The Santa Cruz Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca. The trek takes you through fertile valleys, has views of magnificent, spiraling high glaciated peaks, flower-filled meadows and glacier-fed turquoise lakes. This world-famous circuit crosses from one side of the Cordillera Blanca range to the other through ascending the Punta Union Pass reaching an elevation of 4750m.
Duration: 4 Days
Max Altitude: 4750m
Distance Covered: 50km
Difficulty: Moderate
Price: from USD 125
The first day of the trek you are picked up in your hotel and we drive through Carhuaz, Yungay and Caraz, into Llanganuco valley and then ascend the amazing 32 switch-back mountain pass road to Vaqueria. We start our trek descending to the village of Huaripampa, where we have the opportunity to meet friendly Quechua people, take memorable photos of their traditional houses their farmland and colorful garments. Then we descend to our first campsite in Paria (3800m).
Driving time: 5 hs. / Hiking time: 5 hs.
On our second day will walk about five hours before reaching the highest point of this trek. The trail starts ascending towards Punta Union (4750m). This old trail was heavily used in pre-Columbian and colonial times as a route for transporting goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass, you will enjoy amazing panoramic views down the Santa Cruz Valley to the west, and views of the Huaripampa Valley to the east. The peaks of Santa Cruz surrounded by Andean vegetation of Quenual, the snow-capped peaks of Paria and Taulliraju, Artesonraju and Huaripampa will all come into view. We will see Taulliraju mountain looming above us and on the other side its glacial lake. From this high point, it is possible to see Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Rinrihircas, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui and Pucahircas. After a break we descend to our next campsite Taullipampa (4250m). Hiking time: 7 hs.
Today we walk around 5 hours before reaching our last camp Llamacorral (3750m). During this pleasant hike we can appreciate the following mountains: Santa Cruz, Quitaraju, Artesonraju, Alpamayo, Taulliraju and Rinrijircas. We will also pass the lakes Ischicocha, Hatuncocha and Arhuaycocha. The lake Arhuaycocha boasts one of the most spectacular views within the entire Cordillera Blanca. Hiking time: 5 hs.
We complete our 4 day trek by hiking down to the village of Cashapampa, which takes approximately 3 hours. As we descend, you will be able to notice a steady change in vegetation as we follow the river. Our transport will be waiting to bring us back to Huaraz.
Hiking time: 3 hs.
Driving time: 3 hs.
Services
What is included
Transport: From your hotel in Huaraz to the starting point of your trek, and from the finishing point of your trek back to your hotel in Huaraz. We use minivans or 4x4 depending on the size of the group.
Guide: Qualified and experienced mountain guide who speaks Spanish and basic English.
Cook: A professional cook who is trained to prepare healthy dishes in a hygienic manner.
Donkey driver: Is in charge of loading the donkeys, looking after them and guiding them.
Donkeys: The number of donkeys provided depends on the size of the group. You are allowed to bring up to 4 kg of personal belongings that will be loaded on the donkeys. You will only carry your daypack during the day.
Food: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time and dinner.
Equipment: Good quality high mountain tent, sleeping mattress, dining tent, table and chairs, first aid kit, cooking stove, dishes and cooking utensils.
What is not included
Entrance fees for the National Park, personal equipment, sleeping bag, first breakfast, last dinner, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, medical treatment, travel insurance, tips, additional expenses as a result of leaving the trek early, additional expenses as a result of an emergency rescue or evacuation, bottled water (you drink water from the river), toilet paper.
Gear List
What to bring
Bag to load on the donkeys with your personal belongings (plastic bag with zipper or garbage bag)
Small daypack
Sleeping bag
Walking sticks if you have knee problems
Head torch (with spare batteries)
Sun protection: sunscreen (factor 40 minimum), hat, sunglasses
Well-worn in hiking boots or trekking shoes
Comfortable clothes: t-shirts (quick dry or merino wool recommended), trekking trousers or leggings, sweater, woolen trekking socks, underwear, long thermal underwear, fleece, gloves, hat
Waterproof jacket and trousers / or rain poncho
Water bottle and water purification pills
Toilet paper, personal toiletries, small towel
Extra snacks and money
Missing something? We can provide you with everything you need for a great trek, just let us know how we can help.
Departures and Prices 2018
Join one of our fixed departure treks (group size: 9 to 15 people)
Our fixed departure treks are ideal for single travelers or small groups, who are interested in being part of a larger group. Fixed departure treks are a great way to make new friends from various countries and share the enriching experience of discovering the beauty of Peru together. If our fixed departure date is not suitable for you, just inform us of your preferred date and we will do our best to arrange a group for your preferred date.
Departure Date
Price (per person)
Availability
April 21, 2018
125 USD
May 4, 2018
125 USD
May 11, 2018
125 USD
May 20, 2018
125 USD
May 31, 2018
125 USD
June 13, 2018
125 USD
June 24, 2018
125 USD
July 8, 2018
125 USD
July 14, 2018
125 USD
July 20, 2018
125 USD
July 31, 2018
125 USD
August 6, 2018
125 USD
August 12, 2018
125 USD
August 20, 2018
125 USD
August 28, 2018
125 USD
September 12, 2018
125 USD
September 21, 2018
125 USD
September 30, 2018
125 USD
October 8, 2018
125 USD
October 21, 2018
125 USD
October 31, 2018
125 USD
November 7, 2018
125 USD
Organize your own private trip or join a smaller group
We organize private trips on any dates, for any group size. Depending on availability you can also join a confirmed private group.