From Huaraz: 4-Day Classic Santa Cruz Trek
Experience the 4-day Santa Cruz Trek in Huaraz. Hike through lush valleys, cross high passes, and enjoy views of Alpamayo and other iconic peaks.
From Huaraz: 4-Day Classic Santa Cruz Trek
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes on the 4-Day Classic Santa Cruz Trek. This adventure takes you through the heart of the Huascaran National Park, showcasing glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and lush valleys. With professional guides, comfortable camping, and unforgettable views from the iconic Punta Union Pass, this trek is perfect for adventurers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime journey in the Cordillera Blanca.
| Departure & Return Location | Your Hotel in Huaraz |
| Departure Time | 7:00 AM |
| Estimated Return Time | 5:00 PM (Day 4) |
| Guide Languages Available | Guides fluent in English and Spanish |
| Key Attractions | Llanganuco Lakes, Punta Union Pass, Arhuaycocha Valley, Huascaran National Park, Nevado Alpamayo |
Huaraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral
Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Huaraz (3100m / 10,170 ft) at 7:00 AM. From there, a scenic drive takes you through the stunning Callejón de Huaylas Valley, with stops to photograph majestic mountain views and visit the remains of Yungay, a town tragically buried by a mud avalanche in 1970. The journey continues into the heart of the Huascaran National Park, arriving at the trailhead in Cashapampa (3000m / 9,843 ft) around 10:00 AM.
Here, you’ll meet your donkey handlers, who will load the donkeys with your gear as you prepare for the first day of hiking. The trail begins with a gradual ascent through the beautiful Santa Cruz Valley, passing lush vegetation, mountain streams, and stunning vistas. After 4–5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the Llamacorral campsite (3650m / 11,975 ft) in the early afternoon, where the donkey drivers will have set up your camp. Tea and snacks will be ready upon your arrival, allowing you to relax and soak in the serene surroundings.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 4–5 hours, 12 km
Llamacorral – Arhuaycocha Valley – Taullipampa
The day begins with a hearty breakfast before setting out for your next destination: Taullipampa (4200m / 13,780 ft). The trail starts by passing the scenic Ichi Cocha and Jatun Cocha glacial lakes, their turquoise waters mirroring the surrounding peaks. As you trek alongside Jatun Cocha, you’ll notice a side trail leading into the Arhuaycocha Valley.
This optional side trek provides breathtaking views of iconic mountains such as Nevado Alpamayo (often regarded as the world’s most beautiful mountain) and Quitaraju. The ascent into the valley is gradual, and the altitude gained here will not be lost, as the trail to Taullipampa continues on nearly flat terrain. You’ll arrive at the campsite in the late afternoon, surrounded by stunning views of Nevado Taulliraju and the surrounding peaks.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 5–6 hours, 14 km
Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass – Cachinapampa
The third day is the most challenging yet rewarding leg of the trek, as you ascend to the highest point: the Punta Union Pass (4750m / 15,584 ft). Leaving Taullipampa, the trail gradually climbs for 2–3 hours, offering ever-expanding views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Upon reaching the pass, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Valley, flanked by towering peaks such as Nevado Taulliraju, Artesonraju, and Pucajirca. This is the perfect spot for photographs and a well-deserved break.
The descent from Punta Union is a dramatic contrast, with the trail winding down into lush, verdant landscapes. After a total of 6–7 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the Cachinapampa campsite (3800m / 12,467 ft), where you can relax after the day’s exhilarating climb.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 6–7 hours, 13 km
Cachinapampa – Vaqueria – Huaraz
The final day of the trek begins with a descent through the Santa Cruz Valley, passing by charming Andean houses, grazing animals, and picturesque farmland. After approximately 2–3 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the small settlement of Vaqueria, where your private transportation awaits.
The return drive to Huaraz offers more scenic highlights, including a stop at the Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass (4760m / 15,617 ft). From this vantage point, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Llanganuco Valley, its turquoise lakes, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks that dominate the skyline. After a 3.5-hour drive, you’ll arrive back in Huaraz, where your unforgettable journey concludes.
Accommodation: Not applicable (return to Huaraz)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 2–3 hours, 10 km
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Special Discounts
- Group Discount: Automatically applied during online booking.
- Save 5% per person for groups of 5-9 people.
- Save 8% per person for groups of 10-14 people.
- Save 10% per person for groups of 15 or more people.
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Kindly take a moment to read our Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy before booking. Happy adventuring!
Payment Terms
Beginning Your Adventure – Booking Confirmation and Deposit
Your journey starts with a commitment: a 50% deposit of the total tour cost. This initial investment is pivotal in activating the extensive preparatory process, ensuring every aspect of your tour is curated to perfection.
Final Payment: The Last Step Before Your Journey Begins
The remaining 50% of the tour cost is due no later than 30 days before the commencement of your tour. This timely payment is critical to finalize all logistical arrangements, guaranteeing a hassle-free start to your adventure.
Expansive Payment Options for Ease and Flexibility
In line with our commitment to your convenience, Choquequirao Expeditions accepts a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal. Please be aware that additional fees may apply depending on the payment method selected. Detailed payment procedures and potential fees can be found on our dedicated payment page.
Implications of Late Payments – Protecting Your Reservation
Adherence to the payment schedule is crucial. Late payments can unfortunately lead to the cancellation of your reservation, with the deposit being retained as a non-refundable fee. We urge you to maintain timely payments to safeguard your tour plans.
Policy for Last-Minute Adventurers
For those inspired to join this tour on short notice, namely less than 15 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. This ensures that we can expedite all necessary preparations for your inclusion.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Terms for Clients
We recognize that life is ever-changing. However, due to the elaborate planning and expenses involved in preparing for this tour, we maintain a strict no-refund policy after booking confirmation. This underscores the importance of obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, which can offer protection against unforeseen cancellations.
Navigating Unpredictable Circumstances – Force Majeure
In extraordinary situations beyond our control, such as natural disasters or political upheavals, Choquequirao Expeditions will strive to offer alternative arrangements. This may include rescheduling your trip or issuing a credit for future travel, based on current availability and discretion.
Navigating Through Force Majeure
In the event of extraordinary and uncontrollable circumstances, such as natural disasters or significant political unrest, Huaynas Expeditions adopts a flexible approach. We prioritize your safety and satisfaction, offering to reschedule your trip or provide a credit for future travel, subject to availability.
Emphasizing the Need for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
To cover unexpected events, including trip disruptions and medical emergencies, we cannot stress enough the importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance. It’s your safety net, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey. Please note, Choquequirao Expeditions does not bear responsibility for costs arising from incidents not covered by your travel insurance.
Standard Inclusions
All package options include the following:
Exclusions:
Not included in our standard tour packages. Consider additional costs. Deluxe packages may cover some exclusions, as specified in the Additional Inclusions section.
Additional Inclusions
Deluxe Packages Only
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Deluxe Packages Include:
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Packing List
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