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Santa Cruz trek 4 days

Overview

Discover one of the most famous and spectacular trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca. The Santa Cruz Trek combines breathtaking high-altitude scenery, turquoise glacial lakes, valleys surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and unique biodiversity within Huascarán National Park.

Over four days, we will hike along Andean trails through the Huaripampa and Santa Cruz valleys, reaching the impressive Punta Unión Pass, which offers privileged views of iconic mountains such as Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Taulliraju, and other giants of the Cordillera Blanca.

This experience is ideal for nature and adventure enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet accessible trek surrounded by some of Peru’s most spectacular landscapes.

The expedition includes full logistical support, allowing participants to hike with only a light daypack while their main luggage is transported by pack horses.

★ 4.9 (120 Reviews)

Duration 8 days / 7 nights

Group size 2 pasajeros

Minimum age +10

Style private

Theme trekking

Physical rating

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Experience the iconic Santa Cruz Trek, a 4-day adventure through the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, featuring turquoise glacial lakes, spectacular alpine valleys, and breathtaking views from Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft)

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Service Type: Private

Group Size: From 2 travelers

Maximum Elevation: 5,100 m (16,732 ft)

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Languages: Spanish / English

View Itinerary

What's included

Round-trip tourist transportation from Huaraz.
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish or English).
Full board meals throughout the expedition: ( 4 breakfasts 4 lunches 3 dinners )
Special dietary requirements accommodated upon prior request.
Duffel bag for personal belongings (up to 10 kg / 22 lbs per person).
Purified water available throughout the trek.
Daily snacks during the hikes.
3 nights of camping.
Entrance fees and permits for Huascarán National Park.
Camping equipment, including: (Shared tents Dining tent Kitchen tent)
Professional cook throughout the expedition.
Pack horses for transporting personal luggage and expedition equipment.
Emergency horse available if required.
Sleeping pad.
First aid kit.

Not Included

Accommodation in Huaraz before or after the trek.
Domestic or international flights.
Transportation between Lima and Huaraz (round trip).
Travel insurance.
Dinner on the last day.
Trekking poles (optional rental).
Sleeping bag (optional rental).
Single tent (optional).
Tips for the expedition staff.
Personal expenses.

Daypack (20–35 liters).
Sleeping bag suitable for below-freezing temperatures.
Thermal clothing.
Waterproof and windproof jacket.
Warm jacket or fleece.
Quick-dry shirts.
Trekking pants.
Rain poncho.
Waterproof trekking boots.
Thermal and trekking socks.
Warm hat or beanie.
Sun hat or cap.
Gloves.
Sunglasses with UV protection.
Sunscreen.
Lip balm.
Reusable water bottle or hydration system.
Headlamp.
Personal toiletries.
Toilet paper and wet wipes.
Camera or mobile phone.
Trekking poles (recommended).
Personal medication.
Cash for additional expenses.

What is the difficulty level of the Santa Cruz Trek?

The Santa Cruz Trek is considered a moderate to challenging hike due to the high altitude and several days of long walking hours. No technical experience is required, but a good level of physical fitness is recommended.

Do I need previous trekking experience?

Previous trekking experience is not mandatory, but it is advisable to have completed one or more multi-day hikes before undertaking this expedition.

How much weight do I need to carry during the trek?

You will only need to carry a daypack with personal essentials. The rest of your luggage will be transported by pack horses.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

Yes. Because of the high elevations reached during the trek, we recommend arriving in Huaraz a few days in advance to allow proper acclimatization.

What are the campsites like?

Camping takes place in designated areas along the route, with comfortable tents and separate dining and kitchen facilities.

Will there be cellphone service during the trek?

Cellphone coverage is limited, and several sections of the route have no signal at all.

Is drinking water available?

Yes. The expedition team provides purified water throughout the entire trek.

What happens in case of an emergency?

The group is accompanied by a trained guide and equipped with a first aid kit, emergency oxygen, and a support horse for basic evacuations if necessary.

What is the best time of year to hike the Santa Cruz Trek?

The ideal season is from April to October, when dry weather and clear skies offer the best trekking conditions.

Can I do the trek if I am traveling alone?

Yes. You may join a scheduled group departure or request a private service.

What kind of weather should I expect?

Temperatures during the day are generally pleasant and sunny, while nighttime temperatures at the higher campsites can drop below 0°C (32°F).

Itinerary

Huaraz – Vaquería – Paria

Start

Pickup Point

View pickup details

Paria – Punta Unión Pass – Taullipampa

Taullipampa – Arhuaycocha – Llamacorral

Llamacorral – Cashapampa – Return to Huaraz

End

End of the tour

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From USD $ per person

Santa Cruz trek 4 days

Overview

Inclusions

What's included

Not Included

packing list

Important Information

How to Book

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of the Santa Cruz Trek?

Do I need previous trekking experience?

How much weight do I need to carry during the trek?

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

What are the campsites like?

Will there be cellphone service during the trek?

Is drinking water available?

What happens in case of an emergency?

What is the best time of year to hike the Santa Cruz Trek?

Can I do the trek if I am traveling alone?

What kind of weather should I expect?

Itinerary

Huaraz – Vaquería – Paria

Huaraz – Departure

Vaquería – Trek Starting Point

Huaripampa Valley

Scenic Viewpoints

Paria Camp

Paria – Punta Unión Pass – Taullipampa

Paria Camp

Punta Unión Pass

Mountain Viewpoints

Descent into Santa Cruz Valley

Taullipampa Camp

Taullipampa – Arhuaycocha – Llamacorral

Taullipampa Camp

Arhuaycocha Lagoon (Optional Excursion)

Jatuncocha and Ichiccocha Lakes

Santa Cruz Valley

Llamacorral Camp

Llamacorral – Cashapampa – Return to Huaraz

Llamacorral Camp

Santa Cruz Canyon

Cashapampa

Return to Huaraz

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