Climbing Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera Huayhuash Trek, Santa Cruz, Huascaran, Mateo, Pisco, Huaraz, Peru

SANTA CRUZ CLASSIC (Cashapampa-vaquería-Huaraz)

Overview:

This trek is considered one of the best in Peru, this route crosses the Huascaran National Park with spectacular views of iconic mountains towering over 6000 meters like the Alpamayo, Paria, Pisco or Caraz. This route can be done in both directions being both alternatives valid.

• Distance: 55km approx.
• Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights
• Maximum height: 4750masl
• Difficulty: moderate - difficult
• Starting point: Cashapampa 2900masl
• Ending Point: Vaquería 3700masl

FYI:

• The itinerary is a model to follow, however, situations such as natural disasters, climate change, landslides, political unrest, strikes, demonstrations, changes in government regulations or another force majeure may cause this program to vary.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Huaraz - Cashapampa 2990 masl - Llamacorral 3760 masl
After breakfast, we will pick you up with a private bus to the hotel, and then drive to the north of the Callejón de Huaylas, passing the cities of the Callejón de Huaylas along the banks of the Santa River, for approximately 3 hours until we arrive at the town of Cashapampa. Here we will be greeted by our staff to transport the mules (muleteers and donkeys) and then we will start our trek up the valley by the Santa Cruz ravine, observing its unique biodiversity that surrounds the area. As we slowly ascend, the face of the Taulliraju Mountain is more visible and we finish the day in the camp area of the Llamacorral.

Night camp at Llamacorral camp

Day 2: Llamacorral - Alpamayo Base Camp 4330 masl - Taullipampa 4250 masl
After an early breakfast we will start our trek up the valley, making our way passed Ichiccocha, a location where there was a small lake with particular flora and fauna, but it was destroyed by a landslide that came from the east. On the way up we will find the next lake called Jatuncocha. Once we are at the Quisuarpampa crossing we will make a small detour towards the Arhuaycocha valley where we will arrive in a viewpoint to observe the mountain of the "Paramount picture" the Artesonraju, then we will leave towards the Alpamayo basecamp. As we trek a few more meters above from the alpamayo base camp is the wonderful Arhuaycocha lake which is located below the Pukajirca mountains. We will then return down to the valley, then cross to the east to reach the Taullipampa camp site. A perfect place to spend the night surrounded by dazzling mountains.

Overnight camp in Taullipampa

Day 3: Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass 4750 masl - Paria camp 3870 masl
This day we leave in direction of the valley uphill, towards the most popular pass of the trek, managing to overcome zigzag paths. Arriving at Punta Union pass at 4750 m.a.s.l., you will be able to observe a charming view around the pass of the majestic mountains of Santa Cruz, Quitaraju, Alpamayo, Pukajirca, Taulliraju, and the Taullicocha lake. Then we will descend through the rocky path finding along the way other singular lakes. Finally, we will arrive at the camp of Paria, a place surrounded by bushes and Quenuales.

Night camp in Paria

Day 4: Paria camp - Vaquería 3700 masl - Portachuelo pass at 4760 masl - Huaraz
We will leave early in the morning and head down the valley through the Huaripampa village, passing through the unique Andean bushes and trees, finding picturesque villages of noble and humble people, arriving at the small village of Vaquería, where we will pick up the bus and say goodbye to the muleteers. Finally, the whole trip will be done by bus, passing by the Portachuelo pass at 5760 meters above sea level, we will stop to observe the Llanganuco ravine downstream, which has two beautiful lakes, these are the Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes; we will also observe the Chacraraju, Pisco, Huandoys, the majestic Huascaran and Chopicalqui snow-capped mountains.

Finally, we will arrive in the city of Huaraz.

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Recommendations:

• If you want to do this type of climbing, it is necessary to acclimatize previously for several days and be in good physical/technical conditions.

It includes:

• Private transportation for the beginning and end of the Santa Cruz trekking
• Certified bilingual trekking guide.
• Assistant guide with more than 6 clients
• Mountain Cook
• Kitchen assistant (large groups)
• Kitchen utensils
• Food according to the program (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Collective first aid kit
• Huascarán National Park Entrance Ticket
• Luggage allowance up to 8 kg per customer
• Donkeys/horses for carrying camping equipment and luggage
• Donkey driver (person who drives the donkeys)
• Emergency horse for any eventuality (large group)
• Kitchen tent, dining room, bathroom, camping tables and chairs
• Sleeping tent (2 to 3 people).

Not included:

• Bus or plane ticket reservation for transfer.
• Hotel reservation for accommodation in Huaraz
• Acclimatization before trekking
• Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
• Lunch and drinks during the stay in Huaraz
• Personal trekking equipment
• Additional tours.
• Sleeping bag
• Travel Insurance Assistance
• Mattress (waterproof fabric or plastic mattress that inflates with air and is placed on the ground)
• Laundry service
• Personal Toiletries
• Evacuation, medical and rescue costs
• Tips to staff
• Additional expenses not specified in this travel program

What to wear:

• Personal First Aid Kit
• Hiking shoes (Gore-Tex)
• Canes
• Socks
• Spats
• Short-sleeved/long-sleeved cotton shirts or t-shirts
• Lightweight trousers
• Regular and long underwear
• Light hat and wool cap.
• Water bottle
• Light gloves
• Sleeping bag (-15 ºC)
• Small trekking backpack
• Strong waterproof canvas bag
• Personal Toiletries
• Sunglasses (100% UV, dark), sunscreen, lip balm
• Mosquito repellents
• Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb.
• Trekking poles
• Camera (optional)
• Extra meals.

Prices & Dates:

• This program is designed exclusively for private groups in order to provide you a better experience. We have local certified guides and support team at your disposal. If you have any questions regarding our packages and pricing options please feel free to contact us.

Note

• Receive a special discount for groups of more than 5 participants.
• Additional information is available upon request at the time of booking.