
Santa Cruz & Climb Nevado Pisco 8 Days
8 Days

Santa Cruz & Climb Nevado Pisco 8 Days
8 Days
Overview
Join us on an unforgettable the Santa Cruz & Climb Nevado Pisco 8 Days is an 8-day adventure in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru, combining one of the most scenic trekking routes in the Andes with a high-altitude summit climb of Nevado Pisco (5,752 m).
This experience offers spectacular landscapes, excellent acclimatization, and a rewarding, non-technical mountaineering climb with breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Huascarán and Alpamayo.
Ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a mix of trekking and climbing in Peru.
Highlights
- Trek the famous Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca
- Climb Nevado Pisco (5,752 m) – ideal introduction to high-altitude mountaineering
- Stunning views of iconic peaks like Huascarán, Alpamayo, and Chopicalqui
- Explore turquoise glacial lakes and high mountain passes
- Perfect combination of trekking and climbing in Peru
- Excellent acclimatization before the summit attempt
- Guided expedition with experienced mountain guides
- Small groups for a safer and more personalized experience.
Trip Details
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Location: Cordillera Blanca, Andes, Peru
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (trekking + non-technical climb)
- Maximum Altitude: 5,752 m (Nevado Pisco Summit)
- Best Season: May to September (dry season in the Andes)
Itinerary
Day 01: Huaraz - Cashapampa (2900 m) - Trekking to Llamacorral (3800 m)
Early morning departure from Huaraz with a scenic drive to Cashapampa (2,900 m), the starting point of the famous Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca.
The trek begins following the Santa Cruz Valley, gradually ascending through a narrow canyon with impressive views of surrounding peaks and Andean landscapes. This first day is ideal for acclimatization while enjoying a beautiful and steady hike.
Arrival at Llamacorral Camp (3,800 m), located in a wide valley surrounded by mountains—perfect for resting and preparing for the next stages of the trek.
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Accommodation: Camping (Llamacorral)
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 02: Llamacorral - Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)
After breakfast at Llamacorral Camp, continue the Santa Cruz Trek deeper into the Cordillera Blanca, following a scenic trail along the valley.
Along the way, enjoy stunning views of turquoise lakes such as Jatuncocha and Ichiccocha, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks. This stage offers excellent acclimatization as you gradually gain altitude in the heart of the Andes.
Arrival at Taullipampa Camp (4,250 m), one of the most spectacular campsites of the trek, with breathtaking views of iconic mountains like Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and Quitaraju.
- Hiking time: 5–7 hours
- Accommodation: Camping (Taullipampa)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03: Taullipampa - Trekking to Punta Union Pass (4750 m)
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca. After an early breakfast at Taullipampa Camp, begin the steady ascent toward Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m).
The trail climbs through spectacular high-Andean landscapes, passing glacial lakes and surrounded by towering peaks. Reaching the pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca, making it one of the highlights of the trek.
After enjoying the summit views, begin the descent toward the next campsite, continuing through scenic valleys and alpine terrain. This day provides excellent high-altitude trekking experience in Peru.
- Hiking time: 7–9 hours
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04: Paria - Vaquería - Portachuelo Pass (4650 m)
After breakfast at camp, continue the Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca with a gentle descent toward Vaquería, passing through traditional Andean landscapes and local villages.
From Vaquería, a scenic drive takes you up to Portachuelo Pass (4,650 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region. From here, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca, including iconic peaks such as Huascarán and Chopicalqui.
This transition day combines trekking and transport, offering both cultural insight and stunning high-mountain scenery before the climbing phase begins.
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Transport: Private vehicle (Vaquería – Portachuelo)
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Trekking from Cebollapampa to Laguna 69 (4450 m)
After breakfast, begin the hike from Cebollapampa (3,900 m) toward the stunning Laguna 69, one of the most iconic glacial lakes in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru.
The trail ascends gradually through high-Andean valleys, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes, offering excellent acclimatization for high-altitude trekking. As you approach the lake, the terrain becomes steeper, leading to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Laguna 69 (4,450 m), surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
After enjoying the views, return to camp at Cebollapampa. This day is a perfect preparation before the Nevado Pisco climb.
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours (round trip)
- Accommodation: Camping (Cebollapampa)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Camp Cebollapampa - Trekking to Refugio Pisco (4680 m)
After breakfast at Cebollapampa, begin the ascent toward Refugio Pisco (4,680 m), marking the start of the Nevado Pisco climbing expedition in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru.
The trail climbs steadily through high-altitude terrain with impressive views of surrounding glaciers and peaks. This stage is essential for acclimatization before the summit attempt, allowing trekkers to adapt to the altitude in a stunning alpine environment.
Upon arrival at Refugio Pisco, there is time to rest, prepare equipment, and receive a briefing for the upcoming high-altitude climb.
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Accommodation: Mountain hut or camping (Refugio Pisco)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Base Camp/ Climb Nevado Pisco (5752 m) - back to Base Camp (4900 m)
The most exciting day of the expedition begins very early (around 1:00–2:00 AM). From Pisco Base Camp, start the summit climb of Nevado Pisco (5,752 m), one of the most popular high-altitude climbs in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru.
The ascent takes place on glacier terrain, using crampons and ice axe, making it an ideal introduction to mountaineering in the Andes. As the sun rises, enjoy breathtaking views of iconic peaks such as Huascarán, Alpamayo, and Chopicalqui.
After reaching the summit and taking in the incredible panorama, descend carefully back to Base Camp (4,900 m) for a well-deserved rest.
- Climbing time: 10–12 hours round trip
- Accommodation: Camping (Base Camp)
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Base Camp - Trekking to Refugio Pisco - Transfer to Huaraz.
After breakfast at Pisco Base Camp, descend along the same scenic trail to Refugio Pisco, enjoying the final views of the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. From there, continue the descent to the roadhead, where private transport awaits for the return journey to Huaraz.
This final day marks the end of an unforgettable adventure combining the Santa Cruz Trek and the Nevado Pisco climb, one of the best trekking and mountaineering experiences in the Peruvian Andes.
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Transport: Private transfer to Huaraz
- End of tour: Huaraz
Notes Itinerario
Included
- Professional mountain guide (experienced and certified)
- Assistant guide(s) (depending on group size)
- Private transportation (Huaraz – trailheads – Huaraz)
- Mules and muleteers for transporting camping equipment (trekking days)
- Porters / support staff for the climbing phase (if required)
- Cook and kitchen staff throughout the expedition
- All meals during the trek and climb (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Boiled and filtered drinking water during the expedition
- Camping equipment: tents, dining tent, kitchen tent
- Sleeping mat (foam mattress)
- Technical group equipment for the climb: ropes, crampons (if included), ice axe, helmet, safety gear
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Logistics and full expedition organization
Not Included
- International and domestic flights to/from Peru
- Accommodation and meals in Huaraz before and after the tour
- Personal trekking and climbing gear (boots, clothing, etc.)
- Technical equipment (personal): crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet (can usually be rented)
- Sleeping bag (suitable for cold temperatures)
- Travel and rescue insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for guides, cook, and support staff
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
- Extra costs due to early departure or itinerary changes
- Additional services not mentioned in the program
- Entrance fees to Huascarán National Park
What To Bring
- Passport
- Daypack (30–50 L) + duffel bag
- Warm layered clothing (thermal, fleece, down jacket)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Hiking boots (well broken-in)
- Mountaineering boots (for Pisco climb)
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses, sun protection
- Sleeping bag (for cold temperatures)
- Water bottles / hydration system (2–3 L)
- Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Personal climbing gear (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Snacks and personal items
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