Huascaran National Park


Huascaran National Park

12 May 2023


In the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world, Mount Huascarán rises 6,768 meters above sea level, which gives its name to this park. Its deep ravines furrowed by numerous torrents, its glacial lakes and its varied vegetation form a group of spectacular beauty. This site is home to animal species such as the spectacled bear and the Andean condor.

 

Awesome. There is no other word. A paradise surrounded by imposing glaciers that bathe the mountain range and are the origin of mighty rivers; with a flora and fauna of hundreds of species; and with 33 archaeological sites to connect with history, as well as commune with nature.

 

Here grows the Puya Raimondi, a plant up to 12 meters tall and with 18,000 flowers. Here rest the lagoons of the purest turquoise that one can imagine. Here one thinks: paradise exists.

 

Where is the Huascarán National Park located?

The Huascarán National Park occupies part of the provinces of Huaylas, Yungay, Carhuaz, Huaraz, Recuay, Bolognesi, Huari, Asunción, Mariscal Luzuriaga and Pomabamba, in the Ancash region.

 

Huascarán National Park opening hours

On your next trip, take into account these opening hours of the Huascarán National Park: Control posts: Monday to Sunday: from 7:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Ticket price for the Huascarán National Park

The price of tickets for the Park varies according to the number of days you plan to spend in it:

01 day:

National adult: S/ 12.00

Local adult, national child: S/ 5.00 (from 5 to 16 years old)

Local child: S/ 3.00

Foreigners: S/ 30.00

 

02 to 03 days:

National adult: S/ 30.00

Local adult, local and national child: S/ 15 (from 5 to 16 years old)

Foreigners: S/ 60.00

 

04 to 30 days:

National adult: S/ 75.00

Local adult, local and national child: S/ 35.00 (from 5 to 16 years old)

Foreigners: S/ 150.00

 

What activities are carried out in the Huascarán National Park?

There are many activities that you can do in the Park such as trekking, mountain biking, climbing, experiential tourism, among others. Today we bring you our five favorite activities to encourage you to visit it.

 

  1. Do the Santa Cruz Trek

To walk the famous Santa Cruz route you must be physically and spiritually ready, because nothing prepares you for that kind of beauty! There are three or four days of walking in which lakes, lagoons and mountains are visited at almost 5000 meters high. If you are looking for adventure and connection with nature, this is a great option!

 

But it is essential to remember that to do so you must be physically able to withstand long days walking at altitude and that you must acclimatize before starting the tour. You can achieve this by spending a few days in Huaraz or doing daytime walks to other attractions in the Park such as Laguna 69. In addition, you should consider the appropriate equipment for trekking, such as a waterproof tent, sleeping bag, water filter bottle or pills. water treatment plants But all this necessary preparation is worth it, because on the days of walking all you will see is wonder after wonder.

 

The tour begins in Cashapampa, where in a marked booth they will charge you, according to what is established by the Park, between S/ 15 and S/ 60 to start the trekking. It is important that you keep the ticket that they will give you during the tour, which culminates in Vaquería, where you can take transportation to Yungay and from there leave for Huaraz. A long route, but definitely amazing!

 

Take a boat tour of the Llanganuco lagoons (Chinancocha and Orconcocha)

The Huascarán National Park is well known for its lagoons with crystal clear turquoise, blue and light blue waters. The beautiful Llanganuco lagoons are located 25 km east of the city of Yungay. The Chinancocha, also known as the Laguna Hembra, is at the foot of the highest snow-capped mountain in the country, the Huascarán, and is popular for its turquoise color and the queñual forests that surround it. While the Orconcocha Lagoon, or Laguna Macho, also has a striking light blue color and is located in the final part of the valley. Not only can you take a photo from the tree-lined shore, but you can also take a boat ride in the Chinancocha Lagoon for a closer look at the surrounding mountains. A unique experience!

