Santa Cruz Trek (Cordillera Blanca)
Santa Cruz Trek (Cordillera Blanca)
$400 USD / 1 person
- Moderate
- 4 Days
- 8
- All Year
Located in the Cordillera Blanca mountains in the Peruvian Andes, the stunning 4-day Santa Cruz Trek is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
This trek winds through the valleys of the Cordillera Blanca, passing beautiful turquoise lagoons, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains like Alpamayo and the mountain from the Paramount Pictures logo on its way to the highest and most spectacular viewpoint of the hike, Punta Unión.
Itinerary
After arriving in the village of Vaqueria, we load the donkeys with everything except what you wish to carry in your small daypack. Once on the trail, we pass through the small villages of the Huaripampa Valley before reaching the Huascarán National Park office. Then, we hike for another easy couple of hours to our first camp, Paria, located in the Huaripampa Valley.
Meals: Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent (2 people)
Altitude Climb: 400 m
Distance: ~10 km
From here we then take a 2-hour descent past a turquoise lagoon down to camp Taullipampa (4,174 m), an idyllic and picturesque camp site surrounded by small rivers and tall mountains. Here we have a well-deserved tea and dinner. In between we can rest and recharge, read, meditate or just breathe in our marvelous surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent (2 people)
Altitude Climb: 970 m
Distance: ~11 km
A 3-hour descent through valleys follows, to the beautiful green lagoon Jatuncocha (3,886 m) which we can calmly breathe in as we eat our box lunch before continuing through the valley for 2 more hours to our 3rd and final encampment; Llamacorral (3,777 m).
Meals: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent (2 people)
Altitude Climb: 300 m
Distance: ~22 km
Meals: Breakfast, Snack
Accommodation: Tent (2 people)
Altitude Climb: 0 m
Distance: ~10 km
Included:
- Pre-tour briefing at our office
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transport to the trek and back
- 3 breakfasts, 4 snacks, 4 lunches, 3 teas and 3 dinners (vegetarian available)
- 3 nights accommodation in large tents (4) for every couple
- Certified guide
- Certified chef
- Donkeys carrying 5kg extra equipment
- Mattress
- Hot water every afternoon for washing hands
- Boiled water every morning for water bottle
Not Included:
- Breakfast on the first day
- Sleeping bag, hiking poles (rental optional)
- Entrance fee to the national park (60 Soles)
1. Rental Equipment
A sleeping bag is essential for camping. Our bags are mummy-style, with liners, and protect down to -20°C (-0°F). Inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended.
- Sleeping bag US$ 15
- Walking poles (pair) US$ 15
2. Breakfast Day 1
You can buy breakfast in a restaurant we pass the first morning.
- Valid passport
- Trekking clothes (pants, socks, shorts, t-shirts, jacket)
- Hiking boots (waterproof)
- Waterproof jacket or raincoat
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent
- Flashlight, camera, batteries, chargers, power bank
- Extra cash (soles)
- Water bottle (we fill it every morning for you)
- Medium trekking backpack (25L)
- Toothbrush, toilet paper, medication
Briefing (Informative Meeting)
Join us for a 30-45 minute briefing the evening before your tour at our Huaraz office or your hotel. If you can’t make it, please coordinate a different time via email, phone, or in person.
Can I store my luggage with you?
Yes, you can store your main luggage at our offices or your hotel free of charge. For items you won’t need on the trek, check with your hotel—they usually offer storage. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and get a receipt for insurance purposes. For extra security, put valuables in a sealed, signed envelope.
How long should I acclimatize in Huaraz before the Trek?
To avoid altitude sickness, we suggest arriving in Huaraz 2-3 days before your trek. Even if you’ve been at high altitude elsewhere in Peru, it’s best to spend at least a full day in Huaraz to rest and explore before your trek.
Tour Consultant
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