Santa Cruz Trek
Santa Cruz Trek - The Classic of the Cordillera Blanca
The Santa Cruz Trek is the most famous and complete trek in Huascarán National Park, traversing three spectacular valleys - Santa Cruz, Huaripampa, and Llanganuco. Over 4 days, you'll walk along ancient pre-Inca paths, through quenual forests, past turquoise lagoons, and alongside crystal-clear rivers, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Cordillera Blanca's most iconic snow-capped peaks. The highlight is the Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m), a privileged balcony offering panoramic views of giants like Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, Huandoy, and Huascarán. An unforgettable experience for high-altitude trekking enthusiasts.
Itinerary
Day 1:Huaraz (3,052 m) - Cashapampa (2,900 m) - Llamacorral (3,760 m)
Departure by vehicle from Huaraz to Cashapampa, the entrance to Huascarán National Park. We begin our trek through the Santa Cruz Canyon, ascending gently between vertical walls and vegetation to the Llamacorral campsite, our first encounter with the solitude of the mountains. Meals included - lunch and dinner
Day 2:Llamacorral (3,760 m) - Taullipampa (4,250 m)
Gradual ascent through the Santa Cruz valley, skirting the beautiful Ichicocha and Jatuncocha lagoons, deep blue in color. The landscape opens up to reveal the first snow-capped peaks - Caraz, Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and the mythical Alpamayo. We arrive at Taullipampa, a campsite with privileged views. Meals included - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3:Taullipampa (4,250 m) - Paso Punta Unión (4,750 m) - Cachinapampa (3,750 m)
The big day. We ascend to the highest point of the trek, the Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m). From the summit, a 360-degree view rewards us with the most imposing snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca - Quitaraju, Taulliraju, Artesonraju, Huascarán, Contrahierbas, and many more. A long descent takes us into the verdant valley of Cachinapampa. Meals included - Breakfast, lunch
Upcoming Departures
Apr 8 - Apr 10, 2026
4 spots leftApr 15 - Apr 17, 2026
4 spots leftApr 22 - Apr 24, 2026
4 spots leftApr 29 - May 1, 2026
4 spots leftMay 6 - May 8, 2026
4 spots leftMay 13 - May 15, 2026
4 spots leftMay 20 - May 22, 2026
4 spots leftMay 27 - May 29, 2026
4 spots leftJun 3 - Jun 5, 2026
4 spots leftJun 10 - Jun 12, 2026
4 spots leftJun 17 - Jun 19, 2026
4 spots leftJun 24 - Jun 26, 2026
4 spots leftWhat's Included
- Transport according to the itinerary
- Qualified and experienced guide (Spanish/English)
- Cook and assistant
- Donkeys and donkey driver
- All meals during the trek
- Good quality mountain tent (for 2 or 3 people)
- Sleeping pad
- Dining tent, table, and chairs
- Cooking utensils
- First aid kit and oxygen
What's Not Included
- Meals in Lima and Huaraz
- Hotels in Lima and Huaraz
- Bus tickets and flights
- Entrance fees to Huayhuash Mountain Range
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal equipment
- Medical attention or insurance
- Rescue or emergency evacuation
- Additional expenses resulting from abandoning the trek early
- Travel insurance
- Tips (optional)
FAQ
? What level of physical fitness is required for this trek?
The Santa Cruz Trek is of moderate to demanding difficulty. Daily hikes vary between 4 and 8 hours, with a significant ascent to the Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m), the highest point. Good physical condition and previous experience in multi-day high-altitude treks are required. It is recommended to have completed at least 2-3 days of acclimatization in Huaraz (3,052 m) before starting the trek.
? Is it necessary to have camping experience or can we rent all the equipment?
It is not necessary to have previous camping experience, but it is recommended. We provide all group equipment - camping tents, dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen, and utensils. Participants must bring their own sleeping bag (suitable for sub-zero temperatures) and sleeping pad. If you do not have this equipment, you can rent it in Huaraz before departure.
Packing list
Our recommendation
Are you missing something? We can provide the detailed program and everything you need for a great day of expeditions, check each trip for detailed information on prices and offers we have for groups and dates or contact us for a personalized trip and you will be able to fully enjoy. The personal technical equipment and expedition clothing that we can provide you at no cost will depend on whether we have an available warehouse, which is why it is important to book in advance and check what we can provide you.
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