Lake Churup is located a few kilometers from Huaraz, at an altitude of 4,450 meters above sea level. This beautiful lake presents a turquoise-colored cold water. It is one of the most visited by tourists.
First option.-To arrive at Lake Churup, we usually leave at about 7-8 AM in a car. It is about 40 minutes to Pitec and following that we begin to climb for about three hours, appreciating on the way a valley full of bushes and little waterfalls. At te same time we can see the beautiful snowy peak of Churup, with an altitude of 5,495 meters, whose majesty is always reflected in the crystalline waters of the lake. Afer 40 minutes at the lake, we return to the starting point of the walk where the car awaits us, and we return for about 40 minutes to Huaraz.
Second Option.-
The walk to Churup takes place in one day. It’s not as easy as it seems. It is better to leave early, more or less at 6 AM. We take a colectivo from Huaraz to Unchus and then we arrive and walk up a fairly easy path tranquilly, with the ability to relax. It is about 1 and a half hours to Pitec and we continue the walk for 3 more hours until Lake Churup. One must take into account the fact that there are slippery parts, or that one can roll one’s ankles on the hazardous yet attractive path. So if you have boots, it is much better. There are some parts that are even climbing rock, but it is accessible. Continuing we see the change of altitude and surrounding vegetation. Next we return to Llupa which is about 3 hours. From this place we can catch the colectivo to Huaraz.
Time Walking: 3.5 hours uphill, downhill, 2 hours
Duration: 1 day
Distance: 19 km there and back
Altitude: 4,450 meters above sea level
Season: all year
