Lake Conococha
Lake High-Andean lake near the Santa River source
A high‑altitude lake in Peru’s Ancash region at the headwaters of the Santa River. Hikers and mountain travelers use it as a staging point for Andean treks and to study glacial runoff.
Lake Conococha is a high-altitude lake in the Department of Ancash, Peru, at approximately 10.12792°S, 77.28046°W. It is located in the Andean highlands and is recorded as a lake near the headwaters of an important regional river system.
The lake occupies a mountain basin at high elevation and is noted on regional maps as lying close to the source area of the Santa River, which flows toward the Pacific. Road access and nearby Andean passes make it a waypoint on highland routes.
Lake Conococha is a natural highland lake; its existence and elevation are parts of the Andean hydrological landscape rather than the result of recent construction. It has long been part of local watershed geography.
The lake lies in Ancash in the Peruvian Andes at the coordinates given, at high elevation and within the mountain landscape north of major coastal cities of Peru.
- High-altitude headwaters: Sits at high Andean altitude, around 4,020 meters above sea level, and lies near the headwaters of the Santa River.
How to Get to Lake Conococha #
From Huaraz (the usual base for visiting Ancash), Lake Conococha is accessible by a full-day road trip east along the main highland route (Ruta 3S) that crosses the high passes toward the Huaylas valley. Private car or colectivo minibuses travel the route; a local bus from Huaraz toward Recuay or the Conococha pass is the slow, cheaper option. Roads are high and can be subject to closures in heavy weather, so check local conditions in Recuay or Huaraz before departing.
Tips for Visiting Lake Conococha #
- Go at dawn for the light on the Cordillera Blanca reflected in the water; afternoon winds often whip the surface into choppy waves.
- Hire a local guide in the nearby village (Conococha/Recuay area) if planning to walk the peatlands - they know which tracks avoid the soggy stretches.
- Bring warm layers: the lake sits above 4,000 m and temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
Best Time to Visit Lake Conococha #
Best visited in the dry months for clear mountain views; weather is alpine and can be freezing at night.
Weather & Climate near Lake Conococha #
Lake Conococha's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -5°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (554 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (137 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -4°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -4°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
