Cordillera Blanca: Laguna 69 from Refugio Perù and Cebollapampa | Trails Of Wander | Nov 11, 2022 (Video)

Summary:

Cordillera Blanca hiking: Cebollapampa, Refugio Perù – Laguna 69 – Cebollapampa. 12 mi, 4,050 ft elevation gain.

Huascaran National Park, Huaraz (Ancash), Perù

28-29 September 2022

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cebollapampa Trailhead to Refugio Perù (Refugio al Pisco) via Refugio Perù trail. Hiking around Refugio Perù: trail to Nevado Pisco to the top of the moraine above the refugio; nearby laguna. Night at Refugio Perù. Approx. 4.5 mi 2,800 ft elevation Gain.

Day 2: Refugio Perù to Laguna 69. Laguna 69 to Cebollapampa. Approx. 7.5 mi, 1,200 ft elevation gain.

Link to the Alltrails itinerary:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/cebollapampa-refugio-peru-laguna-69-85554f2?u=i

17 min

https://youtu.be/L0k3AmRmcXs

Content Source/Owner: Trails Of Wander

Hike / Trek Notes:

This was a truly spectacular two days hike with a comfortable overnight stay at Refugio Perù (Refugio Pisco) surrounded by the some of the greatest peaks (Nevados) of the Cordillera Blanca. High “wow” index. The area around the refugio and the high trail from the refugio down to Laguna 69 is magnificent.

The fresh morning snow and the clouds around the massive snowy mountains enhanced the already magnificent landscape. Despite the forecast called for rain / snow we had good weather overall. Truly a hike to remember.

Due to Laguna 69 popularity (certainly for very good reasons) the stretch from Laguna 69 down to the Cebollapampa trailhead was busy. We did not meet anyone on the trail from Refugio Perù to Laguna 69. We think this was really the best part of the hike, full of incredible views and a variety of high mountain landscapes.

For the experienced hiker this hike is really not difficult. Altitude is significant (15,900 ft max altitude), so acclimatization is necessary, but elevation gain is not particularly challenging. The higher trail require crossing of a pretty large boulder field and later sections are steep and a bit exposed in some stretches, but nothing really difficult. The trail is always easy to follow and well maintained.

While visiting Huaraz the hike to Laguna 69 is a must. We felt this two days option with an overnight stay at Refugio Perù is way, way better than the day hike as it adds so much to the hiking experience. I will be ready to do it again tomorrow.