Santa Cruz Trek in 4 days

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the spectacular landscapes of Huascarán National Park. For four days, you'll trek through deep valleys, cross imposing mountain passes like the famous Punta Unión (4,750 m), and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks such as Alpamayo, Taulliraju, and Artesonraju.

This trek is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and mountaineers, requiring no technical experience. Moderate hikes, intensely blue skies, turquoise lagoons, and campsites under a starry sky will accompany you on this unique journey through the Peruvian Andes.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Huaraz - Vaqueria - Paria

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We'll begin the day with a pick-up from your hotel in Huaraz for a scenic drive through the Callejón de Huaylas Valley to the traditional town of Yungay. From there, we'll take a detour east, venturing into the majestic Cordillera Blanca mountain range.

Along the way, we'll pass by the famous Llanganuco Lakes, where we'll make a brief stop at the viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking views and take photographs. We'll continue our ascent by vehicle, crossing the spectacular Portachuelo Pass, which offers unforgettable panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of Huascarán, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Huandoy.

Our starting point for the trek will be the small Andean village of Vaquería. From there, we'll begin the trek with a gentle descent of approximately one hour, followed by an ascent along a zigzagging trail, passing near the picturesque village of Huaripampa. This is a typical area for local farmers and ranchers; our muleteer may even come from this community.

The day concludes at the Paria camp (3,800 m), located within Huascarán National Park, surrounded by a privileged natural environment.

 

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Day 2: Paria - Punta Union Pass - Taullipampa

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This will be the most demanding day of the trek, but also one of the most memorable. We will ascend steadily for approximately 4 hours until we reach the highest point of the route: the imposing Punta Unión Pass at 4,750 m.

During the ascent, we'll feel the effects of the altitude, but we'll also be rewarded with spectacular scenery. The trail is well-marked and will lead us between imposing rock faces and glacial valleys. Upon reaching the pass, we'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the most iconic mountains of the Cordillera Blanca, such as Taulliraju, Paria, and Chacraraju.

From Punta Unión, we begin a short descent that will take us near the beautiful, deep-blue Taullicocha Lagoon before entering the iconic Santa Cruz Valley, a glacial valley surrounded by majestic mountains.

Our camp will be located at Taullipampa (4,250 m), a spectacular spot surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Artesonraju, Paria, Rinrijirca, Quitaraju, and the renowned Alpamayo, considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain in the world.

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Day 3: Taullipampa - Jatuncocha - Llamacorral

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After a demanding day, today a much lighter and more relaxed hike awaits us. We'll begin the day by visiting the Alpamayo viewpoint, where we can appreciate one of the most iconic views of this mountain, considered one of the most beautiful in the world for its perfect pyramid shape.

For the more adventurous, there's the option of an additional hike to Arhuaycocha Lagoon and the Alpamayo Base Camp, located at the foot of the imposing Pucajirca Sur mountain. This detour offers spectacular scenery and the opportunity to explore a less-traveled corner of the circuit.

Afterward, we'll continue descending gently along the Santa Cruz Valley, walking among rock formations, Andean meadows, and crystal-clear rivers. Along the way, we'll pass near Jatuncocha Lagoon, one of the largest and most beautiful on the route, whose waters reflect the snow-capped peaks on clear days.

We'll end the day at Llamacorral Camp (approx. 3,760 m), a peaceful spot surrounded by mountains, ideal for resting before the final stage of the trek.

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Day 4: Llamacorral - Cashapampa - Huaraz

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On our last day of hiking, we'll take an easy route along the beautiful Santa Cruz Ravine. We'll descend a mostly flat trail that then becomes a zigzag descent through a narrow and scenic canyon.

Gradually, the landscape changes: we leave behind the high mountain environment and find ourselves in vast agricultural fields where grains, potatoes, and legumes are cultivated. This contrast between the glacial landscapes and Andean rural life provides a perfect ending to our journey.

Finally, we arrive at the village of Cashapampa (2,900 m), where our trek ends. Here we will say goodbye to our muleteers, who accompanied us throughout the trek. Our private transport will pick us up to take us back to Huaraz, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure through the Cordillera Blanca.

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End of our Services

INCLUDES

• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet with your guide and group at our office for an orientation session before your hike. The meeting will take place the afternoon before the start of the trip.
• Transportation: We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and you will travel by private transport to the starting point of the hike.
• Experienced guide: Official, professionally trained, and English-speaking tour guide. Your guide will explain the culture and environment along the entire route. They will ensure your safety, well-being, and comfort during your trek so you can enjoy your time worry-free. All camping and cooking equipment (sleeping, eating, and cooking tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment) is provided (all transported by donkeys).
• Pack Mules: To carry all camping equipment and your personal luggage allowance (6 kg/13.2 lbs).
• Trail Cook: A chef specializing in trail cooking, with an assistant (if the group is larger than 8 people), will prepare all your delicious meals during the trek to keep you energized.
• You'll never go hungry!
• Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian or special menus available at no extra cost).
• Waking-Up Tea: Every morning at camp, you'll wake up to a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring it to your tent so you're nice and warm before starting your day.
• Daily Tea Time: Every afternoon before dinner, the cook will provide popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a meal!
• Daily snacks along the trail: Our snacks consist of local fruits, cookies, chocolate, candy, etc. We will provide these snacks at the start of each day in your cloth bag.
• First aid kit: Our crew will carry a first aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
• Transportation: Private transportation from the end of the trek to your hotel in Huaraz.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Hotel accommodation for a set period in Lima and Huaraz. Entrance fee to Huascarán National Park.
• Sleeping bags: These are considered personal equipment, but you can rent one from our company if you don't have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting against temperatures down to -10°C. They are mummy-shaped and include a stuff sack. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum lifespan of 30 trips.
• Trekking poles: You can rent a set from our company if you wish.
• Day 1: Breakfast and dinner on the last day in Huaraz. Travel, personal, and/or medical insurance.
• Personal clothing and equipment.
• Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff are well-paid, so feel free to tip or not, as you wish.
• Additional expenses resulting from leaving the tour early or additional expenses resulting from an emergency rescue or evacuation. Additional costs or delays beyond management's control (landscape, bad weather conditions, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, changes in government policy, political instability/strikes, etc.)

RESERVATIONS

For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org or by WhatsApp (+51) 970 506 205 and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.

Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:

"Inka Trail Expeditions Perú is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations, offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget”

NOTE: Inka Trail Expeditions Perú, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.

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