I spent an unforgettable month in Huaraz, tackling both multi-day treks and shorter day hikes. Among these adventures, the Santa Cruz trek stood out as a self-guided journey with a friend. We carried all our supplies on our backs, and those four days were absolutely perfect for my first backpacking experience. The landscapes on days two and three were nothing short of breathtaking—I highly recommend this route to anyone seeking a stunning four-day adventure.
For Huayhuash, I opted for an eight-day guided tour after some research at local travel agencies in Huaraz. I eventually chose Waroma Eco Tour, which offered great value and had a trustworthy owner named Angel. It turned out to be absolutely fantastic! I embarked on the trip in early September, and it cost around 1,400 soles for the entire eight days.
Our guide led us through high-altitude routes and even added extra scenic stops along the way. Each day in Huayhuash was filled with surprises, and we camped in some of the most picturesque locations every night. It remains one of my most cherished memories. I also felt incredibly fortunate to be part of such a wonderful group—whether it was the fellow hikers, the guide, or the chef.
The food was exceptional, the tents and sleeping bags were cozy, and we didn’t have to carry our own gear, allowing us to focus solely on enjoying the trails. This hike truly felt like the most “luxurious” adventure I’ve ever experienced 😂 I wholeheartedly recommend Huayhuash to anyone who can make the journey—it’s not as daunting as it seems; with determination, most people can complete it.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience ✨
As for the other three day hikes, I suggest tackling Laguna Churup independently by taking a collectivo. The ascent takes about two to three hours and offers a rewarding challenge. For Laguna 69 and Paron, however, joining a tour is ideal since they are farther from town.
Laguna Paron was a straightforward tour I booked through a hostel. After disembarking from the bus, it took just ten minutes to reach the serene lake, where you can enjoy boating or paddleboarding. On the other hand, Laguna 69 requires a more substantial effort, with a three-to-four-hour hike. But trust me, the scenery is absolutely mesmerizing, making it one of my top recommendations for a day hike.
I joined Esperanza Travel for this excursion, and the guide was phenomenal—fluent in English, extremely attentive, and brimming with enthusiasm. To top it off, he even collected a large bag of trash on the way down, showcasing his commitment to preserving the environment.
There’s so much more I could share about my incredible month in Huaraz, but I’ll leave it here for now. I hope this helps inspire your own adventures!
