On Baidu Maps, “Hiking Paradise” is synonymous with Peru. Stretching from north to south, Peru boasts three major outdoor hubs: Huaraz, Cusco, and Arequipa. Every year, from May to September, the Peruvian dry season offers the perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and hiking, with July and August being the ideal months for breathtaking views.
[One] Huaraz, located in northern Peru, serves as the gateway to the Andes Mountains, offering dozens of trekking options. The most captivating and longest route is the 8-12 day Huayhuash Circuit, while the most popular choice is the 4-day Santa Cruz Trek. For a stunning day hike, Laguna 69 stands out as a must-do.
[Two] Cusco, nestled in central Peru, was once the heart of the Inca Empire. It features three main trekking routes: the iconic Inca Trail (ending at Machu Picchu), the Salkantay Trek (also leading to Machu Picchu), and the Ausangate Loop (which bypasses Machu Picchu but includes the stunning Rainbow Mountain).
[Three] Arequipa, in southern Peru, is home to two primary trekking experiences: the Colca Canyon hike (one of the world’s deepest canyons) and the ascent of Misti Volcano.
[Four] My South American journey took place in July, during which I completed three treks in Huaraz: Laguna Parón, Laguna 69, and Huayhuash. If I return, I plan to add the Santa Cruz Trek, which my teammates and guide highly recommend as an unforgettable experience!
[Arrow Right] How to Reach Huaraz:
From Lima, you can travel by bus or plane.
The bus ride takes about 8 hours and operates both day and night. Numerous companies serve this route, including Civa, Cruz del Sur, Movil Bus, Linea, Z Buss, and Turismo Cavassa.
⚠️ Lima has at least five bus terminals, so be sure to confirm your departure point.
I recommend Terminal Terrestre Plaza Norte, where most bus companies have official counters.
The flight takes approximately one hour, but I don’t recommend it due to the risk of altitude sickness upon landing directly at 3,000 meters above sea level.
[Arrow Right] How Long Should You Stay in Huaraz?
It depends on your preferences.
Outdoor enthusiasts may spend anywhere from a single day to several months exploring. My itinerary in Huaraz included: Day 1 – Rest; Day 2 – Parón; Day 3 – Laguna 69; Days 4-12 – Huayhuash Circuit; Day 13 – Rest + Night Bus back to Lima.
[Arrow Right] How to Explore Huaraz:
[Star] Rent a Taxi: Note that this means hiring a taxi with a driver, not renting a car. Most trekking starting points in Huaraz require over three hours of challenging mountain driving, making self-driving impractical.
[Star] Join a Tour: Local tour agencies abound. For shorter hikes like Parón and Laguna 69, you can book on-site, but for longer treks such as Huayhuash, it’s best to arrange them online in advance, as they aren’t available daily.
The GPS tracks for Parón, Laguna 69, and Huayhuash are available on TwoStepRoad. For more detailed guides, check out my other notes on my profile page.
