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

SANTA CRUZ TREK (Vaquería - Cashapampa 4 Days)

Overview:

This is one of the three most famous and beautiful trekking routes of the Cordillera Blanca. Get to know the scenic beauty of the Andes in one of the most popular routes, combining spectacular views of mountains, vegetation and lakes at high altitude passing through the stunning views of Llanganuco, Huaripampa and the Santa Cruz valley. Throughout the route we can appreciate the most iconic peaks of the Cordillera Blanca such as the Chacraraju, Taulliraju, Paria, Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and Quitaraju.

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

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 - Portachuelo pass at 4760 masl - Vaquería 3700 masl - Paria camp 3870 masl
After breakfast we will pick you up with a private bus at the hotel and then drive north along the Callejón de Huaylas until we reach the city of Yungay. From there we will head east towards the Llanganuco Valley until we arrive at the visitor control office of the Huascarán National Park where we will register our information with the park rangers. We will continue our drive several more kilometers where we will find two beautiful turquoise lakes next to the road and as we continue ascending the curved road, we will reach the Portachuelo pass 4760 masl where we will be surrounded with a spectacular view of the Pisco, Chacraraju and the Huandoy peaks. We will descend the valley towards Vaquería where we will meet the muleteer and the donkeys. Here our trek begins where we follow our route up to the valley of Huaripampa, enjoying a spectacular view of the Taulliraju Mountain. Finally, we will pass through the Queñuales and then arrive at the outcast camp.

Night camp in the pariah valley

Day 2: Paria - Punta union pass at 4750 masl - Taullipampa 4250 masl
This day is very special because we will pass by rocky and inclined paths, seeing several lakes throughout the trek and reaching the Punta Union pass at an altitude of 4750 masl, observing the magnificent mountains of Pukajirca, Taulliraju, Artesonraju, and Quitaraju; in addition to the incredible lakes down in the valley. Now we will slowly descend until we reach our camp in Taullipampa.

Night camp in Taullipampa

Day 3: Taullipampa - Alpamayo Base Camp 4330 masl - Llamacorral 3760 masl
Early in the morning after breakfast, we will leave for the valley of Arhuaycocha where the Alpamayo base camp is located and meters above at the foot of the Pukajirca Mountains is the beautiful lake called Arhuaycocha at 4420 meters above sea level. Then we will return by the same route, but this time we make our way down towards the Santa Cruz ravine with the surrounding views of the Artesonraju, Quitaraju, Santa Cruz, Caraz and Aguja mountains; as well with the lakes of Jatuncocha and Ichiccocha along the way until finally we will arrive at our final campsite.

Night camp in Llamacorral

Day 4: Llamacorral - Cashapampa 2990 masl - Huaraz
This day we will leave towards the valley below where we will be flanked by plants and a diversity of animals in the area. As we make our way through the trekking route there is a noticeable change of climate with warmer weather until arriving to the town called Cashapampa located to 2990 masl, where our transportation to return to Huaraz waits for us. After driving passed the cities of Caraz, Yungay, and Carhuaz we will arrive to Huaraz which is our final destination.

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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
• Arrieros (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.