Lake Awak

Route Description for Lake Awak

The Lake Awak hike (or Laguna Aguak) beautifully stitches culture, tradition, and out-of-this-world scenery, creating one masterpiece of a journey. Before you go, it’s essential to make sure you come prepared for the high altitude along this challenging hike, it’s a big day out at high elevation! However, with the high altitude aside, this path is easy to follow, making it an excellent hiking option for acclimatized visitors who want to travel without a guide.

This well-marked route zigzags through a collection of different scenery, from plants and flowers to views of Huaraz to peaks laden with snow to the enchanting blue tone covering Lake Awak. To top it off, the path explodes with cultural tales, too. Inhabitants use this trail from this part of the mountain range to carry the crosses that act as protectors at carnival parties.

From the start of the path, it takes around 30 minutes to reach one of the first crosses, adorned in flowers, at the top of the hill.

Continue as the path ascends, meandering along the path with many zigzags. Notice Callejón de Huaylas valley, the city of Huaraz, and the Cordillera Negra peaks painting the view behind you.

When you get closer to Laguna Aguak, the landscape will dissolve in ichus, and eventually, the path will wind between rocks, signaling that you’re close to the lake.

Finally, a hut will come into view, and shortly after, you’ll see the lake. Marvel at the immense valley formed by the White and Black mountain ranges and the peaks lining the south side.

Return along the same path you came.

Find even more great hikes in Huaraz:

• Lake 69 Hike
• Hatun Machay Trail
• Pastoruri Glacier Hike