Laguna Parón is the largest lake of the Cordillera Blanca, at about 4,185 m (sources give slightly different figures), in a valley above Caraz. Its turquoise water lies below the Pirámide de Garcilaso and a ring of glaciated peaks. You reach it by a long, rough road, and the walking at the lake is easy, but the altitude is real. Count on a full day from Huaraz, and read the trek guide if you want to walk beyond the shore.
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What Laguna Parón is
Laguna Parón is a glacial lake in the Parón valley, a side valley of the Cordillera Blanca above the town of Caraz, at the northern end of the Callejón de Huaylas. It is usually described as the largest lake of the Cordillera Blanca, at roughly 4,185 m; some sources give a figure closer to 4,150 m, so treat the altitude as approximate.
The colour is the first thing you notice. Like many lakes here, it is fed by glacial meltwater carrying fine rock flour, which gives it an intense turquoise or milky-green tone that changes with the light. The lake is also used as a water reservoir, so the level is managed and some infrastructure can be seen near the outlet. The valley lies inside the area of Huascarán National Park.
Why it is worth the trip
The lake sits in a closed, high valley, with steep rock walls on the sides and glaciated summits at the head. The peak that dominates the view is the Pirámide de Garcilaso, a pale pyramid of rock and ice that rises above the far end of the lake. Other well-known summits of the range are visible from the valley, depending on the weather and on where you stand.
Compared with the other lakes of the area, Parón asks for the least walking. The Llanganuco lakes are also roadside, while Laguna 69 needs a long hike. Parón suits people who want a big mountain scene on a day with little effort, and photographers, who generally prefer the early hours when the sky is clearer.
Tours and activities
Bookable online, chosen for their traveller reviews.
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Day trip From €29 per person
How to see it
Most visitors go by tour from Huaraz or Caraz, by taxi, or in a private vehicle. The usual route goes up the Callejón de Huaylas to Caraz, then follows a narrow, unpaved road up the Parón valley. The road is long and rough, so the journey takes a good part of the day, and the exact time depends on the road conditions and the weather. Ask your lodging or agency about the current state of the road and about the entrance fee, which is not fixed and should be checked locally.
At the lake, an easy path runs along the near shore and gives several viewpoints. That is enough for most visitors, and one or two hours there are a common stay. If you want to continue to the head of the valley or to a higher viewpoint, the Laguna Parón trek guide covers the walk, the time and the preparation. This page is only about seeing the lake.
When to go and what to combine
The dry season, roughly May to September, gives the best chances of clear views of the peaks, although mornings are cold and afternoon clouds can arrive. In the wetter months, roughly November to March, the road can be slow and the summits are often hidden. In any season, leave early.
Caraz has simple lodging and restaurants and is a sensible base for the lake, and the day can be combined with a stop in the town. For other lake outings, see the Cordillera Blanca guide and the list of things to do in Huaraz.
Where to sleep
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Huaraz centre
Services, tour offices and restaurants for the Cordillera Blanca
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Monterrey
Quieter spot north of town with thermal baths
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Caraz
Small town closer to the northern lakes and trails
Frequently asked questions
How high is Laguna Parón?
About 4,185 m according to common figures, though some sources say a little less, around 4,150 m. It is the largest lake of the Cordillera Blanca.
Do I need to hike to see Laguna Parón?
No. The road ends close to the lake, and an easy path along the shore is enough for most visitors. A longer walk is optional and is covered in the trek guide.
Where does the road to Laguna Parón start?
In Caraz, at the northern end of the Callejón de Huaylas. From there a narrow unpaved road climbs the Parón valley, and the drive is long. Ask locally about its current condition.
Which mountain is above Laguna Parón?
The view is dominated by the Pirámide de Garcilaso, at the head of the valley. Other peaks of the range can be seen too, depending on the weather.
Can I visit Laguna Parón in one day from Huaraz?
Yes, as a full-day tour or by taxi, but the road is long, so start early. Staying a night in Caraz makes the day shorter and more relaxed.
Is Laguna Parón good for the first days at altitude?
Not really. You go up to over 4,000 m by vehicle in a single day, so it is better after some days of acclimatisation. See acclimatisation for trekkers.
Can I swim in Laguna Parón?
It is not recommended. The water is glacial and very cold, at over 4,000 m, and the lake is also a managed water reservoir. Enjoy it from the shore and ask locally about any rules.
