Santa Cruz
Nestled in the white-peaked Cordillera Blanca range in the Andes, the classic 4-day Santa Cruz trip winds its way through the valleys of the mountains while passing beautiful turquoise lakes on its way to the highest point on the trek, Punta Union.
Day 1: Huaraz – Valqueria – Paria
At 5:30 we leave by bus from Huaraz. The road follows the river Rio Santa, then goes up and cross Portachuelo pass at 4767m where we can observe the highest mountains of Cordiliera Blanca. We stop for pictures at the beautiful lakes called Llanganuco. Once we arrive in Valqueria, we start hiking. We load the donkeys with everything except what you wish to carry in your small backpack. We hike 4-5 hours until our first camp – Paria.
Day 2: Paria -Punta Union – Taullipampa
We wake you up with hot tea in your tent and we will have breakfast ready around 6:30. We pack the tents while you eat and after breakfast, we will walk about 5 hours before reaching the highest point in this trek – Punta Union, a pass at 4750m. This old trail was heavily used in pre-Columbian and colonial times as a route for transporting goods from eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass you will enjoy amazing panoramic views down the Santa Cruz valley to the west and the views of the Huaripampa valley to the east. From this high point it is possible to see Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Rinrihrcas, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui ad Pucajircas. After half an hour break we go down until our next camp – Taullipampa.
Day 3: Taullipampa – Arhuaycocha Alpamayo view point – Llamacorral
After coffee and breakfast we walk a total of 6 hours before reaching out our last camp. During the trek you can appreciate the following mountains: Santa Cruz, Quitaraju, Artesonraju, Alpamayo, Rinrijircas. We will also pass the lakes Icchicocha, Hatuncocha and Arhuaycocha. The lake Arhuaycocha is one of the most spectacular views within the entire Cordillera Blanca.
Day 4: Llamacorral – Cashapampa – Huaraz
This will be our last day inside Huascaran National Park. After breakfast we trek 3 hours downhill to Cashapampa. As we descend, you will be able to notice a steady change in vegetation as we follow the river to Cashapampa. From there, we load the bus and have a 2-3-hours’ drive back to Huaraz.
✓ 5 meals per day (breakfast, snack, lunch, tea time, dinner)
✓ Superior tents for different purposes: sleeping, kitchen, dining, toilet
✓ Hot water in the morning and afternoon for clean your hands and face
✓ Boiled water to fill your bottle every day
✓ Donkeys for caring the luggage✓ 5 Kg personal luggage by each person for donkeys✓ Emergency horse
✓ Transport from and back to Huaraz
✓ Certificated Trekking guide
✓ Kitchener
✓ First aid kit
✕ Huaraz accommodation & acclimatization
✕ Entrance Fee to Huascaran National Park
✕ Sleeping bag
✕ Travel insurance, accident insurance
✕ First day breakfast, last day dinner
* Hiking boots and socks
* Hiking poles
* Sun hat
* Microfiber shirts and thermal fleece
* Down Jacket
* Gloves, buff
* Trekking pants
* Sunglasses
* Day backpack or advanced 40-50 liters
* Bottle for water
* Waterproof Jacket
* Waterproof pants
* Sleeping bag
* Headlamp (with extra batteries)
* Sunscreen (lips and skin)
* Personal first aid kit or medicine
* Sandals
* Personal hygiene kit and towel
Huayhuash
Day 1: Huraz – Llamac – Pocpa – Cuartelhuan (4105m)
We leave early in the morning from Huaraz and after 5 hours’ bus trip we arrive to Pocpa. Here we prepare for hiking towards our first camp – Cuartelhuain. After 4-5 hours hiking we can enjoy the fresh air and spectacular view of our first Huayhuash overnight camp.
Day 2: Cuartelhain – Quaqanan pass (4700m) – Mitucocha (4230m)
After the breakfast, we start hiking towards Quaqanan pass which is the highest point of the day. This day we ascend around 600m and descend 480m until Mitucocha campsite and a total distance of 10 km. Our efforts will be rewarded with amazing landscapes of mounts Jirishanca and Ninashanca in the background.
Day 3: Mitucocha – Carhuac pass (4650 m) – Carhuacocha (4138 m)
We start hiking towards Carhuac pass where we get after 2-3 hours. From this pass we have an amazing view of famous highest points from Huayhuash Cordiliera – Yerupaja and Siula mounts; then we walk down for about 2 hours where we set our camp on the shores of Carhuacocha lake.
Day 4: Carhuacocha – Siula pass (4850 m) – Huayhuash (4330 m)
We depart early for Siula pass. This day we will visit 3 spectacular lakes (Qanrajancacocha, Siulacocha and Quesillococha) and will always have the view of Yerupaja and Siula mounts in the background. After 4 hours hiking we reach the pass, where we have a panorama of the most snow covered peaks of East side of Cordillera Huayhuash. After resting and having taken the photos we walk down to Huayhuash campsite where arrive after 3 hours more.
