Laguna Churup trek in Cordillera Blanca

The Laguna Churup Trek

This three-day trek is beginner level, which makes it great for families or as a warm-up to more difficult routes. With altitudes no higher than 5000m, Laguna Churup trek is also a great place to get acclimated to the high altitude. It features visits to the glacier-fed lakes of Laguna Churup (4485m), the highest altitude, and Laguna Tullpacocha (4400m). The minimum altitude is Pitec (3750m).

Day 1: The first day is a walk up to Laguna Churup (4485m) that takes four hours, covering 22 km. Then trekkers hike to Pitec (3750m) where they will set up camp for the night.

Day 2: Today is a leisurely 4 hour walk up the valley of Quebrada Quilcayhuanca and finally to the campsite at Olivos (4250m). This is the easiest day since trekkers just cover 15 km. In the afternoon the hikers continue into the Quebrada Cayesh Valley and then return to the campsite at Olivos.

Day 3: The last day is the most challenging, which includes a visit to Laguna Tullpacocha (4350m). After visiting the lake, trekkers will make their descent 44 km into the valley to Pitec, which takes 8 hours.