Santa Cruz Trek
Hike the spectacular Santa Cruz trail from Huaraz.
Fully-supported camping on most famous of all Cordillera Blanca treks.
Two high mountain passes with fabulous views of peaks such as Alpamayo, Huascaran, Chopicalqui & Taulliraju.
Lakes, waterfalls, rivers combined with wide variety of flora & fauna & local culture.
Overview
Maparaju Lake & Mountain in Huascaran National Park.
The Santa Cruz trek is the most sought-after multi-day trek in Huascaran National Park.
The highlight is Punta Union Pass (4,750 m / 15,585 ft), which has one of the most spectacular and accessible views in the Andes.
Nature lovers enjoy the opportunity to hike through groves of native highland quenual trees, and to see Andean birds around the lakes.
The trek is normally done in four days, beginning from Huaraz with a bus ride to Cashapampa (2,900 m / 9,515 ft), via the picturesque town of Caraz.
It is a long, relatively gentle ascent, followed by a steep descent ending in Vaqueria (3,700 m / 12,140 ft), where transport returns to Huaraz, via the Llanganuco Lakes.
By contrast, the 3-day Santa Cruz trek begins in Vaqueria, and ends in Cashapampa.
It covers the same distance as the 4-day trek, with a demanding ascent and long descent, and so is recommended for experienced hikers only.
The 5-day itinerary follows the same route and direction as the 4-day trek, but makes a detour to hike to the stunning Lake 69, on the final day. A great end to a great trek.
Santa Cruz 3-Day Itinerary Outline:
Day 1: Drive to Vaqueria; Hike to Huaripampa. Overnight at campsite.
Day 2: Huaripampa - Taullipampa. Overnight at campsite.
Day 3: Taullipampa - Arhuaycocha - Cashapampa - Huaraz.
Santa Cruz 4-Day Itinerary Outline:
Day 1: Drive to Cashapampa; Hike to Llamacorral. Overnight at campsite.
Day 2: Llamacorral – Taullipampa. Overnight at campsite.
Day 3: Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass – Cachinapampa. Overnight at campsite.
Day 4: Cachinapampa - Vaqueria - Huaraz
Santa Cruz 5-Day Itinerary Outline:
Day 1: Drive to Cashapampa; Hike to Llamacorral. Overnight at campsite.
Day 2: Llamacorral – Taullipampa. Overnight at campsite.
Day 3: Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass – Paria. Overnight at campsite.
Day 4: Paria – Cebollapampa. Overnight at campsite.
Day 5: Hike to Lake 69; drive to Huaraz.
NB. It is highly recommended to do at least two day hikes prior to embarking on a multi-day Santa Cruz trek. It gives you a chance to acclimate and to check the suitability of your equipment … and for us to assess your ability.
Prices
Below prices are per person, based on two people sharing.
| Itinerary | Length | Prices From |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Days | £491 / $628 | |
Santa Cruz Trek - Group | 5 Days | £678 / $868 |
Included in Santa Cruz Trek price:
* English-speaking guide.
* 3 meals a day. NB. Vegetarian food available on request.
* 2-person tents, mattress.
* Porters or pack animals for camping equipment & food.
* Transport.
* Cook & kitchen equipment. NB. In smaller groups, the guide cooks.
* Transfer from/to Huaraz accommodation.
* Entrance fees.
Not included in Santa Cruz Trek price:
* Flights.
* Accommodation in Huaraz.
* Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day.
* Sleeping bag. NB. These are available for hire.
* Personal travel insurance.
* Emergency evacuation.
* Tips & gratuities.
Dates
The trekking season in the Cordillera Blanca is from May to October.
The Santa Cruz Trek can be booked for any day during the trekking season, with a minimum of 2 people.
If you would like the company of fellow trekkers - and/or you are travelling alone - there are 3 and 4-day group departures planned for the following dates in the 2024 season:
Mon, 26th - Thu, 29th August
Wed, 28th - Fri, 30th September
4D Itin
4-Day Santa Cruz Trek: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz - Cashapampa - Llamacoral (L,D)
We pick you up from your hotel in Huaraz (3,100m / 10,170 ft) at 7am and transfer you to the trail start in Cashapampa (3,000m / 9,843ft).
Mt. Huascaran, Peru’s highest peak.
On the way we make some photo stops of the stunning mountains in the Huascaran National Park; and also visit the remains of the old village of Yungay, which was buried by a mud-avalanche in 1970.
We will arrive in Cashapampa at approximately 10am, where we meet our donkey handlers. They will start loading the donkeys, while we get ready for our first day of hiking.
Today we walk to Llamacoral (3,650m / 11,975ft) in approximately 4 - 5 hours, arriving at the campsite at about 2 - 3pm.
By the time we arrive at the campsite, our donkey-drivers will have overtaken us - fast and strong as they are - and set up the campsite, where tea and a snack will be waiting for us.
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours transport; 4 - 5 hours hiking.
Day 2: Llamacoral - Arhuaycocha Valley - Taullipampa (B,L,D)
The second day of our trek we hike to Taullipampa (4,200m / 13,780ft).
We start walking after having our breakfast and packing our belongings - usually between 8:30 and 9:30am.
Almost immediately, we pass the lakes Ichi Cocha and Jatun Cocha (also spelt Hatunqucha).
