Santa Cruz Trek & 3 Peaks in Ishinca Valley

from
$ 3'200

For those looking for an extended trekking and climbing trip culminating in an attempt on a 6000m peak, we offer a combination with the scenic Santa Cruz trek for acclimatization followed by seven days based in beautiful Ishinca Valley and climbing three peaks: Urus (5495m), Ishinca (5530m) and Tocllaraju (6034m).


Tour Duration   19 Days

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  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
    Guided Tours, Travel Packages
  • Activity Level Challenging
    5/8
  • Group Size Small Group
    2-4
All about the Santa Cruz Trek & 3 Peaks in Ishinca Valley.

Highlights

  • The most beautiful mountains in the Cordillera Blanca
  • Panorama trekking on the famous Santa Cruz route
  • Hike to the famous Laguna 69 and Laguna Churup
  • Campsites next to crystal clear blue lagoons
  • Climb three peaks in the beautiful Ishinca valley, including a 6’000m mountain

 

Character
For acclimatization we start with two day trips to the lagoons Churup and 69. The Santa Cruz Trek is a very impressive short trek in the Cordillera Blanca, which will reward you with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lagoons. During the tour we cross the 4’750 m high pass Punta Union. After the trek we rest one day in Huaraz and then drive to the Ishinca Valley to climb the 3 peaks Urus (5495m), Ishinca (5530m) and Tocllaraju (6034m).

Requirements
Good physical condition, team spirit and willingness to leave your comfort zone. The climbing on the glacier is sustained with steep climbing made very demanding by the altitude. You should only consider these climbs if you are strong, with high fitness levels and able to carry a medium weight backpack on steep terrain over rocky, loose and uneven ground. Tocllaraju is not a suitable climb for clients who do not have good basic climbing skills as it has some sections of steep and technical climbing. We climb Urus and Ishinca first to gain extra acclimatization and fitness, then you should be ready to challenge the more technical Tocllaraju. In preparation for this trip, we recommend extensive walks and conditioning.

Best Season
The best trekking and climbing season in the Andes is from April to October, with rainy season in between. It is usually sunny and warm during this time. Due to the altitude, the nights can be quite cold (to minus 5 ° C).

Extra Time
Individual connection programs with Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon and much more are possible. Contact us!

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • Transports according to itinerary
  • Bus tickets Lima – Huaraz – Lima
  • Accommodation in Lima and Huaraz
  • Acclimatization hikes according to itinerary
  • Entrance fees to Huascaran National Park
  • Qualified and experienced guide (Spanish/Englisch)
  • Cook and assistant
  • Donkeys and donkey driver
  • Emergency horse
  • All meals during the trek and climb
  • Good quality high mountain tent (2 or 3 person)
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Dining tent, table and chairs
  • Cooking utensils
  • First aid kit and oxygen
What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Meals in Lima and Huaraz
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Personal equipment
  • Medical care or insurance
  • Emergency rescue or evacuation
  • Additional expenses as a result of leaving the trek early
  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Tips (optional)
  1. Day 1 Arrival to Peru

    Individual arrival to Lima. You will be picked up at the airport and taken to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and you can explore the city on your own.

    Accommodation: Hotel

  2. Day 2 Bus ride to Huaraz

    The bus ride over 400 km into the Cordillera Blanca is varied and promising. First we drive along the Panamericana north through the impressive desert on the Pacific coast, then up into the highlands and over the 4020m high Conococha pass in the Cordillera Negra and descend to Huaraz (3060 m). When we cross the pass, the view to the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca is clear – one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in the world. Arrival in Huaraz and check-in at the hotel. On request, dinner together in the group and first briefing.

    Driving time: 8 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel

  3. Day 3 Acclimatization hike to Laguna Churup

    We drive from Huaraz to Pitec (3’850m) passing through the traditional villages of Unchus and Llupa. After entering the national park we start ascending by following the path over a long ridge. The final 100m to the lake scrambling up a steep rock gully which some people may find difficult. We enjoy the silence and peace at Laguna Churup at 4’450m and return back to Huaraz.

