5 Days
Daily Tour
8 people
English
Santa Cruz Trek: Departures from Huaraz, an adventure town where you can check your gear and pick up snacks for your ride to the trailhead near Vaqueria (12,139 ft / 3700 m) or Cashapampa (9514 ft / 2900 m). Peru’s Cordillera Blanca is one of the most concentrated collections of big peaks in the Western Hemisphere, with 33 summits topping 5,400 meters (18,000 feet).
Following then; one of the most popular ways to discover this mountain range is to hike the Santa Cruz Trek. This trail is considered by many trekkers as one of the best hiking routes in the world. This 50km (31 mile) trail takes you through open mountain valleys, passing high mountain nevadas; along glacial rivers and the shores of translucent & bright lagunas.
The highest point along this 27 mile (43 km) walk is Punta Union Pass (15,616 ft / 4760 m). If you have more time to spend in the wilderness, there are a few side treks you can make, extending the trip to a week or more. Camping out on this route is spectacular, and can be trekked without any technical knowledge required. For beginners at high altitude this is a perfect trek to embark on in the Huaraz region.
The following itinerary starts at Vaqueria.
Suggested Packing
Hiking Boots
Trekking socks (synthetic fibers)
Sun hat
Hat for cold weather (fleece)
Microfiber shirts and thermal
Fleece
Trekking pants
Sunglasses
Day Backpack or advance 40 liters
Waterproof Jacket (Gore-Tex or other)
Waterproof Pant (Gore-Tex or other)
Waterproof Layer
Water Bottle
Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulbs)
Sunscreen (lips and skin)
Personal First Aid Kit
Photographic Material
Washbag and towel
Sandals
Trekking poles
Upon arrival in Huaraz this morning, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
After you get settled in, you can tour around the town of Huaraz alone. Including stops at the Plaza Mayor, the Archaeology Museum of Ancash, Temple of Señor de la Soledad.
Get a glimpse of what old Huaraz looked like on Jose Olaya street, which is the only street that remained intact after many earthquakes.
Stop at the Pinar viewpoint, to get a panoramic view of Huaraz. In the evening, return to your hotel in Huaraz.
Overnight: Huaraz
Start in Huaraz and travel 71 miles (114 km) to the trailhead at Vaquiera. The path is well-marked up the Huarípampa Valley, and for the first few hours and you’ll pass small farms and a hamlet with traditional Quechua homes with thatched roofs.
Camp tonight at Paria campsite (12,795 ft / 3900 m).
Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km)
Time: 4 hours
A challenging day of trekking, it’s all about pacing yourself and taking in plenty of water. After about three hours of hiking, you’ll reach the Punta Union Pass, a narrow notch in the granite wall of mountains.
You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with awesome views of Taulliraju (19,127 ft / 5830 m), the glacier-wrapped peak that dominates the views to the north. The Taullicocha laguna far below on the other side of the pass is a beautiful turquoise hue.
After enjoying the views set off downhill to camp in the meadow of Taullipampa (13,956 ft / 4254 m).
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Time: 7 hours
Pack up your gear and take a look back to the stunning granite walls of Punta Union Pass. From here the trail continues along an area of loose sand and rock — the result of recent floods.
An avalanche in recent years broke an ice dam that held back the waters of the small Laguna Arteson Bajo. The resulting flash flood wiped up the trail, so the path has been altered in some parts.
This section of the trail passes Lake Jatunchocha (12,749 ft / 3886 m), where you can spend some time lounging by its shores or going for a chilly dip in its waters.
Camp tonight at Llamacorral (12,335 ft / 3760 m), a grassy field surrounded by boulders.
Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Time: 7 hours
The path continues through a grassy ravine, past waterfalls and steep walls of sheer rock. The path is obvious and you’ll finally emerge from the canyon to views of the farmland of the Santa Cruz valley.
The long journey finishes in the village of Cashapamapa, where you can catch transport to the town of Caraz, and another ride to Huaraz. Spend the night at your hotel in Huaraz.
Distance: 6 miles (10 km)
Time: 5 hours
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then transfer to the bus station for your 8-hour ride back to Lima. You’ll arrive in Lima in the evening. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take time to relax.
Until we meet again!
Member Since 2022
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