Highlights
Excellent acclimatization tour for strong hikers
Spectacular, close-up views of the giant Hualcán peak
Intense turquoise glacial lake with an active glacier
A challenging, less-crowded alternative to popular trails
Character
The Cordillera Blanca is the largest mountain range of Peru with 31 peaks over 6,000 meters high. More than half of the Peruvian highest 6,000m peaks are here, including the highest mountain (Huascaran) and the most beautiful mountain (Alpamayo) of Peru. The trail to Laguna 513 is a demanding but deeply rewarding day hike that begins near the city of Carhuaz. The path ascends steeply and relentlessly through the Chucchun valley, taking you far from the more crowded routes. The destination is a breathtakingly intense turquoise lake, situated directly beneath the hanging glaciers of the colossal Hualcán mountain. It is a powerful landscape where you can often hear and see ice calving into the water from a safe distance.
Requirements
You are healthy and in excellent physical condition. The trail is consistently steep and demanding, requiring a high level of stamina and fitness. This hike is significantly more strenuous than other popular day hikes like Laguna 69. It is essential that you are well-acclimatized before attempting this trek, having spent at least two to three days at altitude and completed an easier hike beforehand.
Best Season
The best trekking season in the Andes is from April to October, with rainy season in between. It is usually sunny and warm during this time. Due to the altitude, the nights can be quite cold (to minus 5 ° C).
Extra Time
Individual connection programs are possible. Contact us
What is included in this tour?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
- Transports according to itinerary
- Qualified and experienced guide (Spanish/English)
- Box-Lunch
- First aid kit and oxygen
What is included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
- Breakfast, dinner
- Bottled water, alcoholic drinks
- Personal equipment
- Entrance fees to Huascaran National Park
- Medical care and insurance
- Emergency rescue or evacuation
- Travel insurance
- Hotel
- Flights
- Tips (optional)
Day 1: Dayhike to Laguna 513
You are picked up in your hotel and we drive north following the course of the Rio Santa that divides the Cordillera Blanca in the east and the Cordillera Negra in the west. We pass traditional Andean towns and enjoy the magnificent view of the high peaks of the Cordillera Blanca range including Huascaran (6768m), Peru’s highest mountain. As we enter the Huascaran National Park, we continue our drive up this beautiful valley. Our first stop is at Llanganuco lake where we have breakfast. After another 20 minutes of driving our bus stops and we start hiking up to the Laguna 69. This hike will take about 3 hours of steep ascending. After having lunch at the lake we hike back down the same trail. Our transport brings us back to Huaraz.
Lake 513
Meals
During the hike we pay attention to a healthy and high-calorie diet. For lunch, a box lunch is served. We can prepare vegetarian dishes on request.
Transport
We use minivans or comfortable vehicles, depending on the group size.
Packing list
Our recommendation
- Small daypack
- Hiking poles
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen (min factor 40)
- Well-worn in trekking shoes or boots
- Comfortable clothes (quick dry), trekking trousers, fleece
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Water and extra snacks
- Toilet paper
- Extra money
Frequenly asked questions
How many days should I get used to the altitude before the Laguna 513 trek?
The time required varies from person to person. If you already have high altitude experience, your body may become acclimated faster. We recommend spending at least 2 days in Huaraz or doing easy activities in the area.
Can I swim in the Laguna 513?
If the icy cold water does not bother you, you are welcome to jump into the lake 
It is certainly a unique experience and leaves great memories.
Can I do this hike in the rainy season?
This hike can be done easily in the rainy season. In addition, the vegetation is especially beautiful and green at this time. In the morning, it is often sunny and the clouds do not gather until noon. The rain comes in the afternoon at about 4 o’clock. In the rainy season, therefore, we usually leave a little earlier in the morning.
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