Huascaran National Park

Huascarán National Park (Parque Nacional Huascarán) is a high-altitude reserve covering 340,000 hectares across the Cordillera Blanca range in Peru's Ancash region. Established in 1975 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the park protects Mount Huascarán—Peru's highest peak at 6,768 meters—along with 660 glaciers, nearly 300 glacial lakes, and deep mountain valleys. Most travelers use the nearby city of Huaraz (3,052 meters) as their base for trekking, day hikes, and mountaineering expeditions.

Travelers visit Huascarán to hike famous routes like the 4-day Santa Cruz Trek, view turquoise glacial tarns such as Laguna 69 and Laguna Parón, and ascend peaks including Nevado Pisco and Ishinca. Beyond snow-capped mountains, the park preserves high-altitude Andean flora including the rare Puya raimondii, a giant bromeliad that grows up to 10 meters tall and blooms once every 80 to 100 years.

The park sits at extreme elevations, with terrain ranging from 2,500 meters in lower valleys to over 6,700 meters at the peaks. Daytime temperatures in base towns like Huaraz range from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F). High up on mountain trails and at campsites above 4,000 meters, nighttime temperatures regularly plunge below freezing to between -5°C and -10°C (14°F to 23°F). Strong ultraviolet radiation and sudden wind changes occur daily.

By Bus

Long-distance interprovincial buses connect Lima directly to Huaraz.

• Bus Companies: Movil Bus, Cruz del Sur, Civa, OLTURSA, and Julio César operate daily services.
• Frequency: More than 15 departures daily, including day buses and overnight sleepers leaving Lima between 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM.
• Journey Time: 8 to 9 hours via the Panamerican Highway North.
• Cost: S/ 50 to S/ 120 PEN ($13 to $32 USD) one-way, depending on seat tier (semi-cama 140° recline vs. bus cama 160°/180° recline).

By Train

No train service. No passenger rail lines operate to Huaraz or Huascarán National Park.

By Car

From Lima, drive north along Highway PE-1N (Panamericana Norte) for 205 kilometers to Pativilca. Turn east onto Highway PE-14A, ascending through the Fortaleza Valley and over the Conococha Pass (4,080 meters) into the Callejón de Huaylas valley.

• Distance: 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Lima to Huaraz.
• Drive Time: 7 to 8 hours to Huaraz. Driving from Huaraz to park entry gates (such as Llanganuco or Pastoruri) takes an additional 1.5 to 2.5 hours on paved and unpaved mountain roads.

By Air

The nearest airport is Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport (IATA code: ATA), located in Anta.

• Distance: 23 kilometers (14 miles) north of Huaraz (approx. 35 minutes by car).

• Airlines: LATAM Peru operates direct commercial flights from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima (IATA code: LIM).

• Flight Time: 50 to 65 minutes.

• Colectivos (Shared Minivans): Colectivos run frequently along Highway PE-3N connecting Huaraz to valley towns like Carhuaz, Yungay, and Caraz. Fares range from S/ 4 to S/ 8 PEN ($1.00 to $2.15 USD). Colectivos from Yungay up to the Llanganuco entrance pass or Cebollapampa cost S/ 10 to S/ 15 PEN ($2.70 to $4.00 USD).

• Taxis and Private Transfers: Standard taxis inside Huaraz charge S/ 5 to S/ 8 PEN ($1.35 to $2.15 USD) per trip. No app-based ride services (Uber/Cabify) operate in Huaraz. Private taxis hired for full-day trips to park trailheads (Laguna 69 or Pastoruri Glacier) cost S/ 150 to S/ 250 PEN ($40 to $67 USD) per vehicle. Organized shared group transport via tour agencies costs S/ 45 to S/ 65 PEN ($12 to $17 USD) return per seat.

• On Foot: Movement within the park boundaries is strictly on foot or mule back along marked trekking paths.

SERNANP charges standardized entrance ticket fees for foreign visitors entering Huascarán National Park:

• 1-Day Pass: S/ 30 PEN (~$8 USD)

• 2-to-3-Day Pass: S/ 60 PEN (~$16 USD)

• 4-to-30-Day Pass (required for multi-day treks): S/ 150 PEN (~$40 USD) Buy tickets in cash (PEN) at park entry checkpoints or at the SERNANP office in Huaraz (Jirón Federico Sal y Rosas 555).

