Hike to lagoon Yuraccocha

The side trip to the Yuraccocha Lagoon begins at the tourist signpost at a place called Wishcash (4,428 m above sea level) just above a nice view of the canyon. It is important to take into account that it is basically a half-day trip, because in one direction it is 7km, so a total of 14km at high altitude. The road from the bottom climbs only really slowly. It is ideal to hide a backpack somewhere between large boulders, so that one does not have to lug the whole route with it. Looking back you can see the peaks of the Milluacocha massif.

You finally ascend to the outlook pass (4620 m asl), from where it is possible to beautifully see the entire three peak massif of Santa Cruz (see the introductory photo in the photoreport). You can also see that the destination is still far away.

Outside the massive pyramid of Nevado Santa Cruz is nice and neighboring peak Norte.

From the pass journey continues for about 5 km through small ridges above the valley still around 4,650 meters above sea level. Then follows an unpleasant descent of one hundred vertical meters to the river vytékající z morény pod lagunou Yuraccocha.

From the foot of the moraine follows the final hundred-meter climb to the lagoon.

Lagoon is beautiful and the surrounding couloir of Navada Santa Cruz complements this beautiful high mountain atmosphere. The only annoying thing is the lots of bloodsucking horseflies. It is also necessary to pay attention to the weather, which can spoil very quickly here even in the „dry“ season. You must go back the same way.