Description
Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Pickup window from your accommodation Details: Your exact pickup time or meeting details are sent via WhatsApp no later than the evening before departure.
- Arrival in the ending city
- 5:30 PM Approximate arrival time in the city where the tour ends
What is included
Included
- Spanish speaking guide (or very basic English speaking)
- Pick up at your stay
- Transportation
- Drop off close to Plaza de Armas in Huaraz
Not included
- Local lunch (about 25 soles)
- Entrance fees to Vicos Community (10 soles)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Additional snacks or drinks
- Gratuities
Itinerary
Morning:
- 9:00 AM: We’ll pick you up and start our exciting trip north of Callejón de Huaylas.
- Our first stop is the breathtaking Paccharuri Waterfall, over 30 meters high!
Afternoon:
- We’ll arrive at Lake Rocotuyoc, surrounded by beautiful plants and animals.
- You’ll see the impressive Paccharaju and Bayoraju snow-capped mountains.
- Time for a 40-minute hike to the frozen lake, where you’ll see ice chunks from glaciers.
- We’ll enjoy a tasty local lunch with regional dishes (not included). Please note that lunch is served late in the afternoon, usually around 4:00 – 4:30 PM. You will spend most of the day at the lagoon. The views are beautiful, but you will stay there for quite a while. Make sure to bring enough snacks and water to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Evening:
- 5:30 PM: We’ll head back to Huaraz.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Meeting and timing
- End point
-
5:30 PM
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Tour duration
- 1 day
Full tour description
Lake Rocotuyoc is a true natural marvel nestled in the Andes Mountains. This pristine lake sits at an impressive altitude of 4,550 meters above sea level, offering visitors a chance to experience the raw beauty of Peru’s highlands.
Stunning scenery: The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, including the majestic Paccharaju and Bayoraju mountains. Their snow-capped summits create a dramatic backdrop against the clear blue sky.
Unique ecosystem: The area around Lake Rocotuyoc is home to a diverse range of plants and animals adapted to high-altitude living. You might spot hardy Andean flora and perhaps even catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
Frozen wonder: One of the highlights of our tour is the nearby frozen lake. Here, you’ll witness an awe-inspiring sight of ice sheets breaking off from nearby glaciers, creating a constantly changing landscape.
More about Lake Rocotuyoc
- The name “Rocotuyoc” comes from Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas. It roughly translates to “place of the hot pepper,” though the exact reason for this name is a mystery!
- The lake is part of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, which boasts over 50 peaks above 5,700 meters.
- The nearby rock paintings offer a glimpse into the lives of ancient Andean people, some dating back thousands of years.
- The Callejón de Huaylas valley, where our journey begins, was once part of the vast Inca Empire.
Activities during the tour
- Waterfall viewing at Paccharuri
- Nature photography opportunities
- High-altitude trekking
- Ice and glacier observation
- Local cuisine tasting
Remember to bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and warm clothes. Feel free to bring water and extra snacks. Most importantly, come with an open heart and ready for adventure! We can’t wait to show you the wonders of Lake Rocotuyoc. It’s going to be an amazing day filled with unforgettable experiences!
What to bring
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Hat or cap
- Layered clothing (light for day, warm for evening)
- 1.5 liters of water per person
- Chocolates or energy bars
- Cash (no digital payments available on route)
- Altitude sickness medication (if prone to it)