• Laguna 69 – A glacial lake situated at 4,604 meters elevation directly below the ice walls of Chacraraju. The round-trip day hike covers 14 kilometers (6 to 7 hours) starting from Cebollapampa. Covered by the park entry pass.

• Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha and Orconcocha) – Two turquoise glacial lagoons at 3,850 meters elevation set between Nevado Huascarán and Nevado Huandoy. Accessible by road from Yungay. Small wooden boats can be rented on Lake Chinancocha for S/ 5 to S/ 10 PEN ($1.35 to $2.70 USD) per person. Covered by the park entry pass.

• Pastoruri Glacier – A glacier located at 5,250 meters in the southern sector of the park. A paved walking trail leads visitors from the vehicle parking area (4,900 meters) to an ice lagoon edge. The drive passes stands of giant Puya raimondii plants. Covered by the park entry pass.

• Nevado Huascarán – The highest mountain peak in Peru at 6,768 meters. Visible from viewpoints throughout the Callejón de Huaylas valley and the Llanganuco pass. High-altitude climbing access requires permits and technical gear.

• Laguna Churup – A mountain lake at 4,450 meters elevation sitting below Nevado Churup. The steep day hike starts at Pitec (28 kilometers east of Huaraz) and takes 5 to 6 hours round trip, including a section assisted by fixed metal cables. Covered by the park entry pass.

• Laguna Parón – The largest glacial body of water in the Cordillera Blanca, located at 4,185 meters elevation near Caraz. Framed by Artesonraju peak. In addition to the national park pass, the local Cruz de Mayo community collects a S/ 5 PEN ($1.35 USD) local access fee at the road gate.

• Quebrada Santa Cruz – A U-shaped alpine valley that forms the core of the 45-kilometer Santa Cruz Trek. Features views of Alpamayo (5,947 meters) and crosses the 4,750-meter Punta Unión pass. Requires the 4-to-30-day park pass (S/ 150 PEN / $40 USD).

• Multi-day Trekking: Hike the 4-day, 45-kilometer Santa Cruz Trek between Cashapampa and Vaquería, or undertake the 10-to-12-day Huayhuash Circuit to the south. Guided agency packages from Huaraz cost $350 to $600 USD per person, covering mule transport, cooks, tents, and meals.

• Mountaineering: Climb 5,000-meter and 6,000-meter peaks. Nevado Pisco (5,752 meters) and Ishinca (5,530 meters) serve as standard technical climbing objectives. Guided 3-day Pisco climb packages cost $400 to $600 USD per climber with certified IFMGA guides.

• Acclimatization Day Hikes: Complete lower elevation hikes before attempting high-altitude routes. Laguna Wilcacocha (3,725 meters) in the Cordillera Negra offers a 3-hour hike with views across the Cordillera Blanca.

• Mountain Biking: Take downhill mountain bike tours starting from Portachuelo de Llanganuco pass (4,767 meters) down into the valley. Day bike rentals with vehicle drop-off cost S/ 100 to S/ 180 PEN ($27 to $48 USD).

• Trivio Resto Bar (Huaraz – Jr. Parque del Ginebra 143): Serves Peruvian fusion dishes, alpaca tenderloin, trout ceviche, and local draft craft beers. Mid-range (S/ 30 to S/ 60 PEN / $8 to $16 USD per main course).
• Creperie Patrick (Huaraz – Av. Luzuriaga 422): French-Peruvian restaurant offering savory buckwheat galettes, alpaca burgers, cheese fondue, and sweet crepes. Mid-range (S/ 30 to S/ 55 PEN / $8 to $15 USD per main course).
• Chilli Heaven (Huaraz – Parque del Ginebra 128): Specializes in Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern curries and spicy dishes popular with returning mountain trekkers. Mid-range (S/ 28 to S/ 50 PEN / $7.50 to $13.50 USD per main course).
• El Fogón (Huaraz – Av. Luzuriaga 928): Traditional Andean steakhouse serving grilled river trout (trucha a la parrilla), roasted guinea pig (cuy chactado), and regional meat platters. Mid-range (S/ 35 to S/ 70 PEN / $9 to $19 USD per main course).

