Turismo Aventuras Perú | Churup Lake: Trekking, How to Get to Pitec by Bus and more

Duration

Full Day (approx. 8h)

Max. Altitude

4,450 m.a.s.l.

Difficulty

Moderate / Hard

Start Point

Pitec (3,850 m)

How to get to Pitec?

Budget option

By collectivo (shared transport): Collectivos leave from Agustín Gamarra Avenue in Huaraz, around 7:00 a.m. The cost is approximately 20 soles (round trip). The journey takes 45-60 minutes.

Open bus stop

Comfortable start

With Turismo Aventuras Perú: We offer shared transport with hotel pickup, 25 soles (round trip). Includes coordination and guaranteed departure. Upon return, passengers are dropped off at the designated stop, not at their accommodation.

Trekking Details

Step 1: Start at Pitec – The trail begins with a steep slope, offering panoramic views of Huaraz and the Cordillera Negra.
Step 2: Ascent (2.5 h) – Continuous hike with a +600 m elevation gain. Rocky but well-marked trail.
Step 3: The Wall and fixed ropes – Climb a 9-meter rock wall using steel cables (safe and exciting).
Step 4: Churup Lake – Turquoise waters surrounded by rock walls and Nevado Churup (5,495 m) in the background.
Step 5: Descent (1.5-2 h) – Return via the same trail to Pitec. From there, collectivo back to Huaraz.

Entrance Fees

Huascarán National Park:

S/30 (foreigners) | S/15 (nationals)

Single payment at the Pitec checkpoint.

Flora and Fauna

The route to Churup crosses puna and high-Andean ecosystems, with rocky landscapes, seasonal wetlands, and vegetation adapted to cold conditions.

Flora: in protected sectors you can find queñua trees, as well as ichu grass and other native high-altitude plants adapted to rocky soils.
Fauna: vizcachas and Andean birds such as hummingbirds are commonly seen; in good conditions, the Andean condor may also be spotted.
Recommendation: observe wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding animals to preserve their natural behavior.