Santa Cruz Trek: 4-Day Adventure Peru's Cordillera Blanca from Huaraz

Itinerary

Day 1 | Huaraz

Huaraz - Llanganuco - Vaqueria - Paria

Your Huaraz trek 4 days adventure begins with pickup from your accommodation in Huaraz to start a scenic journey through the Callejón de Huaylas Valley. We'll pass through the picturesque town of Yungay before venturing into the heart of the Cordillera Blanca.

During the vehicle journey, we'll make a strategic stop at the stunning Llanganuco Lakes, two turquoise mirrors of water nestled between towering mountains. From the main viewpoint, you'll capture memorable photographs and enjoy privileged vistas. We'll continue ascending until crossing the spectacular Portachuelo Pass, where imposing panoramas of Huascarán, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Huandoy unfold before your eyes.

The Andean village of Vaqueria marks the beginning of our hike. We'll start with a gentle descent of approximately one hour, followed by a progressive zigzag ascent. Along the way, we'll pass near Huaripampa, a traditional farming and herding community that keeps ancestral Andean customs alive.

We'll establish our first camp at Paria (3,800 m / 12,467 ft.), within the boundaries of Huascarán National Park, surrounded by pristine nature and the silence of the mountains.

• Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours approximately
• Highest point: 4 ,200 m. / 13,779 ft.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2 | Huaraz

Paria - Punta Union Pass - Taullipampa

This day represents the most challenging yet most rewarding section of the Santa Cruz Trek. We begin with a sustained ascent of approximately 4 hours until reaching the majestic Punta Unión Pass, situated at 4,750 m. / 15,583 ft. altitude—the highest point of our journey.

The well-defined trail winds between rock formations and glacial moraines. Although the altitude becomes noticeable, each step is rewarded with increasingly spectacular views. Upon reaching the pass summit, you'll be greeted by a natural amphitheater of iconic mountains: Taulliraju with its perfect pyramidal profile, the imposing Paria, and the technical Chacraraju.

From the summit, we'll descend toward Taullicocha Lake, whose deep blue waters contrast dramatically with the white of surrounding glaciers. We'll continue our descent into the Santa Cruz gorge, a glacial valley of overwhelming beauty flanked by walls of ice and rock.

We'll camp at Taullipampa (4,250 m. / 13,943 ft.), a privileged location surrounded by some of the most emblematic peaks of the Cordillera Blanca: Artesonraju, Paria, Rinrijirca, Quitaraju, and the legendary Alpamayo, considered by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful mountains on the planet.

• Hiking time: 7-8 hours approximately
• Highest point: 4,750 m / 15,583 ft. (Punta Union Pass)
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 3 | Huaraz

Taullipampa - Jatuncocha Lake - Llamacorral

After yesterday's challenge, this day offers a more relaxed pace to recover energy. We'll begin by visiting the Alpamayo viewpoint, where you can appreciate in all its splendor this almost perfectly pyramidal mountain, photographed by mountaineers from around the world.

For those seeking to explore beyond, there's an optional excursion to Arhuaycocha Lake and Alpamayo Base Camp, located at the foot of the imposing Pucajirca Sur. This optional detour will immerse you in less-traveled glacial landscapes, ideal for nature photography and contemplation.

Subsequently, we'll descend gently following the course of the Santa Cruz gorge. The trail takes us through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers (in season), crystalline streams, and rock formations sculpted by millennia of glacial erosion. We'll pass by Jatuncocha Lake, one of the largest bodies of water on the circuit, whose surface reflects the snow-capped peaks creating spectacular photographic compositions.

Our camp at Llamacorral (approximately 3,760 m. / 12,335 ft.) offers a tranquil and welcoming environment, perfect for relaxing and stargazing under one of the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere.

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours approximately
• Highest point: 4,250 m
• Difficulty: Moderate-easy

Day 4 | Huaraz

Llamacorral - Cashapampa - Huaraz

The final day treats us to a relaxed hike descending through the beautiful Santa Cruz gorge. The trail, mostly flat at the start, gradually transforms into a zigzag descent that crosses a picturesque canyon with vertical walls, where sunlight creates fascinating shadow plays.

As we lose altitude, the landscape undergoes a remarkable transformation. Alpine meadows and glaciers give way to cultivation terraces where local farmers plant potatoes, cereals, and legumes following ancestral agricultural techniques. This contrast between the high mountain world and Andean rural life offers a perfect conclusion to our Cordillera Blanca trek.

