Laguna Churup, Huaraz
Peru
Distance: 9.5 km
Ascent: 887 m
Descent: 887 m
A one-hour journey in a crowded colectivo (25 people in a 12-seat van) was a not-so-fun way to travel to Pitec, the starting point for several self-guided treks. I presumed that the 3 km hike from here to Laguna Churup wouldn't take too long, but once again I underestimated the effects of altitude on a steep incline. The first 2 km weren't so bad, with a well-defined set of tall, gravel steps taking us higher and higher. It was slow going but not technically difficult.
The final kilometre wasn't so kind. There was a choice of 2 routes: the steeper path or the longer path. We chose steeper. This consisted of near vertical rock faces, with ropes and rungs bolted into the mountain so we could pull ourselves up. I really enjoyed this part.
Laguna Churup, at 4,450 m, was definitely worth the effort. It is also known as the Lake of Seven Colours, and the crystal clear water sparkled with various shades of blue and green. Craggy mountains closed in around us, and a small glacier sat off to one side. Where the trail met the lake were gigantic boulders, which we spent a long time clambering over to glimpse every possible angle. Each was just as mesmerising as the last.
One kilometre further away was Laguna Churupita, sitting right below the glacier at 4,600 metres. The path commenced gently but then veered straight up a wall of rocks that severely strained our lungs. The lake was tiny and wasn't much to look at, and neither was the grey-tinged glacier in the background. We didn't stay long before returning to the main attraction.
From Laguna Churup, we chose to take the longer path back down to the start point. This first involved climbing up to a mirador (another spectacular spot for photos) before making a ropeless and rungless descent along a slippery gravel trail. The final kilometre on the tall stairs tested our tired legs, and we were glad when we finally reached the colectivo waiting at the bottom. Looking back weeks later, Danny and I both agreed that Laguna Churup was our favourite and most memorable day hike around Huaraz.
