Tour Details For Lake Pastoruri Tour - Full Day

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the majestic Pastoruri Glacier, a testament to nature’s grandeur and the impacts of climate change. This full-day adventure offers breathtaking landscapes, unique flora, and a glimpse into the Andean highlands’ rich cultural tapestry.

Departure & Return Location

Huaraz, Peru

Departure Time

Monday to Sunday: 08:30 AM – 09:00 AM

Duration

Full Day

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Highest Altitude

5000 m or 16404 ft

Places Visited

Recuay, Ticapampa, and Catac towns, Patococha Lagoon, Pumapampa (Seven Colors Lake), Puya Raimondi forest, Ancient cave paintings, Pastoruri Glacier

Price Includes

Official English-speaking guide
Entrance fees to attractions
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Round-trip transportation
Personalized attention

Price Excludes

Lunch
Travel Insurance
Unspecified Services

Pastoruri Glacier

Additional Tour Information

Pricing is based on two people. Single occupancy is another price.
Please ask us about special group discounts if travelling with 5 or more people.
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking
Tour does not have fixed departures, you can choose your own start date
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
If you are a senior or traveling with small children please ask us about our private tours.
Peak season surcharges may apply during Peruvian holidays.

Cancellation Policy

As the Industry leader in customer service we provide you with the flexibility to change your travel plans – with the assurance that you’ll have options to re-book when it suits you. As long as you notify us about changes to your travel plans at least 24 hours* before your scheduled departure, you can pick new travel dates or an entirely different trip, with no change fees. We offer:

Flexible Payments
Partial Deposits
No Change Fees*
Secure Online Payment
Guaranteed Departures

View our updated Terms and Conditions here

*Domestic/International Airlines may have their own fees. Day tours can be cancelled for a full refund at least 24 hours before tour start time. Multi day tours, treks and tour packages need to be cancelled at least 40 days before departure for full refund.

Please take the time to review all Covid-19 Travel Information before booking.

Pastoruri Peru Tour - Itinerary

Start of Adventure:
Your day begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Huaraz between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. As we depart, we head south along the scenic Callejón de Huaylas, a lush valley framed by the towering Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra mountain ranges.

First Scenic Stops:
We’ll drive through the charming highland towns of Recuay, Ticapampa, and Catac, giving you a glimpse into traditional Andean life. As we gain altitude, the landscape changes dramatically—from rolling farmland to rocky alpine vistas.

Pachacoto and Patococha Lagoon:
We make a stop at Patococha Lagoon, a tranquil mountain lake often visited by native Andean ducks and birds. Here, you can breathe in the fresh, crisp air and begin to acclimate to the elevation.

Pumapampa (Seven Colors Spring):
Next, we visit Pumapampa, also known as the Seven Colors Spring, a magical spot where minerals in the water reflect brilliant hues depending on the sunlight. It’s a wonderful photo opportunity and a peaceful moment to appreciate the uniqueness of this natural phenomenon.

Puya Raimondi Forest:
As we ascend further, we’ll stop at the remarkable Puya Raimondi forest, home to the world’s tallest bromeliad. These towering plants can grow up to 12 meters and live for over 100 years before blooming once and dying. This rare sight is exclusive to the high Andes and a symbol of the region’s biodiversity.

Ancient Cave Paintings:
Before reaching our main destination, we pause to observe prehistoric cave paintings, giving us a fascinating look into the art and symbols used by ancient Andean civilizations.

Pastoruri Glacier

Pastoruri Glacier Hike:
Around 4,900 meters (16,076 ft), we arrive at the parking area where we begin our trek. The hike to Pastoruri Glacier takes approximately 45 minutes, winding through breathtaking high-altitude terrain. If you’re not up for the hike, horse rentals are available locally for an additional cost.

At the glacier—once a popular ski destination and now a powerful example of climate change—you’ll find ice caves, lagoon pools, and floating glacier chunks. The scenery is surreal, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and pure mountain silence. It’s a moment of wonder, reflection, and awe.

Return Journey:
After spending time at the glacier, we begin our descent back to the parking lot and reboard the vehicle. En route to Huaraz, we’ll stop for lunch (not included in the tour) at a local eatery in Catac or nearby, where you can try traditional highland dishes.

Arrival in Huaraz:
You’ll return to your hotel in Huaraz around 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM, filled with memories of glaciers, mountain legends, and natural wonders seen only in the heart of the Andes.