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4-day Santa Cruz Classic Trek in the Cordillera Blanca

A certified guide wants to take you across one of the most dazzling hikes in Peru, the Santa Cruz trek in the Cordillera Blanca. Follow him into this amazing adventure.

Group

Cordillera Blanca, Andes

4 Days

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Fit

Intermediate

Highlights

Discover a magical place in the middle of the mountains
Explore the Huascaran National Park and the Cordillera Blanca
Conquer one of the most famous treks in Peru, Santa Cruz

Description

This is one of the most amazing and classic trips. The Santa Cruz trek in the Cordillera Blanca is one of the most popular and famous trips for a good reason. It explores a good portion of the Huascaran National Park. And it reaches breathtaking places like the Quebrada Huaripampa Valley, passing through enchanting villages, forests, lakes and mountain passes.

One of the places we’ll explore is the Quenual forest. We’ll also cross the Punta Union Pass (4,750m). And we’ll get the best views of mountains like Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Santa Cruz and Taulliraju. Moreover, we will encounter dazzling glacial lakes, with hypnotizing turquoise shades.

What’s more, all throughout our journey, we’ll run into curious creatures such as llamas, Andean geese, ducks, Andean foxes and the adorable mountain vizcachas. And, if we pay enough attention to the skies, we might even see falcons, hawks, mountain caracaras, American kestrels, puna ibis, Andean swifts and hummingbirds.

Then, we will also see many wildflowers and Andean alpine flora. The colors and scents are so exquisite, it will be difficult to leave behind. Some of them are orchids, buttercups, bromeliads, lupines and ranunculus.

Please note this trek requires you to have a good fitness level. But don’t worry, my main goal is for you to enjoy the sceneries and hike at your own pace. Thus, there will always be someone at the rear of the group to help you continue. Plus, all your belongings, except your day-pack will be carried for you.

So, if you are up for this wonderful journey across the Cordillera Blanca in Peru, just send me a request. Don’t miss the chance to tackle the Santa Cruz trek, one of the best and most famous hikes in the region!

You can also check this trek to Pisco Base Camp & Lake 69 in Peru, 2 days.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 1: Huaraz – Paria

We pick you up and drive you across the Callejon de Huaylas Valley. Then we drive into the Huascaran National Park, passing the Llanganuco Lakes and the Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass. After which, we head to Vaqueria, to start our trek. There, mules we’ll start carrying our belongings as we hike passing the Paria Valley. And, we’ll get the chance to meet local shepherds and farmers.

Day 2: Paria – Taullipampa

Due to the demanding journey ahead of us, we’ll begin early ascending to the Punta Union pass. Upon completion, we’ll descend back to our camp Taullipampa.

Day 3: Taullipampa – Llamacorral

On this day we’ll reach the Quebrada Arhuaycocha valley. Then, we’ll descend along the Santa Cruz valley, as we pass a stunning lake towards our last campsite at Llamacorral.

Day 4: Llamacorral – Huaraz

We will hike down from the Quebrada Santa Cruz Valley to the town of Cashapampa. Finally, we’ll drive back to Huaraz.

Details

Accommodation

Camping

More info

We highly recommend that you arrive to Huaraz at least 2 days before the trip and spend time doing day hikes to higher altitude, to help acclimatize. I can help organise day hikes for you.

Meeting point

Huaraz

About the guide

Peru

What people are saying about Explore-Share

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5.00

Sept 14, 2022

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5.00

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5.00

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5.00

Aug 17, 2022

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4.00

July 16th, 2022

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5.00

July 20, 2022

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4.00

May 8, 2022

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5.00

April 14, 2022

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5.00

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5.00

March 4, 2022

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5.00

Feb 2, 2022

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