Laguna Parón

What you see

Parón is a deep turquoise lake enclosed by high peaks. At the head stands Artesonraju, a pyramid of rock and ice more than 6,000 m high. Other summits rise around the lake, and on clear mornings the reflections are impressive.

Unlike Laguna 69, the lake is reached with little walking from the road, which makes it suited to visitors who want a big view without a steep climb. It is also a working water source: the lake supplies the town below and its level is managed, so you may see signs of the infrastructure beside the shore.

Getting there and what to do

The lake lies above the town of Caraz, roughly 65 km north of Huaraz. From Caraz, the road climbs through the Parón valley for about 30 km on a narrow, unpaved surface, with the final part taking an hour or more. Tours from Huaraz usually take around two and a half hours each way, and from Caraz a bit less. You can also go by taxi or private car.

At the lake, a flat path leads along the shore and viewpoints. For a longer walk, you can follow the water towards the head of the valley or climb to a higher viewpoint, which adds a few hours and some altitude. Many visitors spend one or two hours at the lake, with a picnic. A visit combined with a stop in Caraz makes a relaxed day.

Season and entry

The dry season, roughly May to September, is the best time. Mornings are usually clear and the views of the peaks are best before cloud builds. In the wet season, from roughly November to March, the road can be muddy or blocked and the views are often poor. The area is inside Huascarán National Park and an entry fee is normally charged, so check whether it is included in your transport or tour, and carry cash for it in case.

There are few services at the lake, so bring food, water and warm clothing. Toilets and shops are limited, and weather can change quickly.

Where it fits

Parón works well as a gentler day among harder ones, or as a good outing for travellers who are not up to a long climb. It also suits photographers, who often prefer early light. In a Huaraz itinerary, it sits well after Laguna Churup and before Laguna 69, or as a rest-day alternative before a multi-day trek such as Santa Cruz. If you are staying in Caraz, you can go with a local driver and set your own timing.

The Parón valley and its lakes

The road to Parón follows a glacial valley with small farms, eucalyptus and, higher up, open grassland and rock. There are several smaller lakes on the way, and the colour of the water changes with the light. At the main lake, a path runs along the shore and onto the moraines at the far end, where views of the glacier-hung peaks are widest.

The area forms part of the Cordillera Blanca, and other peaks including Pirámide and Chacraraju are visible from the shore on clear days. The experience is quiet compared with the busier lakes, but it can fill up on weekends and holidays when families and groups arrive by minibus. A weekday morning gives the best chance of calm water and good reflections.

What to carry and how to dress

The walk is easy, but the lake is cold, windy and open. Carry layers, a waterproof jacket, a warm hat and gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses. Boots or shoes with grip help on the shore paths, which can be muddy. Bring water and a picnic, as there is little to buy, and a small amount of cash for the park ticket and for the driver if you hire a taxi.

Because the journey is long, a few extras make a difference: a car-sick remedy if you are prone to it, a sweater for the early start and a charged phone or camera. See gear for the standard kit for high-altitude days, and most of it works here.

Parón compared with other lakes

Parón is the largest and the easiest to reach, with the least effort on foot. Laguna Churup is closer to Huaraz but steeper and includes a scramble; Laguna 69 is the full-day climb with the most varied scenery. If you want long, flat walking beside a big lake, Parón is the best of the three, and it is also the most accessible for older travellers or children.

Its weakness is the drive. Two and a half hours each way is a long time, and the rough road can make people uncomfortable. A shorter alternative is to stay in Caraz the night before and set off early, which cuts the journey and puts you at the lake for the best light. See Huaraz for more on bases and day trips in the region.