Walking next to Jatun Cocha we will see a distant trail winding up towards the North into the Arhuaycocha Valley - which is today's side-trek to get the best views of Mount Alpamayo and Quitaraju.
The uphill trail is not as bad as it looks and the gained altitude is not lost: continuing to Taullipampa is on nearly flat terrain!
Arrival 3 - 4 PM.
Duration: approx. 5 - 6 hours hiking
Day 3: Taullipampa - Punta Union - Cachinapampa (B,L,D)
Punta Union, the high point of the Santa Cruz Trek.
From Taullipampa we walk approximately 2 - 3 hours to reach the highest point of the whole trek: Punta Union at 4,750m (15,584ft).
Needless to say, the views from here looking back into the valley are spectacular.
After taking pictures and a short break, we make our way down towards our next campsite at Cachinapampa (3,800m / 12,467ft), arriving at around 2 - 3 PM.
Duration: approx. 6 - 7 hours hiking
Day 4: Cachinapampa - Vaqueria - Huaraz (B,L)
Working llamas on the Santa Cruz trail.
Today we hike to a small settlement called Vaqueria.
On the way we will see many indigenous houses and people. Farm animals often cross our path .... and will claim the right of way!
At about 11am we hop on board our private van in order to drive back to Huaraz.
We will make a couple of photo stops, such as at the Portachuelo de Llanganuco pass at 4,760m (15,617ft). There are very pretty views overlooking the Llanganuco Valley with turquoise lakes and snow-capped 6,000m (20,000ft) mountains all around.
Our services end at your Huaraz hotel (not included).
Duration: approx. 2 - 3 hours hiking; 3.5 hours in vehicle.
5D Itin
5-Day Santa Cruz Trek: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Caraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral (L,D)
A pack mule on the Santa Cruz trail.
This morning, we pick you up from your accommodation in Huaraz (3,052 m / 10,013 ft) and drive to Caraz, then to the village of Cashapampa, located at 2,900 m (9,514 ft).
Here we meet with our muleteer and the donkeys that will be carrying most of our equipment.
We begin by walking up the Santa Cruz Valley, following the course of the river, to our first campsite at Llamacorral (3,750m / 12,303 ft).
Walking time: 4 - 5 hours.
Day 2: Llamacorral – Alpamayo Basecamp – Taullipampa (B,L,D)
After a hearty breakfast, we start walking up the valley, with splendid views of Santa Cruz Mountain (6,259m / 20,535 ft) to the north.
The next mountain to come into view is Alpamayo (5,947m / 19,511 ft), which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Lake Ichiccocha, Huascaran National Park.
We then walk past three stunning lakes Ichiccocha, Jatuncocha and Arhuaycocha, before arriving at our campsite at Taullipampa.
From here we can see yet more high peaks, including Taulliraju, Paria, Artesonraju and Rinrijirca.
Walking time: 6 - 7 hours.
Day 3: Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass – Paria (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we begin the hike up to Punta Union Pass, at 4,750m (15,584 ft) the highest point we reach on foot. From here there are amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
From the pass, we descend down the eastern side of the Cordillera Blanca, passing two small lakes, Collcacocha and Tzakicocha, before arriving at our next campsite at Paria.
Our cook will be waiting for us with a welcome hot chocolate!
Walking time: 6 - 7 hours.
Day 4: Paria – Vaqueria – Portachuelo Pass - Cebollapampa (B,L,D)
Local Ancash ladies on horseback.
After breakfast, we start walking down Huaripampa Valley, which is home to traditional Andean villages.
We then walk uphill a short distance to the village of Vaqueria where we transfer our bags to a vehicle.
We then drive across Portachuelo Pass, which is at 4,767m (15,639 ft).
We stop here to take pictures, before continuing to our next campsite at Cebollapampa (3,950m / 12,959 ft).
Walking time: 4 - 5 hours.
Day 5: Cebollapampa – Lake 69 – Huaraz (B,L)
Lake Chinanchocha, Huascaran National Park.
We start early in order to hike to beautiful Lake 69.
We have lunch in the picturesque surroundings of the lake, and then hike back to Cebollapampa.
From here, the rest of the journey is by vehicle, passing two more beautiful lakes - Chinancocha and Orconcocha - on our way back to Huaraz.
Walking time: 5 – 6 hours.
End of service
Map
Reviews
What our clients say about the Santa Cruz Trek:
“The guide (William) was great, both as a person and on his role, it was really great to do the trek with him!
For the difficulty of the 3-day trek, it was hard, due to the distance and the altitude, even for 26-yo who do a lot of sports.
Food was great, our guide was a great cook and the hot soup at night was very enjoyable.
Thank you for this experience.”
“Loved it!!! What fun!”
“Everything was so fantastic and could not have asked for more.
David was a fantastic guide and really helped us have the best time we could.
Overall, the highlights really were just being around the 20k ft mountains, you cannot replace that feeling of being truly small.
The food was great, we especially loved the trout on the first night. ”
“The Santa Cruz trek was superb ... The weather was kind and I got lots of good photos, including from the road on the ‘traverse’ back with the support of guide and driver who were willing to stop on demand. Much appreciated.
The guide deserves particular commendation as he was experienced, understanding and obliging in every way.
And the camping kit and logistics was all very good, enabling me to focus on the photography.
Altogether a thoroughly enjoyable and productive trip.”
Dr. Howard’s Santa Cruz Trek formed part of research for a Natural World Heritage website you can see here.