Laguna Wilcacocha

Laguna Wilcacocha is a picturesque mountain lake located near the city of Huaraz in the Cordillera Blanca range. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Huascaran, Peru's highest mountain. Visitors can hike to Laguna Wilcacocha through scenic trails, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take in the breathtaking alpine landscapes. The lake provides a tranquil and rewarding experience for nature lovers and hikers in the Cordillera Blanca.

Télécharger le progrès

Total dans la base de données : 0 fichiers

Tuiles téléchargées

    Situation et moyens d'accès

    Laguna Wilcacocha is a serene alpine lake nestled in the Cordillera Negra mountain range, approximately 15 kilometers southwest of Huaraz in central Peru. The trailhead begins near the village of Santa Cruz, accessible via a short drive or colectivo (shared minivan) from Huaraz.

    • By colectivo: Take a colectivo from Huaraz (near the Mercado Central) bound for "Santa Cruz" or "Pitec." Inform the driver you are hiking to Laguna Wilcacocha; they will drop you at the trailhead.
    • By taxi: A private taxi from Huaraz costs around 30-40 PEN (approx. 8-10 USD) one way.

    Heures d'ouverture et billets

    The lagoon is accessible year-round, with no official opening hours or entrance fees. However, hiking is recommended during daylight hours for safety.

    Meilleur moment pour visiter

    Early mornings (6-9 AM) offer the clearest views of the Cordillera Blanca reflecting on the lake’s surface. The dry season (May–September) provides optimal hiking conditions, while the wet season (October–April) may bring fog and muddy trails.

    Durée de la visite et activités

    The hike to Laguna Wilcacocha takes 1.5–2 hours uphill (3–4 hours round trip), depending on pace. Visitors can:

    • Hike the well-marked trail with panoramic Andean vistas.
    • Photograph the lagoon’s turquoise waters against snow-capped peaks.
    • Enjoy a picnic by the shore (pack out all trash).

    Installations

    No facilities are available at the lagoon or trailhead. Plan accordingly:

    • No restrooms or cafes; bring sufficient water and snacks.
    • Limited parking at the trailhead (better suited for drop-offs).

    Ce qu'il faut apporter

    • Sturdy hiking shoes for rocky terrain.
    • Layered clothing (temperatures fluctuate).
    • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (high-altitude sun exposure).
    • Camera or binoculars for wildlife and scenery.

    Rules & Considerations

    • Respect the natural environment; no littering.
    • Pets are permitted but must be leashed.
    • Acclimate to Huaraz’s altitude (3,050m) before attempting the hike.