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National park · Huaraz, Áncash
Parque Nacional Huascarán
The national park that protects the Cordillera Blanca, with around 20 peaks above 6,000 meters, including Huascarán, the highest in Peru, hundreds of lagoons and glaciers. UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reserve.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Nacional Huascarán
The Huascarán National Park was created in 1975 to protect the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world, east of Huaraz. It was declared a biosphere reserve in 1977 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It has around 20 peaks above 6,000 meters, including Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru, as well as hundreds of glacial lakes.
The landscape changes with altitude: valleys with queñual forests, puna grasslands with ichu grass, turquoise lagoons and, higher up, glaciers. Among the plants is Puya raimondii, a giant bromeliad that can exceed 10 meters when it blooms. Among the animals are the Andean condor, the vicuña and the Andean deer.
The region has been inhabited for thousands of years: the Caverna del Guitarrero, in the valley, has remains of some of Peru's earliest inhabitants. Today, peasant communities live in and around the park.
The most popular outings from Huaraz are the Lagunas de Llanganuco, Laguna 69, Laguna Churup and the Pastoruri glacier. There are also multi-day trails, like Santa Cruz, and mountain climbing, always with a guide. Entry to the park requires a ticket and checks at the posts; rules change depending on the place.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One day for each excursion; the long trails take three to five days.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, with more clear-sky days. From December to March it usually rains in the afternoon and clouds cover the peaks.
How to get there
Access routes to the park depart from Huaraz and the towns of the Callejón de Huaylas, such as Yungay and Carhuaz, via roads that climb the valleys. Huaraz agencies organize the tours with transport.
Tip
Buy the park ticket through official channels or at the control posts and check the rules for each lagoon before going. Bring warm clothing, sunscreen and water: the sun is strong at altitude.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional Huascarán
What is the highest mountain in the park?
The Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru, which gives the park its name.
Do you have to pay to enter the park?
Yes, there is an entrance fee, sold through official channels and at control posts. Some places, like Laguna 69, have their own access rules. Check before you go.
What is the Puya raimondii?
A giant Andean bromeliad that can exceed 10 meters in height when it flowers. It appears in some sectors of the park, such as on the way to Pastoruri.
Which day tours are most sought after?
The Lagunas de Llanganuco, Laguna 69, Laguna Churup and the Pastoruri glacier, all departing from Huaraz.