santa cruz trek

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 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).

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).

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.