Exploring the Peaks of Peru: A Journey to Huascaran National Park

A Turquoise Revelation

Today was a day of intense physical challenge, but the reward was beyond anything I could have imagined. The destination? The famed Lake 69, nestled high in the Huascaran National Park. It promised turquoise waters and stunning mountain views, and oh, did it deliver!


Explore Lake 69, a breathtaking alpine gem in the Peruvian Andes, known for its stunning turquoise waters and unforgettable hiking trails.

The morning started early, as most adventures in the mountains do. Jean-Pierre and I grabbed a quick breakfast at Cafe Andino. The coffee was strong, the pastries were fresh, and the anticipation was palpable. Fuelled and ready, we set off for the trailhead. The drive itself was a feast for the eyes, with the Cordillera Blanca looming in the distance, their snow-capped peaks piercing the clear morning sky.


Experience the authentic flavors of Peru at Café Andino in Huaraz – where great food meets cozy ambiance.

The hike began innocently enough, a gentle incline through a valley dotted with wildflowers. I couldn't help but pause every few steps to photograph the vibrant blossoms, each one a tiny masterpiece of nature. Jean-Pierre, ever the patient husband, chuckled at my enthusiasm, reminding me that the real prize was still ahead.

As we ascended, the trail grew steeper, the air thinner. My lungs burned, my legs ached, and I began to question my life choices. Why did I think this was a good idea? But then, I would glance back at the ever-expanding panorama behind us, and the pain would momentarily fade. The valley stretched out like a green carpet, the mountains rising like ancient sentinels.

We passed fellow hikers, each one offering words of encouragement or a knowing smile. There was a sense of camaraderie among us, a shared understanding of the challenge and the reward that awaited. It's moments like these that remind me why I love to travel – the connections you make with people from all walks of life, united by a common goal.

Around midday, we stopped for lunch at Chilli Heaven. I had packed a simple lunch of sandwiches and fruit, but the view was the main course. We sat on a rock overlooking a cascading waterfall, the roar of the water a soothing soundtrack to our meal. I closed my eyes for a moment, breathing in the crisp mountain air, feeling grateful for this incredible experience.


Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic Indian cuisine at Chilli Heaven in Huaraz – a culinary haven for food lovers.

The final ascent was the most brutal. The trail became a series of switchbacks, each one seemingly steeper than the last. My legs felt like lead, my breath came in ragged gasps, and I started to doubt whether I could make it. Jean-Pierre, bless his heart, stayed by my side, offering words of encouragement and a steady hand to help me over the rocky sections.

And then, finally, we reached the top. And there it was. Lake 69. I gasped. It was even more breathtaking than the photos I had seen. The water was an unbelievable shade of turquoise, so vibrant it almost seemed unreal. Towering above the lake was a glacier, its icy blue face reflecting in the still water. It was a scene of such stunning beauty that it brought tears to my eyes.

Sometimes, the most challenging journeys lead to the most unforgettable destinations.

We spent a long time simply sitting by the lake, soaking in the view. I took countless photos, trying to capture the magic of the moment, but I knew that no image could ever truly do it justice. It was something you had to experience for yourself.

As I sat there, I thought about my life back in Montreal. The comfortable routine, the familiar streets, the predictable days. And I wondered why I felt the need to leave all that behind and embark on these challenging adventures. Was it simply a desire to see new places? Or was it something more?

I think it's the latter. I think I travel because I need to be challenged, to be pushed beyond my comfort zone, to discover what I'm truly capable of. And I think I travel because I need to be reminded of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world, the things that are so easy to forget in the midst of our busy lives.

The descent was almost as challenging as the ascent, but we were buoyed by the memory of the lake. We made our way down slowly and carefully, stopping frequently to admire the views and catch our breath.

Back in Huaraz, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved dinner at Trivio Resto Bar. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was lively, and we were both exhausted but exhilarated. As I sipped my pisco sour, I couldn't help but smile. Today had been a day of sweat, tears, and breathtaking beauty. It was a day I would never forget.


Discover the vibrant flavors of Peru at Trivio Resto Bar in Huaraz, where exceptional cuisine meets a lively atmosphere.

Before heading back to our accommodation, we stopped by Hecho con Amor, a local shop, to pick up a few souvenirs. I found a beautiful hand-woven scarf, the colors reminiscent of the turquoise waters of Lake 69. It will be a perfect reminder of this incredible day.


Discover the charm of Carhuaz at Hecho con Amor, where unique local crafts and colorful novelties come together in a delightful shopping experience.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Glaciar Pastoruri. I'm excited to see another of Huascaran National Park's natural wonders. I am hoping my legs recover overnight!

As I write this, I'm sitting in our room, my legs aching, my skin sun-kissed, my heart full. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to explore this beautiful country, to challenge myself, and to share my experiences with you. I hope my words have inspired you to embark on your own adventures, to seek out the beauty and wonder that exists in the world, and to never be afraid to push yourself beyond your limits.

And if you ever find yourself in Huascaran National Park, don't miss the chance to hike to Lake 69. It's a challenging journey, but the reward is more than worth it. Trust me.

I am so glad Jean-Pierre and I decided to come here together. Sharing these experiences with him makes them even more special.