OVERVIEW

Santa Cruz Trek is one of the most demanding, magnificent trekking routes and world class high altitude multi-day treks in the stunning of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, crossing the heart of Cordillera Blanca, A week of glorious, remote high altitude trekking through green lush valleys of Llanganuco, Huaripampa & Santa Cruz, tremendous alpine trek offer superb mountain scape of towering fluted summits over 6000 meters, cascading glaciers, aqua blue glacial lakes, alpine meadows, overwhelming beauty areas, fragile ecosystem, stunning view from camping spots.

Maximum Altitude 4750 m (15,580 feet)
Difficulty Moderate
Length 5 Days trek

Brief Itinerary of the trek program Huaraz – Santa Cruz – Huaraz

Day 1: Huaraz – Cashapampa (2990m) – Llama-Corral (3760m)
Day 2: Llamacorral – Alpamayo Viewpoint (4200m) – Taullipampa (4250m)
DAY 3: day off at taullipampa camping spot (optional hike to alpamayo base camp or hiking to centillo peak)
Day 4: taullipampa - punta union pass (4750m) – paria valley (3800m)
Day 5: Paria – Vaquería (3700m) – Yungay – Huaraz

SUGGESTION: please understand that before the Santa Cruz trek you should complete 1 or 2 acclimatization day hikes to avoid altitude sickness. Ask us for advice or visit our page about acclimatization hikes.

Note: If you have more time you can extend this trek program by ascending easy or moderate summits such as:

• Santa cruz trek + climbing pisco 3 days climbing
• Santa cruz trek + climbing ishinca 3 days climbing
• Santa cruz trek + climbing vallunaraju 2 days climbing
• Santa cruz trek + climbing yanapaccha 2 days climbing

Trip program Lima – Huaraz – mountains – Huaraz – Lima all included just available on request.

ITINERARY

TREK PROGRAM HUARAZ – SANTA CRUZ TREK – HUARAZ

Included meals: B = Breakfast / S = Snack / L = Lunch / D = Dinner

Day 1: Huaraz – Cashapampa (2990m) – Llama-Corral (3760m)
We will pick up you at your hotel with our private vehicle to drive along the rich Callejón de Huaylas valley, we will pass through small arable towns whose keeps colonial architecture with red tile roofs, and on the way we will stop to enjoy spectacular views of the Andes including the western face of Peru’s highest peak, Huascaran mountain (22,205ft). After that we will continue driving until caraz the last town to the north, from it we follow driving onward Cashapampa village, where we will meet with donkeys & donkey’s driver. At the beginning of the trek, we will walk upon moderate grade trail with some steep sections to the right bank of santa cruz river trough by far narrow valley with sparkling waterfalls, groves & high land bushes, passing under looming rock towers and rock slides until arriving a wide meadow, where is located our camping spot with spectacular view to the valleys head. Overnight camp at Llamacorral. Meals: S / L / D

Day 2: Llamacorral – Alpamayo Viewpoint (4200m) – Taullipampa (4250m)
This day we will walk upon gently grade uphill, passing the beautiful mountain lakes of ichiccocha and Jatuncocha, hiking upon green lush valley until quisuar, from it we walk up on steep hill but the trail winds up on sig sag until reach Alpamayo overlooking above arhueycocha gorge, there offer superb view of mount alpamayo east face, despite not being one of the higher summits but is highly demanded by many mountaineers, in the 1966 an international survey was declared as the most beautiful mountain in the world and this beauty draws climbers from afar by its spectacular pyramidal shape on the north face and lovely ice flouted on the southwest face, even that is perfect point as well to appreciate the dramatic vista of artezonraju, the angle the peak bears a striking resemblance to paramount studios logo, then the route bring us to isolated taullipampa campsite located at the foot of taulliraju, which looks like a cathedral of ice and rock. From the camping spot we will be able to gaze at alpamayo, taulliraju, artezon raju & quitaraju from the comfort of your tent.

Optional no mandatory: keep walking up until alpamayo base camp, and Arhueycocha Lake, from the lakeside offer really tremendous view to pukajirca, then clicking memorable pictures we back retracting steps until overlooking point then traverse to taullipampa camping spot. Overnight camp at Taullipampa. Meals: B / S / L / D

DAY 3: rest day at taullipampa camping spot
Option 01: hike to Arhueycocha Lake this day we walk down on gentle downhill, traversing the north slope valley until reach the Alpamayo viewpoint above arhueycocha gorge, Where we will relax and enjoy the splendid view of superb mountain scape of majestic mount Alpamayo, and dramatic view of mount artezonraju, the angle the peak bears a striking resemblance to paramount studios logo, after that we follow walking toward alpamayo base camp with fantastic view to the valleys ahead, as soon as we reach base camp we climb up the faint path that go to the lake ascending on rock moraine, from the lakeside offer really tremendous view to pukajirca, then clicking memorable pictures we Return retracting steps on the same trail until taullipampa camp.

