National park · Peru
Huascarán National ParkParque Nacional Huascarán
Buy park entry (S/15‑20) and hike Laguna 69 in a day: start before 8 am, 7 km (4.3 mi) trail 3 h up, return by late afternoon; for multi‑day, do the Santa Cruz trek in the dry season (May‑Oct).Buy park entry (S/15‑20) and hike Laguna 69 in a day: start before 8 am, 4.3 mi (7 km) trail 3 h up, return by late afternoon; for multi‑day, do the Santa Cruz trek in the dry season (May‑Oct).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3,400 km² (1,313 sq mi)1,313 sq mi (3,400 km²)
approximate
Established
1975
Best months
May–Sep
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 9Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
- Central Sierra ↗Sleep low on arrival night if you can; Huaraz is 3,050 m and Cerro de Pasco is 4,380 m.
- Central Sierra ↗Carry soles in small notes; ATMs are reliable in Huaraz and Huánuco, thin elsewhere.
At a glance
- Country
- Peru
- Area
- 3,400 km² (1,313 sq mi)1,313 sq mi (3,400 km²)
- 340,000 ha (3,400 km²) as established in 1975; includes 663 glaciers.
- Established
- 1975
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Huaraz
Huascarán National Park protects the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world, with 663 glaciers and Peru's tallest peak. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. The park is the main reason travellers base themselves in Huaraz: day hikes to turquoise lakes like Laguna 69 and multi‑day treks such as the Santa Cruz traverse. The dry season (May–October) is the only reliable window for high‑altitude walking.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1985Cordillera Blanca UNESCO World Heritage site.
Size and age
3,400 km² (1,313 sq mi)1,313 sq mi (3,400 km²) · national park since 1975
340,000 ha (3,400 km²) as established in 1975; includes 663 glaciers.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Huaraz.
Why go
- Explore the highest peaks of Peru, including Huascarán (6,768 m).
- See the giant puya raimondii plants and high‑altitude lakes.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanRainy season, frequent thunderstorms.
- FebRainy season, slippery trails.
- MarRainy season, possible snow at high passes.
- AprTransition to dry, fewer storms.
- MayDry, clear skies, ideal for trekking.
- JunDry, stable weather, good visibility.
- JulDry, but cold nights; still good for trekking.
- AugDry, but occasional snow at highest passes.
- SepDry, warm days, excellent trekking conditions.
- OctDry, start of rainy season later in month.
- NovIncreasing rain, trail mud.
- DecRainy season begins, higher avalanche risk.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguar, cougar, taruca (Andean deer), vicuña, tapirAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Puya raimondii (giant bromeliad)Apr–Oct | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Huaraz
Local bus or taxi to the park gate (≈30 min).
0.5–1 h
Open the page →
From Caraz
Collectivo or taxi to the gate (≈1 h).
1–1.5 h
From Lima (airport)
Fly to Jauja (≈1 h) then bus to Huaraz (≈8 h).
≈9–10 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Huaraz gateway | Main access point, visitor centre, park entry gate. | Open with ticket. |
| Laguna 69 area | Day‑hike lake, trailhead at Cebollapampa. | Self‑guided or tour. |
| Santa Cruz trailhead | Multi‑day trek start near Cashapampa. | Guided or independent (permit required). |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are park centre and key points; approximate for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | PEN 15–20 | person | Official fee (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Fires
- No open fires; use designated stoves only.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish; bins are scarce.
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permit (check).check
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds or homestays; wild camping prohibited.
- Guides
- Required for multi‑day treks and any off‑trail travel.
Where to stay
Near the park
Huaraz
Hotels, hostels and guesthouses 30 min from gate.
Near the park
Caraz
Small hotels and B&Bs, good base for Laguna Parón.
Safety
Altitude sickness high
Weather change medium
Avalanche / snow medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Huaraz gateway reachable by car with short walks.
- Trailheads involve steep, uneven terrain; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Hire local guides registered with the park authority.
- Pay community contributions (e.g., S/5 at Laguna Parón).
- Use refillable water bottles; avoid single‑use plastics.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Huascarán National Park?
The official entry fee is S/15‑20 per person; buy the ticket at the gate near Huaraz.
What are the best hikes in Huascarán National Park?
Laguna 69 (day hike, moderate), Laguna Churup (easy), Laguna Parón (day visit), and the multi‑day Santa Cruz trek (hard).
When is the best time to visit Huascarán National Park?
The dry season May to October offers clear weather and stable trails; the rainy season December to March brings storms and higher avalanche risk.
Do I need a guide for the Santa Cruz trek?
Yes – a licensed guide and a permit are required for the multi‑day trek across the high passes.
Is camping allowed in the park?
Only in designated campgrounds or approved homestays; wild camping is prohibited.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Huascarán National Park
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