Laguna Wilcacocha

Dogs Unknown

The trail begins at the "Santa Cruz" bridge. Mini buses from Huaraz regularly ply this road and can drop you off at the bridge. From there, you have two options: either follow the road for a mostly gentle but longer path to the laguna, or follow the steep rocky trail that snakes through the villages on the side of the mountain.

The trail is very steep and rocky, basically like a staircase. If your knees are dreading the downhill, then follow the road on the way down for a more leisurely descent. The locals are fine with having visitors hike through the villages, but be respectful, as they see dozens of people every day and this is their home.

The final stretch leads to the laguna with stunning views over Huaraz and the entire Huascarán range, including the highest mountain in Peru and the highest mountain range outside the Himalayas. This hike is often a popular first hike to acclimatize because of its low altitude, but it will get your heart going due to its steep, direct path.