→ Santa Cruz & Llanganuco Trek 4 days

It is located in the northern part of the Cordillera Blanca; the circuit includes the route of three valleys: Santa Cruz, Huaripampa and Llanganuco, precisely the name of the trekking circuit comes of first of them; likewise it crosses two passes above 4700m, during the trek always observe snow-covered peaks most of them exceed 5000m, and most them are the important peaks of Peru such as: Huascaran, Huandoy, Alpamayo (south face ), Tocllaraju, etc.,

Likewise we see lakes of glacial formation of very striking colors: Turquoise, dark green and light blue; a very varied and exotic flora that grow up to 4800m, great diversity of fauna, especially birds that are observed in the lakes and surroundings. The camps are set up below the mountains, on the banks of the streams, making the views of the sunset in the mountains even more interesting; the trails are quite wide, they are the same used by the pack animals (donkeys / horses and llamas), without a doubt it is one of the best options to observe the most important of the Peruvian Andes in a few days.

The Santa Cruz Trek has one of the most beautiful landscapes in South America
Santa Cruz Trek is one of the most wonderful trekking in the world as it is a short trek that help you acclimatize. After you will be able to complete the trek circuit climbing or hiking long challenges. Santa Cruz is located in the hearth of the Cordillera Blanca and it has easy access by both sides.

Its mountains, panoramic views with colorful lakes, snow Peak Mountains makes it also very special. This Trek is actually very popular and preferred by lots of hikers. It can be combined with connection tours to southern Peru such as Inca Trail Trek to Machupicchu and other tours.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Huaraz

Huaraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral (3800m/12464ft)

You are picked up at your accommodation and begin the journey with an spectacular scenic drive along the Callejon de Huaylas Valley to the village of Cashapampa 2900m which is the starting point of the trek (3 hours drive).

There are opportunities for photo stops along the way. From Cashapampa we start to ascend steeply for about 2 hours and then the track levels out, we climb steadily along the Quebrada Santa Cruz to camp at Llamacorral 3750m. 5 hours walk.

Duration: 3 hours (by car) 4 - 5 hours (hiking)
Camp base: At Llamacorral 3750m. 5 hours walk.

Day 2 | Huaraz

Llamacorral – Jatuncocha – Taullipampa (4200m/13776ft)

An easier hike up the Santa Cruz valley to our camp at Taullipampa 4250m. 5 hours walk. It is generally flat and we ascend just the last hour towards the camp. We walk past the beautiful Jatuncocha Lake. Our camp is situated near the base of the beautiful nevado Taulliraju Mountain and we are also surrounded by other peaks such as Paria, Artseonraju, Rinrijirca, Quitaraju and Alpamayo.

Duration: 5 -6 hours
Camp base: at Taulliraju Mountain base

Day 3 | Huaraz

Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass (4750m/15580ft) – Cachinapampa

We ascend steadily for about 3 hours on a good trail to the Punta Union Pass 4750m. We can feel the effects of the altitude as we reach the pass. From the pass we have very close views of the big mountains of the Cordillera Blanca. From the pass, we have a long descent passing two small lakes and then coming down into the Huaripampa Valley to camp at Cachina Pampa 3800m. about 8 hours walk.

Duration: 7 - 8 hours
Camp base: at Cachinapampa 3800m.

Day 4 | Huaraz

Cachinapampa – Vaqueria – Huaraz

An easy walk down to Quebrada Huaripampa Valley where we pass by many farm houses and see a lot of local people, children, sheep, caws, goats and donkeys on the path. Then we ascend for about an hour to Vaqueria 3700m 4 hours walk. We take our private transport over Portachuelo Pass (4767m.a.s.l) and down the steep zigzag road to the beautiful lakes of Llanganuco. Then we return to Huaraz. About 4 hours drive.

Duration: 3 hours (hiking) 4 hours (by car)
We then return to Huaraz. About 4 hours drive.

What's Included?

Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your Santa Cruz Llanganuco Trek” guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can’t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time.
Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Huaraz in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Cashapampa Village the starting point of the trek to Santa Cruz-Llanganuco trail.
Adventure Experienced Santa Cruz – Llanganuco trek Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Private campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for having a very local experience.
- Night 1: Enjoy the 1st night in llamacorral campsite on the route Santa Cruz – Llanganuco trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 2: Enjoy the 2nd night in Taullipampa campsite on the route Santa Cruz – Llanganuco trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Night 3: Enjoy the 3rd night in Cachinapampa campsite on the route Santa Cruz – Llanganuco trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4 man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- Note: It is not usual that the campsites, lodges or hotels change after the confirmation, however it can vary per government regulations and authorization, also for bad weather conditions and maybe because physical condition of our visitors: any changes in this matter ITEP travel will be informing you previously and as soon as possible.
Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
Entry ticket to the Santa Cruz-llanganuco trail
Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
Meals: 3Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch is not
included”
Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea time daily during the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our tea time with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands and every morning will be also a bucket with warm water for washes your personal hygiene.
Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
Transfer back to Huaraz: Private touristic transport from VaqueriaVillage to your hotel in Huaraz (Day 4)
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.

What's not Included?

Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use.
Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. Usd5 to usd 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Last Day: Lunch and Dinner. Approx. Usd 20 to 25.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation take with you usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction.
Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)