Santa Cruz Trek 4 Days

The classic Cordillera Blanca trek: 4 days past turquoise glacial lakes, iconic Mount Artesonraju, and the historic Punta Union Pass at 4,750 m.

Non-technicalDemand: High

Duration

4 days

Max altitude

4,750 m

Season

Apr-Oct

Duration

4 days

Max altitude

4,750 m

Season

Apr-Oct

From Huaraz

3 h

We don't sell a tour: we take you to live the dream you'll be telling for the rest of your life.

The Santa Cruz circuit is globally recognized as one of the most stunning alpine hikes in the Andes. Over four days of high-mountain trekking, you will traverse Huascaran National Park from west to east, ascending from Cashapampa through a dramatic glacial canyon framed by towering granite walls and cascading streams.

The route offers close-up views of iconic peaks: the striking pyramid of Mount Artesonraju (famous as the Paramount Pictures logo), Mount Taulliraju, Rinrijirca, and the legendary north profile of Alpamayo from the Arhuaycocha viewpoint. The trek reaches its peak at the legendary Punta Union Pass (4,750 m), offering sweeping 360-degree panoramas across Andean valleys.

Supported by certified local guides, mountain cooks, and muleteers carrying heavy gear, you will enjoy comfortable wilderness camps beneath star-filled skies and warm, wholesome meals after every rewarding day on the trail.

Punta Union Pass at 4,750 m with 360° views

Views of Artesonraju and Mount Alpamayo

Ichiccocha, Jatuncocha and Arhuaycocha glacial lakes

4 days trekking across Huascaran National Park

Itinerary

4 days · 22h hiking · 3 nights overnight at camp

Day 1

Huaraz (3,052 m) – Cashapampa (2,900 m) – Llamacorral (3,760 m)

Private transfer from Huaraz through the Huaylas Valley to Cashapampa. Meet muleteers and hike up Santa Cruz canyon to Llamacorral camp.

2,900 → 3,760 m5 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 2

Llamacorral – Ichiccocha & Jatuncocha Lakes – Alpamayo Viewpoint – Taullipampa (4,250 m)

Hike through the valley past Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha lakes. Side trip into Arhuaycocha gorge for views of Alpamayo and Artesonraju, continuing to Taullipampa.

3,760 → 4,420 → 4,250 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 3

Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass (4,750 m) – Huaripampa Valley – Paria (3,870 m)

Crown stage: zigzag ascent to the legendary Punta Union Pass (4,750 m) with panoramic views of Mount Taulliraju. Long descent into Huaripampa valley to Paria camp.

4,250 → 4,750 → 3,870 m7 h hikingOvernight at camp

Day 4 · Summit

Paria – Vaqueria (3,700 m) – Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4,767 m) – Huaraz

Gentle hike to Vaqueria through Andean hamlets. Private transport crossing Portachuelo de Llanganuco pass with spectacular views of Huascaran and Chopicalqui, returning to Huaraz.

3,870 → 4,767 → 3,052 m3 h hikingReturn to Huaraz

Included

Private round-trip transport from Huaraz (Huaraz – Cashapampa / Vaqueria – Huaraz).

Certified official trekking / mountain guide (bilingual Spanish/English).

Professional mountain cook and full camp kitchen equipment.

Full meals during the trek (energizing breakfast, trail box lunch, hot afternoon snack, and warm dinner).

Muleteers and pack animals to carry heavy baggage (up to 10-12 kg per passenger).

Emergency horse for the group.

4-season mountain tents (2 people per tent) and dining tent with tables and chairs.

First aid kit and medical oxygen tank for emergencies.

Sleeping bag.

Heavy-duty 4-season mountain tents.

Insulating sleeping mats.

Kitchen tent with cookware.

Portable toilet tent.

Heavy-duty duffel bags for luggage transport.

Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures (-5 °C to -10 °C).

Dining tent with tables, chairs and lantern.

Not included

Huascaran National Park entrance ticket (S/ 65 Peruvian / S/ 150 foreigner).

First breakfast (day 1) and final dinner in Huaraz (day 4).

Travel and mountain rescue insurance.

Voluntary tips and personal expenses.

Daypack (25 to 35 L) for water, layers, sunscreen and camera.

Broken-in trekking boots with good support and grippy soles.

Telescopic trekking poles.

Layered clothing: thermal base layer, fleece mid layer, and waterproof windbreaker jacket.

Headlamp with spare batteries.

Water bottle or hydration reservoir of at least 2 liters.

Warm gloves, beanie, sun hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.

Down or synthetic insulated jacket for camp.

Recommendations

Acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Huaraz (3,050 m) before tours that ascend above 4,500 m.
Get a good night's sleep before and eat light meals: easily digestible foods the day before and the day of the tour.
Altitude sickness medication: consult your doctor before your trip. Acetazolamide requires a prescription, should be started the day before, and is ineffective if you already have symptoms.
Travel with insurance that covers mountain activities and rescue.
Do not drink alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude.
Drink water constantly, without forcing yourself: drinking too much does not prevent altitude sickness.
Inform your guide if you experience a severe headache, nausea, or dizziness. The rule is not to continue ascending if you have these symptoms.
Bring water (2 liters) and water purification tablets if you plan to drink from streams. There is livestock in the area, and these tablets are sold in pharmacies in Huaraz.
Bring energy snacks.
Bring sunscreen with SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat: the radiation at high altitude is very strong.
Bring layers of clothing and waterproof gear, even during the dry season.
Bring a personal first-aid kit with your usual medications.
Bring your passport (there is a checkpoint at Huascarán National Park).