Santa Cruz Trek 4D/3N
Santa Cruz Trek 4D/3N
Santa Cruz Trek 4D/3N
4 Days Starting and ending in Huaraz, Peru
Visiting: Huaraz, Taullipampa, Llama Corral
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58536
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-90
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a breathtaking adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Andes with an exhilarating trek through the Cordillera Blanca. Discover stunning alpine landscapes, azure glacial lakes, and majestic peaks while hiking scenic trails in Huascarán National Park. Experience the allure of nature at its finest, explore remote mountain villages, and capture incredible photos of iconic landmarks like Laguna 69. Perfect for trekkers seeking unparalleled natural beauty, this journey promises an unforgettable escape into Peru's wild and pristine wilderness.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz - Paria Valley, Peru
Location: Huaraz
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 4 Days
Departure Time: 06:30
Transfer to Vaqueria and start hiking to the Paria Valley (L/D)Getting an early morning start, we’ll drive along the Santa Valley, passing several villages along the way until we reach present-day Yungay. The road winds slowly up into the gully between the Huascaran massif and the Huandoy three-pronged peak. As we near the overhanging valley, we arrive at the boundary of Huascaran National Park. Llanganuco, as the area is known, has two crystalline turquoise lakes, Chinancocha and Orconcocha. We’ll continue driving to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass at 4750 m (15,584 ft). From here we can observe the highest mountains of the Cordillera Blanca including Huascaran, Huandoy's Peak, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui. Finally, we will descend to VaquerÃa, at 3700 m (12,139 ft). This is where we’ll begin our trek.
We walk down towards a trail that makes its way to the left, over a small ridge into the remote Huaripampa Valley, nestled among mountains. As we slowly head up this valley, we’ll pass a small settlement of farmers, going about their agricultural activities. Walking through areas of verdant Andean flora, we’ll soon catch sight of snow-capped Chacraraju. Taulliraju will soon come into view as well as we stride alongside pastoral meadows and fields. We’ll make camp in the Paria Valley at 3875 masl (12,713 fasl).
Note: Driving distance: 119 km (74 mi) – Time: 5 hours // Trekking distance: 11.2 km (7 mi) – Time: 5 hours
Day 2: Paria Valley - Taullipampa, Peru
Location: Taullipampa
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend towards Punta Union Pass and descend into Taullipampa (B/L/D)
Today, we start on an ascending trail towards Punta Union Pass at 4750 m (15,583 ft), This ancient trail saw heavy traffic in pre-Columbian and Colonial times as a route for transporting goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass, Mt. Taulliraju will loom above us, and on the other side, a pristine glacial lake and bright white glacier will add color and contrast to the amazing views down the Santa Cruz Valley. The peaks of Quitaraju, Artesonaju, and Rinrijirca will come into view, as well as the two lakes of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. The trail descends into Taullipampa, where we will spend the night at 4180 m (13,713 ft).
Note: Trekking distance: 11 km (6.8 mi) – Time: 7-8 hours
Day 3: Taullipampa - Llamacorral, Peru
Location: Llama Corral
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike down the Santa Cruz Valley to Llamacorral (B/L/D)
Today we continue our hike down the Santa Cruz Valley, past the side-valley of Arhuaycocha, with great views of snow-capped mountain peaks, including Mt. Alpamayo. We’ll ascend to an incredible viewpoint to observe the majestic Alpamayo Mountain in all its glory. The landscape changes and scree slopes appear on each side of the marshy meadow, as well as a smattering of boulders fallen from the eroded walls above us. Finally, towards the end of the day, we hike out of the ever-narrowing canyon into Llamacorral, where we will camp at 3783 m (12,411 ft).
Note: Trekking distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) – Time: 6-7 hours
Day 4: Llamacorral - Huaraz, Peru
Location: Huaraz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trek down Cashapampa and transfer to Huaraz (B)
After breakfast, a steep descent brings us to Cashapampa (2944 m / 9658 ft) in the early morning. We’ll meet with our private vehicle that will take us back to Huaraz; we’ll take our leave of our team of helpers and relax as the road winds slowly down to the main valley, arriving in Huaraz in the afternoon, where we’ll unwind after a memorable journey amidst some of the most spectacular terrain on earth.
Note: Trekking distance: 7 km (4.3 mi) – Time: 4 hours // Driving distance: 96 km (60 mi) – Time: 3 hours
What's Included
-
Accommodation
3N accommodation in double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads
-
Transport
All transportation during the tour (horses and drivers)
-
Meals
3B/3L/3D
-
Activities
Hiking
-
Guides
Professional English-speaking guide
-
Extras
Kitchen and dining tents
Cook and field staff
Entrance tickets
Solar energy lamps
Eco toilets
First aid kit and oxygen tank
Adequate garbage disposal
What's Not Included
-
Other Meals/Drinks
-
Personal expenses
-
Tips
-
Laundry service
-
Sleeping bags (rent available)
-
Personal gear
-
Travel insurance
Mode of Transport
All transportation during the tour is provided, including horses and drivers, ensuring a seamless and authentic trekking experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights of accommodation in double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads, ensuring a comfortable rest after each day's adventure.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?
The accommodation provided during the trek includes 3 nights in double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
-
What is the starting and ending location of the trek?
The trek starts and ends in Huaraz, Peru.
-
What personal expenses are not included in the tour package?
Personal expenses, tips, laundry service, and other meals/drinks are not included in the tour package.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transportation during the tour is provided, including horses and drivers.
-
What is the highest point reached during the trek?
The highest point reached during the trek is Punta Union Pass at 4750 meters (15,583 feet).
-
Is a guide provided for the trek?
Yes, a professional English-speaking guide is provided for the trek.
-
What additional facilities are available during the trek?
Kitchen and dining tents are provided as additional facilities during the trek.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
-
Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
-
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Friday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 02, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 06, 2025 - May 09, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 13, 2025 - May 16, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 20, 2025 - May 23, 2025Tuesday - Friday
May 27, 2025 - May 30, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 28, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.