Santa Cruz Trek and Cordillera Huayhuash
Santa Cruz Trek and Huayhuash: Multi-Day Expeditions among the Highest Peaks of Peru
On the Santa Cruz trek you cross the Punta Unión pass facing Alpamayo and Taulliraju. Alternatively, you can embark on the legendary Cordillera Huayhuash circuit, one of the most spectacular high-mountain routes in the world.
Mountains that take your breath away
Summary
Trip overview
The Áncash region is Peru’s trekking capital and, therefore, these two expeditions are its most iconic routes. The base program is the four-day Santa Cruz trek, which crosses the Cordillera Blanca inside Huascarán National Park.
On the Santa Cruz trek, you hike through glacial valleys, turquoise lakes and queñual forests. Then you cross the Punta Unión pass, at 4,750 meters, with views of Alpamayo, considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, and Taulliraju.
For more experienced hikers, we also offer the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit, an expedition of about 8 to 12 days around peaks such as Yerupajá and Siula Grande, with passes above 5,000 meters, which is quoted according to the chosen length. Before either route, we recommend acclimatizing with Laguna 69 or the Llanganuco lakes.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Huaraz, Vaquería and Paria
Transfer to the mountain range, then the start of the hike.
We pick you up early at your hotel in Huaraz and drive through the Callejón de Huaylas and the Llanganuco lakes. Then we cross the Cordillera Blanca over the Portachuelo pass, with views of Huascarán and Huandoy, until we reach Vaquería (3,700 m a.s.l.). There we meet the muleteers and start hiking through the Huaripampa valley, among small villages and grasslands, until we reach the Paria campsite (3,850 m a.s.l.).
Day 2
Punta Unión pass and Taullipampa
The most demanding day, because it includes the highest point of the route.
We begin the climb to the Punta Unión pass (4,750 m a.s.l.), the highest point of the trek, with spectacular views of Taulliraju peak, Taullicocha Lake and the Santa Cruz valley. Then we descend to the Taullipampa campsite (4,250 m a.s.l.), at the foot of the glaciers.
Day 3
Santa Cruz valley and Llamacorral
Glacial lakes and, if conditions allow, a view of Alpamayo.
We take a detour to admire Alpamayo peak, if conditions allow, and then continue through the Santa Cruz valley alongside the Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha lakes. Later, in the afternoon, we reach the Llamacorral campsite (3,760 m a.s.l.), surrounded by mountains.
Day 4
Cashapampa and return to Huaraz
Descent through the Santa Cruz canyon before the return to Huaraz.
We descend through the narrow Santa Cruz canyon, between rock walls and vegetation, until we reach the village of Cashapampa (2,900 m a.s.l.). There we say goodbye to the muleteers and, finally, return by transportation to Huaraz, with a stop in Caraz.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pre-trek briefing
- Hotel pickup and transportation Huaraz - Vaquería and Cashapampa - Huaraz
- Mountain guide in English or Spanish
- Cook, muleteers and pack donkeys for the equipment
- Emergency horse
- Double mountain tents, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Meals during the trek as per itinerary
- Entrance to Huascarán National Park
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
What's not included?
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Cordillera Huayhuash circuit (quoted separately)
- Tips for guides, cook and muleteers
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- 30 to 40 liter daypack
- Sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures
- Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots
- Thermal clothing, warm jacket, beanie and gloves
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking poles
- UV-protection sunglasses and sunscreen
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Original passport
Weather
In the Cordillera Blanca days are usually sunny and nights very cold, with sub-zero temperatures at the high campsites. Also, it can rain or snow even in the dry season.
Best season
The recommended season is from May to September, during the Andean summer. However, outside that period, rain and snow can make the route difficult.
Acclimatization
It is essential to spend at least three days in Huaraz before the trek, ideally with an acclimatization hike such as Laguna Churup or Laguna 69.
Recommendations
These are remote routes, far from medical centers. Therefore, we recommend previous high-altitude trekking experience and travel insurance with evacuation coverage, especially for the Cordillera Huayhuash.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Campsites
Three nights at campsites with double mountain tents, especially in the glacial valleys of Huascarán National Park.
Transportation
Transfers between Huaraz and the start of the hike and, then, from the end point back to Huaraz.
Meals
Hot, energizing meals prepared by our cook during the whole trek.
Muleteers and donkeys
Local muleteers and pack donkeys that carry the camping equipment, as well as an emergency horse.
Safety
Mountain guide, first aid kit and emergency oxygen, including high-mountain safety protocols.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Santa Cruz and Huayhuash?
The Santa Cruz trek lasts four days within the Cordillera Blanca, so it is demanding but accessible for hikers in good physical condition. In contrast, the Huayhuash circuit is a longer, more remote expedition of about 8 to 12 days, with several passes above 5,000 meters.
How difficult is the Santa Cruz Trek?
It is demanding because of the altitude, especially on the second day with the Punta Unión pass. No technical experience is required; however, good physical condition and acclimatization are.
How is the Huayhuash circuit quoted?
It is quoted according to the length and route chosen. Therefore, contact us to design the expedition according to your experience and available time.
Who carries the luggage?
On the Santa Cruz trek, the donkeys carry the camping equipment and your main belongings, while you carry a daypack.
Can Alpamayo be seen?
Yes, on clear days, from a detour in the Santa Cruz valley, since it is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate it as a private service, adjust the length or, also, combine it with other hikes in the Cordillera Blanca.
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