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santa cruz trek

huaraz
4 days

Huaraz or ¨The Peruvian Switzerland¨ as some of the adventurers call it, hold one of the most beautiful circuits of the world’s highest tropical mountain range. On the Santa Cruz trek, you’ll pass below towering peaks - Huascarán, Alpamayo, Taulliraju, Huandoy, Chacraraju and many others in the glacial canyons of Peru’s first mountain National Park and Biosphere Reserve. We’ll enjoy stunning Andean views, dramatic natural scenery, and distinctive, vibrant cultures. Ranking: easy to moderate with just one high mountain pass, you’ll experience an abundance of diverse regions and immerse in spectacular beauty on this unforgettable journey amidst glacial mountains, pristine wilderness, and crystal-pure lakes.

4 day Santa Cruz Trek

Explore the world's highest tropical mountain range on the 4 day Santa Cruz Trek, replete with stunning Andean views, dramatic natural scenery, and a glimpse into vibrant Andean communities.

season: April - October
group departuresEvery Tuesday
mininum: 2 passengers
maximum: 12 passengers
Trekking
Pet Friendly
Mountain Bike
Camping
shared plan
private plan
shared plan:You will travel with other adventurers heading to the same destination.

We will leave early in a private vehicle to head to the Llanganuco viewpoint (45 min.), where we will have the privilege of seeing an incredible sunrise over the great panorama of the Northern Cordillera Blanca, including Huascarán (6768m / 22,204 ft), Huandoy (6395 m / 20,981 ft), Pisco (5752 m / 18,871 ft) and Chopicalqui (6354 m / 20,846 ft). Then, we will head up to the Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass (4750 m / 15,583 ft) and descend to Vaquería (3750 m / 12,303 ft) where we will find the beginning of the trail and begin our hike. We will start with a descending hike on a trail that meanders to the left, skirting a small ridge that goes down towards the Huaripampa Valley. As we slowly make our way through this valley, we will pass a small settlement of farmers, who will be going about their daily chores amidst the green Andean vegetation. The snow-capped peaks of Chacraraju (6112 m / 20,052 ft) and Taulliraju (5830 m / 19,127 ft) look majestic to the eye. Passing through the meadows and fields at their feet, one feels tiny. We will camp in the Paria Valley at 3875 m (12,713 ft).

Bus ride: 119 km (73.94 mi)
Time: 5 hours
Trekking distance: 11.2 km (6.96 mi)
Time: 5 hours

We will begin with an ascending trail to Punta Union Pass at 4750 m (15,583 ft). This ancient trail witnessed heavy traffic in pre-Columbian and colonial times as a route to transport goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass, we will spot Taulliraju mountain towering above us and, on the other side, a crystal-clear glacial lagoon and a bright white glacier adding color and contrast to the stunning views of the Santa Cruz Valley. In addition, we will have the view of the peaks of Quitaraju, Artesonaju and Rinrijirca, as well as the lagoons of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. The trail descends to Taullipampa, where we will spend the night at 4180 m (13,713 ft).

Trekking distance: 11 km (6.84 mi)
Time: 7 - 8 hours

Today we will continue our hike through the Santa Cruz Valley, passing the Arhuaycocha side valley, with excellent views of snow-capped peaks, including Alpamayo Mountain. The landscape changes and stony slopes appear on either side of the marshy meadow, as well as fallen rocks from the eroded walls above us. We will ascend to a stunning viewpoint to observe the majestic Alpamayo Mountain in all its splendor. Finally, towards the end of the day, we will hike through the increasingly narrow canyon towards Llamacorral, where we will camp at 3783 m (12,411 ft).

Trekking distance: 14 km (8.70 mi)
Time: 6 - 7 hours

A steep descent will take us to Cashapampa (2944 m / 9658 ft) early in the morning. Our private vehicle will await us there to take us back to Huaraz. We will say goodbye to our team of helpers and relax as the road slowly descends into the main valley, arriving in Huaraz in the afternoon, where we will rest after an unforgettable journey amidst some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

Bus ride: 96 km (59.65 mi)
Time: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 7 km (4.35 mi)
Time: 4 hours
Our safety standards are the best in the business
included
  • Transportation
  • Professional bilingual guide
  • Double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads
  • All meals during trek
  • Non-alcoholic drinks... keep reading
no included
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Laundry service
  • Airline tickets
  • Sleeping bags (rent available)
  • Personal gear... keep reading
what to take
  • Regular and long wicking first layer for cold weather, like polyester, nylon, or merino wool
  • Short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, breathable fabrics, like nylon and polyester
  • Light-colored long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
  • QuickDry Pants, trekking pants, and shorts
  • Insulated long-sleeve jacket (fleece, synthetic, down, merino wool)... keep reading
Personal First-Aid Kit
On each trip we carry a medical kit, but we suggest you bring a small personal First-Aid Kit for bruises and blisters. Knee and ankle braces are sometimes useful especially if you suffer from weak knees or ankles. Include any special medication your doctor might suggest for you.

Book Santa Cruz Trek

$790.00/4 days and 3 nights
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