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Trekking Santa Cruz and Climbing Nevado Pisco (5752 m) 8 Days

23 reviews
Trekking Santa Cruz and Climbing Nevado Pisco (5752 m) 8 Days

Trekking Santa Cruz and Climbing Nevado Pisco (5752 m) 8 Days

23 reviews

Overview

The Santa Cruz trekking is One of the most popular treks in the Cordillera Blanca, the hike around this subtropical mountain range passes through impressive landscapes of uncommonly beautiful mountains, frequent lakes and glaciers wirh climb to Nevado Pisco ,this is a very appealing mountain and a good option for climbers for acclimatization. Previous experience in mountaineering is not required, though you should be in good physical condition. At the summit (5752 m), you are rewarded with magnificent views of the Cordillera Blanca (White Range), including the 4 peaks of the Huandoys, Alpamayo, Artesonraju and Chopicalqui. You’ll also be able to see North and South Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru, at 6,768 meters.

Highlights

Santa Cruz Trekking is classic incredible short hike in the Peruvian Andes. Its popularity is due to the spectacular mountain views, crystal clear turquoise lagoons, its extensive flora and fauna, and the demanding 4750m high Punta Union pass. During 4 days you can witness an incredible variety of landscapes characteristic of this magical circuit.

Trip Details

Altitude  : 2,900 / 5,752 m.a.s.l.
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Difficulty : Easy / Moderate
Season : April / October
Beginning of Trek : Cashapampa
End Trek : Quebrada Llanganuco Gorge
Activity : Nature and Adventure
Places to visit : Huaraz, Callejón de Huaylas, Trekking Santa Cruz, Llanganuco Lagoons, Pisco Climbing.

Itinerary

Day 01: Huaraz - Cashapampa (2900 m) - Trekking to Llamacorral (3800 m)

Today we head for the departure with private car to the valley of the Santa River, as far down as Caraz and then along a narrow route toward the Santa Cruz Valley. The farmers cultivate the green fields, but agriculture is very difficult here. We arrive of Cashapampa village (2900 m) where our team is waiting for us our porters and donkys that they transport our luggage .we starting in the lush vegetation of the valley, we continue deeper into this unique mountain landscape. After approximately 4½ hours of trekking, we arrive at our campsite in Llamacorral. Overnight Camp.

Distance: 7km/ 4.34ft
Elevation: 1,000 m/
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 02: Llamacorral - Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)

We can continue to walk to Santa Cruz Gorge and pass alongside the lakes of Ichiccocha y Jatuncocha. At the edge of the trees, the lupines enchant us with all colors of blue. This is a paradise for the local ducks! Next we go to Lake Arhueycocha (4450m), which is also the departure point for climbing Alpamayo. We enjoy a fantastic view of the peaks of Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Artesonraju (the logo for Paramount Pictures!) Many people believe that the white pyramid of Alpamayo is the most beautiful mountain in the world! Camp at Taullipampa. Overnight Camp

Distance: 13km/ 42650.9ft
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 03: Taullipampa - Trekking to Punta Union Pass (4750 m) - Huaripampa (3600 m)

At first it‘s an easy climb through meadows, but the trail soon becomes dry, rocky and steep. This trail was used from pre-Inca times to get to Punta Unión, an imposing mountain; it will take about 2 hours. The majestic mountains of the Cordillera Blanca you can see today include Taulliraju and Huandoy, Huascarán, the Pucajircas, Artesonraju and many others. The descent is also steep and passes through the beautiful high mountain landscape of the lakes of Morococha. We finally get to the valley of Huaripampa where we camp for the night. Overnight Camp

Distance: 9,08 km/ 297900ft
Dificult: 763 m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 04: Paria - Vaquería - Portachuelo Pass (4650 m) Camping at Cebollapampa (3870 m)

After descending through the forests and whitewater rivers of the Huaripampa Valley, we pass through a typical village of the high Andes, Vaquería. The farmers here raise small animals and some crops. At this elevation there are still flowers, and their colors brighten the landscape. From the village we climb to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass, 4650 meters, where you will have fantastic views of several mountains covered in snow. And with a bit of luck, we‘ll be able to see vicuñas! These timid relatives of llamas graze at elevations of 5500 m; it’s not surprising that these animals produce the finest wool in the animal kingdom. From here we take a van to Cebollapampa, the camp at the base of Nevado Pisco. Overnight Camp.