• Coca Tea (Mate de Coca): Hot herbal tea brewed from whole coca leaves. Served in hotels and cafes across Huaraz to assist with altitude acclimatization. Costs S/ 3 to S/ 6 PEN ($0.80 to $1.60 USD) per cup.
• Chicha de Jora: Traditional fermented corn beverage prepared in highland communities. Sold in local village eateries for S/ 2 to S/ 4 PEN ($0.50 to $1.10 USD) per glass.
• Sierra Andina Taproom (Huaraz – Jr. Parque del Ginebra 143): Draft craft beers served on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and pale ales brewed in Huaraz. Pints cost S/ 14 to S/ 20 PEN ($3.80 to $5.40 USD).

Accommodations are centered in Huaraz, with select mountain lodges located near park boundaries in the valley.

• Budget:
  • Akilpo Home (Huaraz): Central guesthouse providing trek briefings, gear storage, and mountain logistics. Dorm beds cost S/ 35 to S/ 50 PEN ($9 to $13 USD); private double rooms cost S/ 110 to S/ 160 PEN ($30 to $43 USD) per night.
• Mid-range:
  • Selina Huaraz (Huaraz): Riverfront property with private rooms, coworking space, and tour booking services. Private double rooms cost S/ 200 to S/ 370 PEN ($54 to $100 USD) per night.
  • Llanganuco Mountain Lodge (Yungay foothills): Eco-lodge situated near the park gates below Huascarán peak. Private double rooms cost S/ 330 to S/ 550 PEN ($90 to $150 USD) per night.
• Upscale:
  • The Lazy Dog Inn (Pashpa, Cordillera Blanca foothills): Off-grid mountain lodge at 3,350 meters altitude near the park border. Offers private stone cabins, sauna, and farm-to-table meals included. Cabins cost S/ 650 to S/ 950 PEN ($175 to $255 USD) per night.

• Alpaca and Sheep Wool Goods: Sweaters, beanies (chullos), gloves, and scarves woven from local wool. Sold at the Mercado Central in Huaraz and artisan shops along Avenida Luzuriaga. Sweaters cost S/ 40 to S/ 120 PEN ($11 to $32 USD).
• Sierra Andina Craft Beer: Bottled craft beers produced by the Huaraz-based Sierra Andina brewery, including styles made with local honey and grains. Available at local supermarkets and bars for S/ 10 to S/ 15 PEN ($2.70 to $4.00 USD) per bottle.
• Trekking Gear and Camping Gas: Screw-on canister fuel (Isobutane/Propane) costs S/ 25 to S/ 40 PEN ($6.70 to $11 USD) per 230g canister at outdoor gear shops along Avenida Luzuriaga in Huaraz. Camping gear rental (sleeping bags, tents, trekking poles) ranges from S/ 10 to S/ 30 PEN ($2.70 to $8.00 USD) per day item.

• Yungay (55 kilometers north of Huaraz / 1-hour drive): Valley town destroyed in the 1970 earthquake avalanche. Now home to the Yungay Earthquke Campo Santo memorial park at the foot of Mount Huascarán, and the departure point for Llanganuco Lakes.
• Caraz (67 kilometers north of Huaraz / 1.5-hour drive): Lower elevation town (2,250 meters) known for warm weather, artisanal fruit ice creams, honey, and access to Laguna Parón and the Cashapampa trek trailhead.
• Chavín de Huántar (110 kilometers southeast of Huaraz / 3-hour drive): UNESCO World Heritage pre-Inca archaeological site dating back to 1200 BCE, featuring stone temples, underground tunnels, and the carved Lanzón monolith. Day tours from Huaraz cost S/ 50 to S/ 80 PEN ($13 to $21 USD) plus S/ 15 PEN ($4 USD) entry.
• Carhuaz (34 kilometers north of Huaraz / 45-minute drive): Small town in the Callejón de Huaylas famous for traditional ice cream made with regional Andean fruits like lucuma and chirimoya.