Santa Cruz Trek 4D/3N

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Carbon neutral

4 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

18 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Huaraz, Peru

Ends

Huaraz, Peru

Highlights

Hold one of the most beautiful circuits of the world’s highest tropical mountain range

Hike the challenging Punta Union Pass

Marvel at the impressive Alpamayo Mountain

Itinerary

Venture deep into Peru’s Cordillera Blanca with the "Santa Cruz Trek 4D/3N"—a four-day adventure through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Huascarán National Park. Suitable for young adults and experienced trekkers with a moderate fitness level, this guided trek unveils alpine valleys, sparkling glacial lakes, and dramatic peaks. Highlights include exploring remote Andean villages and capturing the iconic beauty of Laguna 69. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, this trip promises an immersion into untouched wilderness. The unique selling point: access to some of Peru’s most pristine natural wonders, offering a true escape for those eager to experience the raw majesty of the Andes on foot.

day 1 - Huaraz - Paria Valley, Peru

Duration: 4 Days

Departure Time: 06:30

Transfer to Vaqueria and start hiking to the Paria Valley (L/D)

Getting an early morning start, we’ll drive along the Santa Valley, passing several villages along the way until we reach present-day Yungay. The road winds slowly up into the gully between the Huascaran massif and the Huandoy three-pronged peak. As we near the overhanging valley, we arrive at the boundary of Huascaran National Park. Llanganuco, as the area is known, has two crystalline turquoise lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha. We’ll continue driving to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass at 4750 m (15,584 ft). From here we can observe the highest mountains of the Cordillera Blanca including Huascaran, Huandoy's Peak, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui. Finally, we will descend to Vaquería, at 3700 m (12,139 ft). This is where we’ll begin our trek.

We walk down towards a trail that makes its way to the left, over a small ridge into the remote Huaripampa Valley, nestled among mountains. As we slowly head up this valley, we’ll pass a small settlement of farmers, going about their agricultural activities. Walking through areas of verdant Andean flora, we’ll soon catch sight of snow-capped Chacraraju. Taulliraju will soon come into view as well as we stride alongside pastoral meadows and fields. We’ll make camp in the Paria Valley at 3875 masl (12,713 fasl).

Note: Driving distance: 119 km (74 mi) – Time: 5 hours // Trekking distance: 11.2 km (7 mi) – Time: 5 hours

day 2 - Paria Valley - Taullipampa, Peru

Ascend towards Punta Union Pass and descend into Taullipampa (B/L/D)

Today, we start on an ascending trail towards Punta Union Pass at 4750 m (15,583 ft), This ancient trail saw heavy traffic in pre-Columbian and Colonial times as a route for transporting goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass, Mt. Taulliraju will loom above us, and on the other side, a pristine glacial lake and bright white glacier will add color and contrast to the amazing views down the Santa Cruz Valley. The peaks of Quitaraju, Artesonaju, and Rinrijirca will come into view, as well as the two lakes of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. The trail descends into Taullipampa, where we will spend the night at 4180 m (13,713 ft).

Note: Trekking distance: 11 km (6.8 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours

day 3 - Taullipampa - Llamacorral, Peru

Hike down the Santa Cruz Valley to Llamacorral (B/L/D)

Today we continue our hike down the Santa Cruz Valley, past the side-valley of Arhuaycocha, with great views of snow-capped mountain peaks, including Mt. Alpamayo. We’ll ascend to an incredible viewpoint to observe the majestic Alpamayo Mountain in all its glory. The landscape changes and scree slopes appear on each side of the marshy meadow, as well as a smattering of boulders fallen from the eroded walls above us. Finally, towards the end of the day, we hike out of the ever-narrowing canyon into Llamacorral, where we will camp at 3783 m (12,411 ft).

Note: Trekking distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) – Time: 6-7 hours

day 4 - Llamacorral - Huaraz, Peru

Trek down Cashapampa and transfer to Huaraz (B)

After breakfast, a steep descent brings us to Cashapampa (2944 m / 9658 ft) in the early morning. We’ll meet with our private vehicle that will take us back to Huaraz; we’ll take our leave of our team of helpers and relax as the road winds slowly down to the main valley, arriving in Huaraz in the afternoon, where we’ll unwind after a memorable journey amidst some of the most spectacular terrain on earth.

Note: Trekking distance: 7 km (4.3 mi) – Time: 4 hours // Driving distance: 96 km (60 mi) – Time: 3 hours

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What's Included

Accommodation

3N accommodation in double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads

Meals

3 Breakfast/3 Lunch/3 Dinner

Transport

All transportation during the tour (horses and drivers)

Guide

Professional English-speaking guide

Others

Kitchen and dining tentsCook and field staffEntrance ticketsSolar energy lampsEco toiletsFirst aid kit and oxygen tankAdequate garbage disposal

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Hiking

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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