Tour Overview
Embark on the Santa Cruz Trek, a breathtaking 4-day adventure through Peru's stunning Cordillera Blanca. This trek offers an unforgettable journey through one of the world's highest tropical mountain ranges. Begin your adventure in Huaraz, and traverse the challenging Punta Union Pass, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of majestic peaks like Taulliraju and Alpamayo. Camp under the stars in the serene Paria Valley and Taullipampa, and enjoy the support of professional guides and a dedicated team. With all meals, transportation, and camping equipment provided, you'll be free to focus on the awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant Andean flora. Conclude your trek with a descent to Cashapampa, before returning to Huaraz, enriched by the natural beauty and cultural history of this remarkable region. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz - Paria Valley, Peru
Location: Huaraz, Yungay, Huascaran National Park, Llanganuco, Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass, Vaquería, Huaripampa Valley, Paria Valley
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 4 Days
Departure Time: 06:30
Transfer to Vaqueria and start hiking to the Paria Valley (L/D)Getting an early morning start, we’ll drive along the Santa Valley, passing several villages along the way until we reach present-day Yungay. The road winds slowly up into the gully between the Huascaran massif and the Huandoy three-pronged peak. As we near the overhanging valley, we arrive at the boundary of Huascaran National Park. Llanganuco, as the area is known, has two crystalline turquoise lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha. We’ll continue driving to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass at 4750 m (15,584 ft). From here we can observe the highest mountains of the Cordillera Blanca including Huascaran, Huandoy's Peak, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui. Finally, we will descend to Vaquería, at 3700 m (12,139 ft). This is where we’ll begin our trek.
We walk down towards a trail that makes its way to the left, over a small ridge into the remote Huaripampa Valley, nestled among mountains. As we slowly head up this valley, we’ll pass a small settlement of farmers, going about their agricultural activities. Walking through areas of verdant Andean flora, we’ll soon catch sight of snow-capped Chacraraju. Taulliraju will soon come into view as well as we stride alongside pastoral meadows and fields. We’ll make camp in the Paria Valley at 3875 masl (12,713 fasl).
Note: Driving distance: 119 km (74 mi) – Time: 5 hours // Trekking distance: 11.2 km (7 mi) – Time: 5 hours
Day 2: Paria Valley - Taullipampa, Peru
Location: Punta Union Pass, Santa Cruz Valley, Taullipampa
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend towards Punta Union Pass and descend into Taullipampa (B/L/D)
Today, we start on an ascending trail towards Punta Union Pass at 4750 m (15,583 ft), This ancient trail saw heavy traffic in pre-Columbian and Colonial times as a route for transporting goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass, Mt. Taulliraju will loom above us, and on the other side, a pristine glacial lake and bright white glacier will add color and contrast to the amazing views down the Santa Cruz Valley. The peaks of Quitaraju, Artesonaju, and Rinrijirca will come into view, as well as the two lakes of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. The trail descends into Taullipampa, where we will spend the night at 4180 m (13,713 ft).
Note: Trekking distance: 11 km (6.8 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours
Day 3: Taullipampa - Llamacorral, Peru
Location: Santa Cruz Valley, Arhuaycocha, Mt. Alpamayo, Llamacorral
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike down the Santa Cruz Valley to Llamacorral (B/L/D)
Today we continue our hike down the Santa Cruz Valley, past the side-valley of Arhuaycocha, with great views of snow-capped mountain peaks, including Mt. Alpamayo. We’ll ascend to an incredible viewpoint to observe the majestic Alpamayo Mountain in all its glory. The landscape changes and scree slopes appear on each side of the marshy meadow, as well as a smattering of boulders fallen from the eroded walls above us. Finally, towards the end of the day, we hike out of the ever-narrowing canyon into Llamacorral, where we will camp at 3783 m (12,411 ft).
Note: Trekking distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) – Time: 6-7 hours
Day 4: Llamacorral - Huaraz, Peru
Location: Cashapampa, Huaraz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trek down Cashapampa and transfer to Huaraz (B)
After breakfast, a steep descent brings us to Cashapampa (2944 m / 9658 ft) in the early morning. We’ll meet with our private vehicle that will take us back to Huaraz; we’ll take our leave of our team of helpers and relax as the road winds slowly down to the main valley, arriving in Huaraz in the afternoon, where we’ll unwind after a memorable journey amidst some of the most spectacular terrain on earth.
Note: Trekking distance: 7 km (4.3 mi) – Time: 4 hours // Driving distance: 96 km (60 mi) – Time: 3 hours
What's Included
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Accommodation
3N accommodation in double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads.
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Transport
All transportation during the tour, including horses and drivers.
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Activities
Hiking throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Other Meals/Drinks
Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses are not covered.
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Tips
Tips for guides and staff are not included.
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Laundry service
Laundry services are not provided.
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Sleeping bags
Sleeping bags are not included, but rental is available.
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Personal gear
Personal gear is not provided.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
Mode of Transport
All transportation during the tour is provided, including horses and drivers, ensuring a seamless journey through the breathtaking landscapes.Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights of accommodation in double occupancy tents equipped with Thermarest sleeping pads, ensuring a comfortable rest amidst the stunning natural surroundings.Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Santa Cruz Trek?
The accommodation provided during the Santa Cruz Trek consists of 3 nights in double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads.
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Are meals included in the Santa Cruz Trek?
Yes, meals are included. The tour provides 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is used during the trek?
All transportation during the tour is provided, including horses and drivers.
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Is there a professional guide during the trek?
Yes, a professional English-speaking guide will accompany the group during the trek.
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What additional support is provided during the trek?
The trek includes kitchen and dining tents, a cook and field staff, entrance tickets, solar energy lamps, eco toilets, a first aid kit and oxygen tank, and adequate garbage disposal.
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What is the starting and ending location of the trek?
The trek starts and ends in Huaraz, Peru.
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What is the highest point reached during the trek?
The highest point reached during the trek is Punta Union Pass at 4750 meters (15,583 feet).
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Is there an option to rent sleeping bags for the trek?
Yes, sleeping bags are not included but are available for rent.
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Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Santa Cruz Trek 4D/3N
4 Days Starting and ending in Huaraz, Peru
Visiting: Huaraz, Yungay, Huascaran National Park, Llanganuco, Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass, Vaquería, Huaripampa Valley, Paria Valley, Punta Union Pass, Santa Cruz Valley, Taullipampa, Arhuaycocha, Mt. Alpamayo, Llamacorral, Cashapampa ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58536
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-90
