESCO World Heritage List.
As this process also requires paperwork, it was necessary to provide the committee with all the necessary details - one of them was to provide the list with all the natural attractions within the park.
To give you an idea, there are hundreds of lakes in Huascaran National Park, and it was simply impossible to give a name to every single one; this is why some lakes were given only numbers.
And this is how Laguna 69 ended up with its name.
READ MORE:
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A Perfect Guide To Hiking The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
Colca Canyon: Is It Worth a Visit For a Day?
Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley In Peru: Everything You Need To Know
Humantay Lake Hike: The Perfect Day Trip from Cusco
WHAT TO PACK
The gear you decide to take with you on a hike can either make or break your trip, so choose wisely. To be completely honest, our packing routine for Laguna 69 was pretty similar to any other trip to the mountains.
Make sure you have a comfortable daypack with a waist strap that will make your hiking easier. The best backpack is the one you cannot feel at all.
Another must-have items are rain jacket and rain pants.
We like to also bring a classic rain poncho - buy a bigger one so you can also cover your backpack.
When hiking in mountains, no matter if it's summer or winter, we always pack a down jacket. A down jacket is perfect when you want to take a break as it is too easy to get cold, especially if you're sweaty.
If you have bad knees, trekking poles are useful (you can rent them in Huaraz).
Other items you should have in your backpack are sunscreen and lip balm (even when it is cloudy), a travel camera to capture the beauty all around you, a functional t-shirt, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
A snack or energy bars are also perfect as you have a long day ahead.
WEATHER
Laguna 69 lies at a high altitude in the Peruvian Cordillera Blanca. It means that the weather can change rapidly regardless of the season.
The best months to visit are from May to September, with a bit lower temperatures but a higher chance to enjoy the sunshine and clear skies as it is the dry season.
From October, it starts to rain more frequently, usually in the afternoons and the rainy season ends in April.
The rainiest months are December, January, and February; the rain can even cause landslides, so be careful. This season sees fewer crowds and higher temperatures, and it is not at all a bad time for hiking in the mountains, but it is always better to be prepared for all options, and we would recommend it to long term travelers on a loose schedule.
We did the hike to Laguna 69 in late October and experienced everything from sun and clear skies in the morning to a hailstorm and snow on our way back.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