 

Trekking to the Churup Lagoon

The Churup Lagoon —better known as the Laguna de los 7 colores— is a beautiful lagoon, whose waters change color according to the rotation of the sun, located on the slopes of the snow-capped mountain of the same name, at 4,450 meters above sea level. Its waters are icy, but, as in the previous lagoons, they are crystal clear and have a great variety of turquoise and green tones, which gives it a very peculiar sight. To get to it on foot, you must take into account that it lasts at least one day (it depends on what the travel agencies can recommend), but wow, it is worth it! because along the way you can appreciate a variety of landscapes that will take your breath away. This trekking is one of the favorites in the area, so we recommend you take it taking all the necessary precautions and preparation.

 

Snowy Pastoruri

The famous snow-capped Pastoruri is located 70 km south of Huaraz, at more than 5,240 meters above sea level. The visit can be made with a travel agency, taxi or private car. Although it is known for being one of the snow peaks most affected by climate change and for not having much snow in its geology, you can still visit the base of this snow peak, and since it is a relatively easy hike it is a good option for those people who do not have much experience in mountaineering. On the way to Pastoruri, you can see the Patococha Lagoon, cave paintings, sparkling waters, the Andean puyas of Raimondi and the Pumapashimin spring. It is a classic attraction of Ancashino tourism that you cannot miss on your trip!

 

Purhuay Lagoon

This is the closest lagoon to the city of Huari, making it its most important tourist attraction. You can find trout in its crystalline waters and its extension is surrounded by vegetation typical of the area: shrubs, blackberries, queñuales, alders and the huagancu (orchid) flower, which makes it a lagoon with a lot of green around it. In this place, you can camp, in addition to having a picnic area. Here you can also take boat tours and walk around the lagoon to take photos and better appreciate the nature that surrounds it.

 

Fauna and Flora

The fauna of the Huascarán National Park is represented by more than 120 species of birds and 10 mammals. Among the most outstanding birds, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), the torrent duck (Merganetta armata) and the puna partridge (Tinamotis pentlandii) stand out.

 

Also, the slang duck (Anas georgica spinicauda), the mountain duck (Lophonetta specularioides alticola), the sapling grebe (Rollandia rolland morrisoni), the giant coot (Fulica gigantea), and the Andean gull (Larus serranus).

 

Mammals include the wild cat (Oncifelis colocolo), the Andean cat (Oreailurus jacobita), the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the taruca (Hippocamelus antisensis), a large-horned ruminant that is larger than the deer, and the vicuña. (Vicugna vicugna).

 

Other important species are the gray deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the puma (Puma concolor incarum), the vizcacha (Lagidium peruanum), the weasel (Mustela frenata agilis), the añaz (Conepatus sp.), the Andean fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus ), among others.

 

The Huascarán National Park presents a wide spectrum of microclimates, which causes it to have a mosaic of different types of vegetation closely linked to each other. 779 species of high Andean flora distributed in 340 genera and 104 families have been identified.

 

In the Huascarán National Park you can see stands of puya Raymondi located mainly in the Carpa and Queshque ravines. Relict quisuar (Buddleja coriacea) and queñua (Polylepis sp) forests are also preserved, which are located mainly to the north of the Llanganuco sector. There are also high Andean meadows, puna grass and various oconales (bofedales), located mainly above 4,500 meters of altitude.

 

Cultural heritage

Within the Huscarán National Park, 33 archaeological sites have been identified that show rock art, terrace systems, roads, cultivation terraces, chullpas tombs, viewpoints, fortifications, irrigation channels, and others.

 

Much of this cultural wealth is located in the different ravines and valleys at the foot of the mountains. The most representative archaeological remains are those of Auquispuquio, Cullicocha, Queshquepachan, Paccharuri, Quilcayhuanca, Nuevo Tambo, Cayesh and Pachacoto.

 

Climate

The minimum temperatures occur in the upper parts of the mountain range, reaching an annual average of 0° Celsius and the maximum around 7° C. As you lower altitude, temperatures rise and the climate becomes more pleasant.

 

The best destinations in Perú

Once you decide to visit Palccoyo Mountain, you could add the best destinations to combine the history and experience for your trip to Peru. Peru offers the most beautiful destinations, culture and naturals. we recommend to extend your holidays and choose these best destinations and prepare your itinerary:

Best Peru Treks

 

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