A Guide to Visiting Laguna Paron in Huaraz, Peru

If you’re planning on visiting Laguna Paron from Huaraz and want to learn more about what your day trip could look like, then you’ve found the right post.

Laguna Paron is one of the most popular day trips in Huaraz, so we’ll discuss whether you should do it independently or with a tour as well as cover the few things you can do at the lake. We’ll also talk about the length, difficulty and altitude of this day trip and what to wear and pack to have the best possible experience.

If you’d like to see our adventures, then check out our dedicated Huaraz video on our YouTube Channel. For more Peru videos check out our Peru Playlist.

About Laguna Paron in Huaraz

Laguna Paron is located within the Huascaran National Park near Huaraz in Peru. The 340,000 hectare national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The park comprises most of the Cordillera Blanca (“White Mountains”) mountain range. It also boasts Peru’s highest peak: Huascaran Sur (6,768 m / 22,205 ft). Cordillera Blanca is actually the world’s highest tropical mountain range which means that Huascaran Sur is the world’s highest tropical mountain.

Laguna Paron sits about 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. It is the largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca and is surrounded by several snow-capped mountain peaks. Probably the most recognisable peak is the 5,885 m (19,308 ft) tall Pirámide. The lake formed as a natural moraine reservoir. Compared to the deep blue hue of Laguna 69, the colour of Laguna Paron is more turquoise thanks to the high concentrations of dissolved lime.

Good to Know Before Visiting Laguna Paron in Huaraz

Tour Options to Laguna Paron

There are actually two main tour options to visit Laguna Paron:

• 5AM start that includes a few hours of hiking either to Huandoy Viewpoint or to Artesonraju Mountain.
• 8AM start that includes a short hike to the Laguna Paron viewpoint.

Top Tip. It’s worth noting that in the low season the longer hiking tours might not get as much interest as the shorter one does. Therefore, if you really want to do the longer hikes it’s probably best to come in the busier season.

For reference, we opted for the later tour for a change of pace after getting up at the crack of dawn for almost every day or multi-day hike we’d done in Peru so far. It was actually nice to start our day a little bit later.

On the later tour you’ll also have the option to hire a small boat or kayak to take out on the lake which looked like a fun activity. Just bear in mind that you won’t have a long time to spend at the lake with the later tour. If you want to both hike to the viewpoint and go kayaking then you might feel a bit rushed.

You can check out this day tour or the longer hiking tours on this website.

Cost of a Tour and Entrance Fee to Laguna Paron in Huaraz

Tour costs can vary slightly depending on who you book with. We paid around S/.60 ($17 USD) per person for the later tour. The hiking tours will cost a bit more depending on whether any meals are included in the price or not. We recommend having a look around in Huaraz and booking it once you’re in the city.

During our time in Huaraz we noticed that it doesn’t really matter which tour company you book your later day trip with. Most companies actually work together and fit people from different companies into the same few vans to try to be more cost efficient.

There’s also an entrance fee of S/. 5 ($1.5 USD) per person that you’ll have to pay when you enter the park.

Note. Laguna Paron isn’t included in the Huascaran National Park Pass. This means that you’ll have to pay the S/. 5 entry regardless of if you have the multi-day pass or not. You’re basically contributing to the local communities with your visit. However, for many other day trips within the national park such as Laguna 69 or Pastoruri Glacier, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee of S/. 30 ($8.5 USD), or more if you want a multi-day entry ticket.

Independent Visit to Laguna Paron

If you don’t want to join a tour then you can also visit Laguna Paron on your own. Since the lake is located much further away from Huaraz, we recommend spending a night in Caraz. It’s a smaller and definitely less touristy town, but it’s quicker to get to Laguna Paron independently from there.

Based on our research, there should be an early morning colectivo leaving Caraz to a small village called Pueblo Paron. This is where the hiking trail to Laguna Paron starts. If you want to skip the hike, you’ll likely have to arrange a private taxi from Caraz, which could cost you more than the tour unless you share the cost.

