Machu Picchu Is Cool, But Laguna 69 Is The Hidden Gem Of Peru

But you can only get there by a difficult hike.

When people think of visiting Peru, they're likely planning to do Machu Picchu (which everyone should, it's amazing).

Arielle Calderon

But in general, most foreign travelers stay within Lima, Cusco, or maybe Ica.

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Also recommend Huacachina if you do Ica!

Well, there's a hidden gem in Peru located near the town of Huaraz, and it's called Laguna 69 — but it's only accessible by a strenuous hike.

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It looked like something out of a fairytale. The water changes different variations of blue depending on how the sun hits it. It really was a magnificent and serene sight.

So how do you get there? If you're traveling from Lima, the easiest and cheapest way is to take a nine-hour bus ride to Huaraz.

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I did Cruz del Sur, which had luxury seats including a TV, pillow, blanket, and meal. I took the overnight bus (which I recommend) so I could sleep the whole way through. Roundtrip it costs about $55 USD.

Huaraz is at a high altitude, so I gave myself a day to acclimate. However, I would give yourself at least two days if you aren't used to higher elevations.

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I had just done a week in Cusco and acclimated there, so that's why I personally only needed a day.

When traveling from Huaraz, you are going from about 10,000 feet to the top of the hike at 15,000 feet. Do not underestimate the elevation and make sure to prepare properly. Here are some tips to help avoid altitude sickness.

I packed my hiking bag and made sure I had all the essentials. It's a three-hour hike up, a one-hour resting period at the lake, and a two-hour hike down.

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Tip on clothing: It was absolutely FREEZING in the morning in Huaraz (I went in September), but got warmer as you started hiking. I wore leggings, a t-shirt, and a jacket with a puffy core to keep insulated. Light layers of clothing is usually a good bet.

I stayed at Alpes Huaraz Hostel and booked Laguna 69 through them. We met downstairs at 5 a.m. to take a three-hour bus ride to the start of the hike.

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The cost of the bus and guided tour is 35 soles and the entrance fee to Laguna 69 is 30 soles, totaling $20 USD. Just go to the front desk of the hostel when you arrive and ask to schedule it! I definitely recommend Alpes as it was super cute and the staff was very accommodating, but other hostels in the area also offer this service. You can use Hostelworld to find one in Huaraz!

Important: You can hike Laguna 69 by yourself and without a tour company, but it's a three-hour drive from Huaraz and it's generally just easier to go with a guide. However, when you are with a tour, it's a timed hike. So you have maximum four hours to hike to Laguna 69, but the more time you take, the less time you have to spend at the lake.

Before entering the path for Laguna 69, our bus stopped at Llanganuco Lakes to take some pictures by the turquoise water. These photos have ZERO filters or editing.

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You can also do day tours just to the Llanganuco Lakes if you can't make the other hikes.

We got back on the bus and drove another 10 minutes to the start of the trek. The trail itself is pretty easy — not too rocky, very clearly marked, and no climbing or stairs.

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P.S. I highly recommend hiking poles as they will be helpful for going up and down. I asked my hostel if they had equipment and they lent me some for the day.

The first hour is smooth sailing. There were cows and donkeys just roaming the area, sometimes even joining you on the hiking trail.

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The second hour is where things escalated (literally). Your body feels a little heavier and fatigue sets in due to the higher elevation. But the views are absolutely breathtaking and everything looks like a desktop background.

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I cannot stress enough how hard the hike is with the altitude. I didn't get sick, and I was definitely acclimatized, but it's just more difficult to breathe. Take it at your pace as much as you can.

You reach a flat landscape for about 20 minutes (which is where you'll find this lake, but not THE lake), and that feels like a relief. But after that, things get REALLY tough.

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Your body is already so exhausted from ONE giant hike, and to do another, steeper climb is mentally and physically taxing. I have talked with people of all fitness levels on this trip, and they all agreed it was one of the hardest hikes they've ever done.

The last 30 minutes to get to the top is BRUTAL. The altitude makes it harder to breathe and the hike is a bit steeper as you get closer. But then you reach it...

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And OH 👏 MY 👏 GOD 👏 .

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It is SO beautiful. And not at ALL what I expected to find in Peru.

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The pictures and videos don't even do it justice.

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My lips were dried out. There was salt on my face from sweat. Everything ached. And it took me almost four hours, which means I only had about 10 minutes to enjoy the lake and take pictures. But it was so worth it.

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It took two hours to hike down and another three hours to get back to Huaraz on the bus, but I would do it all over again if I could (except I would probably do the StairMaster or something to prepare 😂).

Arielle Calderon

Arielle Calderon is a writer temporarily based in Latin America participating in Remote Year. If you have any tips on cool places, events, or things to eat in Perú, Colombia, or Mexico, email her at [e-mail] or DM her on Instagram.

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