Laguna Paron, Easy day hike near Caraz with guided tour of the ancient city of Yungay

Laguna Paron, rising at 4,185 masl is the biggest lake in the Cordillera Blanca. It is only 32 kilometers away from Caraz, in the Peruvian Andes. I invite you to this easy day trek to discover this dazzling lake, and explore the ancient city of Yungay.

First, we’ll depart really early on our private minivan at about 7:00 am. We will head north to the Callejon de Huaylas valley. We’ll reach Huaraz at 3,100 masl, and pass a small typical town: Paltay and cross the Rio Santa river, passing by other charming villages like Anta, Jangas and Yungar. From here, we’ll be able to appreciate the mesmerizing white peaks of Copa, Huandoy and the mythical Huascaran amongst others. Then, we’ll continue to the Marcara district, and the Carhuaz (2,650 m) to explore its Plaza de Armas.

We will reach Yungay, an ancient buried city located at 2,500 masl. A piece of the Huascaran north peak broke, creating a huge mud avalanche that destroyed this city in less than a minute. So, we’ll get the chance to explore its ruins as well as the new Yungay.

Thereupon, we’ll continue to the city of Caraz, and begin ascending an unpaved trail along the Paron river. We will appreciate a path covered with eucalyptus trees and typical houses. Our drive continues passing by polylepis trees called quenuales and trekking around the lake. This will be the perfect time to get amazing pictures and get some rest. Finally we’ll head back to Caraz for lunch at a typical peruvian restaurant, and return to Huaraz.

Do you want to join this fantastic adventure? Request to book this trip today, and let me take you to Laguna Peron and Yungay.

Check this Quebrada de Llanganuco, Day hike near Huaraz trip that I guide too, if you want to keep exploring the area.