Like turquoise teardrops poised at the base of the Cordillera Blanca’s highest  peaks, these two alpine lakes offer a delicate contrast to the massive glacial faces of the nearby Chopicalqui (6,354 m), Huandoy (6,395 m) and Huascarán (6, 768 m) mountains. Glacial silt deposits give this pair of alpine beauties their characteristic bright blue color, and at 4,000 meters above sea level they seem to glow and sparkle in the midday sun.

Row boats can be rented on the first lake, Chinacocha; the second lake, Orconcocha, offers some of the best views of the surrounding mountains.

Both lagunas are situated within the Huascarán National Park. They are a popular starting point for the four-to-five-day Llanganuco-Santa Cruz trek, which some regard as one of the most beautiful hikes the continent has to offer. Agencies in Huaraz can organize day tours of Llanganuco, and those keen to get out and hit the trails can organize day treks to the lagunas.

Independent travel to the lakes is possible via Yungay, about 26 kilometers away. From Yungay catch a combi or truck up to the lakes from the Plaza de Armas. Regardless of how you get to the lakes you are sure to be astounded by their unearthly beauty. An entrance fee of $1.50 is charged for day trips to the lakes.

Hiking, Trekking

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