Huaraz stands tall at 3100m, for that reason is very important for travellers to use a day or two to acclimatise. The best time to visit the region is in the month July because the temperature is perfect for walking, the sky is free from clouds and rain and there are a lot of events due to the celebration of Peru's independence day. The town of 100,000, it blends a mix of modern and native culture. The town has many markets and shops catering to tourist needs and local needs. The food markets were particularly impressive and are a great starting point for getting supplies for expeditions. Be sure to shop about before purchasing/hiring (especially for mountaineering gear) as often a better price can be found elsewhere with a bit of bargaining.
Huaraz also has a mix of old and new restaurants offering a variety of dishes. Cuy (guinea pig) is a regional dish; perhaps something to say one has tried but not something to make a diet of !!!!!
There are a few night clubs and many bars open late. Common sense would advise people not to travel alone at night, but one feels safe in the city where the locals were very willing to help out where possible.
For the Laguna Churup, you can use a "combi" or "collective" driver and pay s/15.00 to take you all the way to Pitec. It is the start of the Churup trek. From Pitec, you pay a s/10.00 entrance fee to the National Park guard waiting there and begin the incline trek to the laguna. This is not a hike for beginners, but you don't have to be a professional either to complete it. 2 hours of uphill trekking from about 3,800m to 4,500m in altitude. Once you reach the waterfall (1.5 hours into the trek), you must then do a vertical climb either using the trees and bushes to the left of the waterfall or using the wire ropes available a bit further away from the waterfall. If possible, bring climbing gloves to protect your hands from the ropes cutting into them. Within 10 minutes you will see the sign announcing the altitude, with the Laguna behind it. It's a breathtaking view, and quite cold and windy, so be sure to bring a proper jacket.
