Plan exploreInca Trail to Machu Picchu
The santa cruz trek: one of huaraz’s most iconic treks
the santa cruz trek: one of huaraz’s most iconic treksIf you’re in search of one of the most beautiful treks in Huaraz, Peru’s capital of Andean adventure, you’ve found it in the Santa Cruz Trek. The four-day, three-night route through Peru’s Cordillera Blanca takes you past emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, and towering snow-capped peaks. It’s a journey that’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but also not so difficult that it excludes less experienced trekkers. If your curiosity is peaked, keep reading. We’ll tell you just what to expect on the Santa Cruz Trek.
Trekking Distance
The total length of the Santa Cruz Trek is an ambitious 27 miles, or 43 kilometers. Though not the longest of the Huaraz treks, it is one of the most scenic. Each day involves anywhere from 4 to 8 hours of trekking, with most days falling toward the upper end of that spectrum.
Trekking Difficulty
Though physically demanding, the Santa Cruz Trek is classified as a moderately difficult trek in Peru. Even novice hikers should have no problem completing the route. However, it’s important that you prepare your body for the demands of the high-altitude mountain terrain In the months leading up to your trek. You’ll want to ramp up your cardio training and practice by doing some hikes at higher altitudes if you can.
Altitude
The Santa Cruz Trek reaches a peak altitude of 4,750 m.a.s.l. (15,584 ft.) at the Punta Unión Pass, while the rest of the trekking route hovers around 3,000 m.a.s.l. (9,842 ft.). This means altitude sickness is a risk. Stay hydrated, eat your carbs, and climb slowly. Do these things and you should be in the clear to avoid more severe symptoms, like headache and extreme nausea during your Huaraz trekking experience.
Trekking the Santa Cruz Trek With Explorandes
The biggest pro to arranging the Santa Cruz Trek with an expert adventure tour operator is how little you have to think about details like food, water, gear, and navigating the route. Trek with Explorandes and you can focus all of your attention on the beautiful surroundings, knowing that the camp crew has your meals, gear, and camp set-up entirely covered from beginning to end.
For more information about the Santa Cruz Trek in Huaraz, or other Peru treks with Explorandes, get in touch with us today.
Plan exploreDestino Cusco
this season featured experiences
HIKING&TREKKING
inca trail to machu picchuThis 5-day journey begins at Km 82, the marker that signifies the start of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Our highly trained guides, who are deeply familiar with these ancient Inca footpaths, will expertly lead us through the magnificent Andean terrain. Along the way, we’ll traverse breathtaking high alpine passes, lush valleys, dense cloud forests, and rushing rivers. We’ll pass through ancient Inca remains of Andean settlements, ultimately arriving at Machu Picchu via Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Each night, our team of porters and skilled cooks will have a delicious hot meal and a comfortable camp already set up for your convenience. Since we highly value sustainable tourism, we’ll have very little impact on the land, communities, and environment we encounter along the trail, and we will also take steps to enjoy a tranquil hike, avoiding crowds of fellow trekkers. On the final day, a guided tour of the citadel will bring Machu Picchu to life, as we explore and immerse ourselves in the magic and beauty of this ancient, mystical site. Our version of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu trek is truly an unforgettable experience you’ll reminisce about for years to come.
March - December
5 days / 4 nights
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$ 1290
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huayhuash trekThe Huayhuash Trek is an amazing journey to the very heart of the Cordillera Huayhuash, the second highest tropical mountain range in the world. A trekker's paradise, this terrain is remote, wild, and stunningly beautiful. The film Touching the Void, the tale of climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, was made about their harrowing experience as the first mountaineers to scale Siula Grande, which is part of this mountain range. This version of the Huayhuash trek crosses six high passes over 4500 m (14,763 ft) and two that are higher than 5000 m (16,404 ft)! Throughout the 12 days of the trek, we camp next to stunningly beautiful alpine lakes and in broad, grassy valleys replete with wildflowers and rushing alpine creeks, while basking in the imposing presence of the White Mountains looming over us, with peaks at elevations above 5000 m (16,404 ft) and 6000 m (19,685 ft). At least three days of acclimatization hikes in the area are strongly recommended to be able to enjoy the trek.
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ancascocha trek & the short inca trailNational Geographic Magazine has rated this Inca Trail alternative trek as one of the top hikes in the world! This Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail is truly the road less traveled by, for those who crave time away from crowds, amidst the beauty of nature. The journey begins at the Parpishu Footbridge and ascends amidst the dramatic backdrop of Mts. Salkantay and Verónica. Crossing through rugged terrain, remote mountain communities, ancient ruins, and diverse ecosystems for around 37 km (23 mi), the trek culminates at the village of Camicancha, near Km 77 on the railroad tracks to Machu Picchu. On day 4, we will board the train to Km 104 to walk along the pathway that covers the final stretch of the Inca Trail, where you will have a taste of the famous longer Inca Trail hike, and the thrill of entering Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun. On our last day of the Ancascocha Trek & the Short Inca Trail, we will spend time exploring Machu Picchu, one of the ancient wonders of the world.
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running the inca trails - choquequirao to machu picchuOn this run, we will traverse an incredible Inca highway consisting of over 125 km (77.7 mi) of ancient roads. The activities include trail running, enjoying the tranquility of nature, and exploring two amazing and enigmatic archaeological sites. We will cross through highly varied terrain of diverse ecosystems: from majestic rivers at 1500 masl (4921 fasl) to high mountain passes at 4650 masl (15,256 fasl); from tropical rainforests to imposing glaciers; from the territory of the endangered spectacled bear to the skyways of majestic condors in flight; all combining to make this a unique and memorable experience. The route begins in the town of Capuliyoc and passes through the famous archaeological complex of Choquequirao. We’ll visit small villages along the route, running lightly over intact Inca paths winding through the mountains, and ending at the mystical ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
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$ 2310
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