The Santa Cruz trek 4 days circuit in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range, Huascaran National Park. The trek travels through Quenual forest and past turquoise glacial lakes, with views of stunning peaks such as Taulliraju, Alpamayo, Santa Cruz and Artesonraju Mountains. The trek culminates by crossing the Punta Union Pass at 4750m. This is an unforgettable experience for any adventure traveler! Book Online!
Discover more Huaraz Tours:
- Mini Huayhuash Trek 4 days
- Mini Huayhuash Trek 7 days
Tour Details
- Duration4 Days
- Type TripTrekking
- Group SizeMax 9 people
- LanguagesEng, Esp,
- SeasonApril to November
- DifficultyDifficult
Experience
Why us
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Reliable tour operator, certified guides, and drivers. Guaranteed Quality!
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Personalized assistance before, during, and after the trip
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Explore the hidden spots to take that epic photos.
Summary
Travel Route
Day 1: Huaraz/ Llanganuco Lakes/Portachuelo Pass/Vaqueria/ Paria
Day 2: Paria/Punta Union Pass/ Taullipampa
Day 3: Taullipampa/Alpamayo Lookout/Llamacorral
Day 4: Llamacorral/Cashapampa/Huaraz
[See the Itinerary – Next Tab]
Technical Details
Starts at: Pick up from your hotel in Huaraz City.
Ends in: Drop off to your hotel off Huaraz City.
Name: Santa Cruz trek 4 days tour
Total Hiking: 50 km/ 31 miles
Altitude: 4750 meters / 15583.99 feet.
Tour Destinations
Huaraz
Llanganuco Lakes
Portachuelo Pass
Vaqueria
Paria
Paso Punta Union Pass
Taullipampa
Alpamayo Lookout
Llamacorral
Cashapampa
Huaraz
Itinerary
Day 1 Huaraz/ Llanganuco Lakes/Portachuelo Pass/Vaqueria/ Paria
Our adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Callejon de Huaylas Valley and into Huascaran National Park. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for memorable photo stops, including some breathtaking views of turquoise Llanganuco Lakes and Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass 4785m. After around four hours, we arrive atVaqueria (3700m), the starting point of our trek. Our equipment is loaded onto friendly donkeys, then we set off for a five-hour hike up the slowly rising path to our camp site in Paria Valley 3890m. Enjoy the unique experience of seeing local shepherds and farmers working on their fields with traditional methods!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 2 Paria/Paso Punta Union Pass/ Taullipampa
Today’s trek is a demanding one. We’ll gradually ascend for about four hours, then make a steep ascent for an hour to reach the Punta Union pass at 4750m. From here, you can get stunning close-up views of majestic mountains like Nevado Taulliraju, Pucajirca, Rinrijirca and Artesonraju. Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views down into Santa Cruz Valley! After taking it all in, we’ll begin our descent to our camp at Taullipampa 4250m – a 7-8 hour walk.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 3 Taullipampa/Alpamayo Lookout/Llamacorral
Today, we’ll have the chance to do a side trip up to a viewpoint in the Quebrada Arhuaycocha valley. From there, you’ll be able to take in the amazing views of some of the most majestic mountains in the area: Nevado Alpamayo, Quitaraju and Artesonraju. After admiring the view, we’ll then make a long descent down into Santa Cruz Valley, passing by a large lake before finally reaching our last camp site at Llamacorral 3750m – a 6-7 hour hike.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 4 Llamacorral/Cashapampa/Huaraz
Today, we’ll be walking down the Quebrada Santa Cruz Valley to Cashapampa village at 2900m. After reaching our destination, we’ll hop in the car and make our way back to Huaraz – a 3 hour walk followed by a 3 hour drive.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Snacks
What’s included
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English Speaking Mountain Guide
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Professional Cook
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Donkeys and donkey driver
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Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner during the trek
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Tents: 4 season tent (3 person tent for 2 people), dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
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Foam & air mattress
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First Aid Kit
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All cooking equipment, plates, cups, utensils etc.
