Turquoise water
Beneath the ice.
Christian Cruzado — CC BY 2.0 · Christian Cruzado — CC BY 2.0 · Esmée Winnubst — CC BY 2.0 · PsamatheM — CC BY-SA 4.0
A small mountain lake of stunning turquoise about 4,600 metres up in the Cordillera Blanca, beneath towering snowy peaks, fed in the melt season by a waterfall off Chacraraju. It is one of Peru's best-known hikes, inside Huascarán National Park on UNESCO's list. Its odd name comes from the park's founding in 1975: the lake had no name then, so authorities numbered the lakes without traditional names in their lists, and the number stuck. The hike starts in a green valley among pastures, waterfalls and cattle, then climbs in switchbacks to a high plain before a last steep climb to the lake, about three hours up and two down. The view on arrival, turquoise water beneath the ice, repays every step. Since February 2026 the lake can only be visited with a tour company authorised by the protected-areas service, and entering or swimming in the water is strictly banned, with heavy fines. Do not go before acclimatising for at least two days in Huaraz, and bring rain and cold-weather clothing.
Beneath the ice.
Feeding the lake.
Where the trail begins.
Huascarán National Park, Cordillera Blanca; about three hours by road from Huaraz town, then a hike
No: since February 2026, entry is only with protected-areas-authorised companies. Going into the water is banned, and the altitude is high, so acclimatise for at least two days first.