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Santa Cruz Trek and Punta Union Pass 5-day hike

Santa Cruz Trek
Santa Cruz Trek
Santa Cruz trek
Santa Cruz trek
Santa Cruz Trek

The Santa Cruz Trek is a short and very popular hike of the Cordillera Blanca with spectacular views of lakes and mountains. Let a local certified mountain guide, show you around in this 5-day hike!

Not specified

Cordillera Blanca

5 Days

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


Description

Come with me along the Santa Cruz Trek, one of the most famous trails in the Cordillera Blanca.

This 5-day hike will take place around a subtropical environment, passing through stunning landscapes. On the way you will enjoy uncommonly beautiful peaks as well as deep blue lakes and huge glaciers.

As for the campsites where we'll spend the night, let me tell you that they are some of the most spectacular in the world thanks to their background scenery.

In order to get well acclimatized we will start walking to the Laguna Churup, a lake at 4450 meters of height. The highest point of this trek will be in the Punta Union Pass, a demanding mountain pass 4750 meters high.

I will lead a group between 2 and 15 people. You can join an already open group if you are on your own. On the contrary, if you are a group of friends I can open a new one for you!

Finally, remember that all participants must have a basic hiking knowledge and of course, an excellent fitness level. The best season to do the Santa Cruz Trek through the Punta Union Pass is between April and December, during the dry season.

An if you have some extra days in the region, I strongly recommend you to live at least once an ascension to some of the most important peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Therefore, I invite you to check out these two programs in the Diablo Mudo and the Nevado Pisco.

So, if you want to make your reservations please fill out the form and get in touch with me. It will be my pleasure to be your guide during this 5-day trip! 

 

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transport during the trip

- Group porters

- Mules and horses

- Mountain guide expenses

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Snacks

- Camping equipment tents

- Camping equipment cooking utensils

Price details

Not included:

• International flights to Lima / Peru round trip

• Transfer from the airport for bookings of individual flights with different times of arrival / departure

• Exit tax at the airport in Lima

• Travel accident and health insurance

• Luggage insurance and trip cancellation

• Meals in restaurants in Lima and Huaraz

• Pick up at the airport in Lima to the Hotel

• Transfer from the Hotel to the airport and bus station

• Transport public bus or Domestic flight Airline LC-Peru

• Hotel Casa Andina 2 nights in Lima or other hotel

• Hotel San Sebastián 4 nights in Huaraz or other hotel

• Entrance fees to the Huascaran National Park

• Personal expenses

• Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc.)

• Tips


Itinerary

Day 1: Hike to Laguna Churup (4450 m)

The trail to Laguna Churup is one of the classic hikes of the Cordillera Blanca and works perfectly as an acclimatization route. We will drive to the village of Llupa, our trailhead. We’ll walk on an ancient Inca trail to Laguna Churup. The Churup Peak rises above the lake. Here we can continue ascending and do a loop to the Churup summit trail before returning to the trailhead and back to Huaraz for the night. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)

Day 2: Huaraz - Transfer to the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) - Trekking to Llamacorral (3800 m)

Today we will move to the starting point of the Santa Cruz trek. A private transfer will take us across the Santa River and then, along a narrow route towards the Santa Cruz Valley. We’ll arrive at Cashapampa (2900 m) where our trek begins and our local team is waiting: the donkey drivers will carry our baggage from now on. Starting in the lush vegetation of the valley, we’ll continue walking deeper into this unique mountain landscape. After around 4:30 hours, we will finally arrive at our campsite in Llamacorral. Overnight Camp (-/L/D).

Day 3: Llamacorral – Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)

Today we’ll climb via the 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. Then we will go to the Arhueycocha Lake (4450m), which is also the departure point for climbing the Alpamayo. We will enjoy a fantastic view of the peaks of Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Artesonraju. Finally, camping night at Taullipampa (B/L/D).

Day 4: Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass (4750 m) – Paria – Refugio Huaripampa (3600 m)

It will be an easy climb at first 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 us about 2 hours.

The descent is also steep and passes through the beautiful high mountain landscape of the Morococha Lake. We will finally get to the Huaripampa Valley, where we camp for the night (B/L/D).

Day 5: Huaripampa - Vaquería. Transfer to Huaraz (3100 m)

After descending through the forests of the Huaripampa Valley, we will pass through a typical village of the high Andes, called Vaquería. From here we’ll climb to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass. A transfer will be waiting us to cross the pass and take us to the hotel, where we’ll spend the night (B/L/-).

 

Details

Accommodation

In tents

More info

Not included in the price:

  • International flights to Lima / Peru round trip
  • Transfer from the airport for bookings of individual flights with different times of arrival / departure
  • Exit tax at the airport in Lima
  • Travel accident and health insurance
  • Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
  • Meals in restaurants in Lima and Huaraz
  • Pick up at the airport in Lima to the Hotel
  • Transfer from the Hotel to the airport and bus station
  • Transport public bus or Domestic flight Airline LC-Peru
  • Hotel Casa Andina 2 nights in Lima or other hotel
  • Hotel San Sebastián 4 nights in Huaraz or other hotel
  • Entrance fees to the Huascaran National Park
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc.)
  • Tips

Meeting point

Huaraz

Frequently Asked Questions

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

Can I join a group?

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

What happens in the event of bad weather?

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?

About the guide

Peru Expeditions is a Guide Agency and Tour Operator based in Huaraz, Peru.