    Driving time: 2 hours
    Hiking time: 6 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel

  4. Day 4 Start Santa Cruz Trek: Huaraz - Cashapampa - Llamacorrall

    We drive down the Rio Santa until Caraz and then on a narrow path up towards Santa Cruz valley. We reach the small village of Cashapampa (2’900 m). Here starts our trekking adventure, there are about 900 hm in front of us, spread over 10 km. In about 4.5 hours we should reach our campsite in Llamacorral.

    Driving time: 4 hours
    Hiking time: 4.5 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  5. Day 5 Llamacorral - Taullipampa

    We ascend through the Santa Cruz valley and then arrive at the lagoons Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. On the banks enchanted trees and lupins in all shades of blue, a paradise for the local ducks. Continue to the lagoon Arhueycocha (4’450 m), at the same time the starting point for climbing the famous Alpamayo mountain. We enjoy a fantastic view of the snowy Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Artesonraju and the peaks of Garcdilazo and Paria. Many people are convinced: the snow-white pyramid of the Alpamayo is the most beautiful mountain in the world!

    Hiking time: 5 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  6. Day 6 Taullipampa - Punta Union - Paria

    Today we have a rather strenuous ascent of around 2 hours: First we hike across meadows, but then along a path that is always barren and rocky from the pre-Inca period to Punta Unión, an imposing pass crossing at 4’780m! Gigantic, the mountains of the Cordillera Blanca – the mountains Taulliraju as well as Huandoy, Huascaran and many more! The descent is steep and leads us through a beautiful landscape past the Morococha Lagoon and into the Huaripampa Valley.

    Hiking time: 6 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  7. Day 7 Paria - Vaqueria - Portachuelo Pass - Cebollapampa

    After descending through the Huaripampa valley, through romantic highland forests and wildly bubbling streams, we come through typical villages of the high Andes. From the mountain village of Vaqueria, we head back up to the pass Portachuelo de Llanganuco at 4750m. Fantastic views of the snowy mountains Chopicalqui, Huascarán, Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju and Yanapaccha. And if we’re lucky, we’ll even spot vicunas! These very shy relatives of the lamas graze up to heights of 5500m. No wonder, they probably produce the finest wool in the entire animal kingdom. From here a vehicle brings us to Cebollapampa.

    Hiking time: 4 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  8. Day 8 Cebollapampa - Trekking Laguna 69

    The Laguna 69 is one of the most famous lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. The Laguna is located directly under the huge ice walls of the Chacraraju, one of the most beautiful but also most difficult 6000 peaks of the Cordilliera Blanca. Our path leads through rustic mountain forests and a little marshy area, always on a huge steep flank. When we turn around, the gigantic ice fort of Huascaran rises behind us. Serpentines lead past several wildly bubbling waterfalls, a particularly imposing located right in front of our eyes. Some steep serpentines later the edge of the lake is then suddenly reached. Immediately above the deep blue water surface rise between mighty moraine ridges the steep ice walls of the Chacraraju. We hike back down to our campsite at Cebollapampa and return to Huaraz.

    Hiking time: 5-6 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  9. Day 9 Extra Day in Huaraz

    We rest and get ready for the expedition.

    Meals included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel

  10. Day 10 Huaraz - Ishinca Valley - Base Camp

    We drive from Huaraz to the village of Pashpa. We then walk up the Ishinca Valley on a gently rising path to our camp at the head of the valley. This is a lovely walk, starting on a plateau with views of Huascaran, then passing through beautiful quenual forest. As we walk up the valley, it opens up, and we see Tocllaraju ahead. Base Camp is at 4’390m.

    Driving time: 2 hours
    Hiking time: 5 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  11. Day 11 Base Camp - Urus Summit - Base Camp

    Today we climb the East face of Urus. Leaving camp at 4am, we make a steep climb directly up a ridge and across large moraine rocks until we reach the ice after 3.5 hours. There is a steadier gradient on the ice for one hour, then the last half hour to the summit is an easier rock climb. However, in some months there can be deep snow all the way to the summit. We arrive at the summit to see the sun rise on Tocllaraju, Akilpo, Palcaraju and Ishinca. A steep and long descent back to Base Camp by the same route.

