Llanganuco Lagoon

Llanganuco Lagoon: Chinancocha (Lake of the Woman) and Orconcocha (Lake of the Men), formed by two spectacular turquoise bodies of water that open up at the foot of the Huascarán glacier. Located within Huascarán National Park in the province of Áncash, 84 kilometers northwest of Huaraz and 25 kilometers from the small town of Yungay. The Llanganuco Lagoons are a turquoise gem that holds history and secrets in the heart of the Callejón de Huaylas.

Fed by glaciers — primarily Chopicalqui, Huascarán, and Huandoy — these lagoons are rich in minerals and display a characteristic deep turquoise color that shifts with the light throughout the day.

The Two Lagoons: Chinancocha and Orconcocha

Llanganuco is actually a system of two connected lagoons that together form one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.

Chinancocha (Lake of the Woman) is the first lagoon on the circuit and the most visited. It sits at 3,850 meters above sea level and is the most accessible. Its waters, ranging from emerald green to deep turquoise, reflect the glaciers of Huascarán and Huandoy, creating a natural mirror of hypnotic beauty. On its shores, wooden rowboats are available to take visitors across the lagoon and get a closer look at the glaciers that feed it.

Orconcocha (Lake of the Men) is located a few kilometers further into the valley, at a higher altitude and with less tourist traffic. Its surroundings are filled with forests of queñuales (Polylepis trees), native Andean trees with reddish bark that grow up to 5,000 meters above sea level. This lagoon is preferred by those seeking greater tranquility and a deeper connection with nature.

The Landscape and Biodiversity

The surroundings of Llanganuco are extraordinary. The lagoons are encircled by some of the highest peaks in the tropical Andes, including Huascarán (6,768 m), the highest point in Peru, and Huandoy (6,395 m). On clear days, the reflections of these glaciated peaks on the water create an image that looks like a postcard.

The queñual forest lining the path between the two lagoons is home to a variety of Andean birds such as the torrent duck, the Puna teal, and various species of hummingbirds. It is also common to spot vizcachas (Andean rodents resembling rabbits) sunbathing among the rocks.

Activities at Llanganuco

• Boat ride: at Chinancocha, boats can be rented to tour the lagoon and get closer to the glacier-covered peaks. This is one of the most highly recommended experiences.
• Trekking: the circuit between the two lagoons is accessible to people with good fitness and offers stunning views at every turn.
• Photography: the best time to photograph the lagoons is between 8:00 and 11:00 AM, when the sun illuminates the glaciers directly and the water reflects the most intense colors.
• Flora and fauna observation: the queñual forests are unique in the world and well worth stopping to explore.

Visitor Recommendations

• The lagoons are at over 3,800 meters above sea level. If traveling from Lima or the coast, it is essential to acclimatize for at least one day in Huaraz before ascending, to avoid soroche (altitude sickness).
• Bring warm clothing even during the day: temperatures can drop significantly with wind or when the sun hides behind clouds.
• Apply high-factor sunscreen: at this altitude, UV radiation is very intense.
• Access is part of Huascarán National Park, so an entrance fee is charged that contributes to conservation efforts.
• Swimming in the lagoons is not permitted in order to protect the ecosystem.

How to Get There

Lima – Huaraz via Pativilca

Bus: approx. 8 hours

Huaraz – Chinancocha Lagoon

Bus: approx. 2 hours 50 minutes

Hours

• 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Approximate schedule

Admission Price

• Foreigners S/30.00 soles

• Peruvian adults S/11.00 soles