Laguna Hualcacocha Hike

A rewarding full-day hike in the Cordillera Blanca to Laguna Hualcacocha, a striking turquoise glacial lake tucked beneath the Hualcan and Ulta peaks, in Carhuaz province. We depart Huaraz early in the morning and drive around 2 hours through the town of Carhuaz and the village of Shilla into the Ulta Valley, entering Huascaran National Park along the way. From the trailhead at about 3,800m we begin a steady, zigzagging ascent alongside the Ulta River, crossing wetlands and native quenual forest, with wild flowers and mushrooms along the trail. After roughly 3 hours of hiking we reach Laguna Hualcacocha at 4,355m, a dammed glacial lake sitting in a dramatic amphitheater with close-up views of Nevado Hualcan (5,300m) and Nevado Ulta (5,440m). After time to rest, take photos and enjoy a picnic lunch by the shore, we descend back to the valley floor (about 2 hours) and drive back to Huaraz. This is a moderately demanding, high-altitude hike best suited to travelers who are already acclimatized. Huascaran National Park entrance fee is not included.