Churup Lagoon: the 7-color lagoon in Ancash

The Churup Lagoon is located a few kilometers from Huaraz, in the Ancash region. This is included in the route to Llupa and Pitec, at a height of 4,450 meters above sea level. It is a beautiful turquoise lagoon with a cold temperature that is also one of the most visited and includes a popular trekking route. In order to get to the Churup lagoon, you must initially access it from the town of Pitec, and then continue the walk to where it is located. Near the lagoon you can see the beautiful snow-capped mountain that has the same name and that is part of the attraction of the Churup circuit, in whose water it is reflected. Those who are interested in doing the trekking route that takes them to Churup, have to bear in mind that in most of the programs of the tourism agencies the route is programmed for at least one day. This presents a beautiful ascent from Pitec, which is recommended to start early in the morning so that later there is no rush along the route, which could mean that the walk is not fully enjoyed, in addition to preventing possible accidents and giving the possibility of making stops so that walkers can rest. The route is one of the favorite trekking routes in the city of Ancash, in the same way, for those who are interested in the sport of mountain climbing, the snow-capped Churup is also interesting to practice. Although you should always have the necessary equipment and preparation. The first recommendation to visit the Churup Lagoon is that it should not be done without a company or a guide, since although the route is a pleasant route, it presents a degree of difficulty that goes from moderate to high in certain areas where it is necessary to climb, especially all in the areas where there are beautiful waterfalls. To be able to travel through these sectors it is important to have the necessary equipment, including special boots that prevent or reduce the risk of possible accidents, remember that there are many areas where it is easy to slip. There is the possibility of camping in the place, this is also recommended to be done in groups in addition to having the necessary resources to spend the night in the area. Staying overnight in Churup will give the visitor the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets that can be seen in the Cordillera Blanca. If you do not want to camp in the place, the descent of Churup must be done before sunset between 3 or 4 in the afternoon to avoid traveling through the place at night. Near the lagoon you can also go to other smaller ones that surround it and which are accessed by minor climbs. The route to Churup is a beautiful road where adventure sports such as trekking and mountain climbing are present for the most intrepid, but where you can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountain range and the tranquility of the snow-capped mountains.

The Churup Lagoon: a secret of Ancash

The city of Huaraz, in Ancash, is known for being one of the main tourist destinations in Peru for adventure tourism. It is the preferred place for travelers looking for a different experience next to nature. There are mountaineering options, sighting of Andean biodiversity, and other activities. Thus, among the favorite attractions is the famous Churup Lagoon, located at the foot of the snow-capped mountain of the same name. It is also known as "Laguna de los siete colores". Its waters are clean, icy and crystalline. When the sky is clear during the day, the sun's rays create a natural spectacle. The range of green and turquoise tones give it the seven colors by which it is known. The road to the Churup Lagoon is full of dreamlike landscapes. On the way you can see the mountains of Shaqsha and Cashan. These present beautiful waterfalls adorned by giant rock walls.

How to get?

From Lima to the city of Huaraz, the bus ticket costs 60 soles. The journey takes 8 hours on average. When you arrive, check which tourist agency offers you the best services. You will need a full day tour to do the trekking route to the lagoon.

Trekking to the Churup Lagoon

It is one of the most important in Huaraz and is among those preferred by travelers. If you are going to do it on holidays, such as Easter, National Holidays or during the end of the year activities, try to book a tour days or weeks in advance. The tour lasts at least one day (the walk can last four hours one way and four hours back). We recommend that you first visit the historical attractions in the city of Huaraz, in order to acclimatize. The Churup Lagoon is located at 4,450 meters above sea level and the difficulty of the journey there is moderate, so previous experience in trekking routes will help you. The road begins in the town of Pitec, which you can get to by bus or private mobility from the tourist agency from the city of Huaraz. From this town we leave first thing in the morning (almost at dawn) so that there are no time problems on the way. Remember that the walk is not easy and that to enjoy the landscapes more and without physical impediments it is better to take your time. The route is full of rock formations, so you have to be very careful not to slip and for this you also need the correct footwear. Almost the entire walk is done through the Quebrada de Churup, as is the return journey.

A natural paradise

Once in the Churup snow-capped mountain, it is possible to do mountaineering, always accompanied by an expert guide in this practice. The agency in charge will provide you with the necessary equipment and implements. Remember that there is also another route that lasts two days (spending the night in the middle of nature before returning) for those who want to enjoy one of the best sunsets in the mountains of Peru. There are authorized areas to set up a camp and spend the night in the sector. If you choose the route to last two days, you will have greater opportunities to enjoy other landscapes with more time, in addition to the fact that the sunrise and sunset near the lagoon are unbeatable.

Huascaran National Park

The Churup Lagoon is located within this protected area. The Huascarán National Park is considered a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It covers part of the Cordillera Blanca and the Callejón de Huaylas, with snow-capped peaks that exceed 6,000 meters in height. There it is possible to observe more than 10 species of mammals and 120 of birds. Among them, the torrent duck, the slang duck, the Andean gull, the Andean condor, the puna partridge, the vicuña, the spectacled bear, the gray deer and the puma stand out. There are several rock formations along the way, which can be climbed if you choose. For this you need experience in this activity and follow all the instructions of your guide. So you can reach the beautiful waterfalls that will add to your adventure.

Travel Tips

Be wary of independent people who will offer you the tour guide service. It is important that you go to an agency duly authorized for this purpose, which will have a professional and highly trained guide. Before taking the tour, keep in mind that you must register at the Sernanp offices or at the control booths in the town of Pitec. Thus, in case of any problem, they will come to your aid. We recommend you bring mountaineering shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable and warm clothing, caps, gloves, and sunglasses. Do not underestimate the difficulty of the route to the lagoon and do not stray from the group you are accompanied by.

What is the best season to travel?

The climate in Áncash is varied, while that of the city of Huaraz is dry and temperate, with sunny days and cold nights, in open and high-altitude places –such as the route to Churup–. Throughout the year temperatures can drop to zero degrees. However, to better appreciate the landscapes and have more feasible walks, it is better to avoid the rainy season between the months of November and April. This rainy season presents an average climate of 11 degrees.

Best Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
• Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
• Ausangate trek 7 days

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.