Laguna 69 is one of the most popular day hikes from Huaraz, and it is not difficult to understand why. Sitting at approximately 4,600 metres (15,090 feet) above sea level, the bright turquoise lake is surrounded by jagged snow-capped peaks, with waterfalls running down the dark rock faces behind it. Reaching the lake requires a proper high-altitude hike, and the final climb will likely test both your legs and lungs, but the view waiting at the top makes it one of the most rewarding day trips you can do in the Cordillera Blanca.
Although the trail itself is straightforward to follow, reaching the trailhead independently from Huaraz is a logistical nightmare. For that reason, this is one of the rare occasions where I would recommend booking a tour, as it is by far the most practical option. The guide below covers everything you need to know before visiting Laguna 69, including how to book a tour, what to expect during the hike, how much you can expect to pay, what to pack and how to prepare for the altitude.
Laguna 69 Route Map
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The Laguna 69 Hike
I booked the Laguna 69 hike through Vaca House B&B in Huaraz and paid S/50 per person. The hostel arranged return transport, which picked me up from my accommodation early in the morning and dropped me back there after the hike. With plenty of tours leaving Huaraz every day, this is not something you need to book far in advance, and most operators offer the same basic service.
Although the Laguna 69 hike is sold as a guided tour, you are free to walk at your own pace and are not expected to stay with the group. The guide will usually remain towards the back to support anyone struggling with the altitude or the climb, while faster hikers can continue ahead on their own. If you plan to hike ahead of the guide, make sure you confirm what time you need to be back at the bus before setting off. Overall, the day feels much more like an independent hike with transport included than a traditional group tour.
Huaraz → Trailhead (Cebollapampa)
You can expect an early start for the Laguna 69 hike, with the tour bus collecting you from your accommodation between 5:00 and 5:30 am. You may then spend a little time driving around Huaraz as the bus picks up the remaining passengers before leaving the city. The journey to the trailhead (Cebollapampa) takes around three hours, with the first hour following a relatively smooth highway, making this the perfect opportunity to catch up on some sleep after the early start.
At around 7:30 am, the bus will stop at a local restaurant for breakfast, where you will be joined by several other tour groups making the same journey. Breakfast was not included in the price of the tour, and while it was a fairly standard Peruvian meal, having something hot to eat and a warm coffee to drink was very welcome. From there, the drive continues into the mountains before stopping at one of the Llanganuco Lakes. Its bright turquoise water, surrounded by forest and snow-capped peaks, gives you a small preview of what is waiting at Laguna 69 later in the day.
Before reaching the trailhead, the bus will stop at the Huascarán National Park checkpoint, where you will need to show or purchase your entrance ticket. A one-day ticket for international visitors costs S/30 and can be bought at the checkpoint. At the time of my visit in 2024, tickets could only be purchased there using cash. Tickets can now be bought online, but I would still bring S/30 in cash in case you have any issues accessing yours.
If you are planning to complete several hikes around Huaraz, a multi-day ticket may offer better value than paying separately each time. A ticket valid for three days costs S/60, while one valid for 30 days costs S/150. Both cover other routes within the Huascarán National Park, including Laguna Churup and the Santa Cruz Trek.
Trailhead (Cebollapampa) → Laguna 69
From the trailhead, the Laguna 69 hike begins with an easy walk through a wide valley covered in grassland, with snow-capped peaks rising on either side of the trail. It is a gentle introduction to the day and gives your legs a chance to warm up before any serious climbing begins. You will also pass a series of small stalls along this section, which are your last opportunity to buy water, snacks or anything else you may have forgotten.
As the valley begins to narrow, the flat trail gradually gives way to the first proper climb of the hike. The ascent follows a series of switchbacks up the side of the mountain and is steady rather than particularly steep, but the altitude will probably make it feel harder than it looks. Take your time, walk at your own pace and do not worry about keeping up with anyone around you. The surrounding landscapes are some of the best in Peru, so use this as an opportunity to take a break once in a while.
The Laguna 69 trail begins at approximately 3,900 metres (12,800 feet), so do not be surprised if you are short of breath and have a slight headache. If altitude symptoms persist or worsen, do not keep pushing. Take a break and, if needed, descend to a lower altitude.
After completing the first climb, the trail levels out as it crosses another relatively flat section towards the base of the final ascent to Laguna 69. Along the way, you will reach Laguna Consuelo, a much smaller lake surrounded by mountains and open grassland. Although you may be feeling tired and tempted to stop here for an extended break, I strongly recommend having a quick drink and then pushing on. Laguna 69 is not much farther away, and the longer you spend here, the less time you will have beside the lake before beginning the return journey.
Beyond Laguna Consuelo, the trail begins climbing once again, and this final ascent is easily the hardest part of the hike. Starting at around 4,300 metres (14,110 feet), the path winds upwards through another series of switchbacks, with the thin air making every step feel slower than it normally would. Just remember that the pain you are feeling is a small price to pay for the view you are about to enjoy.
When you finally reach Laguna 69, you will have what is probably one of the most picturesque lunch spots in Peru. In all my time travelling through South America, I do not think I saw water this blue anywhere else. The area where the trail first reaches the lake can become quite busy, so continue a little farther around either side of the shoreline if you want somewhere quieter to sit and have lunch. Before settling in, put on a warm layer, as you will cool down surprisingly quickly at this altitude, even when the sun is out.
Swimming is prohibited at Laguna 69, with several signs around the lake making this clear. That does not stop everyone, however, and you may still spot a few people braving the freezing water for a quick dip.
