Some are immersed in the mountains and others are surrounded by the infinite coastal dunes. Regardless of location, each of these lagoons form part of the unparalleled beauty of the landscape.

If we are talking about countries rich in natural wonders, Peru has much to add on a Latin American level. Machu Picchu, the Amazon, the northern beaches and Lake Titicaca could be defined as some of the most iconic and beautiful landscapes  in the country; but between coast, mountains and jungle, there is much more to discover. 

Little by little new tourist attractions have opened and the lagoons have become one of the most popular places to visit in Peru during 2020. Because of this, at Let’s Visit Peru, we have made a collection of the most incredible lagoons in the country, so you are motivated to visit them this year. 

With emerald and turquoise tones, tucked between beautiful snowy mountains, these are only five of the most astonishing in the country. Are you ready to discover them? 

Humantay Lagoon

If you are planning on visiting Cusco, leave an extra day for this unmissable panorama that you can do all year round. Located only two hours from the city, you will find the trekking route that will bring you to the Humantay Lagoon, a paradise of turquoise waters of the ice melt from the mountains, which form the most spectacular natural backdrop.

This medium intensity hike begins in Soraypampa village, on the way to its base camp located at 3.900 msnm. From there you will take a route with a duration of between one and two hours to ascend 200 meters that separate you from the lagoon. Once you arrive you can relax and enjoy the impressive views of the place, flanked by the snowy mountains of Humantay and Salkantay. 

Lagoon 69

In the middle of the Huascarán national park you will find the Lagoon 69. Why such a curious name? Basically, the number corresponds to the list of the lagoons in the White Mountains, a mountain chain immersed within the Peruvian Andes. 

Whichever trekking goes to this place all begin in the city Huaraz. From there you will be led to the Llanganuco lagoon, making a few stops along the way to acclimatize to the altitude, which passes 4.000 at its final point. You will arrive there after hiking for 3 hours, on the way to a turquoise lagoon that contrasts the gray tones of the surrounding mountains, and mostly the white of its snowy peaks. 

Parón and Artesoncocha Lagoons 

The same as the lagoon 69, Paron and Artesoncocha are located within the Huascarán National Park. If you look at both on a map they appear to be close to each other; the most convenient way to arrive is to take the trail starting in the city of Caraz, which is less than two hours from Huaraz. 

In total, the trekking has a duration of three hours per section, and it is recommended to do it slowly due to the altitude. The trail passes by a ravine where you can see a lot of vegetation, giant mountains and waterfalls, until arriving at the Paron lagoon, located at 4.200 msnm. Only 100 meters further you can see  Artesoncocha, which is smaller but still very beautiful. 

Turquoise waters of Millpu

Only 120 kilometers from Ayacucho you will find Circamarca, the village where you should begin your journey if you want to visit the famous turquoise waters of Millpu. From there you will only have to walk half an hour until you arrive at the spectacular natural pools that perhaps will remind you of the hot springs in Pamukkale, Turkey. 

Once you are there you will not believe what you see: 20 pools of turquoise and green water from the river. In a natural way the earth formed stairs, giving way to these incredible deep pools, located in the middle of immense stone canyons.

Huacachina Lagoon

In the middle of the Ica desert, almost as a vision, a small town appears surrounded by palm trees and dunes. It is the Huacachina oasis, with the lagoon as the protagonist, it was formed many years ago by the rising of groundwater that became a natural pool rich in minerals, believed to have healing properties. 

In 1960 Huacachina became exclusively a resort, where it possible to find hotels, restaurants, and gift shops. In addition, surrounding the lagoon a boardwalk was built and it is also possible to take a ride on small boats.