4474 m a.s.l.
Laguna Llaca
1.5 km Distance
80 m Elevation gain
30 min Duration
Easy Difficulty
Recommended
May - Septemberbut it can be done all year round
Ideal for
the first day of acclimatisation or a night in a refuge.
Access
Private car, tour or taxiHow to get there
From Huaraz
Take a vehicle towards quebrada Llaca, passing through rural landscapes, valleys and high-mountain areas.
1h40
Approximately, along the road climbing via Marian.
Refugio Llaca
This area is part of Parque Nacional Huascarán. We recommend spending a night in the refuge for a more memorable experience.
Start of the trek
From the refuge, follow the trail towards the lake. You can also start walking near the community gate (7 km | +350 m | 2h30) or from Lazy Dog Inn (19 km | +900 m | 6h30).
Description
Laguna Llaca lies at the foot of Ranrapalca and Ocshapalca, in the valley of the same name. You can drive to the refuge, where there is also a campsite and a climbing area. From there, a trail along the lake's left shore lets you approach the glacier.
One of its most striking features is the grey-turquoise colour of its waters, caused by glacial sediments carried by meltwater. These particles, known as glacial flour, remain suspended in the water and reflect the light, producing its characteristic colours.
Quebrada Llaca is also an important mountaineering centre in the Cordillera Blanca. Climbing routes towards peaks such as Vallunaraju, Ranrapalca, Ocshapalca and León Dormido start here, so mountaineers visit throughout the year.
The valley also houses the Casa de Guías de Huaraz training centre and is an important place for research and monitoring of the Cordillera Blanca's glaciers.
Flora and fauna
- Ichu
- High-Andean wetlands
- Mosses and lichens
- High-Andean flowers
- Vizcachas
- Andean ducks
- Andean gulls
- Caracaras
Recommendations
Hiking shoes
Cap or hat
Sunglasses
Warm jacket
Rain jacket
Sunscreen
Water
Snacks and/or lunch
Map
Map of Laguna Llaca
GPS track to be added.
Trails can change. Do not use this space as a navigation guide.
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