Day 5: Huayhuash – Portachuelo pass (4750 m) – Viconga (4400 m)
After breakfast we depart for Portachuelo pass where we get after 2 hours. From this pass we will enjoy the view of the Cordillera Raura, and then we will descend towards thermal baths of Vigonca, the place where we will set up our tents. We pass near to Viconga lake and we get to our campsite after 2 more hours. This day we have the option to wash our clothes as well as taking shower and swimming in the hot spring.
Day 6: Viconga – Cuyoc pass (5000 m) – Elefante pampa (4450 m)
From Viconga we start ascending towards the highest point of the trip – Cuyoc pass at 5000m. It is day 6 so we are acclimatized to pass 5000m where we can see the most impressive mountain views of Huayhuash peaks in the north and Raura in the south. From the pass we descend to Guanacpatay valley and we set our campsite at 4400 m after to have walked down around 1.5 hours and a total of 7km.
Day 7: Elefante – San Antonio pass (4990) – Huaylappa (3500)
After breakfast we ascend to the most beautiful view from the whole trip – San Antonio. This day will be larger as we will walk 9 hours, ascending 500m and descending 1500m. We descent to the Huaylappa community where we can have the option to charge out phones or take a hot shower.
Day 08: Huayllapa – Punta Tapush (4750 m) – Gashpa Pampa (4400 m).
We ascent up to Punta Tapush, admiring the constantly changing view of Jaituhuarco (5548 m) and Diablo Mudo (5220) snowy peaks. Then we descent to Gashpa pampa when we relax after 6-7 hours of hiking.
Day 09: Gashpa Pampa – Yaucha Pass (4847 m) – Jahuacocha lake (4066 m)
In this very relaxed day we ascend to the Yaucha Pass where from the snowy Rondoy, Jirishanca, Yerupaja can be observed. This day is about breathtaking views of the whole Cordiliera Huayhuash mountain range. We descend to Jahuacocha where a variety of birds are waiting for us to listen to their songs.
Day 10: Jahuacocha – llamac (3300 m) – Huaraz (3000 m)
After a relaxing breakfast, we start our last day of hiking Cordilliera Huayhuash by descending 700 m towards the town of Ilamac, site where the bus awaits us for the transfer to Huaraz. We hope that we have helped you building unforgettable memories in the world most beautiful trail hike from tropical climate.
✓ 5 meals per day (breakfast, snack, lunch, tea time, dinner)
✓ Superior tents for different purposes: sleeping, kitchen, dining, toilet
✓ Hot water in the morning and afternoon for clean your hands and face
✓ Boiled water to fill your bottle every day
✓ Donkeys for caring the luggage
✓ 5 Kg personal luggage by each person for donkeys
✓ Emergency horse
✓ Transport from and back to Huaraz
✓ Certificated Trekking guide
✓ Kitchener
✓ First aid kit
✕ Huaraz accommodation & acclimatization
✕ Entrance Fee to local communities territory (220.00 soles)
✕ Sleeping bag
✕ Transfer – Airport/hotel/airport /bus station/Hotel – Lima
✕ Bus ticket Huaraz/Lima
✕ Travel insurance
✕ First day breakfast, last day dinner
* Hiking boots and socks
* Hiking poles
* Sun hat
* Microfiber shirts and thermal fleece
* Down Jacket
* Gloves, buff
* Trekking pants
* Sunglasses
* Day backpack or advanced 40-50 liters
* Bottle for water
* Waterproof Jacket
* Waterproof pants
* Sleeping bag
* Headlamp (with extra batteries)
* Sunscreen (lips and skin)
* Personal first aid kit or medicine
* Sandals
* Personal hygiene kit and towel
Cedro Alpamayo
Day 1: Huaraz (3000 m) – Vaqueria (3500 m) – Paria (3850 m)
Early in the morning, we pick you up from hotel with a private bus. We make a long drive to Vaqueria, passing next to Lagunas Llanganuco and then going up on a steeply, zigzag road until Punta Portachuelo (4767 m). We arrive to Vaqueria where we prepare ourselves for a 4-5 hours hiking to our first camp site– Paria. We arrive to Paria around 4 -5 PM.
Day 2: Paria (3850 m) – Punta Union (4750 m) – Tuctu Pampa (4200 m)
We wake you up with hot tea in your tent and we will have breakfast ready around 6:30. We pack the tents while you eat and after breakfast, we will walk about 5 hours before reaching the highest point in this trek – Punta Union, an impressive spot at 4750m. This old trail was heavily used in pre-Columbian and colonial times as a route for transporting goods from eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass you will enjoy amazing panoramic views down the Santa Cruz valley to the west and the views of the Huaripampa valley to the east. We descend partially on the same way until Tuctu Pampa night camp.
Day 3: Tuctu Pampa (4200 m) – Paso Pucaraju (4750 m) – Huecroncocha (4200 m)
After breakfast, we start hiking towards Paso Pucaraju on a steep rocky way. From Pucaraju we can admire a superb array of snowy peaks like Taulliraju (5830 m), Rinrijirca, Artesonraju and others. On our way to Huecrococha we will be passing a sparkling turquoise lake and we arrive to our camp site around X hour after X hours of hiking. While you rest, we start preparing your delicious dinner.
