Santa Cruz Trek & Pisco Climb

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

We pick you up at the hotel and drive south to the Santa Cruz bridge. Here begins our hike through the picturesque highlands and small Andean villages. We slowly ascend to the Laguna Wilcacocha (3’700m), where we enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the whole Cordillera Blanca. We walk the same way back to the bridge, where our transport waits and brings us back to Huaraz.

Driving time: 20 minutes
Hiking time: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Today we will climb in about 5 hours to the Pisco Refugio (mountain hut), our base camp at 4680m. The views to Nevados Huascarán and Chopicalqui is overwhelming: the Huascaran is with its 6768 meters the highest mountain in Peru. Overnight stay in the mountain hut. We enjoy the view of the Huandoy peaks, Chacraraju and Yanapaccha.

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

Shortly after midnight we leave the hut, climb up, cross the long moraine and reach the glacier. A steep ascent leads us to the saddle of the Nevado Pisco. Now the long final climb over the glacier to the 5752m high summit! Now we have again an outstanding view of the highest mountain in Peru – the Huascaran, as well as in the immediate vicinity Huandoy and Chopicalqui and many more. Then descent back to the Refugio.

Hiking time: 10-12 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea time, dinner
Accommodation: Refugio

Our tour is coming to an end. In the early morning we start our descent towards Cebollapampa and continue walking until we reach the road. From there we take our vehicle back to Huaraz. Tired and satisfied we arrive at the hotel.

Hiking time: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: Hotel

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

Bus drive back to Lima. Overnight in the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Free day depending on departure times – return flight. 

Meals included: Breakfast