Huaraz: Lake 69 and Cordillera Blanca ''The Swiss side of Peru''.

Huaraz is synonymous of wild nature torrents rivers, ancient forests, and unlikely turquoise lagoons. Adventure wholesale and for all tastes. If you are a seasoned climber, then these colossal mountains are for you.

Counting with more than 180 kilometers from north to south. The cordillera Blanca from Huaraz is a big challenge. Its highest peak, Huascarán, is 6768 meters high, 'Huandoy', 6397. These figures do not make much difference with the rest of the 29 glaciers that surpass 6000 meters. In these colossal mountains are hidden no less than 269 lagoons and 41 crystalline river.

“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” - Albert Einstein

Huaraz is a beautiful city located in the department of 'Ancas' at an average altitude of 3050 meters above sea level, this place is also known as the Peruvian Switzerland since it is surrounded by white mountains and lakes. 

If you go from Lima to Huaraz by bus, get ready for about 9 hours of road trip make sure you bring enough food and water, I really enjoyed the bus trip, however, there were times where I felt I bit dizzy but this you can avoid it by drinking water or just relaxing with deep breaths. So when you finally reach Huaraz you will see that this small city is surrounded side by side by mountains. The Cordillera Negra westward and to the east by the spectacular Cordillera Blanca.

#Huaraz is synonymous of wild nature torrents rivers, ancient forests, and unlikely turquoise lagoons. That is Adventure wholesale and for all tastes. If you are a seasoned climber, the high snow-capped mountains of the #CordilleraBlanca - more than 180 kilometers from north to south - are a challenge. Its highest peak, #Huascarán, is 6768 meters high, Huandoy, 6397. These figures do not make much difference with the rest of the 29 glaciers that surpass 6000 meters. In these colossal mountains are hidden no less than 269 lagoons and 41 crystalline rivers.

So if you are thinking about visiting this place then I will tell you the most interesting things to do:

Mountains

Taking a hiking tour around the mountains like the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra can be a breathtaking experience.For anyone who wishes to see the cordilleras and get amazes by the beauty and wonder of these mountains can definitely be a great memory forever. For local people keeping a memory or a ''panoramic view'' of the cordilleras could be related to the meaning and songs of the Peruvian Andes.

Huascarán National Park

I heard from the locals that it was founded on the 70s, however, I made my homework and this is what I could find. It was created on July 1, 1975, with the purpose of preserving wildlife and wild flora, geological formations, Archaeological remains and scenic beauties. Located in the central Peruvian Andes, the park's 340,000 hectares cover an elevational range from around 2,500 m to the several snow-capped peaks above 6,000 m.

Among those peaks are Huascarán (Peru's highest at 6,768 m) an incredible place for those who enjoy hiking to mountains.

Lagoons, Lakes & Rivers of Clear Waters

Crystalline waters are typical waters from Huaraz. There are many lakes as 'Querococha' lagoon,  'Chinancocha' blue lagoon, Lake 69 and much more. For example. Lake 69 was the highlight for me before even thinking of visiting Huaraz. The intense green turquoise color of its water is quite stunning, no words to express it's own magnificent.

Pre-hike stops off in the Andes - these are the actual colors of the lagoon. Mind-blowing!

If you have ever been in Switzerland you will realize this part of Peru is really similar to the natural environment in the Swiss nation. When I visited Huaraz at this time I did not know Switzerland and how it looked like so for me was like what are they talking about... The Swiss Peruvian side? I was thinking perhaps they had cheese or big cows so for me was not a big deal. However, I had to shut my mouth here and say, well, I really want to go to Switzerland now.

I was extremely shocked by the mountains and lakes and I felt like this was some sorts of paradise. So if you want to visit Peru anytime soon, don't miss up Huaraz. You will not regret it!

Taking back the Mountains and Peaks subject, it was really tough to get to the top of the mountain walking up 4650 meters above sea level was insanely tiring and trying to not get the mountain sickness is terrible, there were people stopping at midway and coming back, at some point I felt like I wanted to do the same but somehow I kept walking up, took strength from nowhere maybe my persistence so continued walking up. I believe it was difficult because you have to climb through mountains as a zig-zag and walk very carefully.

Adding to that, the height feeling and pressure, the mosquitoes, the bulls, the very strong sun and the stones that come off and make you stumble along the cliff... In a few words, it was really difficult. However, when you arrive you will feel realized, excited, and with a great feeling of success. That's how I felt I was amazed by how unpredictable nature can be and how tiny we are on this small planet. The view is beautiful and climbing alone there is something I recommend everyone to do once in their lives.

Lake 69

This is a gorgeous glacier lake hidden away in the north of Peru. No words can describe this natural wonder! amazing natural beauty

This place simply has to be on your Peru itinerary. Whether you fancy a one day hike to #Lake69, or a multi-day trek through the Cordillera Blanca, all can be arranged or started from here.

Another shot below. You can see how crystalline the water is underneath.

So to resume this post. Let's talk about where we stayed.

The City

So while in #Huaraz we visited the historic center, enjoyed a good local meal, however, we were looking forward to visiting Parque Nacional Huascarán and Lake 69. 

The hostel that we stayed we were offered a tour for about 22 USD they would drive us from the hostel to the natural park and guide us through the park visiting the most important places.

There were, of course, many more places to see, but due to the time, we couldn't. If you ever visit Huaraz. Make sure to see also.Lagoon Churup, Wilcahuain Ruin National Monument, Duck Canyon and the Yuracyacu Falls.

It should be noted that the name of the city comes from the Quechua word "Waraq" which means "Dawn."

Hope you enjoyed this article. Let me know your thoughts on this on the comment section below.

More post about this city on my personal Instagram

Best Regards,

Jaime S