Guide to Laguna Paron: Best Day Trips From Huaraz

Laguna Paron is one of the most beautiful sights you will see in all of South America. It is a color that is so vibrant and blue that you won’t even believe the pictures that I post in this blog. Driving up to the parking lot of the trailhead, I was actually in awe at the color of the laguna. What I had initially thought was Instagram magic cranking up the saturation of the water was actually just the color of the water itself. We were blessed with a clear day, and the snow-capped peaks surrounding this glacial lake in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca flanked Paron on both sides, making the scene that much more magnificent.

Laguna Paron is one of those things you can’t miss while in Peru. It is a good day trip to do before taking on some of the more difficult hikes in the area. For people who love nature, hiking, and the great outdoors, Paron is a good choice for the first thing you do in Huaraz, especially as an acclimatization hike before taking on Laguna 69 or the Cordillera Huayhuash. Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible destination.

Can You Do Laguna Paron Without A Tour?

Probably. But the extra hassle definitely won’t be worth the money you save. Laguna Paron is one of the cheapest day trips you can take from Huaraz. It will run you only about 30 soles, and an additional 10 soles to enter the park. If you were to try to get transportation from Huaraz to Laguna Paron on your own, you will likely end up paying more than if you were to go with a tour.

How Difficult Is The Hike To Laguna Paron?

Well, you actually basically park right in front of Laguna Paron, so the answer is super easy. However, most people aren’t content with just seeing the lake from the shores. Some people are content to stick around here and maybe take a ride in one of the boats, but most people will hike up to the viewpoint.

This hike takes about 45 minutes, maximum. Most tours will let you spend about 2 and a half hours at Laguna Paron before you have to make the journey back to Huaraz. This gives you plenty of time to finish the hike. The only problem you might have would be with the altitude. I struggled a little bit with the altitude but the hike is easy and short enough that you can take it slow and still comfortably finish within the time you have here.

What To Bring To Laguna Paron

The weather in the mountains of Peru can often be unpredictable. Don’t listen to weather forecasts because they could be wildly off. Make sure to bring clothing for any type of weather. Raincoat, a down jacket, warm weather gear like gloves and a hat might all come in handy. It’s better to be prepared than to be freezing your booty off.

You should also bring water and snacks. Although the hike itself isn’t too challenging, you will be away from Huaraz for about nine hours. We had a stop in Carhuaz to stock up on snacks and drinks, but you don’t have too much time so it’s better to bring some stuff from Huaraz. The tour I went with didn’t stop for a lunch break, either. Bring food unless you want to be hungry all day. The top of the viewpoint is a good lunch spot with a view. Unless it’s windy, then your lunch might fly away.

At high altitudes, you’ll also need to be drinking more water than usual. I’d recommend bringing at least one liter, although two liters might be better to be safe.

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