Option 02: if the day before you did base camp of mount alpamayo we offer for this day little bit more demanding hike up to sentillo peak 5000m, just only if you feel in fetter, the peak offers arulling view of mountain scape about the summit of quitaraju, alpamayo, artezonraju and imposing taulliraju.

Option 03: take simple day off at the camp site as a relaxing day enjoying one of the most dramatic views.
Overnight camp at Taullipampa. Meals: B / S / L / D

Day 4: taullipampa - punta union pass (4750m) – paria valley (3800m)
This day we will walk upon gradual ascend on pre-Inca route with incredible view ahead of majestic mount taulliraju until reach the Punta Union pass, as soon as we reach the pass the grandest view comes in front towering summits as: pukajirca, taulliraju, artezonraju and quitaraju, by far below loiter colorful taillicocha and jatuncocha on santa cruz valley, where the trekker feel really awarded by the splendid vista, take a brake worthwhile shooting incredible memories.. As soon as crossing the pass we descent on slope and rocky trail toward huaripampa green lush valley, observing small glacial lagoons, waterfalls meaning on the rocks. The camping spot is located at the junction paria and huaripampa gorge. Overnight camp at Paria valley. Meals: B / S / L / D

Day 5: Paria – Vaquería (3700m) – Yungay – Huaraz
This day can be easy day at the first we walk down on wide meadow and flat green lush valley with some sections of quenual & quisuar forest, whose lovely twisted trunks with their orange bark the trail is almost easy until reach huaripampa village, where we will have the opportunity to meet with friendly & sociable Quechua residents including children (this day is a good day to give, if you bring some gifts or present for children such as: pen, pencil, sharpener, crayons, paints, erasers, rulers, notebooks or another things, which things are adequate for students, because most of kids are quite poor, they will feel absolutely happy after receiving that things. then we will follow hiking until reach vaqueria settlement. Finish our trek. Where our private transportation await us to bring Huaraz, on the road we will pass on Portachuelo pass, where the view is really gorgeous to click spectacular pictures about superb mountain scape with tremendous view of majestic view of: mount Huascarán, Huandoy, Pisco, crossing the cordillera blanca from east to west, the great view of car road drops on many loops until the bottom of Llanganuco valley, follow driving over it. Back to Huaraz for a nice shower and some rest; enjoy a good dinner in town celebrating after trekking success. Overnight at hotel. Meals: B / S / L

Trip program Lima – Huaraz – mountains – Huaraz – Lima all included just available on request.

PRICES & DATES

Multi-day trek Rates for private groups 2024

Choose and book your adventure travel style & let us take you on it for a responsible & sustainable tourism:

Season
Mid of April
May
June
July
August
September
October
Mid of November

We organize this 5 days version of multi-day trek on private basis for groups of friends, families, adventure companies & tour leaders. With fully local guides assistance. Please feel completely free to get in touch with us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates to send you a quote, with no obligation.

Cost on base of:

• 2 participants USD $ 910 per each one
• 3 participants USD $ 843 per each one
• 4 participants USD $ 735 per each one
• 5 participants USD $ 710 per each one
• 6 participants USD $ 685 per each one
• 8 participants (+) USD $ 560 per each one

Note:
• Additional info or Full trip dossier information (PDF) available upon request & provided at the booking time.

• In the showed rate isn’t included the general Peruvian taxes (I.G.V)

Get Special discount for the groups more than 6 participants

Trip program Lima – Huaraz – mountains – Huaraz – Lima all included just available on request.

