From Huaraz: 5-Day Ultimate Santa Cruz Trek
Experience the 5-Day Ultimate Santa Cruz Trek. Trek through glacial valleys, explore Lake 69, and enjoy stunning Andean scenery.
From Huaraz: 5-Day Ultimate Santa Cruz Trek
Experience the ultimate trekking adventure in the heart of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. The 5-Day Santa Cruz Trek combines the classic Santa Cruz route with an unforgettable hike to the picturesque Lake 69, a turquoise glacial lake at the base of towering peaks. Explore breathtaking landscapes, cross high mountain passes, and camp under starry skies on this extended version of one of Peru’s most iconic treks.
| Departure & Return Location | Your Hotel in Huaraz |
| Departure Time | 7:00 AM |
| Estimated Return Time | 5:00 PM on the final day |
| Guide Languages Available | Guides fluent in English and Spanish |
| Key Attractions | Lake 69, Punta Union Pass, Llanganuco Lakes, Santa Cruz Valley, Alpamayo Basecamp |
Huaraz – Caraz – Cashapampa – Llamacorral
Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your accommodation in Huaraz (3052m / 10,013 ft). The drive takes you through the Callejón de Huaylas Valley, passing charming villages and scenic mountain views, before arriving at Cashapampa (2900m / 9,514 ft).
Here, you’ll meet your muleteer and donkeys, who will carry most of the equipment. The trek begins with a gentle ascent along the Santa Cruz Valley, following the river and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. After 4–5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the Llamacorral campsite (3750m / 12,303 ft), where you’ll enjoy dinner and relax in the peaceful Andean wilderness.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 4–5 hours, 12 km
Llamacorral – Alpamayo Basecamp – Taullipampa
After breakfast, you’ll continue trekking up the Santa Cruz Valley, with spectacular views of Santa Cruz Mountain (6259m / 20,535 ft) to the north. As you hike, the trail takes you past three glacial lakes: Ichiccocha, Jatuncocha, and Arhuaycocha, each more beautiful than the last.
An optional side trek to the Alpamayo Basecamp offers incredible views of Nevado Alpamayo (5947m / 19,511 ft), often called the most beautiful mountain in the world. The day’s trek ends at the Taullipampa campsite (4200m / 13,780 ft), surrounded by towering peaks like Taulliraju, Paria, Artesonraju, and Rinrijirca.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 6–7 hours, 15 km
Taullipampa – Punta Union Pass – Paria
This is the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. After breakfast, you’ll begin the climb to the Punta Union Pass (4750m / 15,584 ft), the highest point of the trek. The ascent takes 2–3 hours and rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, including the Santa Cruz Valley.
From the pass, the trail descends into the eastern side of the Cordillera Blanca, passing small glacial lakes like Collcacocha and Tzakicocha. You’ll arrive at the Paria campsite (3870m / 12,697 ft) in the late afternoon, where a warm meal and spectacular views await.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 6–7 hours, 13 km
Paria – Vaqueria – Portachuelo Pass – Cebollapampa
Today’s trek takes you through the Huaripampa Valley, known for its traditional Andean villages and scenic landscapes. After a short climb, you’ll reach the village of Vaqueria, where your donkeys are loaded into a vehicle, and the hiking portion of the trek ends.
From here, a scenic drive takes you over the Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass (4767m / 15,639 ft), offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. You’ll arrive at Cebollapampa (3950m / 12,959 ft), where you’ll set up camp for the night.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 4–5 hours, 10 km
Cebollapampa – Lake 69 – Huaraz
The final day begins with an early morning hike to Lake 69 (4600m / 15,091 ft), one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Peru. The trail winds through stunning landscapes, with waterfalls, lush greenery, and towering peaks along the way. After reaching the lake and enjoying a picturesque lunch by its shores, you’ll return to Cebollapampa.
From here, private transportation will take you back to Huaraz, passing the stunning Chinancocha and Orconcocha lakes en route. Your unforgettable journey ends in Huaraz in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Not applicable (return to Huaraz)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 5–6 hours, 12 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, Peru Tripper 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, Peru Tripper 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, Peru Tripper 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
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Deluxe Packages Include:
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Packing List
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Packing Tips
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