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Santa Cruz Trek (4 days)

Discover the Magic of Huascaran National Park

This spectacular journey takes you through three of the most impressive valleys in Huascarán National Park: Llanganuco, Huaripampa, and Santa Cruz. Over four unforgettable days, you will explore the heart of the majestic Cordillera Blanca. Surrounded by lush quenual forests and exotic high-Andean flora, you'll cross crystal-clear rivers and dreamlike lagoons, all while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views.

The most spectacular point of this trek is the "Punta Unión Pass" at 4,750 meters. From here, you can admire some of the most impressive snow-capped peaks, including Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Rinrijirca, Quitaraju, Caraz, and Santa Cruz, among others. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the base camp of Nevado Alpamayo, immersing yourself in the grandeur of this iconic mountain.

Don't miss the chance to experience this unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.

Duration: 04 days
Distance: 51 Km.
Highest altitude: 4,750 m (Punta Union Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate
Recommended: May to October

Itinerary


Day 01: Huaraz - Llanganuco (3860 m.) - Paso Portachuelo (4717 m.) - Vaqueria - Paria
Transfer by transport to Vaqueria at 3600 meters, where we will begin our hike towards the Paria campsite.
Lunch Dinner
  • Driving time: 4.5 hours
  • Hiking time: 5 hours approx.
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Campsite: Paria (3870 m.)
Day 02: Paria (3870 m.) - Punta Union Pass (4750 m.) - Taullipampa (4250 m.)
On this day, we begin our ascent towards one of the most notable points of the journey: the Punta Unión Pass. During the climb, we will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the imposing snow-capped peaks and the Santa Cruz Valley.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
  • Hiking time: 8 hours approx.
  • Distance: 11 km
  • Campsite: Taullipampa (4250 m.)
Day 03: Taullipampa - Base Camp Alpamayo - Lake Arhuaycocha (4420 m.) - Llamacorral
On this day, we head to the base camp of Nevado Alpamayo, one of the most iconic mountains in the Cordillera Blanca, passing through spectacular landscapes. Then, we explore the serene Arhuaycocha Lagoon with its panoramic views before descending to Llamacorral to end another exciting day.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
  • Hiking time: 9 hours approx.
  • Distance: 20 km
  • Campsite: Llamacorral (3760 m.)
Day 04: Llamacorral - Cashapampa (2900 m.) - Huaraz
On this final day, we will have a short hike to Cashapampa, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz.
Breakfast
  • Hiking time: 4 hours approx.
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Driving time: 2.5 hours

Services


Price Includes:
  • Briefing: Before your trek, you will have a trek briefing at your hotel or our office with your guide and other trekkers in your group.
  • Transportation: From your hotel in Huaraz to the starting point of the trek, and from the end of the trek to your hotel in Huaraz.
  • Equipment: We use the best quality mountain tents (2 people per tent) and personal mat. Single tents are available USD 30. Additional charge
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (option for vegetarians or vegans).
  • All kitchen and dining equipment are provided so that clients to enjoy their meals, including chairs and dishes.
  • Guide: Certified trekking guide (English or Spanish speaking) for another language by request.
  • Cook: Cook trained to prepare varied and healthy dishes.
  • Arriero: In charge of loading the donkeys and driving them.
  • Donkeys: The number of donkeys depends on the size of the group.
  • Duffel bag: that will be with the donkeys while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/15lbs. and needs to include your sleeping bag and personal belongings. During the day you will only carry your daypack with items for personal use.
  • Emergency horse: 1 horse will accompany the group in case of emergency.
  • First aid kit.

Not included:
  • Entrance fee to the Huascaran National Park. [See rates]
  • Personal trekking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking shoes or boots, waterproof jacket and/or pants, backpack, etc.
  • Extra food or drinks in the villages.
  • Medical care or insurance.
  • Emergency rescue or evacuation.
  • Additional expenses as a result of leaving the trek early.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Breakfast the first day and lunch the last day.
  • Hotel in Huaraz.
  • Tips (Optional).

Departures & Prices


PRICE SEASON 2025

Private, tailor-made, or luxury tours available depending on the group size.
Please contact us for a free quote.

JOIN OUR FIXED DEPARTURES

We don't have scheduled departures yet.

FAQ


  1. Preparation and Tips

    • Acclimatization: Spend a few days in Huaraz or another high-altitude location before starting the trek.
    • Fitness: Ensure good physical condition due to the demanding nature of the trek.
    • Gear: Pack appropriate clothing for high-altitude trekking, including warm layers, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots.

  2. Where do the hikes start and end?

    3. The hikes start and end in the city of Huaraz - Ancash.

  3. How to get to Huaraz?

    4. By air: Anta Airport (ATA, Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport) is currently only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by air must disembark in Lima and go through customs.

