Lake 69

The Huascarán towers at 6768m

Many people flock to this small town far away from everything called Huaraz because of the spectacular treking that can be done there. Huaraz is surrounded by majestic mountains, amongst which the Huascarán which, at 6768 metres above sea level is the highest peak in Peru. 

A laguna along the road 

Tough sport at this altitude

As the end game was to go on the 4-day Santa Cruz trek, we decided it would be best to get used gradually to the altitude. We gave ourselves an extra day. And to stay in shape we, Herman (US/Mexican), Charmaine (Australian) and us two attempt the trek of Lake 69. 

Pure ice-cold water melted from atop the mountain

It's an early start: we hit the road at 6 a.m. It's a comfortable one hour's drive on a nicely surfaced motorway followed by two grueling hours of dirt roads. By the time we get there at 9am the sun is already high. So we set off immediately. 

An amazing palette of colour

It's a tough ascent. It takes three hours to climb from 3900m to 4600m. The slopes are steep and the air is thin. While climbing I suddenly remember the words of the great man of comedy who is Rowan Atkinson : I feel like "an asthmatic ant with some very heavy shopping!".  I puff and laugh and that is indeed a bad idea as it takes me several minutes to catch my breath. 

A postcard picture 

Our first sight of Lake 69

When we finally reach the top, the steel-blue water of lake 69 starts to appear. The scenery is incredible and the colours seem almost unreal. All the long walk and the pain is forgotten. It was well worth it ! 

For more pictures follow this link : Lake 69

Incredible colour