4-Day Cordillera Blanca Trek / Santa Cruz Loop
This trek is called the Santa Cruz Loop and offers a hike amidst towering peaks--Huascaran, Alpamayo, Taulliraju, Huandoy, and Chacrerau--in the glacial canyons of Peru's first mountain national park and biosphere reserve.
There is an excellent transportation service between Lima and Huaraz, with multiple luxury bus departures daily.
Set departures for the group rates are every Sunday from April through October. Minimum 4 people. For groups of 2 or 3, please add US$195 per person. Single travelers contact us for a group to join.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Huaraz Cashapampa, hike to Llamacorral, camp overnight (LD)
Leaving Huaraz early in the morning we drive down along the Santa Valley passing several villages until we reach the town of Caraz. From here the road winds slowly up to Cashapampa (2,900m.a.s.l), which is the trailhead and starting point of our trek. From here we start to ascend steeply then the trail levels out, climbing steadily along Santa Cruz Valley. After two hours the trail becomes gentler, making the walking easier and after two and a half hours, the extensive meadow area of Llamacorral is reached; this is the first night's camp site at 3,750m.a.s.l (12,303ft) (Time: 5:00 hours. Distance: 7 Km.)
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping on Trek
Day 2: Hike to Taullipampa, camp overnight (BLD)
Today we continue the trek by the wide and flat creek of Santa Cruz passing by lakes, Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha; we pass the side-valley of Arhuaycocha with great views of snowcapped mountains including Mt. Alpamayo. The landscape changes, and scree slopes appear on each side of the now marshy meadow as well as rock boulders fallen from the eroded walls above us. Then we cross into our camp in Taullipampa at 4,250m.a.s.l (13,943ft) at the foot of impressive Taulliraju. (Time: 7 hours. Distance: 16.5 Km).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping on Trek
Day 3: Hike to Paria, camp overnight (BLD)
The trail starts ascending towards Punta Union, a pass at 4,750m.a.s.l. (15,580ft.). This old trail was heavily used in pre-Columbian and Colonial times as a route for transporting goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. When we get to the pass, Mt. Taulliraju will loom above us with its glacial lake and glacier adding color and contrast to the amazing view down the Santa Cruz Valley. The trail descends into Paria where we will camp at 3,875m.a.s.l (12713ft). (Time: 7 hours. Distance: 13 Km).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Camping on Trek
Day 4: Hike to Vaqueria, return by car to Huaraz (B)
The last day of our trek starts with a leisurely walk down towards to a small settlement of farmers (Huaripampa village), going by their agricultural activity and Andean vegetation. The snow-capped peak of Chacraraju will come into view passing meadows and fields along the way. We continue in our last segment of our trek ascending to Vaqueria where our transport waits for us. Drive to Portachuelo de Llanganuco, which is a spectacular and panoramic viewpoint to appreciate the snow-capped mountains Huascaran, Huandoy, Pisco and Chacraraju. Then we drive down to Llanganuco Valley and return to Huaraz. (Time 4-5 hours, Distance 11Km).
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
4-Day Cordillera Blanca Trek / Santa Cruz Loopfrom $595 USD
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
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