Now, getting to the lake will be easier than getting back to Caraz if you want to hike. You’ll definitely have to ask the colectivo driver and the locals in Pueblo Paron when the next colectivo leaves to Caraz. If you miss it, or their not that reliable, then you might need to negotiate a ride back with one of the tour buses or hitchhike. Otherwise, you might end up hiking all the way back to Caraz.

Another option is to spend a night at the Tourist Information Centre on the shores of the lake. Apparently they have a few bunkbeds, so it’s a great option if you want to do some additional hikes around the lake.

Tour or Independent Visit Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to either visiting with a tour or independently, so let’s run through them.

Pros of Taking a Tour:

• Unlike in most places in Peru, joining a tour could work out the same price, or even cheaper, than trying to get there with a mix of public transport or taxis.
• Taking a tour is also way more convenient. You’ll just need to hop in a minivan and then get off at the start of the trailhead. No need to worry about getting from A to B.
• You’ll have about 8 hours in total to chat and bond with people in the minivan depending on the group.
• If you pick the hiking tour, then you can spend more time in the outdoors and enjoy hiking around the lake.

Cons of Taking a Tour:

• It won’t be your typical guided hiking tour as you may have experienced in other parts of the country. Most day tours in Huaraz will act more like transportation services. Although the guide will go up to the viewpoint with you, you’ll get given a time that you should be back at the minivan by and pretty much left to your own devices.
• You’ll spend about 8 hours crammed into a minivan only to stretch your legs for about an hour on the later tour. The ride is also pretty bumpy so take motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive. Even if you’re not, you might be by the end!
• Food is normally not included in the tour cost.

Pros of an Independent Hike

• You’ll definitely have a more adventurous day by travelling on colectivos, local buses and taxis.
• Staying a night in Caraz will give you the chance to stay somewhere less touristy. You can even stay at the tourist centre and enjoy a sunset and sunrise at the lake.
• If you time your visit well, then you could have the whole viewpoint to yourself.
• You won’t have a very long travel day from Huaraz if you’re staying in Caraz. Plus, you can hike at your own pace.

Cons of an Independent Hike

• The cost of your own transport could very well add up to being more expensive than a tour. Especially if you end up having to take a private taxi.
• Getting to the trailhead is always easier than getting back from such a remote area. We read that some people ended up getting a ride back in one of the tour minivans because there wasn’t any other options available.

Best Time to Visit Laguna Paron in Huaraz

You can technically visit Laguna Paron all year round. However, there are better and worse times of the year to visit.

The wet season is normally between December and March/April. Whilst visiting during this time frame doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be visiting in the pouring rain, the chances are much higher. The rocks along the short trail can become quite slippery in wet conditions so definitely wear appropriate shoes during this time. The jaw-dropping scenery and turquoise-coloured lake are why many people put up with being crammed in a minivan for 8 hours, so you really want to visit on a clear (and potentially sunny) day.

The dry season is from about April to November. This time frame definitely gives you a high chance of a sunny and enjoyable visit. If you come just before the dry season, around April, then you’ll probably have a pleasant and rain free day trip. It’s also less busy with tourists, so a good time to come to avoid the crowds. When we visited in early May we had a very beautiful day with an almost clear blue sky. However, the clouds were definitely building up by the afternoon and we had some heavy downpours and thunderstorms on our way back in the van.

June to September are the most popular tourist months, so be prepared for more people to be visiting with you.

What is the Altitude and Elevation of Laguna Paron in Huaraz

Laguna Paron sits at just under 4,200 m (13,780 ft) above sea level. If you opt for the later tour that doesn’t include much hiking, then you really won’t have much elevation gain to worry about on your day trip.

However, bear in mind that Huaraz’s elevation is 3,052 m (10,013 ft). This mean that you’ll gain over a 1,000 m (3,280 ft) during your car journey there.

