The Enchanting Blue Tears Hidden in Peru’s Majestic Mountains —— Laguna Parón
Difficulty Level 🌟🌟
Beauty Level 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
📖: The charming town of Huaraz is a true haven for adventurers and hikers alike. From here, you can book a guided tour to Laguna Parón for just 35 Sol (approximately 70 RMB)—you won’t find a better deal anywhere else! The entrance fee is an additional 5 Sol. Departing from Huaraz at 8:00 AM, the journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes, with a delightful stop at a quaint little town along the way.
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in some locally made ice cream—four scoops for only 8 Sol! Trust me, it’s pure bliss. The entire trip to the base of the mountain takes about five hours. Be prepared, though; the winding mountain roads may test your stomach, so pack plenty of food, water, and snacks to keep yourself fueled.
Once you arrive, the hike itself is relatively short, requiring just 20 minutes of climbing. Afterward, you can enjoy a serene boat ride on the lake, but remember to be there by 2:00 PM. Without the golden sunlight reflecting off its surface, the lake loses its magical shimmer and charm. Don’t make the same mistake I did—panting and rushing for 15 minutes just to catch that perfect light!
🧠: Long-term travel in South America isn’t exactly a popular choice among Chinese travelers. Today, however, I had the pleasure of meeting Xiao Yu, a fellow traveler who had just arrived from Lima. She happens to be a mutual friend of my WeChat acquaintances, Xiao Qi and Sister Claire. Over the years, I’ve crossed paths with five or six solo female travelers in South America, but strangely enough, not a single male counterpart.
As far as I know, I’m the lone exception 😹. Xiao Yu brought along a treasure trove of snacks and spicy instant noodles—a godsend since we were planning a seven-hour trek to Lake 69 the following day. She wisely suggested spending the night in the nearby town of Yungay, eliminating the need to return by car and then head back out again.
When she offered to host me for the evening, I agreed without hesitation. Upon arriving in Yungay, we were utterly charmed by the place. There were delectable braised chicken feet, mouthwatering BBQ stalls, and even a lively night market. For less than 10 RMB, we purchased a bounty of fresh fruits—strawberries, yellow pitaya, and guanabana—all outrageously affordable.
Later that night, despite intermittent power outages, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the star-studded sky. It was nothing short of magical!
Sometimes, life surprises us with the most wonderful arrangements. And today, I couldn’t have been more grateful.
