4-Day Santa Cruz Trek from Huaraz through the Cordillera Blanca

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Hike through the giant high Andes mountain range
• 02 Enjoy camping among snow-clad mountains
• 03 Capture scenic views of towering mountain peaks
• 04 Witness a magnificent turquoise lake along the trail

Embark on the famous Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca of the Andes, following trails surrounded by snow-peaked mountains, turquoise lakes, and stunning picturesque landscapes. Along the way, behold the incredible sights of Portachuelo Pass, Huascarán mountain, Chopicalqui peak, Huaripampa village, and Pucaraju mountain while relishing the beauty of nature.

Embark on the famous Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca of the Andes, following trails surrounded by snow-peaked mountains, turquoise lakes, and stunning picturesque landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Huaraz, Huascarán National Park

Languages English, French, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Huaraz to Vaquería via Portachuelo Pass and Trek to Paria

• Have breakfast at the hotel around 5 am and depart around 6 am for the trailhead. Afterwards, the minibus climbs up the mountain and crosses Portachuelo Pass at 4,767 m.
• See Peru's highest mountain, Huascarán, as well as the four peaks of Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui on days with good weather conditions.
• Cross the pass to reach the village of Vaquería.
• The Santa Cruz Trek starts from here. Equipped with your day pack and a box lunch, follow the Peru Bergsport trekking guide through the small village of Huaripampa.
• Register at the National Park control point and enjoy an absolutely great view of Pucaraju (5,025 m). In the restaurant tent, have hot cocoa tea to warm up.

2

Day 02

Paria to Punta Unión Pass and Taullipampa

• Have breakfast at 6:15 am and pack your things together. The tents are taken down by the donkey driver.
• Start the hike toward the highest point of the Santa Cruz Trek, Punta Unión Pass at 4,750 m. The beginning of the trek is easy, but then the hardest part begins with the steep ascent to the pass.
• Enjoy the amazing views of the Santa Cruz Valley to the west and the Huaripampa Valley to the east. Looking toward the Santa Cruz Valley, admire the peak of Taulliraju (5,830 m) with its glacial lake on the right-hand side. See the mountains Paria (5,720 m) and Artesonraju (6,025 m) on the left-hand side. Far away in the distance, you can already see the blue waters of Lake Jatuncocha in the Santa Cruz Canyon.
• After enjoying the view, go down to the next camp at Taullipampa (4,250 m).

3

Day 03

Taullipampa to Laguna Jatuncocha and Llamacorral

• Leave Taullipampa camp after breakfast and enjoy a much easier walk up to a viewpoint from where you have a great view of Paria and Artesonraju.
• Continue further to Laguna Jatuncocha. From here, make your way down into the Santa Cruz Canyon, passing the beautiful lake, and reach the campsite at Llamacorral (3,760 m).

4

Day 04

Llamacorral to Cashapampa and Return to Huaraz

• Pass the campsite of Llamacorral (3,760 m). On the gradual way down to the final destination of Cashapampa, hike through different vegetation and see the first cactuses and taller plants along the way.
• Follow the Santa Cruz River and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the valley. The sun is shining, and it is a perfect day.
• Reach the village of Cashapampa at approximately 2:30 pm, where the minibus will already be waiting.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Transfer in/out by touristic minivan or minibus from Huaraz to the trailhead

• English-speaking Peruvian tour guide

• Cook

• Group tent

• Sleeping tent

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping mattress

• Donkey for supplies (not for tourists' belongings)

• Donkey drivers

• Complete meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners

• Boiled water

What's Not Included

• Huascarán National Park entrance fees

• Mineral water and soda drinks

• Tips

• Toiletries

Know before you go

• From Huaraz to Vaquería: approximately 121 km - about 5 hours.
• Drive on a non-paved trail, crossing the highest pass at 4,850 masl, Portachuelo Llanganuco.
• From Vaquería to Paria campsite: 13 km - about 5 hours of walking.
• On the second day, the walking distance will be about 16 km, which is around 8 to 9 hours on foot.
• On the fourth day, the walking distance will be about 14 km. It will take around 8 to 9 hours of walking with rests.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Huaraz, Peru

Tour start

Huaraz, Peru

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.