This can be a bit of a shock to your body especially if you’ve not acclimatised properly. You should definitely visit lower altitude places such as Laguna Wilcacocha (3,725 m / 12,221 ft) first.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness at Laguna Paron?

It is important to know that anyone can develop altitude sickness and its symptoms can be less or more severe depending on the person. Symptoms of altitude sickness include dehydration, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, heavy breathing, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

If you haven’t visited other high altitude places in Peru such as Cusco before arriving to Huaraz, we recommend taking it easy on your first day and not booking Laguna Paron straight away. Starting with an easier day trip such as Laguna Wilcacocha (3,725 m / 12,221 ft) is probably much better since it’s located at a lower elevation. This way you can acclimatise properly and avoid altitude sickness.

It’s also good to avoid drinking too much alcohol before your day trip and not eating too many heavy foods either. Staying hydrated during the day is also very important to avoid dehydration and headaches. You can drink Coca tea like the locals do at high altitudes in Peru. In addition, you can also buy some altitude sickness tablets before you hike anywhere in Peru.

Of course, if you’ve done some high altitude hikes in Peru already such as the Salkantay Trek, the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain or you went on a 2 or 3-day Colca Canyon Trek, then you’ll most likely be fine booking a trip to Laguna Paron straight away.

What to Wear and Pack for Visiting Laguna Paron in Huaraz

If you’re doing the hiking version of this day trip, then it’s important to wear an appropriate hiking outfit.

Even if you’re only doing the short walk up to the viewpoint we recommend dressing for colder temperatures. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you’ll most likely need long trousers, a fleece, and even a hat and gloves on this hike. The temperatures will change a lot during the day so definitely wear layers. You’ll likely get warm as you climb up to the viewpoint but it can feel colder once you stop at the top if it’s not a nice, sunny day.

Make sure to also pack waterproofs like a rain jacket. When we visited in May we had a lovely day but we had a few thunderstorms and heavy downpours on the way back in the afternoon. Luckily, we were already in our transport vehicle, but you could easily get caught in an afternoon storm especially if you’re doing the longer hike. Especially for those doing the hike, make sure to pack a waterproof cover for your backpack too.

In terms of footwear, we suggest wearing hiking boots or shoes that have good grip and support. The trail up to the viewpoint is pretty rocky so supportive shoes will come in handy.

We recommend carrying a daypack with all the essentials in that you might need for the day. Pack your lunch to eat at the lake and enough snacks and water to stay hydrated. Don’t forget your camera gear either and perhaps bring a portable charger for your phone.

Make sure to use sun-cream, a hat or cap and sunglasses for protection. Also have enough cash on you to pay for anything extra such as toilets and snacks at the trailhead and tips for the guide and driver.

We suggest having a basic first-aid kit with you with some painkillers, altitude tablets, band-aids and any prescribed medications in.

Facilities at Laguna Paron

Toilet. You can use the toilet at Carhuaz ice cream shop if the tour stops there. There’s also a toilet available at the tourist centre building next to the lake for S/.1. Make sure to bring some change if you’d like to use these toilets.

Cafes / Restaurants. The later day tours normally stop briefly in Carhuaz so you can try some ice cream. Here you can quickly pick up some last minute snacks if you wish. The lake bar might have a few refreshments too. However, we do recommend bringing your own packed lunch that you can eat at the Laguna Paron viewpoint or along the shore.

Things to Do at Laguna Paron in Huaraz

There are a few things you can do at Laguna Paron, depending on how you choose to visit this beautiful location.

1. Hike Up to Laguna Paron Mirador (Viewpoint)

Most day trips will drive you up to the shore of Laguna Paron. From there you have the option to go on a short 30 minute hike up to the viewpoint. Luckily, the elevation gain is very minimal. However, you’ll be starting the short hike around 4,200 m (13,780 ft) which means that even a short uphill hike can feel much more tiring.