It's a family-owned travel agency, which was founded more than 35 years ago, and is now managed by IFMGA-guide Juventino and his son, Eric.

We organize trekkings and mountain expeditions in Cordillera Blanca, and all around Peru.

Languages

| English

Certificates

AGMP | IFMGA


What people are saying about Peru Expeditions

Bad Hetterscheid

5.00

September, 2022

William was such a knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient guide! He brought books and support materials to further explain the history of the sites we were seeing, was always ready with an answer to any questions, and had great suggestions of where to take photos. He chose a truly remarkable cook for our trek, who kept us well fed with a huge variety of foods (and an ample supply of it!) and filled with hot beverages at all hours of the day and night. He allowed us to set the pace each day, and was cheerful and helpful and relaxed throughout-he absolutely enhanced a wonderful experience! Many thanks to you, William!

Bad Hetterscheid

5.00

September, 2022

Eric from Peru Expeditions is a fabulous, safe, and conscientious Tour Operator. He chose an incredible guide for us (Darwin) who was highly esteemed by every guide we met at every point along the journey-the respect of one’s peers speaks for itself! We were very well supported, always had perfect timing with seeing sunrises, beating “the crowd” to our destinations, and had ample food. The Peruvian mountains are stunningly beautiful- I’m ready to go back again already! Book with Eric - he’s going to take good care of you.

Connor White

5.00

September, 2022

Great service and trip!

Johannes Besmehn

3.00

August, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Alexey Volegov

5.00

July, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Matt LAIRD

5.00

November, 2021

Our guide was William and he is the one that really made the trip great!

Juliusz Zulauf

5.00

September, 2021

It was really good climbing expedition. The company put good effort to accommodate our needs and requests. Lima Central Office support was outstanding. Edgar, our climbing guide was top notch. Supporting staff during the climb was very helpful and friendly as well. For my personal needs, some modification of an acclimatisation scheme would be beneficial. First week of the trip consisted of various day trips to destinations of increasing altitudes, but all nights were at Huaraz, at 3100 m altitude. For me, to be fully acclimatized I need to sleep at the altitude. My first night at the higher altitude was at Pisco refuge (4800 m) and resulted with mild altitude sickness preventing me from successful climbing the following day. I would prefer spending two nights at high altitude before first high climb. It might not be the case for some other people, but it was for me. If not for this, I would had awarded straight five stars.

Marcela Hronesova

2.00

July, 2021

Disappointed with the whole experience. Didn't climb with Juventino, never met him. Got a different guide. Booked Pisco and Chopicalcui as separate climbs with one day off in between to rest. Agency combined the climbs. They told me to of go from Pisco BC directly to Chopicalcui moraine camp. Got a different guide who didn't tell me that we'll get snowed in at moraine camp. Only found out about the snow once we reached Chopicalcui moraine camp. Spent the night there, next day had to go down. Disappointed rebooked my flight and left Peru. Waste of my time and money.

Marcela Hronesova

4.00

July, 2021

The agency gave me a guide Darwin, not Juventino. Climb was good, easy just walking. There is one dangerous section near the moraine area with very loose gravel. So make sure you don't slip there or you are dead. I stayed in refugio at the base camp which was much more comfy than camping. Darwin was good but give clients some breaks once in a while, not rush too much. It's a high altitude climbing after all.

Tony Hoffman

5.00

September, 2020

The hike was canceled. We didn’t go anywhere. Didn’t even get into the country.

Flormila Pineda Villanueva

5.00

May, 2020

My visit to Huaraz was one of the most beautiful trips of my life. Our days of adventure began with the visit of lagoons in the white mountain range; wilcacocha, churup, paron, lagoon 69 and we finish with the most beautiful Santa Cruz trek. Our trip was a complete success, during the stay in Huaraz we stayed at the ALPAMAYO GUEST HOUSE hotel, an excellent place in the center of Huaraz. I recommend Mr. Juventino to make his trip and his hotel the and if nice family People.

Koseth Saenz

5.00

May, 2020

He was very kind, patient and helped me to reach my goal the citadel of Machupicchu. One day I wanted to quit but he encouraged me to continue and waited for my step.

Pietro Garanzini

5.00

May, 2020

Our experience in Peru was an unforgettable journey, we started a journey in this country to visit Machu Picchu and the surroundings of Cusco as a sacred valley, etc. Afterwards, our next destination was to arrive in the beautiful land of Huaraz, where our main goal was the trekking of Santa Cruz and a not very difficult base climb and after the trekking of Huayhuash. We will be back next year with more customers, friends of our mountain club, thanks for everything and see you soon in Huaraz!

Michael W English

5.00

March, 2020

From the very first emails communication which was dealt with efficiently and provide all the required information and other options for myself to consider. When I arrived the communication was excellent and very well organised. When I return later this year I will without doubt be using Eric and the team. When we arrive at the start point to getting back the local guide was excellent. I have nothing but praise for the set up.

Wolfgang Gratz

5.00

September, 2019

We did the MTB-Huarascan-Circuit (Crossing Punta Olimpica Pass and Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass) with Eric Albinos „Peru Expedition“. All, the transfers, the hotel stays, the acclimatization tours and the circuit itself, was well organized. Eric and his staff were flexible to our wishes and very helpful. Our Guide Joni is an excellent mountain bike-guide and good tailor too if something is torn. The cook prepared delicious meals during the circuit. The camping equipment was in very good condition. We (Karin, Franz. Wolfgang) can fully recommend „Eric´s Peru Expeditions“.


 

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