Huaraz Chacas 3 Lagoons: A Guide to Carhuaz’s Best Trip

You know, Huaraz is really an amazing place for folks that like exploring the Andes, and I mean really getting out there. It’s this spot in Peru with huge mountains and like, a bunch of different hikes. But hey, the one trip I think that folks just shouldn’t skip is the Huaraz Chacas 3 Lagoons hike by Carhuaz. That trek? It’s honestly something else. Think insane views of these bright lagoons, that are surrounded by snow-capped peaks; it is something, alright? This is pretty much your ultimate guide to doing it right, so you’re totally prepared and make the most of your time. Let’s get into it, as I was saying.

Why Visit the 3 Lagoons?

Okay, first off, why should anyone, very, actually, even bother visiting these three lagoons in particular? The landscape alone is so beautiful; too it’s almost surreal, the kind of scenery you only see in fancy pictures, literally. So, it’s all about the experience, too. You’re talking about trekking up in the Cordillera Blanca, very, really breathing in the crisp mountain air, and yeah, spotting some pretty awesome wildlife. It feels so different than the busy towns, I want to tell you. Plus, each of the three lagoons has got its own, unique charm. You have, just to let you know, a different color, a unique shape, all surrounded by those stunning mountains, that make you really, really appreciate what nature has to offer.

Basically, if someone is trying to, you know, escape and see some beautiful scenery that’s not that super popular, well this checks all the boxes, like your ideal postcard shot, right? So, it could be your thing if, in some respects, someone just likes a good walk combined with scenery that is pretty hard to beat, and that folks are trying to find in Peru.

Planning Your Trip to Carhuaz

Before someone even thinks about hitting the trail, or even putting on those boots, I really have to say that it’s so smart to plan things out properly. Carhuaz is just the nearest town to the hike’s start, so I really, really have to recommend making sure that, just you get there okay. The travel, I tell you, can be pretty tiring. What someone has to do is, catch a colectivo (that’s like, a shared van) from Huaraz. Those leave often, so catching a ride shouldn’t be tough, so too, I mean that’s if it leaves in the morning. It’s about an hour, you see, maybe an hour and a half ride, and it’s a beautiful drive through the valley with like, lots of views of farms and local life; very, pretty amazing in my opinion. And, hey, it costs you basically nothing.

Regarding the best time, yeah, to head there, well you gotta go in the dry season, usually like, around May to September. You know, this way someone probably won’t get caught in the rain, plus those mountain views are way more clear; as I was saying it’s for that postcard shot. And don’t you worry about accommodations: Carhuaz has some cozy guesthouses and small hotels. Very, actually, It’s smart to book ahead, especially during the peak season, but if your tight on a budget, so there’s no harm in not booking; just be sure you have enough on hand! So, planning beforehand really sets folks up for a better experience, just to give you something to think about.

The Hike: What to Expect

Alright, so someone has gotten to Carhuaz – the good part comes now, which is beginning the hike! To reach the lagoons from Carhuaz, and if someone prefers a nice little morning walk, you should catch another colectivo, you know. Usually a taxi, to a place called Paron. That’s kinda like, the usual start point, too it’s almost for anyone heading for the lakes. This is something to keep in mind: the hike up and back takes around six to eight hours, which really, actually, depends on how fast people move. It’s marked, just to let you know, kinda well. But anyway, just to make sure, be aware that the altitude there can affect a person! Folks might experience altitude sickness, so going slow and staying hydrated really matters here. That and I mean coca tea and other natural alternatives, you know? It works!

As someone goes along, well the terrain changes up. You go through, like your rocky paths, bits where things can get pretty steep, but you’ll go through meadows too, like the ones you always see in those movies with someone who just wants to enjoy the scenery and, in short, be in the outdoors; so that adds a bunch to the experience. At those lagoons, you just wanna stop for lunch, you know? Very, definitely take a whole ton of photos and then absorb just the peaceful vibes.

A Closer Look at the 3 Lagoons

Here’s the detail you guys have been searching for, actually: what to think about the three lagoons themselves. The first lake? That’s kinda the biggest, with water that just looks light blue, even almost clear depending on the day. Now, there are lots of boulders nearby so you should bring your climbing shoes! Then, when people climb on those they usually sit near the water for hours. What they’re trying to do is take everything around in!

The second and third lakes, just in contrast, usually stand out thanks to these shades that appear kinda green! It looks like a fantasy novel setting. That’s always what people end up saying! At these places, and because usually there are less folks, you can usually find the wildlife as well. You see it kinda just moving around near these lake perimeters. With ducks, lots of birds flying overhead and I swear people actually said to me once or twice that they saw little furry rodents; kinda the thing I would expect but really kinda cool still. Make it a day trip and don’t worry about doing anything else! It’s time to actually see the planet and enjoy nature.

What to Pack for the Hike

Packing, obviously, can change how someone might actually enjoy this entire adventure. For altitude, to put it another way, things can turn cold, so wearing things with layers definitely helps when someone feels hot, then cold! I want to say that wearing good, waterproof hiking boots matters a ton here. Things can be kinda rough terrain!

Water’s totally, really key. Because drinking from springs isn’t safe, obviously. Always bring much, much more that what you might believe because things are just gonna dry out. Food, especially stuff loaded with energy – things like chocolate bars or just trail mix – really do the trick, alright? Don’t forget sunscreen and hats. The sunlight at that altitude kinda smacks down! It’s never good to forget these items because you only discover them if they smack down! Things should be kinda obvious!

Staying Safe and Responsible

So the main thing for that type of journey, it should be understood that you must stay safe and you gotta respect wherever that place is at. Do this hike in a group. In some respects I always find a solo expedition isn’t kinda great just in general. Always be sure you give someone an idea regarding that walk’s trajectory. Regarding local regulations, you are responsible in respecting anything! Not being informed doesn’t excuse anything you could have done!

Try not to drop some trash, kinda really stay near places to hike because you don’t want to accidentally break delicate areas with vegetation there. These basic habits basically makes life perfect for tourists with ensuring these kinds of hikes basically kinda stays there, pristine as they already stand right now. Always leave nature kinda like you saw it so other tourists too may be able to take full joy into this stuff and feel good in doing so! What happens with the Earth affects a variety of people, in other words, you could say!