The tour begins in the Llaca Valley, from where you hike to the base of the glacier that descends from Mount Ranrapalca (6162 m), an accessible option for a day hike. The Llaca Valley is a narrow valley with impressive rock faces, popular for climbing practice by Peruvian mountain guides. The tour begins with a 1 hour and 20 minute drive to the guide’s hut, where you take a short hike to a viewpoint overlooking the glacial lake of Ranrapalca.
Tour Option: From the refuge, there is a 10-minute walk to the viewpoint to see the glacier that descends to the lake. Optionally, you can go around the lake.
Hiking Option: After passing the national park control, you drive up to 4200 m and start the hike along the Llaca River, passing by flowers and quenual trees. After a 30-minute climb along a zigzagging path, you reach the top of the moraine with views of the glacier and the lake. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip.
For both options, we return to the refuge where the vehicle will be waiting to return to Huaraz through the Cojup Valley, passing through the towns of Llupa and Unchus.
