4250 m a.s.l.
Laguna Shallap
22 km Distance
740 m Elevation gain
6h Duration
Moderate Difficulty
Recommended
May - Septemberbut it can be done all year round.
Ideal for
discovering a lake near Huaraz.
Access
Shared minibus or private car.How to get there
From Huaraz
Take a taxi, shared minibus or private transport to Pitec.
45 min
Approximately, passing rural communities and cultivated fields.
Pitec
The route is part of Parque Nacional Huascarán.
Start of the trek
Begin the approximately 3-hour-45-minute hike to the lake.
Description
Laguna Shallap is one of the glacial lakes closest to Huaraz and an excellent alternative for those seeking a peaceful hike away from busier routes. Along the way, there are views of San Juan and Carhuascancha.
The trail crosses the broad quebrada Shallap, following a river fed by meltwater from the Cordillera Blanca's glaciers. Although the route is relatively long, its elevation gain is gentle and steady, making it ideal for those who prefer a long but less demanding hike, or for mountain runners.
The lake is intensely green, and cows graze along the final stretch of the route. Although they are usually accustomed to people, keeping your distance is advisable.
Did you know?
Formed by meltwater from San Juan, Laguna Shallap shows the effects of acid rock drainage (ARD), a natural process favoured by glacial retreat that reduces water quality by increasing acidity and metal concentrations. INAIGEM therefore has 10 water-quality monitoring points here.
Flora and fauna
- Queñual trees
- Quishuares
- Mosses and lichens
- Ichu
- Andean flowers such as shallga
- Cultivated fields
- Andean foxes
- Vizcachas
- Caracaras
- Condors
- Livestock
Recommendations
Hiking shoes
Cap or hat
Sunglasses
Warm jacket
Rain jacket
Sunscreen
Water
Snacks and/or lunch
Map
Map of Laguna Shallap
GPS track to be added.
Trails can change. Do not use this space as a navigation guide.
Similar options
Moderate 
Moderate 
Moderate 
Moderate 
Moderate 