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Private transport
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Each participant is allowed to bring 6kg to be loaded on the donkeys
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Voluntary Tips for Guide, Driver, and Cook-(Please keep in mind that tipping is common in Latin America and would be greatly appreciated).
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Entrance Fee to Huascaran National Park
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Sleeping bag
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Hotels in Lima & Huaraz
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Meals and drinks in the city
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Personal gear
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Any hire of gear
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Transfers Lima – Huaraz – Lima
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Guide & transport for acclimatization hikes
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Travel Insurance
Not suitable for
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Pregnant women
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People with heart problems
What to Bring
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Day pack with a Rain cover.
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Torch/ headlamp.
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Extra socks (wool is best).
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Hiking pants and shirts- layers.
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Rain pants.
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Camping shoes/ sandals- to wear in the evenings.
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Camping pillow.
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Water-resistant trekking shoes.
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Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat and gloves).
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Waterproof clothing (poncho).
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Synthetic or cotton clothing (trousers, shorts, t-shirts).
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Sunhat and sunglasses.
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Sun cream.
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Lip Balm.
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Camera/ extra battery.
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Water bottles such as Nalgene.
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Basic medications.
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Walking sticks.
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Personal items.
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Personal snacks.
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Cash (if you’d like to purchase souvenirs).
Important information
Looking for more inspiration? Visit our gallery: Experience Peru. Before taking our Santa Cruz trek 4 days tour you should take into count the following information:
How many days do I need to acclimate in Huaraz before the Santa Cruz trek: 4 days?
Before embarking on a 4 days Santa Cruz trek, it is recommended to spend at least 2-3 days acclimatizing in the city of Huaraz. This will allow you to adjust to the high altitude and prepare for the strenuous trek ahead.
What kinds of animals can I see along the Santa Cruz trek: 4 days?
You may encounter llamas, alpacas, condors, Andean foxes, and other species native to Central Peru.
Missing objects
Keep your valuables safe and sound! Whether you're on the transport, at a restaurant, or out camping, always be aware of where you leave your things and remember to take them with you when you leave. You're solely responsible for your belongings during the tour, please keep an eye out and don't let anything get left behind!
Frequent Questions
Customize this tour
This, and all the tours we offer online can always be customized, whether you are looking for upgrade alternatives, large groups, more flexible hours, have a special occasion (honeymoon, engagement), are a content creator, or are simply looking for something more private. We have all the alternatives to personalize your trip. Email us to info@visitsoam.com, leave us a message at +1 949 299 8915
How To Pay And Book?
How do you make a reservation?
1. Choose your departure date from the calendar
2. Select the number of passengers
4. Click on the BOOK NOW button
5. Fill in the information requested on the form
6. Complete the secure online payment
What are your payment methods?
Our online payment methods are PayPal, Stripe (credit card payment), and bank transfers in the U.S. or in Latin America. The options have a use tax of 2% to 4%
How and when will I receive the reservation confirmation?
Once the payment is made, we will send you a tour confirmation email. If the travel dates are very close, we will contact you as soon as possible, if they are extended dates we will keep in touch by email or WhatsApp contact 3 to 5 weeks before.
What happens if my reservation cannot be confirmed?
99% of the reservations are usually confirmed, however, if there is the availability of hotels, services, or others, we will offer an alternative of dates, lodging, or services. In the event that we are unable to help, full refund policies apply.
Is it necessary to reconfirm my reservation before the trip?
No, the confirmation email in your inbox is enough to validate the adventure.
How do I modify, update, reschedule or cancel my reservation?
Any modification, cancellation, or update of data must be done by email by mentioning the unique reservation # code generated to info@visitsoam.com
What happens if a booked service cannot be carried out due to weather conditions or reasons of force majeure?
In case of force majeure such as natural disasters, bad weather, problems that put your safety at risk, or others, our team will contact you immediately to provide some alternatives.
