Peru · Nature Walks

1-Day Callejón de Huaylas and Lake Parón Tour from Huaraz

1 Day Round trip from Huaraz Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Lake Parón, the largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca
02 Travel through the scenic Callejón de Huaylas valley from Huaraz
03 See traditional villages with views of Huandoy, Huascarán, Hualcán, and Copa
04 Explore Carhuaz and walk around its Plaza de Armas
05 Learn about the history of the ancient buried city of Yungay

Set out from Huaraz for an exciting day trip through the Callejón de Huaylas valley, visiting Lake Parón at 4,200 masl, the largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca. Travel past traditional Andean villages and scenic mountain landscapes, with views of snowy peaks such as Huandoy, Huascarán, Hualcán, and Copa. Explore the Marcara district, stroll around the Plaza de Armas in Carhuaz, and learn about the tragic history of ancient Yungay. The journey continues to Caraz and up the beautiful Parón River valley, where eucalyptus and polylepis trees frame the route to the lake.

Set out from Huaraz for an exciting day trip through the Callejón de Huaylas valley, visiting Lake Parón at 4,200 masl, the largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Huaraz, Carhuaz

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Callejón de Huaylas Valley and Lake Parón Tour

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel around 6:00 am.
Depart in a private minivan around 7:00 am along the Callejón de Huaylas valley. The tour starts in Huaraz at 3,100 masl.
Pass through the typical small villages of Paltay and Tarica, cross the Río Santa on the left, and continue by several other villages such as Jangas, Yungar, and Anta, from where you can appreciate the beautiful white mountains of Huandoy, Huascarán, Hualcán, Copa, and others. You may stop to click pictures.
Continue through the Marcara district to Carhuaz. Take a walk around the Plaza de Armas. Carhuaz is located at 2,650 masl.
Head to the historical province of Yungay, the ancient buried city at 2,500 masl. It is believed that a piece of Huascarán mountain broke off and caused a huge avalanche of mud and ice blocks, destroying Yungay province in 6 seconds.
Proceed to Caraz, a small city, and begin the unpaved trail going up along the Parón River, lined with eucalyptus trees and typical peasant houses. In a few minutes, continue driving up through a wonderful valley full of polylepis trees called quenuales. Arrive at Lake Parón and enjoy walking around the lake and taking pictures.
Return to Caraz by the same route for lunch in a typical restaurant around 3:00 pm.
After lunch, drive directly back to Huaraz. End of the tour.