Santa Cruz Classic Trek – 4 days
Overview
One of the World’s Greatest Hikes: National Geographic Epic Trails. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca, Peruvian Andes; Doing this circuit you will have an unforgettable experience, because you will see almost all the most important Peruvian peaks in a few days, many lakes and rivers; feel close to the mountains when you have crossed Punta UniĆ³n, pass 4750m, see the Andean vegetation and its fauna, especially the birds.
Included
- Transport: From Huaraz to the starting point of your activity, and from the end point of your activity back to Huaraz. We use private transport, minivans and other types of cars, depending on the size of the group.
- Guide: Qualified and experienced mountain guide who speaks Spanish and basic English.
- Cook: A professional cook who is trained to prepare healthy dishes in a hygienic manner.
- Muleteers: It is in charge of loading the donkeys, taking care of them and guiding them.
- Donkeys: The number of donkeys provided depends on the size of the group. You are allowed to bring up to 4kg of personal belongings to be loaded onto the donkeys. You will only carry your backpack during the day.
- Food: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
- Equipment: Good quality high mountain tent, sleeping mattress, basic sleeping bag -2Ā°, dining tent, table and chairs, bathroom tent, first aid kit, stove, crockery and kitchen utensils.
- Entrance fee: for the national park.
Exclude
- First breakfast, last dinner, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, medical treatment, travel insurance, tips, additional expenses as a result of leaving the trek early, additional expenses as a result of rescue or emergency evacuation, bottled water (you drink water from the river).
What to Bring
- Bag to load the donkeys with your personal belongings (plastic bag with zipper or garbage bag).
- Small daypack
- Sleeping bag if available
- Walking poles if you have knee problems
- Headlamp (with spare batteries)
- Sun protection: sunscreen (factor 40 minimum), hat, sunglasses
- Well used in mountain boots or trekking shoes
- Comfortable clothing: T-shirt (quick-drying or merino wool recommended), trekking pants or leggings, sweater, wool trekking socks, underwear, long thermal underwear, fleece, gloves, hat
- Waterproof jacket and pants / or rain poncho
- Bottle of water and water purification tablets
- Toilet paper, personal toiletries, small towel
- Extra snacks and money
Are you missing something? We can provide you with everything you need for a great day of expeditions, check out each trip for detailed pricing information or contact us for a custom trip and you will be able to enjoy yourself to the full.
Tour Amenities






Tour Plan
On the first day of the trek you are picked up at your hotel and we drive through Carhuaz, Yungay and Caraz, towards the Llanganuco valley and then ascend the incredible road of 32 mountain passes to VaquerĆa. We begin our trek descending to the town of Huaripampa, where we have the opportunity to meet friendly Quechuas, take memorable photos of their traditional houses, their farmland, and colorful clothing. Then we descend to our first camp in Paria (3800m).
Driving time: 5 hours.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
On our second day we will hike for about five hours before reaching the highest point of this hike. The trail begins ascending towards Punta UniĆ³n (4750m). This ancient trail was widely used in pre-Columbian and colonial times as a route for transporting goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass, you will enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Valley to the west and views of the Huaripampa Valley to the east. The peaks of Santa Cruz surrounded by Andean vegetation of Quenual, the snow-capped peaks of Paria and Taulliraju, Artesonraju and Huaripampa will come into view. We will see the Taulliraju mountain looming over us and its glacial lake on the other side. From this high point, it is possible to see Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Rinrihircas, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui and Pucahircas. After a rest we descend to our next camp Taullipampa (4250m).
Hiking time: 7 hours.
Today we walk around 5 hours before reaching our last camp Llamacorral (3750m). During this pleasant walk we will be able to appreciate the following mountains: Santa Cruz, Quitaraju, Artesonraju, Alpamayo, Taulliraju and Rinrijircas. We will also pass through the Ischicocha, Hatuncocha and Arhuaycocha lakes. Lake Arhuaycocha has one of the most spectacular views of the entire Cordillera Blanca.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
We complete our 4-day trek by walking to the town of Cashapampa, which takes approximately 3 hours. As we descend, you will be able to notice a constant change in the vegetation as we follow the river. Our transport will be waiting for us to take us back to Huaraz.
Hiking time: 3 hours.
Driving time: 3 hours.
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Review Scores
3 thoughts on “Santa Cruz Classic Trek – 4 days”
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3.8
It is a great place to shop not too far from New York. We took the bus from Port Authority and traveled through the countryside to get there.
3.6
We always stay at here when in town. The location is great, staff is wonderful and we love the overall feel. Beautiful view from the here.
4.6
This is the best tour on the east coast! It was amazing how many places we visited and what great memories we made!