The Cordillera Blanca

Orientating Yourself to the Cordillera Blanca

The Cordillera Blanca is part of the Andean chain and spans 200KM or 124 miles, running South to North West.  Home to some of the highest tropical glaciers in the world the range has over 700 glaciers and over 300 accompanying crystalline lakes. Huaraz is the biggest town in the Cordillera Blanca, located right in the middle of the mountains. Huaraz’s location and size is one of the reasons why so many people choose to use the city as a homebase. There are smaller towns more conveniently located to trailheads with great national park access, however, they don’t typically have all the comforts one would find in Huaraz.

Where The Lazy Dog Is Located

The Lazy Dog Inn, mountain lodge, is located in the South Central area of the Cordillera Blanca. Look on the map above.  We are located East of Huaraz in-between Wilcawain and the Llaca & Cojup Valleys located in Huascaran National Park. The Llaca and Cojup hikes are located right next to the lodge and can be accessed without a vehicle. Hike up the Llaca or Cojup Valley and you will be rewarded with some of the largest glaciers in the area and crystalline lakes. Churup Lake is the most well-known hike in the area and offers panoramic views of both the Cordillera Blanca and Negra with the summit ending at a clear-lake cradled by peaks.

Where Llaganuco Lakes & Laguna 69 are Located

Llaganuco Lakes and Laguna 69, two of the most publicized hikes in the area located approximately 3 hours from Huaraz. On the map above locate Yungay then track East (up) to find the Llaganuco Lakes and Laguna 69 trailheads. Note that the trailheads are located quite far from Huaraz, making for long days in the car. For hikers that prefer more time walking then driving, consider a local hike. Many hikes in the Southern Cordillera are just as beautiful and not as crowded.

For suggestions of things to do in our area, click here, for top recommended sites and hikes you can comfortably do from The Lazy Dog Inn.