Lake Churup

Hike to the stunning Lake Churup at 4,450 m: seven-colored waters, rocky canyons and the perfect dose of adventure for acclimatization.

BasicDemand: Medium

Duration

1 day

Max altitude

4,450 m

Season

Apr-Dec

Duration

1 day

Max altitude

4,450 m

Hiking

From Huaraz

1 h

Season

Apr-Dec

They say Lake Churup is the mirror of the sky, where the Apus measure your heart.

Ready for one of the most fun and photogenic hikes in the Cordillera Blanca? Lake Churup, affectionately nicknamed 'the lake of seven colors' for its dazzling emerald and turquoise hues, sits at 4,450 m a.s.l. right at the foot of the imposing Mount Churup. Its proximity to Huaraz makes it the ideal adventure for anyone seeking dreamlike high-mountain scenery without long drives.

Departing from the trailhead at Pitec, the trail offers a wonderfully varied and rewarding ascent. You will climb scenic ridgelines with sweeping views across the Cordillera Negra before reaching the famous rocky scramble equipped with fixed metal cables. This playful hands-on section adds an exhilarating touch of adventure suitable for active hikers, leading directly to the stunning glacial amphitheater that cradles the lake.

Widely considered the quintessential acclimatization trek before taking on multi day expeditions like Santa Cruz or Huayhuash, Lake Churup delivers pure mountain magic. With our certified local guides ensuring safety and a comfortable pace, you'll enjoy a seamless day packed with adventure, peace, and unforgettable views.

Lake Churup at 4,450 m with vibrant multi-hued waters

Exhilarating rock scramble section with fixed cables and ropes

Premier acclimatization day hike just 1 hour from Huaraz

Front-row views of glaciated Mount Churup (5,493 m)

Itinerary

1 day · 5h hiking · no overnight

Day 1

Huaraz - Pitec - Lake Churup - Pitec - Huaraz

Departure at 6:30 AM from Huaraz to Pitec (3,850 m), the checkpoint for Huascarán National Park. We begin hiking up stone steps and ridges to the cable-assisted rock section. Arrival at Lake Churup (4,450 m) to rest, take photos, and have lunch before the glacier. A 2-hour descent brings us back to Pitec for return transport to Huaraz by ~3:00 PM.

3,100 → 4,450 → 3,100 m5 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Shared round-trip tourist transportation from Huaraz (pick-up at central lodging).

Certified official hiking / tour guide (bilingual Spanish/English).

Assistance and safety guidance across the rock and cable section.

Medical oxygen tank and pulse oximeter.

Complete first aid kit.

Not included

Huascarán National Park entrance fee (S/. 30 foreigners / S/. 12 Peruvians per day).

Meals (breakfast and lunch / box lunch).

Trekking poles (available for rent).

Personal travel and medical insurance.

Small daypack (20 to 30 L).

Hiking boots or trail running shoes with reliable grip (essential for the rocks).

Layered clothing: breathable base layer, fleece jacket, and windproof/waterproof jacket.

Gloves with good grip (useful for holding the cold metal cables on the scramble).

Warm beanie and sun hat or baseball cap.

Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and UV lip balm.

Sunglasses with 100% UV protection, category 3 recommended.

Energy box lunch: sandwiches, nuts, energy bars, and fruit.

Trekking poles (recommended for the steep trail sections).

Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (at least 1.5 to 2 liters).

Cash in local currency (soles) for the Huascarán National Park entrance fee.

Tips for the guide and driver.

Recommendations

Acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Huaraz (3,050 m) before tours that ascend above 4,500 m.
Get a good night's sleep before and eat light meals: easily digestible foods the day before and the day of the tour.
Altitude sickness medication: consult your doctor before your trip. Acetazolamide requires a prescription, should be started the day before, and is ineffective if you already have symptoms.
Travel with insurance that covers mountain activities and rescue.
Do not drink alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude.
Drink water constantly, without forcing yourself: drinking too much does not prevent altitude sickness.
Inform your guide if you experience a severe headache, nausea, or dizziness. The rule is not to continue ascending if you have these symptoms.
Bring water (2 liters) and water purification tablets if you plan to drink from streams. There is livestock in the area, and these tablets are sold in pharmacies in Huaraz.
Bring energy snacks.
Bring sunscreen with SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat: the radiation at high altitude is very strong.
Bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear, even during the dry season.
Bring a personal first-aid kit with your usual medications.
Bring your passport (there is a checkpoint at Huascarán National Park).