4Days
Huaraz
Up to 8 People
Hiking / Trekking
Moderate / Difficult
April - October
The Santa Cruz trek departs from beautiful Mecca to the famous Huaraz. This region is consistently overshadowed by Cusco & Machu Picchu, but thats what makes this place so magical – with towering snowcapped peaks, and no crowds. This trek takes you through fertile valleys, has views of magnificent, spiraling high glaciated peaks, flower-filled meadows and glacier-fed turquoise lakes. This world-famous circuit crosses from one side of the Cordillera Blanca range to the other through ascending the Punta Union Pass reaching an elevation of 4750m/15,583ft. It is a trek that will give you memories that last a lifetime.
After breakfast in the hotel we will travel by private bus along the Callejón de Huaylas. This drive takes us through many traditional Andean towns. We will make our first stop in Carhuaz (2,650m/86,92ft). Here you will find homemade ice-cream from a local fruit stand, and authentic ecological handcrafts shown in el Abuelo handcrafts shop. Then we will continue to the city of Caraz where we will purchase any needed supplies. From here we travel to the Cashapampa District to meet the donkey drivers at the trailhead. After the donkeys are loaded with our camping equipment we will set out on the five to six hour hike to our first camp, Llamacorral (3760m/12332ft).
Today will be a quiet walk through the valley of Santa Cruz filled with breathtaking vistas. After breakfast we will begin the two-hour hike to Ichiccocha Lake and Jatuncocha Lake, then we will arrive to a beutiful spot where will have lunch with views of the impressive Alpamayo peak. After lunch, we can go to the Arhueycocha lake –base camp of Alpamayo. Then continue until we reach Taullipampa 4,250m/13,943ft.
After breakfast we will start hiking at 8am. A four-hour hike will bring us to the Punta Union Pass (4,750m/15,580ft) where we will have lunch while enjoying the splendid scenery. From here you have complete panorama views of glaciated mountains, blue skies, and unique landscapes, which will be our companion during this high altitude picnic. After lunch we descend for approximately three to four hours to our final camp, Cachinapampa (3800m/12464ft).
After breakfast we will descend for about 2 1/2 hours to Vaqueria. There our private van will be waiting for us for transfer to Yuraccorral. We will pass throughPortachuelo Pass (4,770m/15,646ft). From this pass you are rewarded with views deep in the heart of the Andes. Few people in the world have seen what your eyes will behold from this vista. North and South Huascaran, Huandoys, Pisco, and Chacraraju are a few of the peaks you will see and also the incredible LLanganuco Lakes.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.
Explore the sites that you will actually see along your tours.
Huaraz
Cashapampa
Llamacoral
Alpamayo Basecamp
Taullipampa
Punta Union Pass
Quenual Pampa
Sam Corporations has flexible departure dates, willing to accommodate your needs and travel requirements as far as possible. We guarantee exclusive luxurious tours of the hidden gems of Peru, whilst providing the best quality and personalized service.
You can book confidently knowing we offer the best value for your money
Sam Corporations
Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.
The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide
We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans
Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.
We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment
Are you an experienced hiker looking for an adventurous challenge? Climb Vallunaraju, one of the few peaks in the Cordillera Blanca that can be climbed from Huaraz in only two days. This challenging trek is filled with beautiful trails, climbing up gorgeous glaciers, and surrounding scenery that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to conquer this mountain and feel a sense of accomplishment like never before. Book your trip today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
If you’re planning on visiting Huaraz you absolutely need to visit Laguna Paron. The largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca, it’s also one of the most beautiful. This guided tour is sure to leave you speechless and will give you memories that last a lifetime. Here are some things you can expect on your adventure to Laguna Paron:
Altitude: The mirador over the lake sits at 4,200m/13,779ft. This is the highest you will trek as the lake itself is a little lower than this.
Distance: If you choose to hike from the trailhead entry, the total distance is approximately a 20km round trip. Should you take a tour that goes all the way to the lake entrance, you need only do a short walk (45 minutes there and back) up to the mirador.
Time: This is a long day trip from Huaraz, requiring a start at either 5 a.m. or 8 a.m. dependent upon the type of tour you take. Tours are usually back in Huaraz by about 6 p.m.
Laguna 69 (or Lake 69) has become a popular Peru hike as of late and it’s no surprise why! After an endorphin inducing hike, you’re rewarded with stunning views of glacial turquoise waters surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Huascaran National Park. This trek in Huaraz, Peru has put Northern Peru on the must-visit list for many travelers. Are you one of those wanderlusters?
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