The Laguna Churup hike climbs from Pitec (3,850 to 3,900 m) to a lake at 4,450 m (14,600 ft) below Churup peak, inside Huascarán National Park. We leave at 7:00 a.m. by private bus to Pitec; according to our program, it is about 3 hours of driving round trip and about 5 hours of hiking, 6 to 8 km with 600 to 660 m of elevation gain. The last section crosses a rock wall with fixed ropes. It is the classic acclimatization hike before Laguna 69.
- Duration
- Full day (about 8 h)
- Hike
- 5 h · 6 to 8 km
- Max. altitude
- 4,450 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Departs from
- Huaraz, 7:00 a.m. (private bus)
- Price
- Ask for price
Park rules and best season
Laguna Churup is inside Huascarán National Park: you need a park ticket (SERNANP, 2026: S/ 30 general one-day fee), you must stay on the marked trail and carry out all your trash.
SERNANP recommends visiting the park from May to October, in the dry season. From October to April it rains, mostly in the afternoon, and the wet rock on the final section gets more slippery.
Highlights
- A lake at 4,450 m below Churup peak (5,493 m).
- Views of Huaraz and of Cashan and Shaqsha peaks (SERNANP).
- A shorter day than Laguna 69: about 3 hours on the bus round trip and about 5 hours on foot.
- Test your acclimatization before Laguna 69: you reach almost the same altitude in half the distance.
Itinerary
- 7:00 a.m.Departure from Huaraz by private bus
We drive east toward Pitec on a mountain road.
- MorningStart in Pitec
The trail begins at about 3,900 m, with a steady climb and views of Huaraz.
- MorningRock wall
The last section is climbed with the help of fixed ropes, following the guide's directions.
- MiddayLaguna Churup
We reach the lake, at 4,450 m, below Churup peak. Time to rest, eat your packed lunch and take photos.
- AfternoonHike down and drive back
We return on the same trail to Pitec and take the bus back to Huaraz. End of the service.
Departure at 7:00 a.m. by private bus, according to our program: about 3 hours of driving round trip and about 5 hours of hiking. Other times are approximate.
What's included and not included
What's included
- Private bus Huaraz – Pitec – Huaraz
- Guide during the hike
Not included
- Huascarán National Park ticket (SERNANP, 2026): S/ 30 general one-day fee (S/ 12 for Peruvian adults)
- Meals: bring a packed lunch and snacks
What to bring
- Layers: thermal base layer, fleece and a waterproof jacket
- Warm hat, gloves and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- About 2 liters of water
- Packed lunch and snacks (nuts, chocolate)
- Hiking boots or shoes with good grip on rock
- Grippy gloves for the ropes (optional)
- Passport or ID
More information
How hard is the Churup hike?
The trail climbs from about 3,900 m to 4,450 m in just a few kilometers, so the grade is steady all the way. The hardest part is the end: a rock wall with fixed ropes that you scramble up using hands and feet. You need shoes with good grip and extra care if the rock is wet; the guide shows you where to go.
You will feel the altitude. Walk at your own pace, drink water at every stop and tell the guide if you have a strong headache, dizziness or shortness of breath: the right move is to go down.
| Section | Altitude | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Huaraz → Pitec (private bus, 7:00 a.m. departure) | 3,050 m to 3,850-3,900 m | about 1 h 30 min |
| Pitec → Laguna Churup → Pitec (on foot, round trip) | about 3,900 m to 4,450 m | about 5 h (6 to 8 km) |
| Pitec → Huaraz (private bus) | about 3,900 m to 3,050 m | about 1 h 30 min |
Departure time, driving time (3 h round trip) and hiking time (5 h): our program. Altitudes: Wikipedia; distance and elevation gain (600 to 660 m): average of published routes. Times depend on the group and the weather.
Churup or Laguna 69: which one first
Churup is the natural warm-up for Laguna 69: you reach a similar altitude in half the distance and are back in Huaraz earlier. If you feel good at Churup, that is a good sign for trying Laguna 69 one or two days later.
| Fact | Laguna Churup | Laguna 69 |
|---|---|---|
| Lake altitude | 4,450 m | about 4,600 m |
| Trailhead | Pitec (3,850-3,900 m) | Cebollapampa (about 3,900 m) |
| Round-trip distance | 6 to 8 km | 13 to 15 km |
| Elevation gain | 600 to 660 m | 700 to 750 m |
| Hiking time | about 5 h | 5 to 6 h |
| Departure from Huaraz | 7:00 a.m. | 6:00 a.m. |
| Hardest part | rock wall with fixed ropes | steep final switchbacks |
For a day-by-day plan, see our Huaraz acclimatization guide. For another acclimatization day with less hiking, consider Laguna Parón.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Laguna Churup?
4,450 m (14,600 ft). The hike starts in Pitec, at 3,850 to 3,900 m, so you gain 600 to 660 m.
How long is the hike?
About 5 hours round trip, according to our program, 6 to 8 km. Add about 3 hours of driving round trip from Huaraz: we leave at 7:00 a.m.
Is the Churup hike hard?
It is moderate: short, but with a steady climb and a rock wall with fixed ropes at the end. The altitude is what you feel most.
Is Churup a good acclimatization hike before Laguna 69?
Yes, it is the classic Huaraz acclimatization hike. We recommend doing it after at least one night in town and leaving one or two days before Laguna 69.
How much is the entrance fee?
Laguna Churup is inside Huascarán National Park. According to SERNANP (2026), a one-day ticket costs S/ 30 at the general rate (foreign visitors); children under 5 enter free.
When is the best time to go?
From May to October, in the dry season. In the rainy season, from October to April, you can still do the hike, but the rock on the final section is more slippery.
