Huaraz Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Huaraz tours and things to do in the trekking capital of the Peruvian Andes: hike to the electric-blue Laguna 69, stand on the Pastoruri glacier, gaze over the turquoise Llanganuco lakes, explore the ancient temple of Chavín de Huántar, and trek beneath the giant peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Huaraz by interest
Whatever brings you to Huaraz — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Huaraz
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Laguna 69
Turquoise lake.
Pastoruri Glacier
High glacier.
Llanganuco
Twin lakes.
Chavín de Huántar
Ancient temple.
Santa Cruz Trek
Classic trek.
Cordillera Blanca
White range.
Laguna Parón
Largest lake.
Huascarán
Peru’s highest peak.
Full day awayLaguna 69
Turquoise lake.
Full day awayPastoruri Glacier
High glacier.
2 hrs awayLlanganuco
Twin lakes.
3 hrs awayChavín de Huántar
Ancient temple.
3 hrs awayLaguna Parón
Largest lake.
Multi-day awaySanta Cruz Trek
Classic trek.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Huaraz visitor asks before booking.
Dry season (May–Sep)
Clear skies — the best time for trekking.
Shoulder (Apr & Oct)
Fewer crowds and greener valleys.
Wet season (Nov–Mar)
Green but with rain and cloud on the peaks.
Dry nights
Nights are cold at altitude year-round.
For trekking
June to August for the clearest trails.
Best overall
May to September for dry, clear mountain days.
Two days
Acclimatise, then hike Laguna 69.
Three days
Add Pastoruri or the Llanganuco lakes.
Four+ days
Add the Santa Cruz trek.
For hiking
Laguna 69 and Laguna Parón.
For glaciers
The Pastoruri glacier.
For history
Chavín de Huántar.
Tours & transfers
Tours reach the lakes, glacier and Chavín.
On foot
The town is compact; the sights need transport.
By car
A private driver gives the most flexibility.
Acclimatise
Spend a day or two at altitude first.
Where to stay
Stay in central Huaraz as a trekking base.
Peruvian sol
Peru uses the sol; carry some cash.
Altitude
Acclimatise before big hikes — Huaraz is at 3,050m.
Laguna 69
Start early and pace yourself on the climb.
Sun & cold
Bring sunscreen, layers and a warm jacket.
Park fee
Huascarán National Park charges an entry fee.
Pastoruri
Take it slow — the glacier is over 5,000m.
Water
Carry plenty of water and some snacks.
Laguna 69
Day hikes fill up — book ahead.
Pastoruri tours
Glacier trips fill up — reserve early.
Llanganuco tours
Lake tours fill up — book ahead.
Santa Cruz trek
Multi-day treks fill up — reserve early.
Chavín tours
Cultural tours fill up — book ahead.
Dry season
June to August is busiest — book well ahead.
Laguna 69 hike
Around $44–70 for a Laguna 69 day hike.
Pastoruri tour
About $52–80 for a Pastoruri glacier tour.
Llanganuco tour
Roughly $52–80 for a Llanganuco lakes tour.
Chavín tour
Around $52–80 for a Chavín day tour.
Santa Cruz trek
About $120–250 for the multi-day trek.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Huaraz through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Trekking.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Green valleys.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainy.
- Best for
- End of rains.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lush.