santa cruz trek

We will leave early in a private vehicle to head to the Llanganuco viewpoint (45 min.), where we will have the privilege of seeing an incredible sunrise over the great panorama of the Northern Cordillera Blanca, including Huascarán (6768m / 22,204 ft), Huandoy (6395 m / 20,981 ft), Pisco (5752 m / 18,871 ft) and Chopicalqui (6354 m / 20,846 ft). Then, we will head up to the Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass (4750 m / 15,583 ft) and descend to Vaquería (3750 m / 12,303 ft) where we will find the beginning of the trail and begin our hike. We will start with a descending hike on a trail that meanders to the left, skirting a small ridge that goes down towards the Huaripampa Valley. As we slowly make our way through this valley, we will pass a small settlement of farmers, who will be going about their daily chores amidst the green Andean vegetation. The snow-capped peaks of Chacraraju (6112 m / 20,052 ft) and Taulliraju (5830 m / 19,127 ft) look majestic to the eye. Passing through the meadows and fields at their feet, one feels tiny. We will camp in the Paria Valley at 3875 m (12,713 ft).

We will begin with an ascending trail to Punta Union Pass at 4750 m (15,583 ft). This ancient trail witnessed heavy traffic in pre-Columbian and colonial times as a route to transport goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass, we will spot Taulliraju mountain towering above us and, on the other side, a crystal-clear glacial lagoon and a bright white glacier adding color and contrast to the stunning views of the Santa Cruz Valley. In addition, we will have the view of the peaks of Quitaraju, Artesonaju and Rinrijirca, as well as the lagoons of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. The trail descends to Taullipampa, where we will spend the night at 4180 m (13,713 ft).

Today we will continue our hike through the Santa Cruz Valley, passing the Arhuaycocha side valley, with excellent views of snow-capped peaks, including Alpamayo Mountain. The landscape changes and stony slopes appear on either side of the marshy meadow, as well as fallen rocks from the eroded walls above us. We will ascend to a stunning viewpoint to observe the majestic Alpamayo Mountain in all its splendor. Finally, towards the end of the day, we will hike through the increasingly narrow canyon towards Llamacorral, where we will camp at 3783 m (12,411 ft).

A steep descent will take us to Cashapampa (2944 m / 9658 ft) early in the morning. Our private vehicle will await us there to take us back to Huaraz. We will say goodbye to our team of helpers and relax as the road slowly descends into the main valley, arriving in Huaraz in the afternoon, where we will rest after an unforgettable journey amidst some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.