5-Day Alpamayo Trek from Huaraz with Santa Cruz and Punta Union

• Arrive and have an acclimatization day by yourself.

• Have Breakfast at the hotel around 5 am and depart around 6 am to the trailhead. Afterwards, the minibus climbs up the mountain and we cross the Portachuelo Pass at 4,767m. On days with good weather conditions, you can see Peru’s highest mountain, Huascaran, and the four peaks of Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju and Chopicalqui. 

• After crossing the pass, arrive in the village Vaqueria from where we start our Santa Cruz Trek, Peru. Just equipped with our day pack and a box lunch, follow Peru Bergsport trekking guide through the small village of Huaripampa. We will be registered in the control of the National Park. Here, enjoy a better view of the mountains and an absolutely great view of Pucaraju (5,025 m). In our “restaurant tent”, have a hot coca tea to warm up.

Infos: from Huaraz to Vaqueria 121km approx 5 hours. Driving at the non-paved trail, Highest Pass 4850masl Portachuelo Llangnauco

From Vaqueria to Paria campsite 13km – about 5 hours walking

• Around 6:15 am, have breakfast and pack your things. Meanwhile, the tents are taken down by the donkey driver. With a filled stomach, hike into the direction of the highest point of your Santa Cruz Trek, Peru: The pass of Punta Union at 4,750m. The beginning of the trek is easy but then the hardest part of the Santa Cruz Trek, starts with a steep way up to the pass. Slowly, we make our way up over huge rocks. it is a hard challenge as it is the first time that you do such a long steep walk in the high mountains. 

• Reach the Pass almost 7 hours after leaving the site and enjoy the amazing views of the Santa Cruz Valley to the west, and the views of the Huaripampa Valley to the east. Looking to the Santa Cruz Valley, we can admire the peak of Taulliraju (5,830m) with its glacial lake on the right-hand side. On the left-hand side, we see the mountains Paria (5,720m) and Artesonraju (6,025m). Far away in the distance, we already see the blue water of Lake Jatuncocha in the Santa Cruz Canyon. With good weather conditions, you can already see all of Santa Cruz Canyon with the mountains Alpamayo (5,947m), Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Rinrihircas, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui and Pucahircas. 

• After enjoying the views, go down to your next camp, Taullipampa (4,250m). Everything will be already prepared. At the dinner table, talk about the Punta Union Pass on your Santa Cruz Trek, Peru.

Walking distance of about 16 km, about 8 or 9 hours walking.

• After leaving the camp Taullipampa, have a nice and much easier way up to a viewpoint from where you have a great view of Paria and Artesonraju. Walk to explore the Base Camp Alpamayo and the turquoise lake of Arhueycocha.

• Continue further to Laguna Jatuncocha. The blue water is so fascinating and enjoys the snack break with the view of the valley, From here, make your way down into the Santa Cruz Canon and pass the beautiful Lake Jatuncocha. Pass the campsite Llamacorral (3,760m).

• On the slow way down to the final destination Cashapampa, we hike through different vegetation and suddenly we can see the first cactuses and higher plants along the way. 

• Follow the Santa Cruz River and love the peaceful atmosphere in the valley. The sun is shining and it is a perfect day. Around 2:30 pm approx, we arrive in the village of Cashapampa.

Walking distance about 14 km easy walk.

About 8 or 9 hours walking with rests.