Wilcacocha Viewpoint

Route Description for Wilcacocha Viewpoint

This relatively easy route makes for a wonderful family-friendly activity! The Wilcacocha Viewpoint hike is the perfect way to ease into Peru’s altitude level, especially if you plan on doing harder hikes later on.

You may be under the impression that this hike doesn't encompass exceptional views due to the short route. Still, it carries you to views of the snow-covered peaks hemming the Cordillera Blanca mountain range and to knockout of a lake: Wilcacocha.

Begin your hike to the Wilcacocha Viewpoint at Santa Cruz, which sits at 3,410 m. Walk along a narrow path between typical houses, and corn and wheat fields in the foothills of the Cordillera Negra. After approximately 1 hour, you'll arrive at the small lake known as Wilcacocha, which sits pretty at 3,700 m. Admire the various types of birds spattering this area. If you walk a little farther to the right, you'll reach a clear viewpoint of the Cordillera Blanca. You'll even get to see the Huascaran (6,768 m)—this is the highest peak in Peru! As well as the Huantsan (6,370 m), which is the third highest peak of the Cordillera Blanca. But the hike doesn't end here!

Ascend for 1 more hour to Huanca, which is located at 3,800 m. From here, you can better appreciate the snow-capped peaks sweeping the Cordillera Blanca. Take the same path back to Santa Cruz.

Find even more great hikes in Huaraz:

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