What is Laguna 69?
Laguna 69 is a small lagoon with crystal-clear turquoise waters located in Huascarán National Park. It is considered one of the more than 400 lagoons that are part of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Its peculiar name comes from the fact that it originally did not have its own designation, and when Huascarán National Park was created in 1975, authorities needed to catalog all the lagoons and assigned numbers to those that lacked traditional names in Quechua. This lagoon became the number 69 in the official registry, and since then, it has become one of the most popular and photographed trekking destinations in Peru.
Location and geography
Laguna 69 is situated at an altitude of 4,604 meters above sea level in the White Mountains of the Peruvian Andes, specifically in the Áncash region, 96 kilometers from the city of Huaraz. This natural gem rests majestically beneath the imposing Chacraraju peak (6,112 m), also surrounded by other spectacular peaks like Pisco (5,752 m) and Yanapaqcha (5,460 m). The lagoon is part of the high-altitude puna ecosystem, characterized by its cold climate and extreme altitude, which explains why the water temperature remains constant at 5°C year-round. During the melting season, the lagoon is fed by a spectacular waterfall that descends directly from Chacraraju.
Climate and weather conditions
The climate at Laguna 69 is determined by its location in the puna region and its considerable altitude. Temperatures vary dramatically between day and night, ranging from highs of 15°C during sunny hours to lows that can drop below 0°C in the early mornings. The dry season, which runs from May to September, offers the best conditions for trekking, with clear skies, minimal precipitation, and moderate winds. During the wet season, from October to April, rain is frequent and occasional snowfall can occur, especially in the early morning hours. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and high UV radiation due to the altitude.
Activities by season
The dry season is the ideal time for trekking to Laguna 69, offering optimal safety conditions with dry trails, excellent visibility of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, and clear skies that allow for full appreciation of the lagoon’s turquoise beauty. During these months, photographers find the best opportunities to capture the lagoon in all its splendor, with perfect reflections of the mountains on the water’s surface. In contrast, the wet season presents additional challenges but also unique rewards: landscapes become greener and more vibrant, waterfalls increase their flow creating stunning natural displays, and the experience takes on a more adventurous and wild character, although it requires greater preparation with waterproof gear and contingency plans for sudden weather changes.
Essential tips for trekking
Acclimatization is crucial before attempting the ascent to Laguna 69, and it is recommended to stay at least two or three days in Huaraz (3,100 m) for your body to gradually adapt to the altitude. It is vital to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and consider drinking coca tea or chewing coca leaves to prevent altitude sickness. Your gear should include layered clothing to adapt to temperature changes, trekking shoes with good traction, a hat and gloves for the cold, high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water. It is strongly advised not to underestimate the difficulty of the trek due to the altitude, maintain a steady but moderate pace, and be alert for symptoms of altitude sickness such as severe headaches, nausea, or extreme shortness of breath.
Duration and characteristics of the trek
The trek to Laguna 69 is considered a full-day hike that requires approximately 12 to 14 hours from departure in Huaraz to return. The journey includes 3 hours of transport from Huaraz to Cebollapampa (the starting point of the hike), followed by 3 hours of ascent to the lagoon, time spent resting at the destination, 2 hours of descent, and finally 3 hours back to Huaraz. The hike itself covers 7 kilometers each way, with a positive elevation gain of 814 meters from the starting point at 3,800 meters to the lagoon at 4,604 meters. The trail presents moderate to high difficulty, primarily due to the extreme altitude rather than the technical complexity of the terrain.
Activities and experiences at Laguna 69
The main activity consists of the scenic hike to the lagoon, traversing spectacular Andean landscapes that include wetlands, glacial rock formations, and progressive views of the snow-capped peaks of the White Mountains. Once at the lagoon, visitors can enjoy photography sessions in one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes, contemplation and relaxation in the pristine natural surroundings, observation of Andean wildlife such as occasional vicuñas and various high-altitude bird species, and exploration of the immediate surroundings for different perspectives of the lagoon. The highlight of the experience is witnessing the perfect reflections of Chacraraju in the turquoise waters, especially during low-wind hours when the water’s surface acts as a natural mirror. The more adventurous can trek to nearby elevated viewpoints for aerial panoramic views of the lagoon and the surrounding valley.