Peru · Trekking

4-Day Santa Cruz Trek in Huaraz with Vaqueria Transfer

4 Days Round trip from Huaraz Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cross the Portachuelo Pass at 4,767 m with views of Huascaran and surrounding peaks
02 Trek to Punta Union, the highest point of the Santa Cruz Trail at 4,750 m
03 Enjoy eye-catching views of Paria, Artesonraju, and other snow-clad peaks
04 Pass by the blue waters of Lake Jatuncocha in the Santa Cruz Canyon
05 Hike down to Cashapampa through changing vegetation with the first cactuses

Nestled in the white-peaked Cordillera Blanca range in the Andes, this classic Santa Cruz Trek crosses the Portachuelo Pass and reveals views of Peru's highest mountain, Huascaran. Trek along the Santa Cruz Trail to Punta Union, its highest point, for eye-catching views of mountain peaks and the blue waters of Lake Jatuncocha. The route also leads through Cashapampa, where you can spot the first cactuses and higher plants. We offer transfer only for backpackers from Huaraz to Vaqueria to start the Santa Cruz Trek.

Nestled in the white-peaked Cordillera Blanca range in the Andes, this classic Santa Cruz Trek crosses the Portachuelo Pass and reveals views of Peru's highest mountain, Huascaran.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Huaraz to Vaqueria and Trek to Paria Camp

After breakfast, depart from Huaraz at around 6:00 am to the trailhead. The minibus will take you across the Portachuelo Pass at 4,767 m. On days with good weather conditions, Peru's highest mountain, Huascaran, and the four peaks of Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui are visible. The drive from Huaraz to Vaqueria takes around 5 hours (121 km).

After crossing the pass, arrive at the village of Vaqueria. The Santa Cruz Trek starts from this point.
After lunch, follow Peru Bergsport's trekking guide through the small village of Huaripampa.
Visit the National Park to get a panoramic view of Pucaraju (5,025 m).
Stay overnight at the Paria campsite, which is a 5-hour walk from Vaqueria.

Day 02

Paria to Punta Union Pass and Taullipampa

After breakfast, start trekking towards the highest point of the Santa Cruz Trail, the Punta Union Pass at 4,750 m. The beginning of the trek is easy, but it gradually becomes tougher.

After 7 hours of trekking, enjoy the amazing views of the Santa Cruz Valley to the west and the Huaripampa Valley to the east.
Admire the peak of Taulliraju (5,830 m) with its glacial lake on the right-hand side. On the left-hand side, witness the snow-clad mountains Paria (5,720 m) and Artesonraju (6,025 m). The blue waters of Lake Jatuncocha in the Santa Cruz Canyon are also visible in the distance.
Visit the Santa Cruz Canyon with the mountains Alpamayo (5,947 m), Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Rinrihircas, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, and Pucahircas.
Finally, descend to the next camp, Taullipampa (4,250 m).

Total walking distance - 16 km (8-9 hours)

Day 03

Taullipampa to Alpamayo Viewpoint and Llamacorral

After breakfast at Camp Taullipampa, trek up to a viewpoint to get an eye-catching view of Paria and Artesonraju. Then, continue the trek towards Laguna Jatuncocha.

Descend towards the Santa Cruz Canyon across the beautiful Lake Jatuncocha.
Reach Camp Llamacorral (3,760 m).

Total walking distance: 14 km (8-9 hours including rest stops)

Day 04

Llamacorral to Cashapampa and Return to Huaraz

After breakfast, proceed to the final destination, Cashapampa, and hike through diverse vegetation where you can spot the first cactuses and taller plants.

Trek for about two hours alongside the Santa Cruz River. Arrive at the village of Cashapampa at around 12:00 pm, followed by a minivan ride back to Huaraz.
Drop off at the hotel after the two-hour drive.