The well-known five-day Santa Cruz trek takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Cordillera Blanca, where azure glacial lakes, pristine mountain valleys and stunning ice-capped peaks abound. You will cross one high mountain pass and trek through the wonderful Santa Cruz Valley with unique flora and fauna including lupins, quenual trees, Andean condors and viscachas. Superb views of glaciated summits – including Taulliraju (5830m), Quitaraju (6036m), and the world famous Alpamayo (5947m) - are plentiful.
The short trek is suitable for novice hikers, but it is important to be well acclimatized before setting off because it includes one high mountain pass.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Huaraz (3100m) to Cashapampa (2900m), via Caraz. Trek to Llama Corral (3760m). Duration: 7 hours
Day 2: Trek from Llama Corral to Taullipampa (4250m). Duration: 6 hours
Day 3: Trek from Taullipampa to Cachinapampa (3700m) via Punta Union Pass (4750m). Duration: 8 hours
Day 4: Trek from Cachinapampa to Pacchapampa (4250m) via Vaqueria Village. Duration: 6 hours
Day 5: Trek from Pacchapampa to Cebollapampa (4100m) via Portachuelo Pass (4800m). Drive back to Huaraz. Duration: 8 hours.
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