Santa Cruz Trek
04 Days / 03 Nigths
Duration
04 Days / 03 Nigths
Maximum altitude
4750 m.s.n.m.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Road condition
Clear
Transportation
Private
This hike explores three of the most spectacular gorges in Huascarán National Park: the Santa Cruz and Llanganuco Huaripampa Gorges. During this four-day trek in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, we’ll experience the best Andean scenery. As we walk along ancient Inca trails surrounded by forests and exotic vegetation such as quenuales and quiswar, we’ll see crystal-clear rivers, beautiful lakes, and breathtaking scenery that offers views of Punta Unión and the main peaks of the Cordillera Blanca: Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Pisco, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, Huandoy, Huascarán, and more.
Itinerary
Approximate hike: 3-4 hours.
Altitude: 3,100 meters above sea level to 3,870 meters above sea level (+770 meters)
Distance: 11 km
We will depart from the city of Huaraz by bus, traveling through the following provinces located in the Callejón de Huaylas: Carhuaz and Yungay. At 5,752 meters, we will see mountains such as Pisco and Chacraraju. We will also see Chopicalqui at 6,112 meters, and the two peaks of Huascarán at 6,768 meters north and south, and then the snow-capped Huandoy at 6,395 meters above sea level. After seeing these mountains, we will continue; after a 4-hour drive, we will arrive at the town of Vaqueria at 3,700 meters above sea level; from there, we will begin the trek to the first campsite called Paria at 3,850 meters above sea level.
Approximate hike: 7-8 hours
Altitude gain: 3,870 meters above sea level to 4,750 meters above sea level (+880 meters) – Punta Unión
Distance: 11 km
We will begin on a zigzag, uphill trail. This trail will offer beautiful views of the Tocllacocha lagoons. Once we reach Punta Unión, the highest point of the hike at 4,750 meters above sea level, we will be able to see the Taullicocha lagoon. We will then descend, observing the snow-capped mountains: Paria at 5,600 meters above sea level and Rinrijirca at 5,810 meters above sea level. We will have impressive views of the Santa Cruz ravine and the Jatuncocha lagoon. Continuing our hike, we will arrive at the next campsite, Taullipampa.
Hiking time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
Altitude gain: From 4,250 meters above sea level to 3,750 meters above sea level (-500 meters)
Distance: 15 km
On this day’s hike, we’ll enjoy the most beautiful views of Mount Caraz and the turquoise lagoons of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. We’ll then appreciate the mountains of Santa Cruz (6,259 meters above sea level), Quitaraju (6,036 meters above sea level), Rinrijirca (5,810 meters above sea level), Alpamayo, and Artesonraju (6,025 meters above sea level). We’ll then arrive at our third camp, Llamacorral, at 37,500 meters above sea level.
Hiking time: 4 hours
Car transfer: 3 hours back to Huara
Altitude gain: 3,750 meters above sea level to 3,100 meters above sea level (-650 meters)
Distance: 10 km
Starting very early, from the Llamacorral campsite, you can see the silhouettes of the Taulliraju and Pumapampa snow-capped mountains. We walk to the bus that heads back to Huaraz. After seeing these mountains, we continue by car for 1 hour until we reach the town of Cashapampa, and then head to Huaraz.
