For those familiar with the Huascaran National Park, you may know that the entire region is composed of towering snow-capped mountains and otherworldly turquoise lagoons. However, there’s one magic place not-so-touristy but yet as striking (to not say more) as the famous Lagoon 69.
Laguna Paron is the largest lake in Huascaran National Park, and it’s certainly one of the easiest treks you can join during your stay in Huaraz. The site offers spectacular views from as soon as you hit the road until you get there!
Also, the best thing about this experience is that it only takes 45 minutes to hike to the lake. However, the altitude is a factor that you certainly can’t underestimate, so it’s best to be fully acclimatized before committing to any physically demanding trek in this region, including this one.
We, as travelers, know how important it is to feel a connection beyond everything vain while traveling abroad. Nature in Peru does heal and renews your energy in many inexplicable ways.
The natural essence within our country is like no other, and we couldn’t be prouder to show you all about it. For those who would love to explore the vast Peruvian lands, this could be the way to start. Keep reading and learn everything about it!
This beautiful waterbody is considered the largest freshwater lagoon of the Cordillera Blanca and the entire Ancash region since it extends to 1,408,489 m2. It is located 32 km away from the city of Huaraz and has an altitude of 4,185 meters above sea level.
Laguna Paron was caught in the middle of a socio-environmental conflict in 2008 since the Cañón de Pato hydroelectric concessionary was exploiting its natural resources and affecting the irrigation canals that supplied water to the local croplands.
Therefore, an agreement was reached and then it was declared a National Heritage Site in 2010 to protect its authentic scenery.
From this location, it is possible to visualize the imposing Piramide, Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, Paria, and Artesonraju snow-capped mountains. For those who didn’t know, the Artesonraju is the mountain shown in the Paramount Pictures logo.
The lagoon is situated in a strategic place for those who wish to spice up their adventure across the Cordillera Blanca. Here we have listed some of the most sought-after optional hikes to do in the area:
1. Tame the surroundings from the Laguna Paron viewpoint
Some tours take you to this special spot to fully appreciate the visually striking scenery of the region. It only takes from 30 to 40 minutes to get there. However, the trail can turn quite challenging if you are not properly used to the altitude.
For that reason, we highly recommend you check how you feel once you get there before attempting to do this trek. If you’re up to this adventure, then let us tell you that all that hard work will be paid off.
Once on the lookout point, you’ll be able to experience the Laguna Paron from up close and the Pirámide de Garcilaso snow-capped mountain in the surroundings, a photo opportunity that you can’t miss!
2. Venture out onto the water
Although Laguna Paron could be considered a not-so-touristy attraction, the site surely has a lot to offer, even boat rides and kayak activities across the lake. Each can last from 10 to 15 minutes and prices range between 10 and 15 minutes.
Crossing this majestic turquoise-water lagoon can be really exciting, however, we want you to check the weather conditions once you get there since it tends to be very windy and cold up there. Also, if you’re taking the kayak activity, paddling can get quite difficult when the cold wind blows against you.
3. Show off your camping skills in Laguna Paron
If you have what it takes to withstand temperatures below 0°C and do the trek on your own, then you should definitely go for it!
However, it is worth mentioning that transport in this location is limited to particular and touristic cars, which is why it would be suitable for you to arrange a taxi pick-up beforehand. If you need more time to experience the scenery, there’s also a shelter with basic dormitories.
There are other adventure sports to do around the area since the place offers the perfect setting to do rock climbing and mountaineering. Likewise, we’d like to highlight that these trails are very strenuous and only for experienced trekkers.
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As we mentioned before, Laguna Paron is easily accessible from the city of Huaraz. If you’d like to do this on your own, you must know that a private taxi might charge you even more than the regular price as a tour operator would.
Also, we are talking about a place that surpasses the 4,000 meters of elevation, which could cause some inconvenience to anyone (to not generalize) who isn’t used to this altitude. Having that in mind, we highly encourage you to go with a specialist who can assist you in any way.
The Laguna Paron Tour usually departs early in the morning and takes you on a magical journey through the beautiful natural scenery of the Cordillera Blanca and Callejón de Huaylas. Make sure to learn everything about it while you’re here!
Since Laguna Paron is located at a high elevation, it is usual to see travelers experiencing dizziness, tiredness, headaches, and shortness of breath upon arrival, particularly if coming from low-altitude destinations. Make sure to follow these recommendations that will surely help you avoid and deal with altitude sickness:
- Keep yourself hydrated. Water is the best ally to fight and prevent this condition.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking at all costs. Alcohol is dehydrating, and smoking can worsen or cause shortness of breath.
- Eat a light but high-calorie diet. High altitude increases the need for fuel since you get dehydrated and burn carbs faster.
- Drink Coca tea or chew Coca leaves. This is a medicinal plant of the Andes, known for helping to ease any altitude sickness symptoms and improving acclimatization.
Take it easy. Don’t commit to a physically demanding activity on the first 2-3 days upon arrival.
Some medicines that can help with any altitude sickness symptoms are Diamox or Soroche Pills in almost any drugstore in Peru, nonetheless, we highly recommend consulting with a doctor before taking any of these medications.
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