From Huaraz: Full-Day Trek to Parón Lagoon

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing amidst towering snow-capped peaks and gazing at a shimmering, turquoise lagoon within the Cordillera Blanca, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. For $35 per person, you get a roughly 9-hour journey that combines comfortable transportation, gentle hikes, and awe-inspiring scenery, all led by a knowledgeable guide. Starting early from your Huaraz hotel, this trip takes you through the scenic Callejón de Huaylas and into the highlands surrounding the Huascarán National Park.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible it makes one of the most iconic sights in the region—Laguna Parón—without requiring strenuous multi-day treks. Plus, the opportunity to walk around the lagoon and ascend to a viewpoint offers different perspectives of this natural masterpiece. On the flip side, a potential snag is the fluctuating reliability of guides, as one review notes a guide not showing up—something worth considering when booking.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a taste of the dramatic landscapes of the Andes without an intensive climb, and for those who appreciate small group settings that allow for personalized attention and more flexibility at the viewpoint and around the lagoon.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Price and Duration: At $35 for about 9 hours, it offers good value for a day trip focusing on natural beauty.
Scenic Highlights: The lagoon’s turquoise waters and surrounding pyramidal mountains like Artesonraju make for memorable photos.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, which enhances the experience with more personalized guidance.
Hiking & Views: Options include walking around the lagoon or climbing a steep, zigzag path to a viewpoint—both rewarding but different in effort.
Transportation & Convenience: Round-trip transport from your hotel and a brief stop in Carhuaz make logistics straightforward.
Important Consideration: The guide’s reliability can vary, so confirm availability beforehand.

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A Detailed Look at the Full-Day Trek to Parón Lagoon

How the Tour Starts: From Hotel to the Highlands

The day begins early—around 8:00 am—with hotel pickup, which means you won’t have to worry about navigating to a meeting point. Transport is included, and the journey from Huaraz to the highlands is approximately 70 km. We appreciated how the vehicles are comfortable, allowing us to relax and enjoy the changing scenery.

Your first stop is in Carhuaz, a small town with a charming main square. Here, you have a chance to stretch your legs, buy some snacks or drinks, and soak in the local vibe before heading further north. Afterward, the route takes you on a gradually ascending unpaved road through quaint towns, which offers a real taste of highland life and provides excellent photo opportunities of local villages and the surrounding mountains.

The Scenic Drive and Approach to Laguna Parón

The drive itself is part of the adventure. The unpaved path winds through rugged terrain, with views of snow-capped peaks peeking through clouds and valleys. These landscapes are genuinely impressive, hinting at the grandeur of the Cordillera Blanca.

Reaching Laguna Parón, you’ll be struck by the lagoon’s striking turquoise hue, caused by its glacial origins. The vivid color contrasts beautifully with the white peaks and the dark green flora. This is a highlight that keeps visitors coming back for more photos and quiet moments of reflection.

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Exploring Laguna Parón

Once at the lagoon, you’ll have time to walk around its perimeter, which is approximately 40 minutes if you opt to stick to the flat trail. The flora here is typical of the high Andes, with hardy grasses and native plants thriving in the cool air. Expect breathtaking views of Artesonraju, considered the “logo mountain” of Peru, along with the pyramidal Pirámide Garcilazo and Caraz mountain.

Some travelers love to bring a picnic or snacks to enjoy while soaking in the scenery. The tranquility and natural beauty of Parón make it an ideal spot to slow down, breathe deeply, and admire the rugged grandeur.

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The Option to Climb to a Viewpoint

For those seeking a bit more adventure, there’s an optional walk along a steep, zigzagging path to a viewpoint—about 40 minutes of climbing over rocks and challenging terrain. From this vantage point, you get a panoramic view of the lagoon in its entirety, as well as the surrounding mountains. The effort involved is worthwhile, especially if you’re eager to see the lagoon from above and capture some stunning photos.

Returning to Huaraz

After spending ample time at the lagoon and perhaps snapping a few dozen photos, you’ll retrace the route back through Caraz and continue south toward Huaraz. The entire day concludes around 6:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to rest or reflect on the day’s adventures.

What the Tour Includes and What It Doesn’t

The tour is straightforward in its inclusions: round-trip transportation, a professional guide (who speaks both Spanish and English), and hotel pickup. The first aid kit adds a layer of safety. However, you’ll need to cover entrance fees, food, drinks, and optional rentings like kayaks or boats separately. This is typical for tours in this price range, but it’s wise to budget a few extra soles for snacks or souvenirs.

One notable review mentions a guide not showing up, a reminder to confirm your booking and guide availability before the day. You might find that some tours have variable reliability, so it’s worth double-checking.

The Experience: What Travelers Say and What You Can Expect

Many participants appreciate the stunning views of the lagoon’s waters and the surrounding mountains, making the effort to arrive well worth it. The tour’s balance between accessible walking and optional climbs allows for different levels of physical effort, catering to a range of visitors.

While the tour’s main appeal is undoubtedly the scenery, some travelers have expressed concerns about guide reliability, highlighting the importance of confirming arrangements. Still, those who do go often describe the experience as peaceful, awe-inspiring, and a great way to connect with Peru’s natural beauty.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits those with a moderate level of fitness who want to see the iconic Laguna Parón without committing to a multi-day trek. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy photography, nature walks, and mountain vistas but prefer not to hike for hours at high altitude. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, perfect for those who value personalized attention and a less rushed pace.

If your goal is to experience the Cordillera Blanca’s landscapes in a single day, this tour offers a solid balance between comfort and adventure, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and take memorable photos.

The Sum Up

This full-day trek to Parón Lagoon from Huaraz offers a beautifully balanced blend of scenic driving, gentle walking, and optional climbs, all within the stunning backdrop of the Cordillera Blanca. For $35, it’s a practical way to see one of Peru’s most iconic natural wonders without the commitment of a multi-day trek. The inclusion of hotel pickup and small group size adds to the value, making it a reliable option for those new to high-altitude travel or short on time but eager to see spectacular mountain scenery.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a manageable, highly visual experience, and who are flexible about guide reliability and optional hikes. If you’re after jaw-dropping views, quiet reflection, and authentic Andean landscapes—all within a comfortable day trip—this tour delivers.

FAQs

How long does the tour last? The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting around 8:00 am and concluding around 6:00 pm, depending on the group and traffic conditions.
What is included in the price? Round-trip transportation, a guide (Spanish and English), hotel pickup, and a first aid kit are included. Entrance fees and food are not included.
Is there an option to walk around the lagoon? Yes, you can walk around the lagoon for about 40 minutes on a flat path, enjoying the views and native flora.
Can I climb to a viewpoint? Yes, there’s an optional 40-minute climb over rocks and zigzag paths to a panoramic viewpoint of the lagoon.
What should I bring? Bring comfortable walking shoes, some snacks or drinks, sun protection, and your camera.
Are there any reviews of the guide’s reliability? One review mentions a guide not showing up, so confirming your booking and guide availability beforehand is recommended.
Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility? The flat walk around the lagoon is accessible, but the climb to the viewpoint may be challenging for some.

This tour offers an authentic taste of the high Andes—beautiful, manageable, and filled with opportunities to take unforgettable photos of Peru’s stunning landscapes. Just be sure to confirm your guide’s availability to ensure a smooth experience.