Miles has been travelling to Peru since 1999, originally as a tour leader and more recently as the founder of PeruNorth, a leading specialist in Peru trekking tours to lesser-known locations. Over the years, his expert knowledge has been employed by various guidebooks, including National Geographic Traveller: Peru, DK Eyewitness, Footprint: South America Handbook and Viva Peru!
- Duration: Five to six hours
- Difficulty: Mild
If you fancy a day of less strenuous walking, the Llanganuco Lakes hike may be a good option. I usually recommend it as an acclimatisation hike prior to a longer trek. The vehicle does the hard work, dropping you at Portachuelo Pass (4,780 m / 15,682 ft) where you have magnificent views of the high peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, such as Huandoy, Huascaran, Chopicalqui and Chacraraju. From here you descend the way you have come, into the Llanganuco Valley, past Lakes Orconcocha and Chinancocha, and onto Maria Josefa Trail.
This trail takes its name from a local legend: the María Josefa in question was a beautiful local girl who caught the eye of a rich landowner. She rejected his repeated advances, and finally decided to run away over the Cordillera Blanca, where he couldn’t find her. Unfortunately, as she was making her escape, the landowner caught up with her at Llanganuco Lakes. Once again she turned him down, and in a fit of rage, he stabbed her and left her to die. A heartwarming story of gender violence.
PeruNorth
Boutique trips to Peru's lesser-visited corners
At a glance
Destinations
Cordillera Blanca
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel, Slow TravelPhysical Level
MildSeason
May - SeptemberDuration
1 dayRelated Guides
-
Llanganuco Lakes day hike
...