Santa Cruz Trek 4 Days

4 Days

Santa Cruz Trek 4 Days

4 Days

4 Days from $ 450.00

Overview

This adventure promises a perfect blend of challenging mountain trails, stunning alpine scenery, and the exploration of high-altitude ecosystems, providing a comprehensive Andean trekking experience, The Trekking Santa Cruz Trek 4 Days offers an immersive and challenging journey through the heart of the, providing a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and high-altitude adventure.

This spectacular hike where you can see the snow-capped mountains and crystalline lakes ,while walking through the beautiful towering peaks: Huascarán, Alpamayo, Taulliraju, Huandoy, Chacraraju and many others in the glacial canyons of the first National Park and Mountain Biosphere Reserve of Peru.

Highlights

Challenge yourself with the ascent to Punta Unión Pass and enjoy panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca
Experience diverse Andean landscapes, from alpine meadows to glacial lakes
Trek through scenic valleys surrounded by stunning mountain scenery
Camp in beautiful locations such as Paria, Taullipampa, and Llamacorral
Discover pristine high-altitude ecosystems with unique flora and wildlife
Enjoy close contact with nature and Andean cultural experiences along the route

Trip Details

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Activity: Trekking / Hiking
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Maximum Altitude: Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft)
Starting Point: Huaraz / Cashapampa or Vaquería (depending on route)
Daily Hiking Time: 5 – 8 hours approx.
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Season: Best from April to October (dry season)

Itinerary

Day 1. Huaraz - Cashapampa (2900 m) - Llamacorral (3800 m)

08:00 AM: Departure from Huaraz by private transport to the village of Cashapampa, the starting point of the Santa Cruz Trek in the Cordillera Blanca. Upon arrival, we begin the initial ascent hike, following a scenic trail through the Santa Cruz Valley. The route offers beautiful Andean landscapes, crossing rivers, small villages, and open valleys surrounded by mountains.

The trek takes approximately 5–6 hours, with a steady climb gaining altitude gradually, making it a good acclimatization trekking section. We arrive at Llamacorral campsite (3,800 m), where we set up camp and rest. Enjoy the peaceful environment and surrounding mountain views. Overnight in tents.

Distance: 9.200km/ 5.7166ml
Elevation: 860 m/ 2821.52 ft
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Meals: lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 2: Llamacorral - Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)

07:00 AM: After breakfast, we continue our Santa Cruz Trek with a gradual ascent through the beautiful Santa Cruz Valley, surrounded by stunning peaks and alpine scenery. The trail follows the valley floor, passing along glacial streams, open grasslands, and Andean landscapes, offering incredible views of the Cordillera Blanca.

Along the way, we enjoy close-up views of mountains such as Alpamayo (one of the most beautiful peaks in the world) and other snow-capped summits. After approximately 5–6 hours of hiking, we arrive at Taullipampa campsite (4,250 m), located in a spectacular setting at the base of towering mountains.Afternoon free to rest, explore the surroundings, and enjoy the breathtaking high-altitude scenery. Overnight in tents.

Distance: 7 km/ 4.349ml
Elevation: 490 m/ 1607.61ft
Hiking time: 5 to 6hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 3: Taullipampa - Punta Union Pass (4750 m)

06:00 AM: After breakfast, we begin the most challenging and rewarding day of the Santa Cruz Trek, with a steady ascent towards Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m), the highest point of the route.
The trail climbs through rocky terrain and high-altitude landscapes, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca, including glaciers, lakes, and surrounding peaks. This section is the highlight of the trek and a perfect spot for photos and rest.
After approximately 3–4 hours of ascent, we reach the summit of Punta Unión Pass, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of both sides of the mountain range.
We then begin a long descent hike towards the next campsite, passing through scenic valleys and diverse Andean ecosystems. The total hiking time for the day is around 6–7 hours.
Overnight in tents at the designated campsite.

Distance: 10Km/ 6.213ml
Elevation: 1150 m/ 3772.9ft
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 4: Huaripampa - Vaquería - Portachuelo Pass (4650 m) - Huaraz (3100 m)

07:00 AM: After breakfast, we begin a final gradual hike through the Huaripampa Valley, enjoying the last views of the Cordillera Blanca and surrounding Andean landscapes.

We continue towards Vaquería, where our transport is waiting. From here, we drive up to Portachuelo Pass (4,650 m), a scenic viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of the mountains and lakes.

After a short stop for photos and sightseeing, we begin the descent back to Huaraz by private transport, arriving in the afternoon. This marks the end of the 4-day Santa Cruz Trek adventure.