We Are Ready To Make Your Dream a Reality

INCLUSIONS

What’s included in the cost

• Huaraz bus station (meeting service) and Transfer from bus station - ho(s) tel – bus station (arrival & departure day)
• Private transportation for begin & return of trekking santa cruz
• Bilingual trekking guide certified by (UIMLA).
• Assistant guide if the group is formed more than 5 participants
• Mountain cook
• Assistant cook for large groups
• healthy & fresh meals per day (hearty breakfast, snack, cooked lunch & hot dinner)
• Donkeys (mules)
• Donkey driver (muleteer service).
• Emergency horse if the group is formed more 4 people
• Full First aid group kid
• Cook tent, Dinner tent, Toilet tent for take care our environment
• Good quality Sleeping Tent (a tent for 3 persons by 2 people).
• sleeping mats (foam) for every body
• Full Utensil kitchen by every body
• entrance fee ticket Huascaran national park ($ 50) per each hiker

What doesn’t included in the cost

• booking bus or flight ticket to transfer from (lima - huaraz – lima)
• Booking Ho(s)tel for accommodation in Huaraz
• Acclimatization program before this trek.
• Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
• Meal and beverages during the stay in Huaraz
• Extra food in our trip
• Personal trek equipment
• Additional tours.
• Sleeping-bag (-15 ºC)
• Travel insurance assistance
• Phone calls, access to internet cabins & others extra expenses
• Additional sleeping pad or thermal rest
• Laundry service
• Personal toiletries
• Personal first aid kid
• Tips for the staff
• Extra expenses no specified in this trip program

Extra
we can help you to rent extra equipment not included in the price

• Down sleeping bag = USD $8 per day
• Hiking polls = USD $ 2 per day
• Single Supplement Tent Only = USD $ 10 per day

Extra service available upon request

• booking hotel for accommodation in Huaraz
• booking bus ticket to travel (lima - Huaraz – lima)
• additional tours, hikes, climbing expeditions

Trip program Lima – Huaraz – mountains – Huaraz – Lima all included just available on request.

WHY TRAVEL WITH US

Responsible travel
Responsible travel practice is elemental in our each trip program. When you book one of our adventure pursuits, we will ensure that you practice a responsible & sustainable tourism on wild & remote areas protecting: the fragile ecosystem, tradition of local communities, natural environments and wildlife.

As a responsible travel we try to produce the most minimum impact as possible to the environment on the path where we walk, because we know clearly about the global warning and climate change that is the main reason that we have a responsibility as visitors to minimize the impact with our presence.

Tourism is one of the most important industries in the planet. It option to employs people around worldwide, obviously the Benefits is much more for people who live in developing countries where the income we provide can mean the difference between economic survival and poverty

THE RESPONSIBLE WAY TO YOUR ADVENTURE MEAN:

PROTECTING & CONSERVING: natural mountain-scape, every natural resource, flora & fauna.

RESPECTING: local culture – traditions, religions and built heritage where you visit.

BENEFITTING: with your visit you will generate a job opportunities for local communities.

MINIMISING POLLUTION: taking-out our trash during the trek or climb expeditions all litter is remove to the city for it properly recycled. We use specified spots to put on our toilets tents at the camping areas to don’t pollute the water resource.

Please become part of this practicing a responsible & sustainable travel your challenge is important

Ultimate Value
When you book one of our tours, acclimatization hikes, multi-day treks, & climbing expeditions, you will receive currently information, quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions & exclusion cost. This trip offers exceptional value money, ensuring your holiday with affordable rate and guaranteeing with centrally good quality hotels, private transportations, official bilingual guides with international certification (UIMLA), (UIAGM) both organizations are internationally recognized, good varied and fresh food for adventure expeditions, all your national park entrance fees and permits included, no hidden cost, no surprises and no staff exploit.

Pricing
As a 100% local qualified guides & tour operators our trip prices are based directly on Peruvian economy rates our cost structure is built up cost on cost because we directly manage and run all of our trips, beside promoting the local employ, personal qualified people, providing a job opportunity with that improving their economy and their quality of life and even we encourage hardly the fair wage, because we work very transparent & the most honest possible

Custom Made Itineraries
You should absolutely feel free to build your own trip program according your preference & necessity just only let us know to help with our experience to make an itinerary day a day just for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go, when you want to do it, How you can enjoy it with better health. Adjust an existing itinerary & ensuring that you develop a responsible and sustainable tourism.

Small Group is good
We are focused organizing for small groups to provide topnotch service in: tours, hikes, multi-day treks & climbing expeditions to live a life time experience for adventure lovers, while your guide & support crew are attentive to ensuring your travels are supportive and full safety.

No Single Supplements
If you are joining in one of our adventure expeditions as a single person, we’ll match you with another traveler of the same gender and you won’t be charged anything extra for the vast majority of our trips. If you however want a guaranteed single occupancy or tent, we can also arrange that for at a small extra charge.

