Lima City - Airport Pickup & Private Transport to Huaraz City (3,100 masl)

Lima - Begin your adventure with a 400km bus journey from Peru’s capital, Lima, to the Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range. Travel north along the Pan-American Highway through a stunning coastal desert before heading east for a gradual climb into the Andean highlands. Upon reaching the Conococha Pass (4,020 masl), start a gentle descent into the Santa Valley, arriving at Huaraz (3,060 masl), Peru’s mountaineering hub.

Huaraz - Private Transport - Tour Acclimatization Activities – Puya Raymondi (5,000 masl) – Return to Huaraz

Huascaran National Park - Enjoy a relaxing acclimatization day with a bus trip to the Puya Raimondi National Park, reaching an elevation of 4,780 masl at the Huarapasca Pass. Participate in a day hike along the Pumapampa River to see the towering, candle-shaped Puya Raimondi, a unique plant species that can grow over 12 meters tall. Before heading back to Huaraz, visit the Pastoruri Glacier, a site showcasing the dramatic glacial recession in the Cordillera Blanca.

Huaraz Pickup at Hotel – Transport to Pueblo Cashapampa (2,900 masl) – Camp Llamacorral (3,750 masl)

Huascaran National Park - Departing north from Huaraz through the Santa Valley, reach the town of Caraz. From Caraz, journey into the mountains, passing rural villages before arriving at Cashapampa (2,900 masl), the nearest community to the Santa Cruz Valley entrance and the start of our trek. Our team of guides, cooks, and porters will meet us in Cashapampa, accompanied by their trusty donkeys to carry our gear. From Cashapampa, hike up through the Santa Cruz Valley to our first campsite: Llamacorral.

Camp Llamacorral – Trekking to Camp Taullipampa (4,250 masl)

Huascaran National Park - Continue trekking through the Santa Cruz Valley, passing the glacial lakes Ichiccocha and Hatuncocha. The lakes and riverbanks are adorned with the famous, slow-growing queñua trees and vibrant wild lupins. This area is also a haven for various bird species and local ducks. Proceed to Arhueycocha Lake (4,450 masl), the trailhead for Alpamayo, renowned as the world’s most beautiful mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including Quitarahu, Artesonrahu, Alpamayo, Pirámide de Garcilaso, and Paria. Camp at Taullipampa.

Camp Taullipampa – Trekking to Punta Union Pass (4,750 masl) – Camp Tuctupampa (4,200 masl)

Huascaran National Park - Fuel up at breakfast for a challenging day as we head to the Punta Union Pass (4,780 masl). This rocky, barren pre-Inca trail has been traversed for centuries by those crossing from the Callejón de Huaylas to the Conchucos Valley. Marvel at the majestic snow-capped peaks and glaciers surrounding you and gaze down at the Huaripampa Valley. Camp at Tuctupampa (4,200 masl).

Camp Tuctupampa (4,200 masl) over Pukarahu Pass (4,650 masl) - Lake Huecrucocha (4,050 masl)

Huascaran National Park - Departing Tuctupampa, ascend switchbacks to the Pukarahu Pass (4,650 masl), connecting us to the Cedros-Alpamayo Circuit. Enjoy breathtaking views of peaks like Contrayerba, Paria, and Taullirahu. Descend past the glacial lake Huecrucocha, where we will camp and prepare for the Cedros-Alpamayo trek.

Lake Huecrucocha (4,050 masl) – via Tupatupa Pass (4,400 masl) to Jancapampa (3,600 masl)

Huascaran National Park - Spend time visiting traditional Andean villages and learn about life in a rural, highland setting. The ascent to Tupa Tupa Pass (4,400 masl) is less demanding than previous days, offering views of the Jancarunris and Pukajirka peaks. Conclude the day in Jancapampa (3,600 masl) for an overnight stay.

Jancapampa – Trekking to Pukajirka / Yanacon Pass (4,615 masl) - Tayapampa Camp (4,250 masl)

Huascaran National Park - Departing Jancapampa, watch for condors and Andean eagles. At the Yanacon Pass (4,600 masl), be greeted by the towering Pukajirka (6,050 masl). Descend from the pass to visit Sactaycocha Lake before reaching our campsite, Tayapampa.

