Lake 69 Hike
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Lake 69 Hike
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Without a doubt, Lake 69 is one of the most popular day hikes in Peru. This hike winds through the hills, taking you along the front of the Huascarán mountain and by a collection of snow-covered peaks until you reach the magnificent turquoise Lake 69, tucked below the lofty Chacraraju. The lake sits amid the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain chain on the planet.
Getting there
To get to the trailhead of Lake 69, enter Huascaran National Park and continue driving for another hour. Park your car atat Cebollapampa and begin your hike here.
About
| When to do | April - October |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Lake 69 Hike
Elevation Graph
Weather
Lake 69 Trail Description
The high altitude paired with the sparkling, bright blue Lake 69 will take your breath away. Lake 69 sits at 15256ft, making it essential to come prepared for the path zigzagging higher into the sky. The trail is well-marked and easy to navigate, but it is possible to become sick due to the high altitude on this hike. Aim to get acclimated before attempting this trail!
To get to the Trailhead for Lago 69 by car, depart from Huaraz and drive along a paved road north of the city through the Callejón de Huaylas near the banks of the Santa River until you reach the town of Yungay. After a little over an hour, you’ll pass by Llanganuco Lake, a vibrant blue lake, before reaching Cebollapampa, which sits at 12795ft. Get out here and begin hiking.
Hike through the valley known as ‘Quebrada Demanda’, and walk upstream! Get ready for a steep path switch-backing upward.
Eventually, you’ll reach a flat part, where a small unnamed lake awaits. Don’t stop here (there are hikers who think this is Lago 69 and turn around here!).
Continue hiking along whilekeeping an eye out for the south face of the Huascaran mountain and begin the last ascent to Laguna 69, as the trail eventually starts to curl around to the left. It can take around 3 hours to reach the lake nestled below the Chacraraju mountain Glacier.
Some people opt to swim in the lake, but it is definitely cold! It is much more enjoyable to have a picnic on the shoree, savouring the views of the lake, glaciers and big mountains that surround you.
Return to Cebollapampa the same way you came.
Hiking trail highlights
Lake 69
Lake 69 is a stunning, aqua blue lake that is located in Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site and makes up one of the 400 lakes in this area.
Lake 69 sits an amazing 15092ft above sea level and required some acclimatization before attempting to hike here as the altitude is quite high. The lake sits at the base of a stunningly large glacier called Pisco Peak, which stands over 15000ft tall.
Huascarán
The Huascaran Mountain holds the highest summit in Peru, the Andes and in all of the world’s tropics. Huscaran sits at an impressive 22205ft above sea level and is situated in the Cordillera Blanca.
The Huascaran Mountain is also a dormant volcano and has been shrinking in size over the years. In 1970, an earthquake struck and caused the collapse of a large part of this mountain and it tumbled to the land below and sadly killed more than 17,000 people. Since then, the volcano has been sitting silent.
This mountain and inactive volcano is a special treat for anyone who is lucky enough to see it.
Find even more great hikes in Huaraz:
Insider Hints
Consider taking some altitude sickness remedies, such as sweets, paracetamol, or even a bottle of oxygen.
Bring your own food and water from Huaraz.
Wear clothes for cold and heat. Consider wearing hiking boots, hiking pants, long-sleeved shirt, waterproof jacket, hat or sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
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Chris A. 4 years ago
lake 69 is spectacular! a mesmerizing view to behold.
Josiah Gole 5 years ago
Nice scenic route. It's not that easy to do, but it's a nice experience. You'll lose nothing and gain experience. I think you win if you choose to go.
Noah P. 5 years ago
This gorgeous lake never ceased to amaze me. It's very unique and lovely. Very picturesque!
Mike Luster 5 years ago
Even though I have taken lots of great photos, I don't think they are enough to describe how beautiful the lake is.
Charles Pawn 5 years ago
The color of the water was more vibrant than my life. And even brighter than my future.
Rohan E. 5 years ago
trail and scenery was great. the lake looks spectacular.
Luciana Gutierrez 6 years ago
Waking up early doesn't guarantee a less crowded trail. Most people think the same way already.
Robyn Tyler 6 years ago
Marvelous hike for intermediate and beginners. It can be a moderate or fairly-hard hike depending on your experience. It's heavily trafficked, so better go early.
Justine D. 6 years ago
Surreal waterscapes! The glowing turquoise water was the highlight of the trip.