Quebrada Quillqueyhuanca & Laguna Churup
Duration:
3 or 4 days
Grade:
options from easy to moderate
Highest Point:
4450m/ 14600ft at Laguna Churup, or 4250m/ 13944ft for easy trek
A great short trek into a stunningly beautiful valley.
The Quebrada Quillqueyhuanca offers a delightful hiking & camping adventure for families with children or those looking for an easier trek option.
And there are also harder options for those looking for a more challenging trek with limited time available, or needing to acclimatise for a climbing trip.
Features visits to the beautiful lake Laguna Churup (4450m / 14600ft) and the glacier fed Laguna Tullpacocha (4350m / 14282ft).
We have several options for this trek and can be flexible depending on your level of fitness and the number of days you have available.
Options For:
- Easy 3 days camping trip – great for children
- Easy / medium 3 days
- Medium to hard 3 days
- Option for 4 days
Itinerary
Day A: Arrive Huaraz 3070m / 10072ft
Day B: Huaraz. Day Hike for acclimatisation.
Day Hike to Laguna Churup & Camp at Pitec
Drive 1½ hours from Huaraz to Pitec and set up camp (3750m / 12303ft). We then hike up with a steady continuous climb on a good path up a ridge to beautiful Laguna Churup at 4450m / 14600ft, towered over by the peak Nevada Churup (5495m). The final 50m to the lake is a steep but safe climb up a rock gully. Return to Pitec to camp.
- 5 hours hiking return trip
- Highest point 4450m / 14600ft
- Altitude at camp 3750m / 12303ft
- Ascent for the day 700m / 2297f
Hike Pitec to Camp at Olivos
An easy walk up the valley Quebrada Quillqueyhuanca to camp at the top of the valley at Olivos at the base of Andavite mountain (4250m / 13944ft). In the afternoon we can hike into the valley Quebrada Cayesh, where we are very close to the glacier covered mountains San Juan, Cayesh and Chopiraju.
- Approx 12kms
- 4 hours hiking
- Highest point 4250m / 13944ft
- Altitude at camp 4250m / 13944ft
- Ascent for the day 500m / 1640ft
Hike to Tullpacocha Lake & return to Huaraz
In the morning we hike a gradual climb to visit the glacial lake of Laguna Tullpacocha (4350m / 14272ft). At the head of the lake is the peak massive Tullparaju (5787m) with it’s glacier tumbling into the lake. After a relaxing lunch we return down the valley with easy downhill hiking to Pitec where the private trek transport will be waiting to take us to Huaraz.
- Approx 7 hours hiking & 15kms for the day if you go to the lake
- Highest point 4350m / 14272ft (100m / 328ft climb from camp to the lake) then -500m / - 1640ft descend down to the valley end
Drive to Pitec then hike to Olivos Camp
We drive 1 ½ hours to Pitec at 3750m / 12303ft in the morning and then have a leisurely easy walk up the valley following a pretty tumbling stream and stopping often to enjoy the mountain surroundings. Camp at the top of the valley at Olivos (4250m / 13944ft). In the afternoon rest in camp and enjoy a special afternoon tea prepared by our cook or you we can take a hike into the Cayesh Valley for views of the mountains and glaciers.
- Approx. 12kms
- 4 to 5 hours hiking depending on fitness
- Highest point 4250m / 13944ft
- Altitude at camp 4250m / 13944ft
- Ascent for the day 500m / 1640ft
Day Trip to Tullpacocha Lake
We stay another night at picturesque Olivos Camp and make an easy half day hike up to a high mountain lake. We take our time during the gradual climb to visit the glacial lake of Laguna Tullpacocha (4350m / 14272ft). At the head of the lake is the peak massive Tullparaju (5787m) with it’s glacier tumbling into the lake.
About 1.5 to 2 hour gentle hike up to the lake with a 100m / 328ft climb.
Either take a picnic lunch to the lake or return to camp and have a delicious cooked lunch enjoying the sun at camp.
Hike Down to Pitec & Return to Huaraz
An easy 2½ to 3 hours walk back downhill to Pitec and return to Huaraz.
Medium trek
Camp at Pitec & hike up to Laguna Churup
Hard trek
Hike to Olivos campsite in the morning. Visit Laguna Tullpacocha in the afternoon
Medium trek
Hike up to camp at Olivos. In the afternoon visit Laguna Tullpacocha
Hard trek
Hike up to the pass & return to Olivos camp
Medium trek
Hike up to the pass & return to camp at Olivos
Hard trek
Return back down the valley, hike up to Laguna Churup then return back to Huaraz Hiking
Medium trek
Return to Huaraz
Hiking Hours & Kms Hiked
Hiking hours are estimated times including rest breaks and lunch stop. Times are for our average groups based on past experience. Some people may be much faster and others slower.
Kms hiked are estimated.
Trek Roads
Access roads to and from treks are generally dirt mountain roads (not paved) and in some places can be bumpy. Road travel times are slower than you may expect for the kms travelled.
Print Copy / PDF trek description & more photos
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