Categoría: Travel guides

The Llanganuco Lakes and Laguna 69 are among the most photographed landscapes in Peru. Both lie inside Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are reached from Yungay. If you stay in Mancos, they’re right on your doorstep.

The Llanganuco Lakes

Chinancocha and Orconcocha are two lakes in the Llanganuco valley, between the Huascarán and Huandoy peaks. They sit at about 3,850 m (12,600 ft) and you can drive there from Yungay, so no long hike is needed to see them. The color of the water shifts with the light, so go in the morning.

Laguna 69

This is the most popular day hike in the Cordillera Blanca. The trail starts at Cebollapampa, in the same Llanganuco valley, and climbs to a turquoise lake at about 4,600 m (15,100 ft), at the foot of Chacraraju. The ascent takes around three hours, and the round trip fills most of the day.

Before you go

• Acclimatize for at least two or three days in the area before attempting it.
• Start very early: the weather often changes after midday.
• Bring water, snacks, a waterproof jacket, a hat and sunscreen.
• Walk at your own pace and turn back if you feel severe dizziness or a strong headache.
• There is an entrance fee for the national park; check the current rate before you go.

Getting there from Mancos

Most tours to Llanganuco and Laguna 69 leave from Huaraz and drive along the highway past Mancos on their way to Yungay. From Yungay, the road climbs up the valley to the lakes. Staying in Mancos saves you a good chunk of the journey both ways. Message us and we’ll help you figure out how to arrange your trip.

When to go

The dry season, from May to September, brings clearer skies and is the best time for hiking. From December to March it rains more often, but the valley is at its greenest.

First time in the area? Read our guide to things to do in Mancos.

Plan your trip: how to get to Mancos · Mancos & Yungay guide · FAQ

Mancos is a traditional town in Yungay province, in Peru’s Áncash region, right in the Callejón de Huaylas: the valley that runs between the glaciated Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. From its streets you can see Huascarán, Peru’s highest mountain at 6,768 m (22,205 ft). It’s quiet, agricultural and perfectly placed for exploring the area away from the pace of the city.

Where is Mancos?

Mancos sits on the highway that links Huaraz with Yungay and Caraz, on the banks of the Santa River. Most travelers reach Huaraz by long-distance bus from Lima; from Huaraz, Mancos is about an hour away by car or colectivo (shared minivan), and Yungay is just up the road. The town sits at around 2,500 m (8,200 ft), a comfortable altitude to start acclimatizing before heading up to the lakes.

1. Stroll the main square and church

The plaza is the heart of town life. At sunset, the light on the church with Huascarán behind it is one of the best views in the valley. Take your time: people here say hello.

2. Walk down to the Santa River

The Santa River runs close to town and you can walk there through farm fields. It’s a lovely morning outing, when skies tend to be clearer and the peaks look sharpest.

3. Try the local food

Mancos lives off farming and livestock, and you can taste it: native potatoes, corn, fava beans and fresh produce from the fields. Ask about the dish of the day; the best recommendations always come from the neighbors.

4. Use Mancos as your base for the lakes

From Mancos you’re close to some of the most iconic landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca: the Llanganuco Lakes, the Laguna 69 hike and Huascarán National Park. Many tours from Huaraz to the lakes pass through here, which can save you hours on the road. We cover it in detail in our guide to Llanganuco and Laguna 69.

5. Visit Yungay and its Campo Santo

Yungay is just a few minutes away. Its Campo Santo honors the victims of the 1970 earthquake and avalanche that buried the old town. It’s a place of remembrance, so visit respectfully and take your time.

Tips for your visit

• Pack layers: days are sunny and nights are cold.
• Wear sunscreen and sunglasses; the sun is strong at this altitude.
• Take your first day easy to acclimatize before going higher.
• Carry cash in soles: small towns don’t always take cards.

Plan your trip: how to get to Mancos · Mancos & Yungay guide · see the house