Ayacucho: Tour to Esmeralda or Verdecocha Lagoon

Ayacucho’s breathtaking lagoons draw adventurers seeking an unforgettable experience. This 11-hour tour takes visitors to either the Esmeralda or Verdecocha Lagoon, both nestled high in the Andes. Trekkers can admire the serene glacial waters and try their hand at paddleboarding. Beyond the lake, the excursion explores historic sites and the charming city of Huanta. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this all-inclusive package promises an immersive journey through Peru’s natural wonders.

Good To Know

• The tour explores either Laguna Esmeralda or Verdecocha Lagoon near Ayacucho, Peru, with a duration of 11 hours and a maximum of 10 participants.
• The tour includes a Spanish-speaking guide, round-trip transportation, safety equipment, and a first aid kit, but excludes lunch and extra expenses.
• The main activities are a 25-minute trek to Laguna Esmeralda, a boat ride on the lagoon, and optional paddleboarding, along with visits to Uchuraccay Sanctuary and Huanta.
• The tour operates during the best season from May to December, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• The meeting point is at Portal Constitución n° 9 interior 1, Plaza de Armas Ayacucho, which is accessible via Google Maps.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Laguna Esmeralda or Verdecocha Lagoon near Ayacucho.

Visitors can explore the breathtaking Laguna Esmeralda or Verdecocha Lagoon near Ayacucho.

The 11-hour excursion is priced from $59 per person and is limited to 10 participants. A Spanish-speaking guide will lead the group.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, safety equipment, and a first aid kit.

Highlights include a 25-minute trek to the 4,300-meter-high lagoon, a boat ride, and paddleboarding.

Travelers should bring water and beachwear.

The best season to visit is May to December, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary

Participants meet at 6:00 am in Ayacucho’s Main Square (Portal Constitución N° 9, in front of the Cathedral) before enjoying a breakfast in Huanta around 7:20 am (not included).

The tour then departs for a 25-minute trek to Laguna Esmeralda Verdeccocha at 4,300 meters above sea level, arriving around 11:00 am.

After exploring the lagoon, the group returns, stopping at the Sanctuary of Uchuraccay.

The final visit is to the White Christ and a small city tour in Huanta before heading back to Huamanga, arriving around 6:00 pm to conclude the 11-hour adventure.

• Trekking to Laguna Esmeralda

• Boat ride on the lagoon

• Paddleboarding

• Visit to Sanctuary of Uchuraccay and Huanta

Activities

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities during the tour. The main activity is trekking to Laguna Esmeralda, a stunning glacial lake nestled at an altitude of 4,300 meters.

Participants will have the opportunity to take a boat ride on the serene waters of the lagoon. For the more adventurous, paddleboarding is available.

Along the way, the tour also includes a stop at the Sanctuary of Uchuraccay, a historic site.

Plus, the itinerary features a visit to the White Christ and a short city tour in Huanta, providing a well-rounded experience for the participants.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional tour guide, and safety equipment as well as a first aid kit.

However, the following items are excluded from the tour:

• Lunch

• Tickets

• Extra expenses

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or visually impaired individuals.

Travelers are advised to bring water and beachwear, as the best season to visit is from May to December.

The meeting point is at Portal Constitución n° 9 interior 1, Plaza de Armas Ayacucho.

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Important Information

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or visually impaired individuals. Participants should bring water and beachwear, as the best season to visit is from May to December.

The meeting point is at the Portal Constitución n° 9 interior 1, Plaza de Armas Ayacucho, which can be accessed via Google Maps.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the tour is located at the Portal Constitución n° 9 interior 1, Plaza de Armas Ayacucho, which can be easily accessed via Google Maps.

This convenient location provides:

• Ample space for the group to gather before the tour

• Proximity to the Ayacucho Main Square for easy orientation

• Visibility and accessibility for participants to find the meeting point

• A central and well-known landmark in the city of Ayacucho

Participants are advised to arrive at the meeting point on time to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

Breakfast in Huanta

After departing Ayacucho, the tour makes a stop in Huanta for breakfast, which isn’t included in the tour price.

Participants can enjoy a local meal at one of the town’s restaurants or cafes. The breakfast stop provides a chance to fuel up before the trek to the stunning Laguna Esmeralda or Verdecocha Lagoon.

Savor Peruvian cuisine and recharge for the trek to stunning mountain lagoons at the breakfast stop in Huanta.

Travelers can savor Peruvian cuisine and soak in the unique atmosphere of Huanta before continuing the day’s adventure.

This brief respite allows the group to recharge their energy levels for the upcoming hike and exploration of the beautiful mountain lagoons.

Visit to Uchuraccay Sanctuary and Huanta

After the trek to the lagoon, the group returns, making a stop at the Sanctuary of Uchuraccay. This sacred site holds historical significance, as it was the scene of a tragic event in the 1980s.

The tour guide provides insights into the site’s cultural and religious importance. The group then heads to Huanta, where they:

• Visit the White Christ, a prominent landmark

• Explore the small city, taking in the local sights and atmosphere

• Have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and local crafts

• Gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history and traditions

The tour concludes with the return to Huamanga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an extended duration option. The standard tour is 11 hours long and includes the key highlights. Extending the tour may be possible for an additional fee, but this isn’t a listed option.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Fit Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour provider can likely customize the itinerary to fit your preferences, such as adding or removing activities, adjusting timings, or focusing on specific areas of interest. It’s best to discuss your requests directly with the tour operator.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, there are discounts available for group bookings. The tour operator offers a 10% discount for groups of 4 or more participants, making it a more affordable option for larger parties.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package excludes lunch, so bringing a packed meal is recommended to enjoy during the trek or on the boat ride.

Is There an Option to Book the Tour in English?

The tour itinerary is provided in Spanish, but there’s no mention of an English-speaking option. Travelers interested in an English tour guide should inquire with the tour operator for availability and pricing.

The Sum Up

This stunning tour of Laguna Esmeralda or Verdecocha Lagoon near Ayacucho offers an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a serene boat ride, thrilling paddleboarding, and visits to historic sites. The 11-hour excursion includes round-trip transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, and safety equipment, all for $59 per person. Don’t forget to bring water and beachwear for this incredible adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: