With its crystalline azure waters and unparalleled location at the foot of the impressive glacier of Mount Chacraraju (6112m), Lake 69 is one of the most stunning lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. The hike to this jewel of the Andes, which is located at 4550m above sea level, starts from Cebollapampa - situated in the beautiful and small Demada valley and surrounded by many of the White Range’s highest and most impressive summits - just beyond the Llanganuco Lakes. Hikers are rewarded with some of the best views of Mount Chacraraju, Huascaran North (6655m) and South (6768m), Chopicalqui (6354m), Huandoy (6395m), Yanapaccha (5460m) and Pisco (5752m). An extraordinary variety of exotic tropical plants are encountered along the way, and if you are lucky you might spot the rabbit-like viscacha. This is one of the most rewarding day hikes in the region and is ideal for acclimatisation.

The trekking in Huaraz is stunning, and also melting. We saw signs pointing to lakes, in front of older signs which pointed to glaciers by the same names. The two day trek to Lake 69 is faily easy, but a beautiful scene of a turquoise glacier lake among snow capped peaks! Our guide was Anthula of Infinite Adventures, based in Huaraz.