Hike to Laguna Churup

We were up early to get a taxi at 6.30 followed by a Collectivo (local minibus) into the mountains. The bus had 14 seats and 19 people on the bus.

There were 3 main groups on the bus - western hikers with top walking kit, local hikers with normal clothes and bunny ears, locals dressed in indigenous dress including very high hats.

By 8am we were at the trail head 3,850m and setting off to the Laguna Churup at 4,510m. Going up was twice as hard as at sea level (see video) but we kept plodding and made it.

We spent about an hour at the top enjoying the views and also birding (10 new birds added but no camera). The views of the mountains and lake were wonderful.

We were back at the trailhead by 1.20pm and got the bus back to town. Tomorrow we are trekking again and plan to go a bit higher to 4600m to visit Laguna 69.Læs mere