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

TREKKING SANTA CRUZ - ULTA

Overview:

This trek is considered one of the best treks in Peru. The route crosses the Huascaran National Park offering spectacular views of its great mountains towering over 6000 meters and views of its famous mountains such as the Alpamayo, Paria, Pisco, Contrahierbas, Ulta, and Huascaran.

• Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights
• Maximum height: 4850masl
• Difficulty: moderate - difficult
• Starting point: Cashapampa 2900masl
• Ending point: High 4300masl

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 3100masl. - Faces 2290m. - Cashapampa 2970masl. - Llamacorral 3760masl.
A private vehicle will pick you up at your hotel in the morning and from here we will drive through the valley of Callejón de Huaylas passing through the provinces of Tarica, Marcara, Carhuaz, Yungay and Caraz. We drive on a bit further until we arrive to the town of Cashapampa which is located at 2970 masl and is the starting point of our trek up the valley. The hiking trail is surrounded by rock walls covered by a diversity of bushes and trees unique to the area for its warm climate. As we continue the hike upward, the valley will expand showing us the incredible mountainous landscape with its various species of flora until we finally reach our campsite in Llamacorral (3760m).

Overnight camp at Llamacorral.

Day 2: Llamacorral 3760 masl - Alpamayo base camp 4330 masl - Taullipampa 4250masl.
After packing our belongings we will continue the hike through the Santa Cruz valley passing by the important lakes of: Ichiccocha 3800m (small lagoon), Jatuncocha 3880m (big lagoon), following a flat path until we reach the crossing that leads to the valley of Arhuaycocha (4500masl), where we will have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and then descend to camp Taullipampa (4250masl). Optional: Continue towards the valley of Arhuaycocha to enjoy the lake, named after the same valley, then return to camp of Taullipampa.

Overnight camp at Taullipampa camp

Day 3: Taullipampa 4250masl. - Punta Union Pass 4750masl. - Paria 3870masl. - Cachinapampa
After breakfast, we will begin to ascend by a well-marked zigzag path where the presence of oxygen is less due to the higher altitude and my cause headaches which is normal at this higher part of the valley called "Punta Union" (4750m). From this vantage point we will have a panoramic view of the mountain range like Artesonraju, Quitaraju, Santa Cruz and more, then descend towards the Huaripampa valley until we reach the Paria campsite (3890m).

Overnight camp at Paria camp

Day 4: Paria 3870masl. - Colcabamba 2967masl. - Molinopampa 3650masl.
We will begin the day descending a footpath down the valley, passing by the Huaripampa ravine and reach houses made of mud and stone and at the same time meet with the local people and especially with the children; they will come to greet us and to ask for candies and chocolates. Following our route that will lead us to a small town called "Colcabamba", we will ascend a little bit more until we arrive at Molinopampa (3650masl) where we will spend the night.

Overnight camp at the Molinopampa camp

Day 5: Molinopampa 3650masl. - Keshu Valley - Avalanche Camp (4650masl).
We will begin the day with a nutritious breakfast then we will hike up the valley, ascending steadily through the queñuales plants (polylepis) and with a view of the snowy Contrahierbas to the left. Then we will continue until we arrive at an observation platform (4650m) from where we can see a constant fall of an avalanche, then we will setup camp in the field called "Avalancha".

Day 6: Avalancha Camp 4650masl. - Yanayacu pass 4850masl. - Ulta Valley - Huaraz 3100masl.
After the breakfast we begin trekking uphill through a zigzag trail toward our last stop of the trekking denominated step Yanayacu (4850masl), a place where we will be able to appreciate exceptional panoramic views of the snowy Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Contrahierbas and more. Finally completing our itinerary, we will descend toward the High valley where a private vehicle awaits us and will take us back to 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-Ulta trek
• 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.