We'll reach Cashapampa (2,900 m. / 9,514 ft.), a small village that marks the end of our hike. Here we'll say goodbye to our muleteers and support team, thanking them for their company during these unforgettable 4 days. Our private transport will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz, where you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and celebrate the conclusion of this epic adventure.

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours approximately
• Highest point: 3,760 m
• Difficulty: Easy

What's Included?

• Complete informative briefing: Face-to-face meeting with your guide at our office the afternoon before the trek begins.
• Transportation from Huaraz: Punctual pickup from your hotel and transfer in comfortable private vehicle to the trekking starting point.
• Certified official guide: Experienced professional, bilingual (Spanish-English), with first aid training and deep knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology, and history of the Cordillera Blanca.
• Emergency medical kit: Complete first aid kit including oxygen bottle for altitude emergencies.
• High-quality tents: Waterproof and resistant double tents for comfortable sleeping, spacious dining tent with tables and chairs, and fully equipped cooking tent.
• All necessary equipment: Professional cooking utensils, dinnerware, folding tables, and chairs to guarantee your comfort at each campsite.
• Pack mules: Well-cared-for animals that will transport all group camping equipment and your personal luggage (maximum 6 kg/13.2 lbs per person).
• Specialized trekking chef: Professional cook with extensive experience on mountain routes.
• Complete meal plan: 3 energizing breakfasts, 4 substantial lunches, and 3 comforting dinners. Vegetarian, vegan, or special dietary restriction menus available at no extra cost (notify us in advance).
• Morning welcome tea: Each morning, our staff will bring hot coca tea directly to your tent before breakfast, so you start the day warmed up.
• Afternoon tea time: Every afternoon before dinner, enjoy a relaxing moment with popcorn, homemade cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, variety of herbal teas, and hot water. The perfect moment to socialize and recharge energy.
• Daily trail snacks: Each morning you'll receive a cloth bag with fresh local fruits, energy cookies, chocolate, candies, and other snacks to consume during the hike.
• Private transfer to Huaraz: At the end of the trek, we'll take you comfortably back to your hotel in the city.

What's not Included?

• Hotel lodging in Lima or Huaraz before and after the trek. We can recommend options according to your budget.
• Huascarán National Park entrance fee: S/30 for Peruvians, S/65 for foreigners (approximate). Must be paid directly at the checkpoint.
• Sleeping bag: Considered mandatory personal equipment. If you don't have one, you can rent it at our office. We offer high-quality mummy-style sleeping bags, with thermal protection down to -10°C, including protective liner. They're cleaned and disinfected after each use.
• Trekking poles: Available for rent if you don't have your own. Highly recommended for the Punta Union ascent.
• Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day in Huaraz.
• Travel, medical, evacuation, or cancellation insurance (highly recommended).
• Personal trekking clothing and equipment.
• Tips for support staff (optional but appreciated if you're satisfied with the service).
• Additional expenses derived from leaving the tour early by personal decision.
• Rescue or emergency evacuation costs not covered by insurance.
• Extra expenses or delays caused by circumstances beyond the agency's control: adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications for safety reasons, illness, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, or natural disasters.

Additional Services

• Trekking poles: Essential for reducing impact on knees during descents and providing stability on irregular terrain.
• Sleeping bag: Indispensable for cold nights at high-altitude campsites. Our rental bags are professional and maintained in excellent condition.

What to Bring?

• Original Passport
• Day Pack                                                    
• Full rain gear or poncho
• Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves) 
• Trekking pants
• Breathable dry fit top-wear
• Headlamp 
• Sunglasses             
• Hiking socks 
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent 
• Bathing suit 
• Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
• Cold-weather jacket
• Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Wool hat
• Hiking boots
• Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
• Casual mountains wear for evenings 
• Photo/video cameras and chargers 
• Binoculars
• Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended) 

PRICES

.

---

Important information

Why Choose This Huaraz Trek 4 Days?

This Cordillera Blanca trek circuit represents the perfect combination of accessible challenge and world-class landscapes. In 4 days you'll experience:

• Peru's most photogenic mountain pass (Punta Union)
• Views of Alpamayo, the "world's most beautiful mountain"
• The famous Llanganuco Lakes en route
• Cultural immersion in traditional Andean communities
• Campsites in privileged locations surrounded by snow-capped peaks
• Sighting of endemic flora and fauna of Huascarán National Park
• Crystalline night skies perfect for astrophotography

This Santa Cruz 4 days trek is ideal both for those seeking their first serious high-altitude trekking experience and for experienced mountaineers wanting to explore one of South America's most emblematic circuits.

Santa Cruz Trek: 4-Day Adventure Peru's Cordillera Blanca from Huaraz Map