Lake Churup

Join us for a day hike to one of the most beautiful high alpine lakes in the Ancash region, Lake Churup. We begin from Huaraz, with a drive on an unpaved road to Pitec, where we will park and continue on foot. Along the way, we will pass the verdant farmlands and adobe homes of the Quechua-speaking people of Unchus and Llupa. We’ll observe local villagers in their colorful traditional dress going about their daily tasks. 

Once at Pitec, we’ll start out along the ridge trail, passing through amazing breathtaking scenery including the snow-capped peaks of the central Cordillera Blanca, the highest glacial mountain range in the tropics. We will pass through a Quenual Forest, with Polyepis trees comprising the majority of flora. These Quenual woodlands, consisting of tree and shrub species in the Rose family (Rosaceae), are among the world’s highest altitude forests. 

The last stretch of the hike to reach the lake requires a bit of climbing as you navigate a steep but short incline using ropes, on the other side of which we will be greeted with the sight of serene Lake Churup at 4,450m. (15,000ft.) of elevation. Here, we will appreciate, always in the company of our professional guide, a lagoon of picturesque colors (especially green and turquoise) under high snow-capped mountains such as the Churup snow-capped mountain. Of course we will have time to take spectacular photos, rest, enjoy our box lunch and answer any questions with the professional guide.

After enjoying these gorgeous natural surroundings, we will hike back to Pitec.

Our private car will return us to Huaraz after a memorable day surrounded by natural beauty.