Exploring cordillera blanca
Indubitably cordillera Blanca provides some of the most astonishing landscape in the world, varied tours, acclimatization hikes, multi-day treks & climbing expeditions. This is Peru’s best-known mountain region, only 100km from the Pacific Ocean, we find within this 185 km long from south to north the greatest concentration of tropical zone glaciers on earth and it has 722 glaciers for survival 30 peaks of them are over the 6000m high, crowned by Peru’s highest peak Huascaran (6768m), and the most beautiful peak in the world “Mount Alpamayo” is lies hire as well.

Cordillera Blanca provides gorgeous views of sparkling glaciers, multicolored glacier lakes; turquoise and pristine lagoons & vertical granite rock walls rise thousands of meters into the sky, water falls, and cascades with incredible view, (a number of high passes), green lush valleys, magnificent vistas of summits over 6,000 m, cascading glaciers, wondrous alpine meadows, fragile ecosystems, going explore is really good chance to Enjoy the sptacles of the nature to Click stunning photos.

We Are Ready To Make Your Dream a Reality

WHAT TO BRING

WHAT TO BRING FOR TREKKING

CLOTHING

• Walking boot or hiking shoes: These are the boots you will wear on the trek over high passes, then you'll need a couple shoes of handling a bit of slippery snow and very rough and rocky trails. For example a B0 or B1 ankle-high boot.
• For multiday treks is advisable a pair of sandals to wear around camp instead of sneakers
• A couple of fast drying base-layer tops (made of synthetic material is preferable instead of cotton or wool t-shirt) (whatever material can be long sleeve is advisable)
• Mid – layer (mid weight fleece or a synthetic insulation jacket (e.g primaloft) as well as full of thermal underwear to wear in the evening.
• Wear light/medium - weight trousers that allow the free movement and will dry quickly.
• Down jacket is nice or a micro –down jacket
• A woolly hat and thermal gloves ( a pair polar Tec)
• A light weight waterproof jacket shell proof ( gore - tex)
• A light weight waterproof pants or over-trouser (Gore - Tex) are recommendable.
• Wind proof waist coat or jacket (optional)
• Light weight cotton or synthetic pants / trouser: for hiking in the mountains or for hiking around camp Shorts are Ok.
• A pair of high quality sunglasses is essential (dark sport sunglasses) spectrum 3 for trekking
• At least 3 pairs of good quality hiking socks (liner sock can be to reduce abrasion and blister.
• Sun hat: Or baseball cap with bandanna safety pinned to it to keep the sun off your face and neck.
• Thermal liners
• Neck gaiter or balaclava (wool or synthetic, mid-weight) the neck gaiter is more versatile and can serve as ear band

CAMPING EQUIPMENT


• Sleeping bag – 15ºC should be enough to sleep well (down or synthetic)
• Foam sleeping pad or a therm- a – rest (prolite or NeoAir for a better night sleep) which is the best for more comfort at high camp.
• 2 liters water bottle (Nalgene) or camelback
• Water treatment (chlorine dioxide tablets) (micro pure) (optional)
• Headlamp or head torch with extra batteries (we recommended all use LED technology).
• Good quality sun cream (Sunscreen) for using around the camp
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Pocket knife (optional)
• Pee Bottle (2) 1 Liter wide mouth bottles (Nalgene) (optional)
• Thermos (optional) 1 Liter capacity stainless steel vacuum bottle
• Trash bags (4) To line stuff sacks and one large to line pack

SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT


• hiking steaks or trekking poles are useful a compact 3 section (leki or black diamond they are lither and durable)
• Duffel bag or ruck sack(around 60 - 70 liters) with padlock. These duffels will be tied onto the backs of burros on the way up to Base Camp, so make sure they’re tough.
• A 40 – 45 liters day pack to carry spare clothing, snack, camera and water to drink during the day walk.

ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT


• MP3 players, paperbacks, journal, games or cards, tablets or electronic book
• Camera
• Mobile phones
• Solar charging panels

PERSONAL MEDICAL KID


• Should include: plasters, antiseptic, cream, sterile gauze and bandage, rehydration sachets, zinc oxide tape and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
• Bring paracetamol, and acetazolamide or Diamox for treating mild symptoms of (AMS).
• Have loperamide is a good idea in case you get the runs
• Antibiotic such as: ciprofloxacin or Bactrim for bacterial stomach bugs.
• A small roll of adhesive tape, cough drops.

PERSONAL TOILETS


• Toilets such us: Toothbrush, small amount of toothpaste, dental floss, contact lens fluids, a small bar of soap, and small hand towel or wash clothes.
• On most expeditions in base camps we can supply you with a small bowl of warm washing water in the morning and afternoon.
• A small synthetic hand towel (wash clothes) is useful for taking a sponge bath, toilet paper.