Alright, let’s dive back into Peru 🇵🇪!
Do you recall Lake Paron from my last post about Peru? Well, today I’m sharing another hidden gem—Churup Lake. Like Lake Paron, Churup is also nestled near Huaraz. However, the beauty of this destination is that you don’t need to join a group tour. That’s exactly why I jumped at the opportunity without hesitation.
On my first day in Huaraz, I hiked up to Lake Paron, and on the second day, it was all about Churup. Initially, I had grand plans to scale one of the majestic snow-capped peaks in the area. But alas, thanks to the pandemic, most group tours were unavailable, and private tours came with an astronomical price tag. So, I reluctantly shelved that idea.
Oh, sorry—I’m getting carried away. Let me backtrack for a moment. Getting to Churup is surprisingly straightforward. All you need to do is hop onto a colectivo (a shared minibus) for just 10 soles. Fun fact: the vehicle I rode in was belching out clouds of black smoke, turning my mask slightly grimy by the end 😂.
When you arrive, you’ll discover that there are actually two lakes at Churup. The first is the famous Churup Lake, perched at an altitude of 4,450 meters (roughly a two-hour hike one way). The second, less-known lake, is called Churupita Lake, located at a breathtaking 4,600 meters. This stretch is rocky and steep, so even though it doesn’t look far on the map, it can be quite challenging.
Depending on your stamina, expect to add another hour or so to your journey. Many visitors stop at the first lake, which explains the scarcity of information online about the second one. Luckily, I spotted the second lake on my map and happened to meet two friendly French travelers who were also planning to climb up to it.
Along the way, they witnessed one of my more embarrassing moments [disappointed face R], but thanks to their encouragement, I managed to get closer to those awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks.
The entrance fee is around 30 soles, and since I’d done my research, I knew the trek would take roughly two hours each way. However, fate had other plans. My period decided to make an unexpected appearance mid-hike, forcing me to improvise by wrapping a coat around my lower half as I continued climbing.
Despite the inconvenience, I still managed to move relatively quickly and reached the first lake in good time. Seeing the second lake marked on my map and realizing I still had plenty of daylight left, I started considering pushing further. Midway through, though, I began regretting my decision. The rocky terrain proved far more demanding than anticipated—it felt like taking three steps forward only to slide back one.
And to make matters worse, I was wearing running shoes, which slowed me down significantly compared to proper hiking boots. The French duo kindly pointed out that next time, I should definitely invest in some sturdy boots. They were equipped with hiking poles and soon overtook me. To top it off, I started experiencing cramps, slowing me down even further.
By the time I finally reached the second lake, they were already lounging on a small island in the middle of the lake, enjoying a leisurely snack.
As someone who experienced a near-drowning incident as a child, I’ve always been cautious around deep water. So, before dipping my toes in, I first quizzed the French travelers about the depth and temperature of the lake. They reassured me that the water was waist-deep but warned me it was bone-chillingly cold—around 6 degrees Celsius.
Still, they encouraged me not to miss out on such a unique experience. After setting up my camera, I changed into my swimsuit (thankfully, I had the foresight to pack one!) and, with their encouragement, stepped into the icy waters. You might be wondering if swimming during your period is okay—well, let’s just say I took all the necessary precautions.
It was an unforgettable adventure, filled with challenges, laughter, and stunning views. If you ever find yourself in Huaraz, make sure to add Churup to your list!
Naturally, once you’re in the water, the pressure halts the flow, meaning you’ll want a clean swimsuit to switch into afterward. At first, I was able to touch the bottom with ease, but then, without warning, my foot slipped into a deeper spot, and sheer panic set in. The water was so icy it felt as though I’d lost control of my own body. Frantically, I flailed my arms, clawed at a nearby rock to steady myself, and probably gave anyone watching quite the scare in the process.
