Santa Cruz Trek

santa cruz trek: the iconic hike in huaraz

A 4-day adventure among snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and vibrant Andean culture. If you’re searching for the ultimate trek in Huaraz—known as “The Peruvian Switzerland”—look no further than the Santa Cruz Trek. This four-day journey takes you deep into Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the world’s highest tropical mountain range. Along the way, you’ll pass beneath towering giants like Huascarán, Alpamayo, Taulliraju, and Huandoy, traverse glacial valleys, and camp beside crystal-clear lakes. Rated easy to moderate with just one high pass, it’s perfect for trekkers seeking a challenge that’s both rewarding and accessible.

By ExplorandesAug 25, 2025

Tips about the Santa Cruz Trek in Peru

The Santa Cruz Trek begins at around 12,000 ft (3,658 m) and reaches its highest point at 15,617 ft (4,750 m) at Punta Unión Pass.

Spending a few days in Huaraz or another high-altitude destination before your trek is essential. Use this time for short acclimatization hikes to help prevent altitude sickness.

Hydration is key. High-altitude trekking accelerates dehydration due to faster breathing and drier air, so drink water regularly before and during the trek. Wear layered clothing to adapt to temperatures ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 25°C (77°F).

Hikers on the Santa Cruz Trek in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, walking along a narrow trail surrounded by shrubs, with snow-capped Andean peaks rising in the distance under a clear blue sky. — Trekkers make their way through a lush mountain path toward snow-covered peaks on the Santa Cruz Trek - Photograph by Alex Estrada

Trekking Distance

Over four days, you’ll cover approximately 31 miles (50 km), hiking 4–8 hours each day. While it’s not the longest trek in the Huaraz Perú region, it’s certainly one of the most scenic, with every section offering a different perspective of the Cordillera Blanca.

Difficulty of santa cruz trek

The Santa Cruz Trek is considered moderate—physically demanding in sections but achievable for most hikers with basic fitness. Proper acclimatization, steady pacing, and good preparation will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Hiker on the Santa Cruz Trek in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, walking along rocky highland terrain beside a deep blue alpine lake, surrounded by rugged mountains under a clear sky. — A trekker passes a tranquil alpine lake high in the Cordillera Blanca - Photograph by Alex Estrada

santa cruz altitude

The highlight of the trek is Punta Unión Pass at 15,617 ft (4,750 m). Ascend slowly, eat well (especially carbs), and stay hydrated to minimize symptoms such as headaches or nausea. The remaining days range between 12,000–13,700 ft (3,658–4,180 m), keeping you in high-altitude terrain throughout.

Graph of the Santa Cruz Trek’s altitude changes and key stops along the route.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Huaraz – Vaquería – Paria

Trekking distance: 11.2 km / 7 mi - 5 hours

Camp altitude: 3,875 m / 12,713 ft

From Huaraz, we travel through the Santa Valley to the turquoise waters of Llanganuco Lakes, before climbing to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) with panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca. The trek begins in Vaquería, descending into the remote Huaripampa Valley past small farming settlements and meadows framed by snow-capped Chacraraju and Taulliraju. We camp in the peaceful Paria Valley.

Day 2 – Paria – Punta Unión Pass – Taullipampa

Trekking distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi – 7–8 hours

Camp altitude: 4,180 m / 13,713 ft

We ascend to Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m), an ancient trade route between valleys. From the top, enjoy spectacular views of the Santa Cruz Valley, glacial lakes, and peaks like Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and Rinrijirca. Descend to the high meadow of Taullipampa.

Day 3 – Taullipampa – Alpamayo Viewpoint – Llamacorral

Trekking distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi – 6–7 hours

Camp altitude: 3,783 m / 12,411 ft

Hike through the Santa Cruz Valley to the side valley of Arhuaycocha for jaw-dropping views of Alpamayo—often called the “world’s most beautiful mountain.” Continue through rocky slopes and narrowing canyons to Llamacorral.