Day 4: Huecroncocha (4200 m) – Paso Tupa Tupa (4300 m) Jancapampa (3600 m)
Today we start hiking uphill, walking through the small village of Quisuar and after 2 -3 hours we will get to Tupa Tupa pass with a fine view down the western side of Cordilliera Blanca. After taking pictures and enjoy the incredible view we descent to the other side on a long grassy valley, village houses and terraced fields. Around x hour we arrive to our next camp Jancapampa, just next to village houses of Quechuan Andean people.
Day 5: Jancapampa (3600 m) – Willca pass (4500 m) – Safuna (4250 m)
From Jancapampa we will ascend through Yanajanca Valley, a very diverse area in terms of vegetation. We will climb up through Willca pass, with a nice view of Pucajirca. We descent towards the confluence of several valleys, take a break for a snack, pictures and enjoy the spectacular view. Then we ascend a short distance towards our night camp at Sajuna. From this camp we will see the North face of the Alpamayo.
Day 6: Sajuna (4250 m) – Paso Cara Cara (4700 m) – Jankarurish (4200 m)
Today will be a long but rewarding hiking day, so we start early in the morning towards Mesa Pata pass. It feels more alpine with each step and after 4 hours we reach to the highest pass of our trip today, Punto Cara Cara . The view of Alpamayo is with us all the time. The descent is through grassy slopes of the northern versant. We reach Jancarurish camp site where the spectacular pyramidal form of Alpamayo come into view.
Day 7: Jankarurish (4200 m) – Alpamayo Base Camp (4500 m) – Jankarurish (4200 m)
We hike up the nearby moraine with a nice panorama above the Laguna Jancarurish glacial lake and closer views of the Alpamayo and Jancarurish (5601m) peaks. It is about 4 hours go and back trip to the camp. If you feel energized, you can continue upwards and onwards towards Alpamayo Base Camp (4500m), with a 6 hours trip. However, if you prefer, today you can simply rest in Jakarurish camp. We will spend another night here.
Day 8: Jankarurish (4200 m) – Ruinapampa (4100 m) – Osorurish (4450 m)
After a delicious breakfast, we start by descending down the valley Quebrada Los Cedros for 2 hours to Ruinapampa. Then we ascend for a zig zag path to our campsite on Osorurish camp. On the way we will see pre-Inca ruins structures and antique stone constructions.
Day 9: Osorurish (4450 m) – Punta Cullicocha (4860 m) – Calaminas (3650 m)
Today will challenge our energy level with a long hike and two big passes to cross. We start with a long climb towards the south on a well-used trail to the Paso Vientunan pass (4770m). We then descend for about 150 meters and climb again to a second pass, Paso Cullicocha (4860m). As we begin our descent, there are fabulous views of the surrounding mountains, especially the magnificent triple summit of Santa Cruz (6259m). The trail goes down at the crystal blue Laguna Cullicocha lake (4650m) where we will take a rewarding lunch break. Then we descend towards our last night camp of the trip. We will appreciate another stellar camp with lots of opportunities for photos. We will be able to see spectacular views of Cordilliera Negra and an unforgettable sunset.
Day 10: Calaminas (3600 m) – Hualcayan (2900 m) – Huaraz (3000 m)
During our last day, we hike for around 3 hours to the small village of Hualcayan where we will find very basic shop, and National Park entrance control to check out. Then we will drive for 4 hours to Huaraz, arriving at 3 or 4 PM. We say farewell and we hope to see you again.
After a nice shower and some rest in Huaraz hotel, you can enjoy a tasty dinner in the town and celebrate your trekking success. Time to connect with family and friend, then a good night rest.
✓ 5 meals per day (breakfast, snack, lunch, tea time, dinner)
✓ Superior tents for different purposes: sleeping, kitchen, dining, toilet
✓ Hot water in the morning and afternoon to clean your hands and face
✓ Boiled water to fill your bottle every day
✓ Donkeys for caring the luggage
✓ 5 Kg personal luggage by each person for donkeys
✓ Emergency horse
✓ Transport from and back to Huaraz
✓ Certificated Trekking guide
✓ Kitchener
✓ First aid kit
✕ Huaraz accommodation & acclimatization
✕ Entrance Fee to local communities territory
✕ Sleeping bag
✕ Transfer – Airport/hotel/airport
✕ Travel insurance, accident insurance
✕ First day breakfast, last day dinner
* Hiking boots and socks
* Hiking poles
* Sun hat
* Microfiber shirts and thermal fleece
* Down Jacket
* Gloves, buff
* Trekking pants
* Sunglasses
* Day backpack or advanced 40-50 liters
* Bottle for water
* Waterproof Jacket
* Waterproof pants
* Sleeping bag
* Headlamp (with extra batteries)
* Sunscreen (lips and skin)
* Personal first aid kit or medicine
* Sandals
* Personal hygiene kit and towel