3725 m a.s.l.
Laguna Wilcacocha
7 km Distance
565 m Elevation gain
3h Duration
Easy Difficulty
Recommended
May - Septemberbut it can be done all year round
Ideal for
the first day of acclimatisation or sunset.
Access
Shared transport, taxi, tour or private car.How to get there
From Huaraz
From the centre (Jr. Hualcán, near Mercado Central), take transport towards Recuay to the turn-off for Wilcacocha.
30 min
Approximately, along the road towards the Cordillera Negra via Shansha.
Puente Santa Cruz
From there, begin the walk along rural trails and old mule tracks.
Start of the trek
Begin the 2h15 hike to the lake.
Description
The Wilcacocha hike is near Huaraz and one of the most accessible and popular routes for acclimatisation.
The trail crosses small rural communities, farmland and slopes of the Cordillera Negra, with constant views towards Callejón de Huaylas and the Cordillera Blanca, taking in Huascarán, Huandoy, Chopicalqui, Copa, Ranrapalca, Ocshapalca and Vallunaraju, as well as nearby ruins.
On reaching the lake, there is a broad view of the Cordillera Blanca reflected in Wilcacocha's waters. It is especially known for its sunsets, when sunlight illuminates the snow-capped peaks and reflects on the lake.
Flora and fauna
- Eucalyptus trees
- Queñual trees
- Ichu
- Andean flowers
- Cultivated fields
- Wild ducks
- Coots
- Hummingbirds
- Caracaras
Recommendations
Hiking shoes
Cap or hat
Sunglasses
Warm jacket
Rain jacket
Sunscreen
Water
Snacks and/or lunch
Map
Map of Laguna Wilcacocha
GPS track to be added.
Trails can change. Do not use this space as a navigation guide.
Similar options
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 
Easy 