Emerald water
Between the rocks.
Huandy Laguna Ibarra — CC BY 4.0 · Roxana Sepúlveda — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pasión Azul 2001 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Huandy Laguna Ibarra — CC BY 4.0 · Huandy Laguna Ibarra — CC BY 4.0
Laguna Churup is a freshwater lake in Huascarán National Park in Huaraz province, Ancash, Peru, about 12 km east of Huaraz city in a straight line. It lies at 4,450 metres above sea level and covers about 25 hectares. The route starts at the village of Pitec at the park entrance, at 3,900 metres, about 45 minutes by minibus from Huaraz. From there hikers climb some 550 metres on a mountain trail that grows steeper and rockier near the lake. An hour's walk from the lake's eastern end lies a smaller lake at the foot of the glacier, called Churupita. The lake spreads emerald green and turquoise between smooth granite rocks, with the ice-capped summit of Nevado Churup above. On clear days the mountains reflect in the still water; on cloudy days mist drifts over the rocks and the place feels mysterious. The trail is fairly hard because of the altitude and the climb takes several hours, so spend a few days in Huaraz to acclimatise first. Start early, as the weather changes in the afternoon, and bring warm clothes, enough water and sun protection.
Between the rocks.
Ice-capped peak.
A smaller lake.
Huascarán National Park, near Huaraz, Ancash, Peru
Fairly hard because of the altitude and the gradient.
Yes, a few days in Huaraz.