Tayapampa – Trekking to Mesapata Pass (4,460 masl) – Hiking Caracara Pass (4,830 masl) – Camp Cruze Alpamayo (4,250 masl)

Huascaran National Park - Prepare for a challenge with two passes ahead: Mesa Pata Pass (4,460 masl) and Cara Cara Pass (4,830 masl). First, cross a river without getting wet before tackling the steep ascent to the first pass. Be accompanied by impressive peaks like Jancarurish (5,578 masl), Quitarahu (6,036 masl), and Alpamayo (5,947 masl). After conquering the passes, take a short break before descending into the Jancarurish Valley, also known as the Alpamayo Crossing.

Rest-day OR ½-day – Cruze Alpamayo – Trekking to Laguna Jacarurish - Trekking Ruinapampa (4,250 masl)

Huascaran National Park - Wake up to stunning views from the Cruze de Alpamayo campsite (4,250 masl) and opt for a hike to Jancarurish Lake, offering excellent views of Alpamayo (5,947 masl) and Quitarahu (6,036 masl), with a chance to reach above 5,000 masl. Alternatively, relax at the Cruce de Alpamayo before heading to our next campsite at Ruinapampa.

Camp Ruinapampa – Trek to Vientunan Pass (4,770 masl) – Hiking to Osoruri (4,860 masl) - Camp Wishcash (4,250 masl)

Huascaran National Park - Tackle two moderate passes today: Vientunan Pass (4,770 masl) and Osoruri (4,860 masl). As we ascend, pass the glacial lake Cullicocha (4,600 masl) and enjoy views of Santa Cruz (6,259 masl) with its impressive ice wall. Finally, see Lake Milluacocha (5,480 masl) before descending to our campsite at Wishcash.

Camp Wishcash – Trekking down Hualcayan (3,150 masl) / Our Private Transport Head Back to Huaraz City

Huascaran National Park - On our final day, hike down to the community of Hualcayán, where transportation will be ready to take us back to Huaraz. En route, stop in Yungay to visit “Campo Santo,” the site where Old Yungay and its 20,000 residents were buried by an earthquake-induced avalanche in 1970. Continue to Huaraz for a celebratory dinner with the local team.

Huaraz City - Private Transport to Lima, 400km/50-minute Flight - Arrival Transfer to Hotel

Huascaran National Park - Our package includes a flight from Huaraz to Lima via LCPeru (Flight time – 50 minutes). Alternatively, you may choose to take a bus back to the capital.

• Cooks and helpers
• Donkey driver and donkeys
• All meals during the tour (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Hotel in Lima and Huaraz
• Camping tents (2 persons)
• Transportation as per tour schedule
• Peruvian trekking-guide

• Travel accident and health insurance
• Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
• Meals in restaurants in Lima and Huaraz
• Domestic flight Airline LATAM-Peru, Lima-Huaraz-Lima
• Personal expenses
• Personal equipment (such as hiking boots, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc.)
• Tips for local team

Highlights of the Cordillera Blanca. As the highest tropical mountain range globally, the Cordillera Blanca is a stunning part of the Andes, which form the backbone of South America. This region is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, featuring over 50 peaks that rise above 15,000 feet, along with 700 glaciers and 300 lakes.

Hiking The Santa Cruz Trek in Peru: The Santa Cruz Trek is among the most popular trekking routes in the Cordillera Blanca, located in northern Peru. It offers high-altitude hikes with breathtaking mountain views and some of the country’s tallest peaks, including the majestic Huascarán, looming in the distance. This trail is a favorite among trekkers visiting the region. For those seeking an adventurous challenge that doesn’t push them to their absolute limits, this trek is an appealing choice and is often regarded as one of the best treks in Peru. Below are all the details of the Santa Cruz Trek in Peru.

• To confirm this reservation, please book 2 to 3 months in advance of the scheduled date. This allows us to organize logistics, including the reservation of guides, pack animals, cooks, transportation, and all other aspects related to long-distance travel.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.