Experience – Huaraz, Peru: Laguna 69
- Address: Laguna 69, Huaraz, Ancash, Peru. (Google Maps)
- Hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Recommended Time: 6 hours
- How to Arrive: By car, then hiking
- Distance from Huaraz: 92.7 km / 57 miles
- Distance from Cusco: 495 km / 307 miles
- Ideal Month(s): All Year
Laguna 69 (Lake 69) is a small lake near of the city of Huaraz, in the region of Áncash, Peru. It is one of more than 400 lakes that form part of the Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. In the thaw season, the lake is nourished by a waterfall from Chacraraju.
Laguna 69’s name comes from the fact that the lake did not have a name before the Huascaran National Park was created in 1975. The need to include all of the lakes of the proposed park into a list forced authorities to give a number-based names to those without a traditional name.
Laguna 69 is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the region, visited mainly by hiking enthusiasts, given its simple access (typically a day trip) and the spectacular scenery. The hiking route to the lagoon starts from the Cebolla Pampa campground and runs along the brook that runs down from the same lake, forming several waterfalls. The hike to Laguna 69 takes about 3 hours to get to the lagoon and about 2 hours to return. Most people spend around an hour at the lagoon relaxing and enjoying a wonderful picnic.
Note: The easiest way to get to Huaraz from Lima, is to take a public bus. There are coach buses that are operated by several different companies such as Cruz del Sur, Civa, MovilTours, etc. Buses run daily and take about 9 hours to get there. Consider taking an overnight bus so you don’t have to waste any day time riding on a bus.
