Tour Overview
Rocotuyoc and Congelada Lagoons Tour
This off-the-beaten-path expedition takes you through the heart of Quebrada Honda to witness the raw beauty of the Vicos community’s high Andean territory. The journey features a remarkable series of natural and cultural landmarks, including the powerful Paccharuri waterfall and mysterious ancient cave paintings set against the backdrop of the Copa and Bayo peaks. The experience culminates with a moderate hike to Laguna Congelada, a pristine glacial lake surrounded by dramatic ice walls at 4,600 meters, offering a serene and untouched atmosphere for photography and climate change reflection before returning to Huaraz through the scenic Callejón de Huaylas.
Location
Cordillera Blanca – Huascarán National Park – Huaylas Province, Ancash
DETAILED ITINERARY
Tour Schedule
7:30 a.m. – Pickup at hotel (Huaraz, 3,090 m)
- Meet and greet with tourists at their respective accommodations.
- Welcome talk, tour explanation, and safety recommendations.
8:00 a.m. – Departure from Huaraz to Marcará
- Travel by tourist transport through the Callejón de Huaylas.
- Brief stops at natural viewpoints for photographs of the Huandoy and Huascarán snow-capped mountains.
9:30 a.m. – Arrival in Marcará and detour to Quebrada Honda
- Start the bus ride up to the lagoon access area.
- Check in at the Vicos-Quebrada Honda community checkpoint.
10:00 a.m. – Visit the Paccharuri waterfall (4,400 m.a.s.l.)
- Approximately 5-minute hike.
- Explanation of the natural environment: high Andean flora, rock formations, and snow-capped mountains surrounding the valley.
11:00 a.m. – Visit the cave paintings.
- Brief explanation of the cave paintings.
- Landscape interpretation: glacial waters, the influence of the Copa, Bayo, and Paccharuri peaks.
11:30 p.m. – Continue hiking to Laguna Congelada (4,600 m.a.s.l.)
- Moderate ascent of approximately 40 minutes.
- Explanation of glacial formation and the impacts of climate change.
12:10 p.m. – Arrival at Laguna Congelada
- Free time to appreciate the lagoon, surrounded by ice walls and snow-capped mountains.
- Photo shoot in a unique setting and snacks.
12:30 p.m. – Walk back to the starting point
- Descent with the guide.
- Stops for birdwatching and explanations about biodiversity.
1:20 p.m. – Return to Marcará for lunch in Anta.
5:00 p.m. – Arrival in Huaraz and transfer to the hotels
- End of the tour and farewell.
What's Covered
Our Services
Included
- Private tourist transportation (Huaraz – Lagunas – Huaraz).
- Official tour guide.
- Entrance fees to Huascarán National Park.
- Snacks.
- First aid kit.
Not Included
- Breakfast.
- Horses or porters (optional).
- Additional expenses not mentioned.
- Lunch
Recommendations
- Bring warm, waterproof clothing.
- Hat, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Sturdy trekking shoes.
- Water and energy snacks.
- Camera.
- Adequate physical condition for high-altitude hikes.