Laguna 69 → Huaraz
Most tour buses will expect you to be back at the trailhead at around 4:00 pm, so make sure you leave Laguna 69 with enough time for the descent. The walk back takes roughly two hours and is far easier, as most of the return trail is downhill and you will gradually begin losing altitude. Although you will follow the same trail you came up, the descent gives you a chance to take in the valley and surrounding snow-capped peaks that you may not have noticed while focusing on the climb ahead.
Regardless of how quickly you make it down from Laguna 69, the bus will not leave until the rest of the group returns. If you are a quick hiker and still have some time to kill, I recommend waiting in the grassland near the small stalls rather than sitting on the bus. It makes the wait much more enjoyable and gives you one last opportunity to take in the surroundings, although keep an eye on the friendly cows, as they may become very interested in whatever food you are holding. Once the bus departs from the trailhead, the drive back to Huaraz takes around three hours, depending on traffic.
There is normally no food stop on the return journey, so keep a snack aside rather than eating everything at Laguna 69.
By the time you arrive back in Huaraz, you will probably be tired after a day that began before sunrise and included several hours on a bus, a high-altitude hike and an unforgettable lunch spot. However, I am almost certain that Laguna 69 will be one of those hikes you tell everyone about, and not just because of its iconic name.
Back from Laguna 69? Sleep Here.
Three solid alternatives, depending on your budget.
This is where I stayed and booked my Laguna 69 hike. It is a wholesome, family-run B&B with private rooms, dorms, breakfast and a well-equipped shared kitchen.
A charming, quieter stay near central Huaraz, with a beautiful garden, comfortable private rooms and its own restaurant and bar.
A peaceful escape outside Huaraz with spectacular views towards the Cordillera Blanca. Perfect if you want somewhere special to unwind after a day in the mountains.
The Laguna 69 hike is manageable for anyone with a decent level of fitness who has spent enough time acclimatising in Huaraz. The trail is not technical and is easy to follow, and while most of the climbing is gradual, the altitude is what makes it difficult. Take your time and walk at your own pace, and the 14 km (8.7 mile) hike should feel challenging but achievable.
The Laguna 69 hike is one of the more affordable day trips you can do from Huaraz. Below is a complete breakdown of where my money went.
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S/ 50 $15Laguna 69 tour from Huaraz
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S/ 20 $6Breakfast
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S/ 30 $9Huascarán National Park entrance ticketOne-day ticket for international visitors
Conversions are approximate and update daily. Check the live rate before you travel.
Huaraz is tucked away in the mountains of northern Peru, so reaching it takes a little more effort than travelling between the country’s main tourist cities. Most travellers arrive from Lima, either by taking a short flight followed by a taxi into the city or an eight-to-nine-hour bus journey. Both options are straightforward, with your choice mostly coming down to whether you would rather save time or money.
The best time to do the Laguna 69 hike is usually May or September. These shoulder-season months give you a good chance of clear mountain views while avoiding the busiest part of the dry season. While you can complete the hike throughout the year, the weather becomes less predictable outside the main trekking months.
May & September
Shoulder season- Best balance of generally clear weather and fewer people on the trail.
- May is greener after the wet season, while the weather is beginning to settle.
- September usually still offers reliable hiking conditions, while peak-season crowds are beginning to ease.
- You may still experience some cloud or rain, particularly later in the day.
- Expect cold conditions beside Laguna 69, even when the walk up is sunny and clear.
June, July & August
Dry season, most popular months- Most reliable months for clear skies and views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
- Lowest chance of rain affecting the trail or hiding the mountains around Laguna 69.
- The hike is busiest during these months, with more tour groups leaving Huaraz each morning.
- Early mornings and shaded sections of the trail can be extremely cold.
- The strong sun at altitude can feel surprisingly intense once the day warms up.
October to April
Wet season- Weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, with more rain, cloud and reduced visibility.
- The trail can become muddy and slippery after sustained rain.
- Clouds may cover the snow-capped peaks and completely change the view waiting for you at the lake.
- One positive is that there will be fewer people on the trail.
Altitude sickness is one of the main things to take seriously when doing the Laguna 69 hike. Huaraz already sits at around 3,052 metres (10,013 feet), while Laguna 69 reaches approximately 4,600 metres (15,090 feet), so you will climb a long way in a single morning. The altitude can affect you regardless of how fit you are, making proper acclimatisation far more important than trying to train your way through it.
Acclimatise in Huaraz before the hike
Try to spend at least two full nights in Huaraz before visiting Laguna 69, particularly if you have arrived directly from Lima or somewhere else close to sea level. I would avoid booking the hike for your first morning in the city and instead give yourself time to rest and see how your body responds to the altitude.
Complete Laguna Wilcacocha as a warm-up
Laguna Wilcacocha is a good warm-up hike to complete before taking on Laguna 69. It is shorter and does not climb as high, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and see how your body handles hiking at altitude.
Pick up coca leaves and understand your medication
Coca leaves are cheap, easy to find and commonly used throughout Peru by locals and travellers to relieve altitude symptoms. If you carry altitude medication, make sure you know how it works. Acetazolamide is generally taken before ascending to help prevent symptoms, while dexamethasone is usually taken after symptoms develop.
Take the final climb slowly
The final ascent begins above 4,300 metres (14,110 feet), so find a steady pace and do not worry about keeping up with anyone around you. At this stage, you may have a slight headache and feel out of breath, which is not unusual at this altitude. However, continue to monitor your symptoms in case they worsen.
You do not need any specialist equipment for the Laguna 69 hike, but the altitude and changing mountain weather mean it is worth packing properly. Below is everything I recommend taking with you.