Distance: 9,00 km/ 29527.6ft
Dificult: None
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 5: Trekking from Cebollapampa to Laguna 69 (4450 m)

Laguna 69 has been called the most famous and well known lake in the Cordillera Blanca. Our trail winds through picturesque montane forests and a somewhat marshy area, always alongside a steep imposing ridge. Behind us, the fortress-like peak of the ice giant Huascarán looms. Winding trails lead us past several waterfalls to the lake, which is flanked by glacial moraines. Immediately above the deep blue surface of the lake, we see the steep ice walls of Chacraraju, one of the most beautiful, but also most difficult of the 6000 meter peaks in the Cordillera Blanca. Return to Cebollapampa and camp. Overnight Camp.

Distance: 16.1 km/ 52821.52ft
Dificult: Medium
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours.
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 6: Camp Cebollapampa - Trekking to Refugio Pisco (4680 m)

In the next 2 days we will arrive at the highest point of our trek. We stop at the Pisco mountain hut “Refugio Perú“, our base camp. The view of the back portion of Huascarán Peak and Chopicalqui is overwhelming. We also enjoy the views of Huandoy, Chacraraju and Yanapaccha. Overnight in the hut. Overnight Camp

Distance: 11,3 km/370734.91ft
Dificult: Medium
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours.
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 7: Base Camp/ Climb Nevado Pisco (5752 m) - back to Base Camp (4900 m)

A little after midnight we leave Base Camp, climbing up to cross the long moraine to arrive at the glacier. A sharp climb brings us to the saddle of Nevada Pisco. Next the final long climb over the glacier to the peak, 5752 meters in elevation. We are again going to have a magnificent view of the highest mountain in Perú – Huascarán, and also nearby Huandoy, Chopiqualci and many more. Later we descend back to Refugio Peru. Optional: The group can climb to Moraine Camp comfortably in 3 or 4 hours and then return to the refuge or if hikers are not up for the return trip, we can camp on the moraine (4900 m.). Overnight Camp.

Distance: 16 km/9.94194ft
Dificult: Medium / Dificult
Hiking time: 10 to 12 hours Aprox.
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodations: camping

Day 8: Base Camp - Trekking to Refugio Pisco - Transfer to Huaraz.

Our trek is nearing its end. Early in the morning we begin our descent toward Cebollapampa and continue hiking until we arrive at the highway. From there, we take a vehicle to return to Huaraz. Tired and happy, we arrive at the hotel. Overnight Hotel.

Distance: 4 km
Dificult: Medium / easy
Hiking time: 2 hours Aprox.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Accommodations: None

Included

  • One AGMP – UIAGM mountain guide for every two clients.
  • Support personnel: porters, muleteers and cooks.
  • Pack animals
  •  Overnight in tents (optional use of the base camp shelter).
    base camp)
  •  Food during the ascent.
  • Collective technical equipment (ropes, snow, ice and rock insurance).
    rock insurance)
  • All transportation from Huaraz  to Huaraz

No Included

  • Travel accident and health insurance
  • Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
  • Meals in restaurants in Lima and Huaraz
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc.)
  • Tips

What To Bring

IST OF EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THE  TO ASCENSION.
CLOTHING /PIES
  •  A pair of mountaineering boots of high
    boots.
  •  Two pairs of thick socks.
  •  Three pairs of light trekking socks.
  • trekking socks.
  •  One pair of booties.
     CLOTHING / UPPER BODY
  •  Two thermal fleece underwear.
  • One fleece jacket (second layer).
    layer).
  •  One waterproof mountaineering
    waterproof mountaineering jacket.
  •  One down jacket.
    CLOTHING / LOWER BODY
  • One waterproof mountaineering
    waterproof mountaineering trousers.
  •  One pair of trekking pants.
  • One pair of thermal underpants.
  •  Non-cotton underwear.
     CLOTHING / HEAD AND HANDS
  •  Wind stopper or windblooc gloves.
  •  A pair of waterproof gloves.
  •  Cold weather hat.
  •  Sun hat.
  •  Buff .
  • Glasses with UV spectrum 4 protection.
     TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT
  • Crampons with front spikes.
  •  A pelvic harness
  •  An ice axe and a hammer for technical
    technical mountaineering.
  •  Three safety carabiners.
  •  One 120cm webbing or anchor line.
    anchor
  • One descender
  • One 6mm / 1.5m lanyard.
  • Backpack 45 l minimum
  •  A helmet.
    VARIOUS
  • Water bottle 1 liter minimum
  • Sunscreen for skin and lips
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
    spare batteries.
    CAMPING EQUIPMENT
    PERSONAL.
  •  Insulated sleeping pad.
  • Winter sleeping bag

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