Santa Cruz Trekking Circuit

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic

The Santa Cruz Trek is the ultimate classic in the Cordillera Blanca and one of the most breathtaking routes in the Andes. This exhilarating 4-day adventure takes you through stunning landscapes filled with towering snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear turquoise lakes, diverse native wildlife, and the awe-inspiring Punta Unión Pass (4,750m), offering panoramic views that will leave you speechless.

As you journey along the trail, you'll be mesmerized by the striking presence of Chacraraju, the majestic Taulliraju—often called "The Cathedral of the World" for its dramatic form—Artesonraju, famously recognized as the iconic Paramount Pictures logo, and Alpamayo, hailed as the most beautiful mountain in the world.

With its accessibility and moderate difficulty, the Santa Cruz Trek is perfect for those with a basic fitness level, making it an ideal way to acclimate before tackling the higher peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.

Hiking and Trekking

Pablo B. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Hi, I'm Pablo. I was born in Huaraz at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. I studied systems engineering and at the same time I practiced trekking on my own, after finishing my engineering career I decided to study for Official Tourist Guide and later I took a specialization course in mountaineering authorized by the Peruvian Government. During my beginnings in mountaineering I climbed important mountains such as: Huascaran, Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Chopicalqui, Ranrapalca, Tocllaraju and the classic 5 thousand mountains. I traveled to Ecuador where I climbed all the volcanoes such as: Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Ilinizas, Cayambe, as well as Obispo Peak, the most challenging and technical mountain in Ecuador. In 2019 I climbed Aconcagua and now I lead expeditions annually. Mountaineering is my passion and work in this beautiful world.

View Pablo`s tours

Tour highlights

Breathtaking Mountain Passes and Viewpoints

Conquer the Punta Unión Pass (4,750m) with its spectacular panoramic views of towering Andean peaks, including Taulliraju, Artesonraju, and Alpamayo.

Arhuaycocha Lake Adventure

Explore the stunning turquoise waters of Arhuaycocha Lake, surrounded by glacial peaks.

Scenic Descent Through Santa Cruz Valley

Witness a dramatic shift in landscapes, from high-altitude mountains to lush valleys, as you descend toward Cashapampa Village.

Route details

Our expedition begins in Huaraz, where we’ll pick you up from your hotel with private transportation. We’ll head north through the picturesque Huaylas Valley to Yungay, and then continue into the Huascarán National Park for check-in. Along the way, we’ll pass through the stunning Llanganuco Canyon, where you'll catch sight of the striking turquoise lakes of Orconcocha and Chinancocha.

We’ll continue our journey up the road until we reach the breathtaking Portachuelo Pass, a magnificent viewpoint where you'll have a panoramic view of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Huandoys, Pisco, and the sparkling lakes of the far Llanganuco Valley. After soaking in these views, we’ll proceed to the charming Vaquería Village, the starting point of the Santa Cruz Trek.

At Vaquería, the donkey drivers and their donkeys will be ready to help transport our logistical gear to the camp. After about 3 hours of trekking from Vaquería, we will arrive at Paria Camp.

Lodging: Mountain tents
Meals: Box lunch, lunch, tea time, and dinner
Transfer by car: 3 hours
Estimated trekking time: 4 to 5 hours
Elevation gain: +770 m (3,100 masl to 3,870 masl)

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

Physical Training

Participants must be in good physical condition to join this trek. We recommend previous and constant preparation as a crucial factor to take on this challenge, then, the physical stress caused by the trekking days will be minimized.

We strongly advise all participants to have an adequate outdoor training plan and short hikes with gradual demands.

If you would like our advice, we can provide you a training plan after evaluation of your experience in hiking and sporting activity.

Acclimatization

Participants should have experience in altitude the last 2 to 3 days prior to the start of this trek, which ensures adequate acclimatization and conditioning of the body to the altitude. It is recommended to stay above 3,000 meters above sea level.

We suggest acclimatizing in Wilcacocha or Churup lakes before starting the trek.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

3 nights

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Áncash, Provincia de Huaraz, Huaraz

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

сertified Mountain Guide IFMGA / IVBV / UIAGM (english, spanish);
сertified chef;
private transportation: Huaraz - Quebrada de Llaca - Huaraz;
porters for the transfer of logistic equipment from base camp to high camp;
mountaineering equipment (helmet, ice axe, harness, and crampons);
5 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, box lunch, teatime and dinner);
4 seasons tent with double occupancy;
tent kitchen, dining room and bathroom;
first aid kit;
permanent radio communication between the team;
boiled water to fill your bottle every day;
tips to get to Huaraz;
advice before the Expedition;
last day: lunch and farewell toast with regional food and typical Peruvian drinks.

Extras

airline ticket to Lima and back to the country of origin;
bus transportation Lima / Huaraz / Lima;
entrance to the Huascaran National Park (S/. 60.00 soles per person);
personal porters;
mountain boots;
personal tent (if you want a personal tent, the rent is S/. 30 soles per day);
extra costs for premature abandonment of the expedition;
International Medical Insurance;
accident and rescue insurance (you can ask us about the agreement we have with Global Rescue for a preferential price);
travel luggage and trip cancellation insurance;
transfer to Huaraz out of schedule, in case of premature abandonment of the expedition;
first breakfast at the beginning of the itinerary is not included;
sleeping bag -25° / -30º;
personal expenses;
hotel during your stay in Huaraz;
tips for guide / staff.

Group size

From 4 to 32 tourists

Duration

4 days

3 nights