Wilcacocha has an incredible view of the Cordillera Blanca. The lake itself is small and full of weeds, reeds and birds. Don’t expect any glacial coloring, but you will likely see Silvery Grebes, Puna Ibis and Ruddy Ducks.

If you’re new to altitude, this is a great walk to get you started. The trail cuts uphill past cultivated fields and small herds of sheep. If you want to walk but not up a steep trail, you can walk up the road. It’s a dirt road, so expect it to be dusty in the dry season and muddy in the wet season.

This is one of the few hikes that’s not in the Huascarán National Park, which means you don’t have to pay any entrance fee.

Practicalities

Take the A or 10 colectivo from Huaraz to Santa Cruz. It should cost s/5. From the Santa Cruz bridge, you can walk or wait for a taxi or local colectivo up to the lake.