Day 4 – Llamacorral – Cashapampa – Huaraz

Trekking distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi – 4 hours

Descend to Cashapampa, where our private transport awaits to return you to Huaraz. Relax and reflect on an unforgettable journey through one of the planet’s most scenic landscapes.

Topographic map of the Santa Cruz Trek in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, highlighting the route, campsites, mountain passes, and surrounding peaks. — Detailed map of the Santa Cruz Trek with key route points and mountain features.

Best Season to Trek

The dry season runs from April to October, offering clear skies and cooler nights. May to September are the coldest months, but provide the best visibility.

Santa Cruz Trek Cost & Inclusions

Booking the Santa Cruz Trek with Explorandes costs $790 USD per person for 4 days and 3 nights.

Included

Private transportation to/from Huaraz
Professional bilingual guide
Double-occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads
All meals during the trek + non-alcoholic drinks
Kitchen and dining tents
Cook and field staff
Horses and drivers for equipment
Entrance tickets to Huascarán National Park
Solar energy lamps
Eco toilets
Adequate garbage disposal practices
First aid kit and oxygen tank

Not Included

Personal travel insurance
Laundry service
Airline tickets
Sleeping bags (available for rent)
Personal trekking gear
Alcoholic beverages
Additional services or excursions not listed
Tips for staff

Trekking Safety with Explorandes

Safety is central to every trek we lead. With Explorandes, you benefit from:

Certified guides with wilderness first aid training
Full camp support crew handling meals and logistics
Quality gear adapted to the Andean environment
Eco-friendly practices such as proper waste disposal
Emergency protocols, first aid kit, and oxygen on every departure

Independent trekkers must manage these logistics alone, which increases risks. With Explorandes, you gain peace of mind knowing every detail is managed by professionals.

Trekking Gear List: What to Take

Packing smart is the key to enjoying Santa Cruz. Here’s what we recommend:

Clothing Layers

Wicking base layers (polyester, nylon, merino wool)
Short-sleeved breathable shirts
Light-colored long-sleeved shirts
QuickDry trekking pants and shorts
Insulated jacket (fleece, synthetic, or down)
Liner gloves, light cap, beanie
Waterproof rain jacket (+ rain pants in rainy season)

Footwear

Waterproof hiking boots (broken-in)
Hiking socks + warm socks for night
Lightweight shoes for camp

Camping Gear

Sleeping bag (0°/32° to -15°/5°) – rental available
Daypack with rain cover
Trekking poles – rental available
Waterproof duffle bag

Accessories & Safety

Sunglasses, Buff or headwear
Headlamp + batteries
Microfiber towel
Sunblock, lip balm, insect repellent
Reusable water bottle or vacuum bottle
Portable power bank
Personal first-aid kit + medications

Trekking the Santa Cruz Trek With Explorandes

Feature	Guided Tour (Explorandes)	Independent
Safety	Certified guides, full support crew	Relies on your own experience
Comfort	Transport, meals, camp gear provided	Carry and set up your own gear
Route	Optimized for views and pacing	Risk of wrong turns or misjudged distances
Cultural Insight	Learn about local history, flora, fauna	Limited to your own research
Logistics	Permits and park access handled	Must arrange everything yourself

A guided trek lets you focus on the scenery while we handle the details. Whether you choose the Santa Cruz route or venture into the legendary Great Inca Trail, we’ve got you covered.

Hiking the Santa Cruz Trek with Explorandes

At Explorandes, we’ve been guiding adventurers through the Santa Cruz Trek for decades, combining safety, comfort, and authentic local experiences. Contact us today to start planning your Cordillera Blanca adventure.

Silhouette of a hiker ascending a steep slope on the Santa Cruz Trek, with snow-covered Andean peaks and glaciers in the Cordillera Blanca under a clear blue sky. — A trekker climbs toward the glaciers of the Cordillera Blanca on the Santa Cruz Trek - Photograph by Alex Estrada

For more trekking inspiration, explore our Best of Huayhuash itinerary or join our Enchanting Lake Odyssey for a shorter but equally scenic adventure.