Laguna 69 in Peru
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on September 1, 2021 by James Bustamante
One of the most beautiful lagoons in the world you can visit is the Laguna 69 in Peru. More precisely, it is located in the Huaraz region of the country high in the Huascaran national park. This lagoon is not just a beautiful sight, the hike to reach it is an adventure in itself.
If you have never heard of it don’t worry, it is one of the lesser-known destinations in the country. This does not mean you shouldn’t place it in your bucket list though.
What Is Laguna 69 in Peru?
This high elevation lagoon can be found at 14,764 feet (4,500 meters) above sea level. Reaching the body of water will quite literally take your breath away and not just due to the surrounding beauty. It is recommended to acclimate for a day or two before heading out to see Laguna 69 in Peru. This one-day trek is well worth the work it takes to get to see the Laguna though.
The nature-oriented hike up to Laguna 69 makes for a spectacular day tour for anyone that likes to be outdoors. The route will take you up a path that has impressive views of the surrounding mountains, creeks, waterfalls along with the unique flora and fauna this region is known for.
The total hike time to reach Laguna 69 in Peru will be around 3 hours and the return trip will be a shorter 2 hours because we hike downwards. The time we’ll spend at the lagoon will be anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours depending on weather conditions and what travelers feel like doing. It is commonly a great place to sit back and have a picnic while you enjoy the highland landscapes.
Some brave trekkers might even venture into the Laguna 69’s waters, just remember that the water will be slightly above freezing throughout most of the year. Bodies of water that are located at high elevations are normally quite cold so if you dare take the plunge, remember that you will still need to walk back!
How To Get to Laguna 69 in Peru
Laguna 69 can be found in the Huascaran National Park in Peru, which is located Northeast of the capital city of Lima. To even have access to the Huascaran national park you will need to travel to Huaraz first. There are several ways to get to Huaraz, there are buses that will take you from either north or south of the country to Huaraz.
There are many companies that drive this route such as Cruz del Sur or Civa. The ride will take about 9 hours to complete if you are taking the bus from any of the stations in Lima. We usually recommend taking one of the overnight buses. They have fully reclinable seats and this way you won’t have to spend the entire day traveling.
Book The Tour Or Hike on Your Own?
If you are already in Huaraz then the beginning of this trek is a mere 3 hours away. At this point, you will have to make the choice of whether you would like to book this trek and join an organized tour group, or if you want to venture out on your own.
Laguna 69 Tour
It is normally best to book the tour before you even reach Huaraz. Once there, there will be several outfits offering tours around the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. Normally in this type of situation, the operator might charge a bit more than if you had called and booked ahead of time. For the best experience make sure to contact a reputable operator with set prices on its website or given over the phone.
Once you actually book the tour everything gets just a little bit easier. For starters, transportation to the initial hiking point will be taken care of with an operator. We will begin the tour with a pick-up at your hotel at 5:00 am and we will end the tour back in Huaraz by 7:00 pm in time for dinner. Set schedules like these make the trip easier to organize your day around.
Typically the tour starts by picking you up at your hotels or hostel, then we head to a nearby restaurant to stop for breakfast along the way to Laguna 69. After we have a nice filling meal, we direct ourselves to the Huascaran National Park. The cost of admission will already be taken care of by the operator.
At this point you will go off on the hike to the lagoon at a leisurely pace. Some travelers will hike much faster than others, if you get tired or start struggling due to the terrain and elevation, don’t worry. One of our guides will always be nearby to help you finish the trek upwards.
All land transportation will be done by our private shuttle service, this means no public buses or anything of the sort. Comfort is the key ingredient when paying for an organized trek to Laguna 69 in Peru.
Laguna 69 on Your Own
The Laguna 69 day hike can be done on your own without the assistance of a travel operator. The trail that leads to the lagoon is very well marked so it is an easy route to follow through. The biggest deterrent will always be the high elevation in the area, as long as you have had time to acclimate it shouldn’t be more than a slight annoyance though.
One of the reasons travelers try to take this hike on their own tends to be because of the costs. Certainly, on most occasions, it will be more expensive to get transportation on your own and definitely more stressful. Taking public buses, taxis or combis can definitely make the entire tour more of a task and could make it more difficult to enjoy.
Dealing With Laguna 60 Altitude
The view of the beautiful Laguna 69 is well worth the hike, however, the 3 hours it takes to actually reach the lagoon can feel like an eternity. We can definitely place this hike in the medium difficulty category, again this is mostly due to the high elevation and so much from the actual route.
The overall elevation is very high 14,764 feet (4,500 meters) above sea level. The hike to the lagoon is not spring so even if acclimated it is best to pace yourself over the course of the expeditions. In order to avoid elevation sickness symptoms remember the following tips.
- Have a balanced healthy diet.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Coca tea or coffee help during the acclimatization period.
- Take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours in Huaraz.
- Short walks and plenty of rest for the first day or two.
What To Pack For Laguna 69 in Peru
The Laguna 69 hike is only a day tour but just like with any other location, it is best to have certain simple items with you.
- Water is the main item you will need over the course of this or any other day hike. This will help in preventing elevation sickness and will keep you hydrated during the full day of hiking.
- Snacks are always a welcome addition to any hike. Make sure to pack healthy snacks like trail mix or granola bars, and not items with heavily processed sugars.
- It is generally a good idea to pack a lunch or picnic for this hike. Enjoying a meal while gazing at the beautiful lagoon 69 will be a picture-worthy moment.
- Extra cash is also a good idea to have on standby. You never know if you’ll need more water, snacks, insect repellent, or sunblock for the hike. Make sure it is in Peruvian Soles and not in foreign currency.
- Sunblock is definitely a must, especially during the warmer months of the year.
- Since it is the highland there is always the chance of showers, make sure to bring a rain poncho.
What Should I Wear For The Laguna 69 Hike?
- It can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings at Laguna 69 so make sure to have pants and long sleeves, a sweater, or a jumper.
- During the actual hiking portion throughout the day, it will most likely be sunny and warm so make sure to bring shorts and tank tops. Layers are a good idea, something like long sleeves for the mornings and shorts for the afternoon.
- One of the most important items will be to wear comfortable shoes like sneakers or hiking shoes. Hiking boots will be a hindrance and very uncomfortable for the hike.
Conclusion
Laguna 69 in Peru is a wonderful day hike that can be quite a challenge at times. Once you have got past the hiking portion you will be rewarded with a beautiful, breathtaking highland lake. Make sure to contact our travel specialists for Laguna 69, Machu Picchu hikes or anything Peru travel-related.
Cover Photo by Rycardo Rycardo
