santa cruz trek, peru
Overview
Embark on the classic 4-day Santa Cruz trek through Peru's majestic Cordillera Blanca range in Huascarán National Park. Starting from Huaraz, this trek takes you past turquoise alpine lakes, glacier-covered peaks like Alpamayo and Quitaraju, and up to the high Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m) before descending through the Huaripampa Valley.
Quick Facts & Highlights
🏔️ Punta Unión Pass: Conquer the highest point of the trek at 4,750 m (15,584 ft) with 360° views of the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra.
💧 Alpine Lagoons: Hike past turquoise waters including Ichiccocha, Hatuncocha, and Arhuaycocha Lagoon.
🏔️ Iconic Peaks: Take in dramatic close-up views of Mount Alpamayo and Quitaraju.
🚗 Scenic Mountain Passes: Return drive via the famous Portachuelo de Llanganuco pass.
Duration
4 Days/3 Nights
Rating
5 (2 Reviews)
Pickup Point
pick up at hotels in Huaraz
Price
620$ Per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz (3,090 m) – Cashapampa (2,900 m) – Llamacorral (3,760 m)
Airport Pickup & Transfer: Reception at Punta Arenas Airport (arriving before 12:00 PM recommended). Transfer to the Punta Arenas terminal for a 3-hour bus ride to Puerto Natales, followed by a transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Puerto Natales.
Meals: Not included.
Day 2: Llamacorral – Taullipampa (4,250 m)
Valley Hike & Alpamayo Side Trail: Hike across the Santa Cruz Valley, passing Ichiccocha and Hatuncocha lagoons. Take a scenic side trail toward Arhuaycocha Lagoon for views of Quitaraju and Alpamayo before continuing to camp at Taullipampa (4,250 m).⏱️ Duration: 4 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Accommodation: Night in tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Taullipampa – Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m) – Cachinapampa (3,600 m)
High Pass Ascent & Valley Descent: Ascend to Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), the highest point of the trek, offering panoramic views. Descend through the Huaripampa Valley to camp at Cachinapampa (3,600 m). Duration: 4 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Accommodation: Night in tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Cachinapampa – Vaquería – Portachuelo Pass (4,765 m) – Huaraz
Final Descent & Scenic Drive Back: Hike down toward the village of Huaripampa and ascend gently to Vaquería. Meet private transport to drive back to Huaraz, crossing the Portachuelo de Llanganuco pass.⏱️ Duration: 4 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
✅ Staff & Guidance: Professional bilingual trekking guide (English/Spanish) and cook staff trained to prepare a variety of dishes.
✅ Transport & Logistics: Private tourist transportation to the starting and end points of the trek.
✅ Camping Equipment: Complete camping setup including 2-person shared sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, and bathroom tent.
✅ Pack Animals & Safety: Donkeys for transporting group food and up to 6 kg of personal luggage per person, plus 1 emergency horse for evacuations.
✅ Full Catering: Expedition meals covering 3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 Dinners (optional vegetarian meals available).
What's Not Included
❌ Park Entrance: Entry tickets to Huascarán National Park ($20.00 per person).
❌ Sleeping Gear Rental: Sleeping bag not included (available to rent for $32.00 per person).
❌ Insurance & Airport Transfers: Travel, accident, and evacuation insurance, as well as airport/hotel/bus station transfers.
❌ Personal Attire & Extra Meals: Personal trekking clothing, plus extra meals and drinks in the cities.
Who Is This Tour For?
✅ High-Altitude Trekkers Wanting Luggage Support: Ideal for hikers who want donkeys to handle up to 6 kg of personal gear alongside camp infrastructure.
✅ Safety-Conscious Mountain Hikers: Great for trekkers who value dedicated emergency safety measures, such as an evacuation horse on standby.
❌ Travelers expecting All-Inclusive Pass Coverage: Unsuitable for those expecting national park entrance fees ($20) or sleeping bags to be included in the base price.
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