From Ancash: Walk to the Llaca Ravine and Lagoon |Full Day|

Set out on a captivating journey to the heart of Peru’s Ancash region with a full-day hike to the Llaca Ravine and Lagoon. This adventure promises breathtaking vistas, serene natural settings, and an opportunity to take in the rugged grandeur of the Andes. From the scenic drive to the challenging ascent and the rewarding glimpse of the stunning Laguna Llaca, this experience offers a chance to witness the true beauty of this remarkable landscape. As you prepare to set out on this exciting excursion, consider the remarkable sights and experiences that await, for this is merely the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

1. A full-day guided hike from Huaraz to the Llaca Ravine and Lagoon, with a total duration of approximately 8 hours.
2. The hike begins with a 1.5-hour journey from Huaraz to the trailhead at Llaca Valley, offering stunning views of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
3. The ascent to the Laguna Llaca, a glacial lake at 4,470 meters, takes around 2-3 hours, providing opportunities to capture impressive vistas of Ocshapalca and Ranrapalca peaks.
4. The tour includes hotel pickup, an experienced guide, a first-aid kit, and entrance to Parque Nacional Huascarán, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
5. The flexible cancellation policy and "reserve now, pay later" option make the hike accessible and allow for changes in travel plans.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This full-day hike from Huaraz to the Llaca ravine and lagoon takes approximately 8 hours to complete.

The group size is limited to 10 participants, and the tour is offered in both Spanish and English. The price for this excursion starts at £39.68 per person.

Hikers will be picked up from their hotel in Huaraz and transported to the Llaca ravine, located about 1.5 hours away.

From there, the hike begins, ascending to the stunning Laguna Llaca at an elevation of 4,470 meters.

Along the way, hikers will be treated to breathtaking views of the Ocshapalca (5,888 m) and Ranrapalca (6,162 m) peaks.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a pick-up from the participant’s hotel in Huaraz, followed by a 1.5-hour journey to the Llaca ravine.

The hike starts at the Llaca Valley, running parallel to the river. Participants will then ascend to Laguna Llaca, situated at an elevation of 4,470 meters, in approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Along the way, they’ll be treated to impressive views of Ocshapalca (5,888 m) and Ranrapalca (6,162 m).

Once at the lagoon, there will be ample time for photography before returning to the Llaca refuge.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pick-up, tourist transport, and a tour guide. Plus, the package provides a first aid kit and covers the entrance ticket to Parque Nacional Huascarán. Lunch is also included, though participants are recommended to bring a snack.

The key inclusions are:

1. Convenient hotel pick-up and tourist transport for a seamless experience.
2. An experienced tour guide to lead the group and provide valuable insights.
3. Safety measures with a first aid kit and the park entrance ticket covered.

This comprehensive offering ensures a well-organized and enjoyable hike to the Llaca Ravine and Lagoon.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

With a flexible cancellation policy, customers can freely cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows for peace of mind when planning the trip, as there’s no risk of losing money if plans change.

Plus, the "reserve now, pay later" option means customers can secure their spot without any upfront payment. This makes the experience more accessible and removes financial barriers.

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Experience Highlights

Amidst the grandeur of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range and the captivating Callejón de Huaylas valley, this hike offers participants the opportunity to capture breathtaking moments through their camera lenses.

The panoramic views of the majestic Ocshapalca (5888 m) and Ranrapalca (6162 m) peaks will leave a lasting impression.

Throughout the journey, adventurers will be surrounded by:

1. Rivers, flowing alongside the trail, adding a soothing soundtrack to the experience.
2. Lush valleys, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and diversity.
3. Towering mountains, standing as timeless sentinels, guiding the way to the stunning Laguna Llaca.

This remarkable nature experience promises to create memories that will stay with participants long after the hike is complete.

Getting to Llaca Ravine

Departing from Huaraz, the journey to Llaca ravine takes approximately 1.5 hours by tourist transport.

Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding Cordillera Blanca mountain range and Callejón de Huaylas valley.

Upon arrival at the trailhead, the hike begins at Llaca Valley, running parallel to the river.

The path gradually ascends, providing hikers with panoramic vistas of the stunning Ocshapalca (5,888 m) and Ranrapalca (6,162 m) peaks.

The destination is Laguna Llaca, a pristine glacial lake situated at an elevation of 4,470 meters, where participants can revel in the serene beauty of the natural surroundings and capture memorable photographs.

Hiking the Llaca Valley

The hike through Llaca Valley commences at the trailhead, where participants begin their ascent. Trekking alongside the river, hikers are treated to stunning vistas of the surrounding Cordillera Blanca mountain range, including the majestic peaks of Ocshapalca and Ranrapalca.

The gradual climb takes approximately 2-3 hours, offering:

1. Opportunities to pause and capture the breathtaking scenery with photographs.
2. A chance to appreciate the serene natural environment and connect with the beauty of the Andes.
3. An exhilarating sense of accomplishment upon reaching the serene Laguna Llaca at an elevation of 4,470 meters.

Reaching Laguna Llaca

After traversing the initial portion of the hike, trekkers make their way up the incline towards the stunning Laguna Llaca. The ascent takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, with the group rewarded by breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Ocshapalca (5888 m) and Ranrapalca (6162 m). Once at the lagoon, participants can take in the serene, turquoise waters and snap memorable photographs before heading back to the Llaca refuge.

Time	Elevation	Distance	Description
2-3 hours	4470 m	–	Ascent to Laguna Llaca
–	–	–	Panoramic views of Ocshapalca and Ranrapalca
–	–	–	Time to explore and photograph the lagoon
–	–	–	Return to Llaca refuge
8 hours	–	–	Total duration of the hike

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hike?

The hike is considered moderately challenging, as it involves ascending approximately 2-3 hours to reach the Laguna Llaca at an elevation of 4,470 meters. It’s suitable for experienced hikers with good physical fitness.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There’s no minimum age requirement, but the hike may not be suitable for very young children. The tour operator recommends participants be in good physical condition to handle the 8-hour duration and moderate difficulty level.

Can the Hike Be Done as a Private Tour?

Yes, the hike can be booked as a private tour. The tour operator offers private options for groups of any size, allowing for a more personalized and flexible experience compared to the standard group tour.

What Should I Bring for the Day Hike?

For the day hike, it’s recommended to bring layers of clothing, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, a water bottle, snacks, and a camera to capture the magnificent views. Bringing trekking poles can also be helpful.

Are There Any Alternative Hike Options Available?

Yes, there are alternative hike options available. The tour operator offers different hiking packages to explore the stunning Cordillera Blanca region, including day hikes to other scenic lakes and valleys in the area.

Recap

Trekking to Laguna Llaca in the Llaca Valley offers a breathtaking experience amidst Ancash’s natural wonders. The journey through the ravine and ascent to the serene, high-altitude lake provide panoramic vistas of majestic peaks. With an experienced guide and ample time for photography, this full-day hike promises unforgettable memories immersed in the region’s stunning mountain landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: