santa cruz trek

The trek to Pukaventana viewpoint is an ideal acclimatization half-day hike. For those who are preparing for more challenging endurance hikes, this is a great place to begin. The trek is relatively short but highly rewarding once you reach the viewpoint and enjoy the breath-taking views of amazing natural scenery.  This eroded canyon, located southeast of Huaraz, is highlighted with intriguing colors ranging from ochre to purple and marked by amazing natural peaks, valleys, and rock formations. Marvel at the panoramic views of the Northern Cordillera Blanca, including the summit of Huascarán, the highest peak in this mountain range, at 6768 m (22,205 ft).  The hike begins in Huaraz and traverses the Pukaventa Canyon region. As we ascend along a well-maintained path, we’ll be accompanied by the sight of mountain peaks overshadowing deep, colorful canyons and valleys. Diverse shades of yellow, orange, purple, and red can be seen in the eroded canyon walls. (The word puka means “red” in Quechua.) Pukaventana is one of the most spectacular viewpoints overlooking Huaraz.  The viewpoint is located at an altitude of 3675 m (12,057 ft) and is near the Bella Vista (“beautiful view”) community. The well-kept trail makes this a relatively easy trek. Once we have ascended the viewpoint, snapped some photos, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery, we will make an easy descent back to Huaraz, accompanied by panoramic canyon views.   

From Huaraz, we’ll travel by private vehicle along the Carhuaz–Chacas road, passing through the picturesque villages of Shilla and Catay until reaching the Ulta Valley. After checking in at the Huascarán National Park control, we’ll begin our hike by crossing the river and wetlands of the Ulta Valley, following a zigzagging trail that ascends alongside a creek flowing down from the Hualcacocha Lagoon. The route continues through dense quenual forests filled with wildflowers and native mushrooms typical of the region. After approximately three hours, we’ll arrive at the stunning turquoise Hualcacocha Lagoon, lying at the foot of the Hualcán North Peak (5,300 m) and Mount Ulta (5,440 m). We’ll enjoy lunch by the lake and take some time to rest and admire the scenery before descending along the same path. The return hike takes about two hours. Our vehicle will be waiting in the Ulta Valley for the return to Huaraz.

Getting an early morning start, we’ll drive along the Santa Valley passing several villages along the way until we reach present-day Yungay. The road winds slowly up into the gulley between the Huascaran massif and the Huandoy three-pronged peak. As we near the overhanging valley, we arrive at the boundary of Huascaran National Park. Llanganuco, as the area is known, has two crystalline turquoise lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha. We’ll continue driving to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass at 4750 m (15,584 ft) From here we can observe the highest mountains of the Cordillera Blanca including Huascaran, Huandoy´s Peak, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui. Finally, we will descend to Vaquería, at 3700 m (12,139 ft). This is where we’ll begin our trek. We walk down towards a trail that makes its way to the left, over a small ridge into the remote Huaripampa Valley, nestled among mountains. As we slowly head up this valley, we’ll pass a small settlement of farmers, going about their agricultural activities. Walking through areas of verdant Andean flora, we’ll soon catch sight of snow-capped Chacraraju. Taulliraju will soon come into view as well as we stride alongside pastoral meadows and fields. We’ll make camp in the Paria Valley at 3875 masl (12,713 fasl).

We start on an ascending trail towards Punta Union Pass at 4750 m (15,583 ft) This ancient trail saw heavy traffic 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, Mt. Taulliraju will loom above us, and on the other side, a pristine glacial lake and bright white glacier will add color and contrast to the amazing views down the Santa Cruz Valley. The peaks of Quitaraju, Artesonaju, and Rinrijirca will come into view as well as the two lakes of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. The trail descends into Taullipampa, where we will spend the night at 4180 m (13,713 ft).

oday we continue our hike down the Santa Cruz Valley, past the side-valley of Arhuaycocha, with great views of snow-capped mountain peaks, including Mt. Alpamayo. We’ll ascend to an amazing viewpoint to observe the majestic Alpamayo Mountain in all its glory. The landscape changes and scree slopes appear on each side of the marshy meadow as well as a smattering of boulders fallen from the eroded walls above us. Finally, towards the end of the day, we hike out of the ever-narrowing canyon into Llamacorral, where we will camp at 3783 m (12,411 ft).

A steep descent brings us to Cashapampa (2944 m / 9658 ft) in the early morning. We’ll meet with our private vehicle that will take us back to Huaraz; we’ll take our leave of our team of helpers and relax as the road winds slowly down to the main valley, arriving in Huaraz in the afternoon, where we’ll unwind after a memorable journey amidst some of the most spectacular terrain on earth.