One thing to note is that the trail becomes quite rocky at the end so you’ll need to be careful when walking. It’s so easy to twist an ankle if you’re not concentrating, so perhaps wear supportive boots and keep an eye on the path.

The views you get from the mirador are absolutely stunning and taking the long and bumpy ride just for these views alone is totally worth it. Unfortunately, if you come with a tour, you won’t have an awfully long time to relax and take it all in. We definitely felt a bit rushed. But then again, if you come on your own you’ll have to worry about getting back to catch a colectivo.

You can book your day trip in Huaraz or check out this tour if you want to book it in advance.

2. Rent a Boat or a Kayak

If you enjoy water activities, then you can either rent a boat or a kayak and get a different perspective of Laguna Paron. Kayaks are around S/. 20 and boats are S/. 10 per person.

Note. The boat or kayak hire normally isn’t included in the tour price, so come prepared with extra cash.

Top Tip. If you’re fast enough, you can get up to the viewpoint, take in all the views and also make it back to the shore of the lake and rent a boat or a kayak. Just note that you won’t have a long time to do either activity, so if you want to take things a bit slower, then perhaps just pick one or the other.

3. Spend a Night at Laguna Paron

As mentioned before, if you visit independently you can actually spend a night at the Tourist Centre on the shores of Laguna Paron. They have a few bunk beds that you can pay around S/. 20 per night for which means you’ll have the lake pretty much all to yourself for the evening and morning.

Imagine seeing the sunset there and waking up in such a stunning location before all the tourists arrive. Just make sure to come prepared and bring enough cash and a sleeping bag. Plus, be willing to arrive by multiple colectivos with a high chance for an adventurous return journey to Huaraz.

4. Book a ‘Paron Loop’ Hiking Tour to Huandoy Viewpoint

If you enjoy hiking, then you can book a tour that takes you on a 2-3 hour long hike around the lake up to Huandoy Viewpoint.

This tour usually leaves at 5 AM from the city. However, you’ll be outdoors for longer unlike with the later tours where you only have about an hour or so at the lake.

This particular trail is about 5 km long and takes a good 2.5 hours to complete. You’ll have an elevation gain of 300 m with the highest elevation at the viewpoint being around 4,560 m.

Note that this tour will go to a higher viewpoint than the later day tour but would still initially walk up to the Laguna Paron Mirador.

We found that the Akilpo tour agency offers this Paron Loop day tour, but you can always ask around in Huaraz or check tour options with your hotel or hostel.

5. Book the Paron and Artesonraju Mountain Hiking Tour

Some tour operators also offer a longer hike around Laguna Paron which would also take you to Artesonraju Mountain.

This tour usually leaves at 5 AM from the city but involves a longer time spent outdoors than the later tours.

This particular trail is about 11.5 km long and initially follows the northern shore of the lake. This part is relatively flat and you can just enjoy the views of Laguna Paron. Once you’re at the eastern end of the lake, you’ll follow the trail to the north towards Artesonraju Mountain.

Did you know? Artesonraju is often referred to as the ‘Paramount’ mountain because its pyramidal shape is said to have inspired the Paramount logo.

Your final destination will be Artesoncocha Viewpoint located at an altitude of 4,350 m (14,270 ft). Therefore, you’ll only have about 150 m (500 ft) of elevation gain on this hike.

We found that the Akilpo tour agency offers this Paron and Artesonraju Mountain tour, but you can always ask around in Huaraz or check tour options with your hotel or hostel.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Laguna Paron in Huaraz

We were definitely blown away by the scale, colour and beauty of Laguna Paron. In our opinion, this lake is even prettier than Laguna 69, which is one of the most popular places people visit in Huaraz.

The only downside of this visit is that the ratio between travel time and time spent at the site is very unbalanced and you’ll have to spend the majority of your day in a minivan. However, to witness such beautiful scenery we think it’s totally worth the long and bumpy ride.

Have you ever visited Laguna Paron in Huaraz? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you add this day trip to your Peru itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.