Saturday 24/06/2019 Laguna 69
Huascarán National Park, PERU
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Elva Marcos Campos (guide)
This incredible day walk can be accessed from Huaraz by a four hour bus trip or three hours by private car. We chose the latter more expensive option along with a guide which was not really necessary. However, it enhanced our experience having a local give us information along the way. All the lakes in the Huascarán National Park are numbered and there are at least 300 of them. This is number 69.
Max elevation: 4620 m
Total climbing: 1691 m
Total descent: -1684 m
Average speed: 3.45 km/h
Total time: 07:09:56
It was an early start with the pick up from our hotel at 5:00am for the three hour drive to the trail head. It was dark and we were sleepy but the dawn light soon revealed impressive mountain views. We stopped for breakfast at a pretty average restaurant but it fuelled us for the walk ahead.
We continued along the bumpy dirt road and arrived at the trailhead after 8:00am. It was freezing at the start of the walk, especially being in the shade for the first 1.5km. When the sun revealed itself it was beautiful!
We followed the river and admired the stunning peaks, waterfalls and sheer rock walls all around us. The first section was relatively flat following the river valley. We then climbed up a reasonably steep trail until we reached a small lake. After we had a short rest it was level walking for about a kilometre.
Nevado Huascaran (6768m)
We then commenced the final climb up to the lake, and a struggle it was! I was barely able to put one foot in front of the other as I hadn’t been feeling well all day. It seemed a relentless climb but if we had done it at sea level I’m sure it wouldn’t have been a problem. Thankfully there were no tears and we arrived at the lake about three hours and twenty minutes after starting.
The incredible beauty of the lake soon made us forget the pain of getting there. I think this was the most stunning lake I had ever seen with its bright blue colour surrounded by glaciers and mountains. We were in awe. The lupins around the lake were also in bloom which added to its allure. We spent time sitting in the warm winter sunshine and taking in this special place. There were many people but the foreshore was a size that you could find a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy it.
The return journey seemed long and it makes for a big day with six hours of travel included. If you are in this part of the world it is a day hike not to be missed. The downside is that is is a very popular trek especially in July and August. For much of the day we needed to stand aside for people wanting to pass us on both the ascent and descent. However, it is a small price to pay for the privilege of visiting this remarkable place.
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