If the complete Huayhuash circuit is too long or exhausting for you, the Cordillera Huayhuash offers many fantastic day hikes. One of the most beautiful is the day hike to Mirador Tres Lagunas, which offers breathtaking views of the peaks and lagoons of the region. In this post, you'll find everything important about the tour, from the route to the costs and how to get there.
Start of the hike: From the end of the road to Laguna Carhuacocha
Our hike begins at the end of the road that leads from the small Andean village of Queropalca at an altitude of 3,800 meters and ends at a small farm. The friendly family lets us park here, and the two children curiously marvel at our mobile home and have plenty of questions. How long we are on the road, how much the car cost, and whether we have the usual vegetable oil with us in addition to olive oil. For half an hour, we patiently answer all questions.
The next morning, we start the hike to the Tres Lagunas viewpoint at 6:30 am. A narrow path leads mostly flat to Laguna Carhuacocha. After about 50 minutes, we reach the lagoon. There are two campsites with toilets here. Several colorful tents of the Huayhuash trekkers are spread along the shore. Here, the trekking fees are also collected: 40 Soles for the first community and 30 Soles for the second. So, a total of 70 Soles per person. That's just under €18. We find the price for a day hike to be high, but hope that the money directly benefits the villagers. By the way, Laguna Carhuacocha is not part of the three lagoons visible from the „Mirador Tres Lagunas“ viewpoint.
Along Laguna Carhuacocha: Breathtaking views of the Cordillera Huayhuash
From the campsite, the path leads left along Laguna Carhuacocha. The mighty mountain massif of the Cordillera Huayhuash rises before us. The path rises slightly until the first of the three lagoons is to our right. Laguna Gangrajanca is hidden behind a small hill. In about 10 minutes, you can climb it and will be rewarded with a worthwhile view.
From here, the path remains mostly flat and now leads directly past the second lagoon, Laguna Siulacocha. Along the way are spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks with glaciers and waterfalls.
Ascent to Mirador Tres Lagunas: The challenging final climb
The most challenging part of the hike begins from the third lagoon – Laguna Quesillacocha. Within one kilometer, the last 200 meters of altitude must be overcome here. It goes from 4300 meters up to 4500 meters. The altitude makes the ascent challenging. Especially for me, the altitude is taking its toll today. For me, progress is slow. We take over an hour for the last kilometer.
The struggle is worth it. Once at the top, we are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the three lagoons, glaciers, and impressive waterfalls. From here, you can continue hiking up to the pass at 4,700 meters. However, due to my exhaustion, we skip this part. The return follows the same route.
Getting to the start of the hike: By car or taxi
The hike begins a few kilometers away from Queropalca. A bumpy track leads from the village to a small farm. The road ends here, and the hiking trail begins. We were traveling with our own vehicle and were able to camp next to the house for two nights. If you don't have your own vehicle or don't trust your car on the bumpy track, you can take a taxi from Queropalca to the starting point of the hike. It's best to ask in one of the small shops around the Plaza. The friendly villagers are happy to help.
Day Hike Mirador Tres Lagunas – Overview of Tour Data
Hike Length: 17 kilometers round trip
Elevation Difference: 450 meters of elevation gain
Difficulty: Difficult (mainly due to the altitude)
Trail Conditions and Trail Signs: The trail is well-traveled and mostly easy to follow. There are a few signs, but they are not always clear. It's best to download the map to your phone in advance or bring a physical map.
Water: Water can be refilled along the way. In the lower elevations, it should be filtered, as there are some farms with animals in the area.
Maps: A map is available from alps club. It can be purchased online but is also available in various outdoor shops in Huaraz.
Costs: A complete circuit of the Cordillera Huayhuash amounts to approximately 250 soles (€62). For the day hike to the "Mirador Tres Lagunas" viewpoint, a fee of 70 soles (€18) is required. (As of September 2024)
Acclimatization when hiking at high altitudes
Anyone hiking in the Andes or other high-altitude regions must be prepared for the challenges of altitude. At around 2,500 meters above sea level, the oxygen levels in the air decrease, which puts the body under unique strain. Proper acclimatization is crucial to help the body adjust to these new conditions and to prevent altitude sickness.
Ascend slowly: Above 2,500 meters, increase sleeping altitude by only 300–500 meters per day
Drink plenty of water: Avoid dehydration
Take a rest day: Take one day of rest for every 1000 meters of ascent
Take symptoms seriously: Headaches, nausea, or dizziness can be signs of altitude sickness.