    • The best way to get to Huaraz is by air, currently there is only one airline operating: LATAM.
    • Flight time: 1 hour 10 minutes.
    By land: This is the most common route, with a paved road of 404 km from Lima. Try to book the bus cama service for a more comfortable journey and rest during the trip.

  4. What is the recommended season for trekking in Peru?

    5. The recommended months for the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash are from May to October. Although the trek can be done all year round, you just need good clothing to protect yourself from the rains.

  5. Planning a trip and looking for a group trek?

    6. Book at least 3 months in advance and enjoy:

    • Date of your choice: We set the date you choose and adapt the trek to your itinerary.
    • Guaranteed group: We make sure to find participants for the group, with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 10.
    • Departure guaranteed: We guarantee the trek will take place.

  6. How many people are there on a trek?

    7. Private service: We guarantee the trek only with the members of your group and departures can be scheduled on the day of your choice.
    Group service: The group size will vary depending on the date, with group sizes being (min. 4 people / max. 10 people).

  7. Group Tours

    8. In group hikes, you will enjoy the company of people of different ages and hiking experiences. By accepting a group tour, we understand that each person has their own pace, so don't worry if you are slower or faster than others. The guide will adapt to the group and ensure that everyone enjoys the hike.

  8. What to bring for hiking?

    • ESSENTIAL: Daily use backpack (recommended 20L to 40L), Water bottle or Camelbak, Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles), Quick-drying comfortable hiking pants.
    • TOILETRIES: Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Insect repellent, Hand sanitizer, Wet wipes, Toothbrush and paste, Toilet paper, Personal medication, Blister protectors, etc.
    • DUFFLE BAG: T-shirts or shirts, pants, underwear, hiking socks, fleece or polar, warm jacket it gets very cold at night, Headlamp, Waterproof gloves, Sandals or comfortable shoes for the camp, External batteries or Power Bank There is no place to plug in while walking!, Sleeping bag We recommend -10°C at least.
    • IN YOUR BACKPACK: sun hat, wool hat, Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, Camera, cell phone, Hand sanitizer, Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste, personal documents, Extra money for drinks, tips, or other expenses.

  9. Is it possible to rent trekking equipment in Huaraz?

    10. Yes, you can see the cost of some equipment HERE.

  10. Do you organize transfers/pickups from the airport?

    11. We organize transfers in Lima, Huaraz, and other cities in Peru; we also offer tailor-made tourist packages throughout Peru. If you prefer a more personalized service, please write to us at the following email peru-adventures@outlook.com.

  11. Is it possible to include accommodation before/after the hike?

    12. Yes. if you want to quote this itinerary with accommodation included, write to us at peru-adventures@outlook.com, indicating date of arrival and departure, hotel category, number of people, and preferred room type.

  12. How likely is it to suffer from altitude sickness during the hike?

    13. All hikes reach more than 4,000 meters in altitude, so it is likely to suffer from altitude sickness. We recommend doing some activities in the Huaraz area before starting your hike to have a better experience.
    We invite you to visit our acclimatization tours page.

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Santa cruz trek 2025

Santa Cruz: Classic Trek Cordillera Blanca

Trekking santa cruz peru, Group departures 2025 for Santa cruz trek, Price santa cruz trek.

An exciting shorter trek in the Cordillera Blanca. Its popularity is due to the spectacular mountain views, crystal blue lakes and the challenging pass Punta Union at altitude 4750m. An amazing variety of scenery in only 4 or 5 days and an achievable high mountain trek for all people with a love of the outdoors & reasonable fitness level.

Day 1: Drive from Huaraz to Cashapampa 2800m 3 hours. We meet our donkey drovers, load all equipment onto donkeys and start trekking. We hike continuously upwards following the Santa Cruz river, first we are in a narrow canyon and then after lunch the country opens up into a wider valley and we start to see the snow covered peaks. We camp in an open field near the river at Llamacorral 3750m 5 hours.

Day 2: An easier day hiking in a wide open valley. We pass by two small lakes and then we have our first glimpse of the famous Alpamayo peak. We camp at Taullipampa 4250m, a beautiful campsite surrounded by towering peaks and nestled near the bottom of Punta Union Pass. 4 hours.
Optional extra day. Stay another night at beautiful Taullipampa campsite. Options to visit Alpamayo Base Camp, Lake Arhuaycocha, climb Centillo Peak 5000m or have a rest day

Day 3 (or 4): Climb steadily up for 2 to 3 hours to the pass Punta Union 4750m then descend past a small alpine lake where we often stop for picnic lunch. Continue the descent towards the Huaripampa Valley before leaving the main trail and traversing through low bush to our camp in a secluded valley away from the main trail at Paria 3850m. 7 hours.

Day 4 (or 5): Follow easily down the valley Quebrada Huaripampa passing through farming settlements and villages, and then a short climb to the road end at Vaqueria 4 to 5 hours walk. Our private van will take us over the pass Portuchuelo 4767m, passing the famous Llangunuco Lakes and then to return to Huaraz.

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