Laguna Purhuay

Huaraz & the Cordilleras

In a scoop of a valley 8km above Huari and just inside the Parque Nacional Huascarán, this idyllic lake is well set up for day excursions, but is surprisingly little visited. You can rent kayaks from the friendly park attendant (S10 per hour), follow the lakeshore to the pre-Hispanic ruins of Mama Shoco, or enjoy local trout at a lakeside restaurant. Camping (S40 per night) is also available.

It's possible to walk to the lake from Huari along an unpaved road (a path cuts off some of the corners). Alternatively, hire a taxi for around S60 round-trip. Be sure to stop in the village of Acopalca on the way up, known for its trout farms and plethora of fish restaurants specializing in cerviche.

The two- or three-day Huari to Chacas trek that forges across the mountains via the San Bartolomé Pass starts on the lakeshore.

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Nearby Huaraz & the Cordilleras attractions

1. Museo Archeologico

15.05 MILES

Small three-room museum with a modest collection of ceramics and pre-Inca objects framed by a historical trajectory of the Conchucos area (in Spanish). A…

2. Santuario de Mama Ashu

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3. Museo Nacional de Chavín

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4. Mirador de Shallapa

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5. Chavín de Huántar

19.26 MILES

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6. Monumento Nacional Wilkahuaín

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This small Wari ruin about 8km north of Huaraz is remarkably well preserved, dating from about AD 600 to 900. It’s an imitation of the temple at Chavín…

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