The Laguna Parón tour is a full day from Huaraz to the largest lake in Huascarán National Park (SERNANP), at about 4,185 m (13,730 ft), below Artesonraju peak (6,025 m). We leave at 7:00 a.m. by private bus toward Caraz and drive up the Parón canyon to the lakeshore. From there we hike about 4 hours round trip to Artesonraju base camp. As of October 27, 2026, we found no official notice of a current closure.
- Duration
- Full day
- Hike
- 4 h
- Max. altitude
- 4,185 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Departs from
- Huaraz, 7:00 a.m. (private bus)
- Price
- Ask for price
Access status (checked on Oct 27, 2026)
In July 2023, authorities restricted access to Laguna Parón because of the risk of an outburst flood (Andina; Gestión, 2023). There has also been a dispute since 2008 over the management of the lake's floodgate involving the Cruz de Mayo community.
As of October 27, 2026, we found no official notice of a current closure, and a monitoring report on the lake from August 2026 is published on SIGRID, the platform of Peru's disaster risk agency (CENEPRED). Because the situation can change, we confirm access with you when you book.
Highlights
- The largest lake in Huascarán National Park, according to SERNANP, with deep blue water up to about 76 m deep.
- A hike of about 4 hours round trip to the base camp of Artesonraju (6,025 m).
- Along the way you see Pirámide (5,885 m), the three summits of Huandoy and Chacraraju (6,112 m).
- Lower than Laguna 69: a good acclimatization step before Laguna 69.
Itinerary
- 7:00 a.m.Departure from Huaraz by private bus
We drive north through the Callejón de Huaylas, past Carhuaz and Yungay, to Caraz.
- MorningParón canyon
From Caraz we turn east and drive up the Parón canyon: 32 km of mountain road to the lakeshore.
- MiddayHike to Artesonraju base camp
We hike to the base camp and back: about 4 hours round trip, with views of Artesonraju, Pirámide, Huandoy and Chacraraju.
- AfternoonDrive back
We drive down to Caraz and back through the Callejón de Huaylas.
- AfternoonArrival in Huaraz
End of the service in Huaraz.
Departure at 7:00 a.m. by private bus, according to our program. Other times are approximate: they depend on the group's pace, the weather and the road.
What's included and not included
What's included
- Private bus Huaraz – Laguna Parón – Huaraz
- Guide during the hike
Not included
- Huascarán National Park ticket (SERNANP, 2026): S/ 30 general one-day fee (S/ 12 for Peruvian adults)
- Meals: bring breakfast, a packed lunch and snacks
What to bring
- Layers: thermal base layer, fleece and a waterproof jacket
- Warm hat, gloves and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- About 2 liters of water
- Packed lunch and snacks (nuts, chocolate)
- Hiking shoes or boots with good grip
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Passport or ID
More information
The hike to Artesonraju base camp
The bus drives right to the lakeshore. From there we hike toward Artesonraju base camp and return the same way: about 4 hours round trip, according to our program. It brings you close to the Artesonraju pyramid and the peaks around the lake.
You are hiking above 4,100 m. Walk at your own pace, drink water at every stop and tell the guide if you have a strong headache, dizziness or shortness of breath: the right move is to go down. If this is your first outing in Huaraz, read our acclimatization guide first.
| Peak | Altitude | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Artesonraju | 6,025 m | SERNANP |
| Huandoy (main summit) | 6,395 m | IGM maps |
| Chacraraju | 6,112 m | SERNANP |
| Pirámide | 5,885 m | our program |
Huandoy has several summits; three of them are visible from Parón. On cloudy days some summits may be hidden.
Laguna Parón facts
Laguna Parón lies in the valley of the same name, 32 km from Caraz, inside Huascarán National Park.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | about 4,185 m | Wikipedia |
| Distance from Huaraz | about 100 km, via Caraz | Explorandes |
| Caraz to the lake | 32 km, about 1.5 h by car | Wikipedia; Explorandes |
| Maximum depth | about 76 m | Wikipedia |
| Water volume | about 55 million m³ | Wikipedia |
| Hike on this tour | about 4 h round trip | our program |
Best time to go: May to October, in the dry season (SERNANP). When it rains, clouds can hide Artesonraju. Still deciding? Compare it with Laguna 69 and Laguna Churup.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Laguna Parón?
About 4,185 m (13,730 ft). It is lower than Laguna 69 (about 4,600 m), so it works well before Laguna 69 in an acclimatization plan.
Is Laguna Parón open?
As of October 27, 2026, we found no official notice of a current closure. Access was restricted in July 2023 because of the risk of an outburst flood, so we confirm access with you when you book.
How much hiking is there?
About 4 hours round trip, according to our program: from the lakeshore to Artesonraju base camp and back.
What time does the tour leave?
It leaves Huaraz at 7:00 a.m. by private bus, heading north via Caraz. We confirm the pick-up point when you book.
How much is the entrance fee?
Laguna Parón is inside Huascarán National Park. According to SERNANP (2026), a one-day ticket costs S/ 30 at the general rate (foreign visitors); children under 5 enter free.
Why is Laguna Parón famous?
It is the largest lake in Huascarán National Park, according to SERNANP, and the snowy pyramid of Artesonraju, 6,025 m high, rises at its far end.
Laguna Parón or Laguna 69?
Laguna 69 requires a climb on foot of about 3 hours to about 4,600 m. At Parón the bus drives to the shore, at about 4,185 m, and from there you hike about 4 hours round trip to Artesonraju base camp. If you have time for both, do Parón first.
