Your guide to visiting Laguna 69 and Pastoruri Glacier in Peru

Peru is filled with loads of near magical sights. Machu Picchu is probably the most famous one, and it really does knock it out of the park, but the country is huge and there are just sooo many more to discover.

Laguna 69 and Pastoruri Glacier, for example. Located just outside of Huaraz in Peru’s Ancash Region in Northern Peru, these locations are drop-dead gorgeous. Snow, mountains, and the most turquoise water you’ve ever seen – more turquoise than the Maldives, honestly! – if you can make the trip here, you absolutely must.

If you’re interested, which you are, then this is your guide to visiting Laguna 69 and Pastoruri Glacier.

How to visit Northern Peru from Lima

If you want to visit the Huarascan National Park and lay eyes on the natural beauty, you’ll want to base yourself in Huaraz. Huaraz is a small but charming city at 3000m above sea level, nestled in the mountains with views of the peaks all around. There’s plenty to do in Huaraz, and whether you’re planning on visiting Laguna 69 or not, it’s a must see. 

Getting there from Lima is easy. The best way to get to Huaraz from Lima is to take an overnight bus – they’re comfortable enough to sleep on and it’s the most time efficient way to travel. The journey takes around 8 hours, which gives you plenty of time to get some rest. 

You can also fly from Lima if you’d like, the flight is only an hour, but you’ll be flying into Anta and taking a car from there. Both airports are located just outside the city and flights don’t leave everyday, so this can be logistically more challenging to book – but whatever you feel more comfortable with! 

Altitude in Huaraz

Huaraz sits at over 3,000m above sea level, so you’ll need a day to adjust to the altitude before you’re able to hike anywhere. This is really important to try and avoid altitude sickness (although it isn’t a guarantee). 

Luckily there’s lots to do in Huaraz itself. A walking tour is a great way to see the city, before exploring the local markets. You can pick up any last-minute hiking essentials, shop for souvenirs or get a pre-hike massage. 

What are Laguna 69 and Pastoruri Glacier?

Laguna 69 and Pastoruri Glacier are the two main hikes out of Huaraz and each of them offers jaw-dropping views and plenty of pure fresh air to fill your lungs with. They’re both located in the Huarascan National Park which is situated in the southern part of the Cordillera Blanca – a chain within the Andes mountain range.

Laguna 69 is about 3 hours north of Huaraz and sits at 4,600m above sea level. The hike is 6km each way with an 800m incline – so be prepared, it will literally take your breath away, but the view is worth every step. The hike usually takes about 3 hours on the way there and 2 hours on the way back. Laguna 69 and its crystal blue waters are the main attraction but the hike itself is also very beautiful – featuring waterfalls and open valleys. 

Pastoruri Glacier is about 2 hours south of Huaraz and sits at 5,250m above sea level. The hike is around 1km and it’s a pretty gentle one which should only take you an hour. Though the road is gentle, the altitude may take a toll, so be prepared and go slow! The hike features views over the national park and surrounding mountain ranges. 

How to visit Laguna 69 and Pastoruri Glacier

If you’re wanting to see, photograph, commit to memory, and just generally gawk over these magical sights, then here’s how to get to them. There are 3 main ways:

Do it all yourself

You can arrange public transport from Lima to Huaraz and accommodation for yourself, and you’ll be able to take public transport out to the start of Laguna 69, however getting to Pastoruri Glacier alone will be a harder task as there are no public services headed that way. The bus journey to Laguna 69 involves changing buses in several locations and there is no guarantee you’ll be able to get the same route home at the end of the day. 

Pros: You can do the journey and exploration in your own time.

Cons: Buses are lengthy, complicated and do not run on a set schedule. You may find yourself having to pay for taxis home, which are very expensive. 

Do half of it yourself, half of it with a group

You can organise public transport from Huaraz and accommodation there, and they book an organised day trip tour of Laguna 69.

Pros: you have some flexibility around when you do things – although you’ll have to stick to the schedule of the tour operators leaving for treks from Huaraz. 

Cons: you’ll need to plan and organise transport and accommodation and still need to ensure you go with a trusted day tour operator. 

Take an organised tour from Lima

Book with a tour operator (like Contiki! Helloooo) who’ll take care of everything from transport from Lima to Huaraz, and transport to Laguna 69 and Pastoruri Glacier, as well as extra day trips from the city.

Pros: everything is taken care of for you and you’ll travel with the same group of people for several days. 

Cons: there aren’t that many tour operators offering tours right from Lima, so you need to secure your spot in advance (though you may find a spot even a week or two in advance if you’re lucky!)

Best time of year to visit

Generally, the best time of year to visit the Huascaran National Park is from May to September during the dry season – this is also the best time to visit Peru in general. These months mark the Peruvian winter season, but the temperature tends to linger between 20-25°C so you’ll be warm.

The weather is usually mild and much cooler than other parts of Peru due to the high altitude though, so you’ll want to have a few jumpers on hand just in case.

Laguna 69 and Pastoruri Glacier packing list

What should you pack when hiking to Laguna 69 and Pastoruri Glacier? 

• Both treks will require a small day backpack  
• Hiking boots – make sure they’re broken in!  
• A water bottle to keep yourself hydrated
• A waterproof jacket, waterproof pants and layer will keep you warm and dry in the quickly changing weather conditions 
• You should pack lunch, if not included in your tour, as well as snacks
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must at high altitude 

Ultimate Peru itinerary

If you, like so many others, are in total awe of Peru’s natural beauty and want to experience it for yourself then our Peru itineraries are for you!

Tack on Peru: Lima to Huaraz before your Peru Uncovered or Peruvian Highlights trips to get a taste of hiking in the Huarascan National Park – which may just become the most memorable part of your journey!