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Santa Cruz Trek

About the Trek
Hike through the very heart of the Cordillera Blanca, where Peru’s highest mountains soar thousands of feet above. The Santa Cruz trek works its way over 2 high passes catching stunning views of Huascaran, Chopiqualqui and the Huandoys, then on past two glacial lakes in the Ulta valley.
Since it’s only 4 days, this is a great shorter alternative if you don’t have the time to do a longer trek like the Huayhuash.

Day 1: HUARAZ - CASHAPANPA - LLAMACORRAL (3750m)
We will see parts of the city of Huaraz by bus and travel through the following provinces of Carhuaz Huaylas, Yungay and Caraz, to reach the town of Cashapampa. Then we will be at 2,900 meters and from there we will begin our trek. After about 3 hours we will get to Llamacorral at 3,800 meters.

Day 2: LLAMACORRAL - TAULLIPANPA (4250m)
On this day in the walk we will enjoy the most beautiful views of Mount Alcaraz, and Jatuncocha Ichiccocha, then appreciate the Santa Cruz Mountains (6259msnm) Quitaraju (6036M), Alpamayo, Artesonraju (6025) then come to our second camp at Taullipampa at 4200 meters.

Day 3: TAULLIPANPA - PUNTA UNION (4750m) - PARIA (3850m)
Commencing a zigzag path to reach the highest point on this path we will appreciate beautiful views of the lakes Taullicocha, Jatuncocha and Union to reach the highest point of our trek at 4750msnm. Then we will descend after watching the snow: Pariah 5600msnm and Pyramid 5885msnm. Then we continue our trek to our camp which is Cachipampa.

Day 4: PARIA - VAQUERIA - HUARAZ
Beginning at the dairy farm we walk to the bus heading back to Huaraz. At 5752m we will see mountains such as Pisco and Chacraraju. We will also see Chopicalqui at 6112m, and the two Huascaran peaks at 6768m north and south and then the snowy Huandoy at 6395msnm. After we see these mountains we continue down until we reach the lake Llanganuco, then we go to Huaraz.

Hiking Time 6-7 hours per day
Duration 4-5 days
Distance 45km
Average Altitude 4100m
Difficulty Moderate
When to Trek April-October

Getting to/from the Trek

What is Included

• Official Guide
• Donkey driver
• Cook (optional)
• Three meals per day
• Equipment: tent, mattress, sleeping bag (if you don’t have your own)
• Transportation
• First aid

What to Bring

• Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses;
• Comfortable clothes / shoes / boots;
• Warm clothes: fleece, gloves, hat, etc.;
• Waterproof jacket;
• Walking sticks if you have knee problems;
• Water and/or water pills.

Price
340 soles

Permits and Regulations
This trek is within the Parque Nacional Huascaran. Visitors to the park pay admission fees of:

• Day treks: 5 soles
• Multi-day treks: 65 soles (permit valid for 4 weeks)

These fees are paid at the park’s office, and are not included in the price.

Missing something?
We can provide you with everything you need for a great trek, just let us know how we can help.