This postcard pastel-blue lake (4200m), 25km east of Caraz, is surrounded by spectacular snow-covered peaks, of which Pirámide de Garcilaso (5885m), at the end of the lake, looks particularly brilliant. The challenging rock-climbing wall of Torre de Parón, known as the Sphinx , is also found here. The road to the lake goes through a canyon with 1000m-high granite walls – this drive is as spectacular as the better-known Llanganuco trip.
Fit and acclimatized hikers can trek to the lake in one long day, but it’s easier to catch local transport to Pueblo Parón and hike the remaining four hours up to the lake. If you go on your own, be aware that you cannot circumnavigate the lake. The north shore is fine, but there is a very dangerous section on the south shore that is impassable due to potential falls up to 100m where the trail briefly disappears in favor of an unmarked section where slippery vegetation grows flush against the mountain surface. Two foreigners have attempted – and two have died.
A private taxi from Caraz right to the lakeshore runs from S120 return with two hours wait time – each additional hour will cost around S10.
