Lake Paron

We’ll start our adventure early, with pickup from your chosen hotel, then we head north along the Callejon de Huaylas, passing through typical villages such as Taricá and Anta, from where we can enjoy panoramic views of the Huascarán and Copa peaks. We will visit the towns of Carhuaz, Yungay, and Caraz. From here, we begin ascending along the paved road through the Paron valley and the National Park. Along the route, we will see rock walls over a thousand meters high. Upon arriving at the Lagoon, we will enjoy the scenic beauty of its turquoise waters, surrounded by abundant high-Andean flora and fauna, including Quenual forests, ichu grass, and orchids.

Parking at the designated lot, located at 4,140m. (13,582ft.), we’ll begin our climb of approximately 50 minutes. This short but spectacular hike will immerse us in the resplendence of nature, as we traverse forested areas replete with plant life. Continuing our climb, we will shortly be rewarded with the sight of shining Paron Lake. This natural moraine lake was formed by the activity of glaciers, which created the deep natural depression in the earth that became the lake. The brilliant turquoise color is due in part to the dissolution of minerals in its pristine, freezing waters.

We’ll enjoy a box lunch as we immerse in the loveliness of our natural surroundings, with the dramatic peaks of Mounts Artesonraju, Chacraraju, Pisco, and Huandoy in the background. If we still have some energy left, we’ll have the option to continue trekking for another hour, getting closer to imposing Mt. Artesonraju to admire its distinct pyramidal shape. Mount Artesonraju was famously used in the logo for the Paramount Pictures film company.