    Climbing time: 7 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  12. Day 12 Base Camp - Ishinca Summit - Base Camp

    Today we climb Ishinca. We leave camp at 3am and undertake a steady climb, initially on a good path to Lake Ishinca. Then we continue hiking over more demanding, steep moraine rock until we reach the glacier. We put on crampons and rope up for the climb. Which route we climb will be decided by the guide according to the weather, experience and fitness of the clients. Some years, depending on the conditions of the glacier, there can be some hard ice, especially at the glacial face to climb up onto the start of the glacier. It is about 3-4 hours on the ice to the summit. Then we return back to Base Camp.

    Climbing time: 9-12 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  13. Day 13 Rest Day at Base Camp

    Rest day at base camp.

    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  14. Day 14 Base Camp - Tocllaraju Moraine Camp

    We leave Base Camp mid-morning, carrying all our equipment, and climb to Tocllaraju Moraine Camp. It is a steep climb on a moraine ridge and across large moraine rocks. Our camp is in a flat area in the rock moraine at 5’300m right below the glacier.

    Hiking time: 4 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  15. Day 15 Moraine Camp - Tocllaraju Summit - Base Camp

    We leave early around 2 am to climb to the summit of Tocllaraju. From the Moraine Camp there is a steady and pleasant climbing which is not very steep for the first 3.5 hours. We come to the first large crevasse to cross. Then we negotiate a steep section of 60m. We then climb steadily and not too steeply along a ridge until we reach a second large crevasse at the start of the north ridge. We cross the crevasse by another snow bridge, then continue to a steep bergschrund of up to 70 degrees and about 65m in length. This marks the start of the summit climb. The guide may fix a rope for climbing this exposed section. After reaching the top of the bergschrund it is a relaxing snow hike to the summit. From the summit we descend with several rappels. We collect our things at Moraine Camp and descend to Base Camp.

    Climbing time: 12-14 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
    Accommodation: Tent

  16. Day 16 Base Camp - Ishinca Valley - Huaraz

    We walk down the Ishinca Valley to Pashpa and return to Huaraz in our private vehicle.

    Hiking time: 4 hours
    Driving time: 2 hours
    Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel

  17. Day 17 Extra Day

    Today serves as extra day. Free day in Huaraz. On request farewell dinner with the group.

    Meals included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel

  18. Day 18 Bus ride Huaraz - Lima

    Bus drive back to Lima. Overnight in the hotel.

    Meals included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel

  19. Day 19 Lima - Return flight

    Free day depending on departure times – return flight. 

    Meals included: Breakfast

Everything you need to know about this trip

Camping
During the trek and climbs, you spend the nights in two or three person tents.

Hotels
In Lima and Huaraz, you are accommodated in a double room in good middle class hotels. A single room is possible for a surcharge.

Meals
During the expedition we pay attention to a healthy and high-calorie diet. Breakfast and dinner are cooked warm. For lunch, a box lunch is served. We can prepare vegetarian dishes on request.

Equipment
Donkeys carry equipment during the Santa Cruz trek and to Base Camp Ishinca Valley. Porters carry the group equipment (tents, food, climbing rope) up to Moraine Camp on Tocllaraju and return, but you need to carry your own personal gear.

Extra Day
In general, the extra day is used where it is necessary during the expedition. It not needed during the trek or climb, you have an extra day to enjoy Huaraz.

Transport
For the route Lima-Huaraz-Lima we work together with the bus company Oltursa, which is a public bus of the highest category. The rest of the transports take place in minivans or comfortable 4×4 off-road vehicles, depending on the group size. On request and not included in the price, we can also organize a private transport for the route Lima-Huaraz-Lima or a flight (only in the morning).

Packing listOur recommendation
  • Backpack
  • Head torch (with spare batteries)
  • Sandals
  • Well-worn in hiking boots
  • Down jacket
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Fleece or warm pullover
  • Comfortable clothes (quick dry, merino)
  • Trekking trousers
  • Long thermal underwear (merino)
  • Warm socks
  • Cap, gloves
  • Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen (min factor 40)
  • Hiking poles
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex)
  • Very warm and waterproof gloves (Gore-Tex)
  • Mountain goggles
  • Mountain boots
  • Crampons
  • 2 ice axes
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Carabiners
  • Sleeping bag -10° comfort
  • Toilet paper and wet wipes
  • Personal medication travel kit
  • Water bottle and water purification pills
  • Extra Snacks (your favorite chocolate)
  • Extra money

All our programs are also bookable as a tailor made trip. Please contact us for more information.

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