Huayhuash Trekkers at Laguna Churup (Tyler Nachand)
IMG guide Tyler Nachand reports from Peru that the team had a second day of acclimatization hiking today with a trip up to Laguna Churup: “Following our delicious breakfast at Hotel Morales, we made our way up the windy mountain roads above Huaraz to Pitec, where our trek to Laguna Churup began. Starting at 12,600ft, we slowly made our way up to Laguna Churup where we enjoyed stunning views and homemade empanadas for lunch. Above the lake we made our high point of the day at 14,800ft with another breathtaking view of the lake and surrounding glaciated peaks, the closest of which is Nevado Churup at 18,000ft. Our descent felt smooth and easy compared to the uphill as we made our way back to the trailhead for our drive back down to town. Another enjoyable dinner and final gear check for the Huayhuash circuit rounded out our last night in Huaraz. Tomorrow we’ll be heading south towards the Huayhuash circuit trailhead at Quartelhuain, 13,700ft, our first campsite of the trip.”