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Hike along a well-marked path to a lake above Huaraz. This moderately difficult hike ascends 500 m over 3 km to the lake. There are good views of Huaraz from the trail and views of Mt Churup from the lake. The final section involves scaling a 9-m rock wall using fixed ropes. Energetic hikers can continue along a short trail to the smaller Laguna Churupita. 3 h to the lake, 2 return. Take a 40-min collectivo to the trailhead at Pitec (S/10). Upon return, if you can't find a ride from Pitec, walk 40 min to Llupa; ensure you arrive before 15:00.
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Lake 69
Laguna 69 is a blue alpine lake at an elevation of 4600 m. It is a popular day trip from Huaraz and can be done self-guided or through a tour company. The trail starts at Cebollapampa and ascends 750 m over 7 km to the lake. Most hikers reach the lake after 3 hours though it's possible to take longer if you aren't acclimatized. Tour from Huaraz: There are several companies offering tours for S/30-35 (2019). Most tours leave at 05:00 and return around 19:00 with several stops along the way. Not included in the price is park entry or food. Self-guided': There is a collectivo in the morning leaving from Yungay (S/15 in 2019), which is about 1½ hours from Huaraz. It's also possible to get a shared taxi from Yungay (S/40 in 2019).
The largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca is 32 km east and 2000 m above Caraz at an elevation of 4,200 m. It is surrounded by snowcapped mountains including Artesonraju, rumored to be mountain depicted in the Paramount Pictures logo. Despite being located in the park, the park entry fee does not apply; instead, you pay S/5 (2019) to the local community. From Caraz, it is about a 2-hr drive to the lake. There are no collectivos going all the way, however, taxis can be hired for S/120 (2019) including the return trip and two hours at the lake. If you are in good shape you may try mountain biking or, for an easier time, hire a taxi one way (S/100 in 2019) and bike back. From Huaraz, all day tours with several stops cost S/50 (2019), not including food or entry to the lake.
The Santa Cruz Trek is a challenging multi-day hike that climbs over a 4750 m pass.