South America

For travelers drawn to awe-inspiring landscapes, Laguna Parón is an unmissable destination in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range in Peru. Located near the town of Caraz, north of the Callejón de Huaylas, Laguna Parón is the largest lake in the range. It is known for its vibrant turquoise waters and its remarkable setting within snow-capped peaks. After staying in Hauraz for 10 days and visiting multiple “must-see sites,” this one was my favorite. This post covers everything you need to know to experience this extraordinary lake.  Getting to Laguna Parón 1. Starting Point: Huaraz or Caraz Most visitors to Laguna Parón start from either Huaraz, a popular base for trekking in the Cordillera Blanca, or the smaller town of Caraz, closer to the lake. If you’re in Huaraz, Caraz is a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive away, making it a perfect day-trip option. From Caraz, it’s about an hour’s drive through the Parón ravine to reach the lake. I will say, if you decide to travel from Huaraz, it is a long ride and it can be very bumpy. Unfortunately, I learned that the ride to the lake is quite long, but overall, I still found it worth it. This lake was stunning. The hike was short and we had the chance to kayak – which was extra special. Prepare for a long trip if you decide to travel from Huaraz. 2. Journey through the Parón Ravine The drive through the Parón ravine is an experience in itself. You go through rugged mountain terrain, this route showcases the beauty of the high Andes. The narrow road hugs cliffs and opens up to occasional glimpses of the valley and river below. The journey shows you the natural beauty ahead, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some local wildlife along the way, but prepare for some pumps. If you get motion sickness, prepare with medication before you go. 3. Tour or Independent Travel To reach Laguna Parón, you have a few options: Guided Tour : Many travelers opt for a guided day tour from Huaraz or Caraz, which includes transportation, a guide, and sometimes snacks or lunch. It’s convenient if you’d rather leave the logistics to someone else and focus on enjoying the scenery. I decided to book the trip through my hostel, Krusty Hostel.  You can book this the day before or in advance. There are numerous tour companies within Huaraz and I learned that it doesn’t really matter what company you use. My vans were generally full and they just put people from multiple companies into one van. Public Transport : Taking public transport to Laguna Parón is possible but challenging. You’ll need to combine local buses and collectibles (shared vans) from Caraz, and it may require some negotiation to reach the lake directly. There was someone there who had hiked up the whole mountain, but she was very tired after her hike. Our bus took her back down the mountain, but I would not advise that as the best option. If you decide to hike, prepare for a long route.  Private Car or Taxi : Renting a private vehicle or arranging for a taxi from Caraz can be a comfortable choice, although slightly pricier. This option lets you go at your own pace, giving you more time to explore the lake area. Arriving at Laguna Parón Altitude and First Impressions Laguna Parón sits at an impressive 13,780 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, therefore, visitors should be aware of the altitude. The altitude can cause shortness of breath or mild fatigue, especially if you haven’t yet acclimated. I took Diamox the entire time I was in Huaraz as I wanted to avoid altitude sickness as much as possible. That said, the lake’s beauty is absolutely worth it. The lake and stunning peaks like Artesonraju, Huandoy, and the Pyramid of Garcilaso, are truly magical and well worth the journey. Viewpoints and Trails Upon arrival, you’ll have the option to explore the area around the lake. We did a short but steep hike to a viewpoint above the lake. I would say this hike is totally worth it as you get great views of the mountains and lake. This trail takes around 20-30 minutes to climb but rewards you with panoramic views. You can see Artesonraju, a pyramid-shaped peak often rumored to be the inspiration for the Paramount Pictures logo. Each of these peaks is so close it feels almost touchable, adding to the surreal experience. After visiting multiple lakes in the area, this one really was my favorite. Why Laguna Parón’s Color is So Unique The intense turquoise color of Laguna Parón is due to mineral deposits from glacial meltwaters, which create a unique optical effect that reflects the sky and surrounding peaks. Many hikers say it’s unlike any lake they’ve seen. This remarkable coloration has made Laguna Parón one of the most photographed locations in the Cordillera Blanca, and the color shifts subtly with changes in sunlight and cloud cover. See if you can notice how the shadings of the colors change as you are there. I was told to look out for this and it was really unique seeing how the colors changed throughout the day! Tips for Visiting Laguna Parón 1. Acclimatize Before You Hike Since Laguna Parón is at a high altitude, acclimatizing is essential. Spend a few days exploring Huaraz and doing lower-altitude hikes if you can. Taking it slow and drinking plenty of water can help prevent altitude sickness. 2. Pack Essentials: Water, Snacks, and Layers Bring ample water, as there are few places to refill at this altitude. Packing high-energy snacks will help keep you fueled during the steep hike to the viewpoint. If you book your trip as a tour , you will likely stop for breakfast and lunch. Note that the m,eals are not included, nor is kayaking. These are additional charges. Layers are essential, as temperatures can change quickly at this altitude, and weather in