Laguna 69 Hike Review: Cordillera Blanca, Peru

So, you’re thinking of tackling Laguna 69, that very beautiful, unbelievably turquoise lake tucked high in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca? Let me just say, it’s a hike that will seriously test you, yet reward you with views that seem almost unreal. That water really looks like something photoshopped, yet it’s completely and totally natural. Anyway, this isn’t just some stroll in the park; it’s an honest-to-goodness mountain trek. But if you go in knowing what to expect, you’ll find the experience is so worth every bit of effort. Basically, in this review, I’ll walk you through what makes Laguna 69 so great, what challenges to expect, and how to prepare so that you can make the absolute most of your trek. You will thank me later!

Why Hike to Laguna 69?

Okay, first things first: why Laguna 69, anyway? It’s in the Huascarán National Park, which itself is seriously something to see. The Cordillera Blanca is home to super snow-capped peaks, seriously clear blue lakes, and scenery that just kind of grabs you. Then, the big one comes – the chance to experience nature in its most raw form. Basically, this particular hike has become famous for just one thing: that eye-popping lake at the end. It really is turquoise to the point of being unbelievable, reflecting the nearby glaciers like a perfect mirror. Anyway, aside from just that show-stopper view, the hike itself offers up some seriously nice scenery. As I was saying, you walk through valleys with these wild, colorful flowers, you go past waterfalls cascading down the rock face, and if you look upwards, you can catch glimpses of crazy huge glaciers clinging to the mountain sides. Seriously, the sense of peace and being away from stuff is a great reward. I will be very candid here: I enjoyed every minute, yet still needed a good sit-down the following day!

It can also be a pretty good challenge. The altitude is no joke. Anyway, completing this hike gives you the right to be very proud of yourself. Getting to the lake isn’t a walk in the park; that thin air and those inclines mean your body will really need you to dig deep. Just reaching that finish line (or turquoise shoreline) feels incredibly fulfilling, and that sense of reward lasts long after your legs stop aching. In some respects, for some folks, hiking Laguna 69 is kind of a pilgrimage. Every year, people all over the world visit to be in one of nature’s masterpieces. As I was saying, it’s the view that ends up sticking in your mind long after you’re back in the everyday world.

Preparing for the Hike

Alright, so, planning really makes or breaks this trip. You simply cannot go in assuming all will be well. Acclimatizing to the height is a must, more or less. Huaraz is at about 10,000 feet, yet Laguna 69 sits pretty at around 15,000 feet. I promise, you will be huffing and puffing. Give yourself, like, at least two to three days in Huaraz to let your body get used to it a little. Start off with seriously shorter, easier hikes, and seriously take it easy on yourself. I swear, listen to your body: that lightheaded feeling or shortness of breath might be signs to stop. Also, consider consulting a doctor about altitude sickness pills – just an option for those worried about how they might react to the thin air. As a matter of fact, packing smartly is incredibly vital. Bring layers – the weather can change rapidly, from seriously sunny to raining on you in minutes. Make certain to bring lots of water. You really need it. What is equally vital is getting some very high-energy snacks. Seriously, think trail mix, energy bars, dried fruit: fuel that’ll keep you moving on that mountain. A good pair of walking boots are key to being reasonably comfortable; trust me on that one.

Basically, thinking about the practicalities before heading out will save you all kinds of grief. Should I have hiking poles? Yes. You will be happy you had these later in the climb! Think about what clothes will really protect you best. And, for heaven’s sake, don’t plan any big party nights out the days prior. As a matter of fact, I really do have to repeat about the altitude – do not take it casually. Altitude sickness is serious, yet so preventable, too it’s almost like ignoring the very loud advice of someone who has experienced that the hard way.

The Hike Itself: What to Expect

Okay, time to get real about the hike itself. Seriously, most people start from Huaraz, which is the region’s hiking hub. You will very likely book a tour. So, early starts are super common. Most tours pick you up, like, super early so you will be at the start of the trail around daybreak. Anyway, the hike is moderately challenging. I think people with a reasonable level of fitness will probably manage alright, yet, that height factor really kicks in. Initially, the trail is kind of manageable, yet before too long it kicks up to steeper parts with switchbacks. You’ll seriously pass some scenic spots, including two little lakes, which really allow you to stop for a moment and, most of all, catch your breath! By the way, the last climb can be tough going. That final stretch feels almost vertical sometimes, yet thinking of that lake at the summit makes you feel that you can push that bit harder. Also, watch the path! Basically, it gets narrow and rocky in places. It makes complete and utter sense to have seriously good walking shoes.

The whole trek tends to take, say, about five to seven hours round trip, yet, of course, that depends a lot on how quickly you move and how often you stop to take a breather or snap, say, another 100 photos! Basically, the views all the way are awesome, yet the star attraction really is Laguna 69. It truly looks even better in person. Seriously, the vivid, bright color of the water set against those very jagged, icy peaks… wow, just wow. Spending some time at the top really allows you to properly appreciate your effort, breathe in some mountain air, and absorb every part of those scenery. Make time for lots of pics! That is, until it is time to come back down. Basically, the route follows the same path as the ascent, yet going down can be as difficult because the loose rocks will play games with you!

What to Bring: Your Packing Checklist

I swear, having the correct equipment with you really can change the whole hiking experience – from hard work, to actually great fun! It is almost as simple as having the things that really matter. First off, remember those walking boots I said you needed? Sturdy, broken-in walking boots that are definitely right for a long mountain trek. This really is important; the number of people hobbling along the paths in sneakers makes me shudder! Think, too it’s almost, about waterproof gear – jacket and pants, probably – as mountain weather is pretty erratic. Several layers are preferable, too it’s almost. Things, such as thermals, fleece, or down jackets mean that you really will feel snug whatever the day throws at you. Don’t forget a great hat and sunblock – the sun truly is very fierce at altitude. Sunglasses are basically vital, so protect those eyes! Next, and that’s crucial, always take with you, even if for a short day hike: a headlamp, extra batteries and some first aid supplies. That last thing you really want to have is an unexpected surprise that you didn’t prepare for. As I was saying, at altitude your body needs lots of hydration. I tell anyone to carry far more water than they ever think that they will need. Take some snacks, like some energy bars, nuts, dried fruit. When hunger kicks in on a trek, everything will seriously taste like gold. Finally, and I hope you didn’t forget it! your camera. The views on the way up and the ones at the lagoon make certain that you need to photograph every memory that you can.

Choosing a Tour Operator

So, arranging your hike will possibly involve selecting a good tour operator. Various companies located in Huaraz run excursions. Look at things, such as their reviews. Other hikers have had some very good, and some terrible, experiences – that’ll tell you something immediately. Enquire with them and explore their different pack offerings. As a matter of fact, are meals included, transport, entrance fees? That is not all that really matters, either. What kit can they help you with, is the team First Aid trained, what language will they speak? That said, think about how committed the operator will be to being responsible when talking about hiking, and how that’s kind of a big one for environmental impact and hiker security. Is their team experienced, will the group be small or really large (and what difference does that make), how often does the tour actually run, what plans do they put into action if the weather packs in? Asking a number of different queries is a seriously intelligent route for hikers keen to make certain their once-in-a-lifetime Laguna 69 adventure goes completely to plan.

Making the Most of Your Trip

Right, here are, like, a couple of quick suggestions to help make this trip amazing. Slow things down. I would mean don’t hurry yourself to take in absolutely everything from the mountain setting to the lake itself. Respect that countryside – adhere to the established tracks and adhere to that “leave no trace” principle. Remember that every single thing you carry in has to be carried away again, too. And speak to those fellow trekkers. Basically, swap stories and advice; the mountains are a really great equalizer, after all. Basically, the views are more beautiful if they’re savored with good friends. Make space within you to be thankful for every single breath, those rugged paths, all the wonderful views, not forgetting the incredible lake. By the way, always bear in mind that getting to Laguna 69 is not just an event; the setting really becomes a way of living to be taken in all through that journey, so relish the time you have within it. That is not all. Share it with other people if they do wish, while leaving it as great as can be so many people who visit get that same level of thrill.

Is Laguna 69 Worth It?

Definitely, is that turquoise water picture real? Yes. It takes a really determined plan. And the level of difficulty will surprise lots of folk that don’t really know about it or get any advice first. But for what it is, and for what you put in, that view, that hike itself, is the whole heap of effort definitely paid off. If, on top of that, you decide wisely and respect where it all goes on and are sensitive about it, and don’t take needless risk and generally just do good as well as feeling amazing, Laguna 69 makes for something actually outstanding.

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