The Santa Cruz Trek, a hike through valleys and glaciers

Huaraz. This city in the Ancash region is the perfect destination for outdoor and high mountain sports. The city is surrounded by some of Pérou's most spectacular mountain ranges, including the Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca, ideal for trekking, mountaineering, and rock climbing amid stunning landscapes.

The trek we recommend in this part of Pérou is the Santa Cruz trek, a 4 to 5-day hike depending on your fitness level. This trek will take you into the heart of Huascaran National Park and lead you to 4,700 meters altitude at the Punta Union pass. Easy to undertake, the Santa Cruz trek can be done with a guide and features numerous camping areas.

Suggested itinerary for the Santa Cruz trek near Huaraz

The Santa Cruz trek is not particularly difficult and suits hikers of all levels. It's ideally done between April and October. It's one of the most beautiful treks near Huaraz, as it takes you deep into Huascaran National Park, a protected area covering more than 340,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, crowned by Pérou's highest mountain, Huascaran itself!

The Santa Cruz Trek: 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1 of the Santa Cruz Trek: Cashapampa – Llamacorral

The first day of the Santa Cruz trek starts strong, with an impressive elevation gain of 900 meters. The day's trek takes about 5 hours, beginning in the village of Cashapampa at 2,900 meters altitude and ending at Llamacorral, at nearly 3,800 meters. Along the way, you'll pass near small mountain villages like Carhuay, Yungay, and Caraz. If you wish to extend the day, feel free to visit them.

Once at the top, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view over the Santa Cruz valley and the impressive mountain ranges around you.

Day 2 of the Santa Cruz Trek: Llamacorral – Taullipampa

The second day is the most spectacular of the trek, passing through truly magnificent locations such as the two lakes Ichiq Cocha and Jatuncocha, with snow-capped mountains near Huaraz as your backdrop.

The hike lasts about 6 hours and delivers its share of beautiful moments and magic, such as crossing a river leading to Quebrada Arteson, or setting up camp at the foot of the stunning Taullijaru glacier at 4,200 meters for an unforgettable night under the stars!

Day 3 of the Santa Cruz Trek: Taullipampa – Punta Union – Huaripampa

This third day is the longest in terms of hiking hours, with approximately 8 hours of walking. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off! In the morning you'll hike to the beautiful lake of Taullicocha, followed by a 3-hour climb to the Punta Union pass, the highest point of the Santa Cruz trek at 4,750 meters.

Take time to enjoy the exceptional views over the mountain ranges, the Taulliraju and Rinrihirka glaciers, and the unique flora found at these high altitudes. The rest of the day is easier, consisting of a steep descent to the Huaripampa valley at 3,900 meters, where you'll set up camp for the night.

Day 4 of the Santa Cruz Trek: Huaripampa – Vaqueria – Huaraz

After a well-deserved night's rest following yesterday's demanding day and a good breakfast, this final day of the Santa Cruz trek offers a grand finale, with stunning views of Huascaran!

But first, you'll pass through the Porachuelo pass at over 4,750 meters and the village of Vaqueria at 3,700 meters. Along the way, hikers will have the chance to see a truly spectacular view of the roof of Pérou: Huascaran, which peaks at 6,768 meters, as well as the famous Llanganuco lagoon, Chinan Cocha, and Orgon Cocha.