Santa Cruz Trek Huaraz 7 Days | Ultimate Cordillera Blanca Adventure

Your 7-day Santa Cruz Trek adventure begins with a warm welcome in the Huaraz region. Our team will meet you upon arrival at Anta Huaraz Airport, approximately a 15-minute drive away, or at the Huaraz bus station, followed by a scenic journey toward Carhuaz.

As we leave the city behind, the road gradually winds into the foothills of the magnificent Cordillera Blanca, passing through small Andean communities, green farmland, and peaceful mountain landscapes. After approximately 1–2 hours of travel, we arrive at Fleur Lodge in Accopampa, Carhuaz, located between 2,688 and 2,773 m (8,819–9,097 ft).

Upon arrival, settle into your comfortable double room and take some time to relax after your journey. The afternoon is intentionally kept free so your body can begin adjusting naturally to the altitude.

You may take a gentle walk through the lodge’s Bio Chakra organic garden, enjoy a warm cup of coca tea on the terrace, or simply relax and take in the surrounding mountain views. There is no need to rush—this first day is all about resting, hydrating, and preparing for the adventure ahead.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner at the lodge before a good night’s sleep. We recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as staying well hydrated is an important part of preparing for high-altitude trekking.

• Day 1 Details
• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Fleur Lodge
• Maximum Altitude: 2,773 m / 9,097 ft
• Minimum Altitude: 2,688 m / 8,819 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Activity: Arrival, transfer, rest, and acclimatization

After breakfast at the lodge, we depart at approximately 6:00 a.m. in private transportation and begin our journey toward one of the most spectacular destinations in the Cordillera Blanca: Laguna 69.

We travel north through Yungay before entering the beautiful Llanganuco Valley, surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains. Along the way, we make a short stop at Chinancocha (Llanganuco Lake), a striking turquoise lagoon located at approximately 3,800 m (12,467 ft), with the imposing peaks of Huascarán and Huandoy rising above the valley.

After approximately two hours of driving, we arrive at Cebollapampa, located at around 3,900 m (12,795 ft), where our hike begins.

The trail starts gradually, winding through native vegetation and beautiful quenual forests. After roughly 50 minutes, the landscape opens into a broad mountain valley, and the trail gradually becomes steeper.

We continue climbing along a series of well-defined switchbacks for about an hour. As we gain altitude, the views become increasingly impressive, revealing more of the surrounding peaks and high-Andean landscape. After reaching a small intermediate lagoon, we cross a relatively gentle section before tackling the final ascent.

The last section is the most demanding, with approximately 200 meters of elevation gain over one kilometer. After the climb, the landscape suddenly opens before you, revealing the breathtaking Laguna 69.

Set within a dramatic natural amphitheater, the lake is renowned for its intense turquoise-blue waters, fed by the surrounding glaciers. Above it rise the impressive peaks of Chacraraju, Nevado Pisco, Huascarán, and Yanapaccha, creating an unforgettable mountain panorama.

Take time to rest beside the lake, enjoy your box lunch, and capture photographs of this extraordinary landscape. Once you have had time to appreciate the scenery, we begin our descent along the same trail back to Cebollapampa.

Our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to Fleur Lodge, where you can enjoy a hot shower and a well-deserved dinner.

Pre-Trek Briefing

In the evening, your guide will conduct an important pre-trek briefing before the Santa Cruz Trek begins. We will review the itinerary for the following days, discuss altitude and safety recommendations, check essential equipment, go over packing requirements, and answer any final questions you may have.

This briefing is also an opportunity to meet with the trekking team and make sure everyone is fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

• Day 2 Details
• Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Fleur Lodge
• Maximum Altitude: Approximately 4,600 m / 15,100 ft
• Minimum Altitude: 2,688 m / 8,819 ft
• Hiking Distance: Approximately 13.8 km / 8.6 miles round trip
• Approximate Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Main Highlight: Laguna 69 and the spectacular Cordillera Blanca scenery

After an early breakfast, we leave Fleur Lodge by private transportation and begin our journey deeper into the spectacular Cordillera Blanca.

As the road climbs toward the Llanganuco viewpoint, the mountains gradually come into view. If weather and timing are favorable, we may be treated to an unforgettable Andean sunrise, with the first rays of light illuminating the majestic summits of Huascarán (6,768 m), Huandoy (6,395 m), Pisco (5,752 m), and Chopicalqui (6,354 m).

We continue toward the impressive Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass, reaching approximately 4,750 m (15,583 ft). This is the highest point of the day, reached by vehicle. From the pass, the road descends toward Vaquería, situated at approximately 3,750 m (12,303 ft), where we leave the vehicle behind and begin our trek.

The trail gradually descends into the beautiful Huaripampa Valley, passing small farms and traditional Andean communities where local families continue to cultivate their land and care for their livestock. The peaceful surroundings offer a wonderful opportunity to experience a more authentic side of life in the Peruvian Andes.

As we walk deeper into the valley, the landscape becomes increasingly impressive. Green mountain vegetation contrasts with the dramatic, snow-covered peaks of Chacraraju (6,112 m) and Taulliraju (5,830 m), which dominate the skyline.

We maintain a comfortable and steady pace, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the scenery, take photographs, and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.

By mid-afternoon, we arrive at our campsite in the Paria Valley, at approximately 3,875 m (12,713 ft). Our tents will already be prepared, allowing you to settle in and relax after the day’s hike.

As evening arrives, enjoy a selection of hot drinks followed by a hearty dinner prepared by our trekking chef. When the skies are clear, the remote location offers an incredible opportunity to admire the stars above the Cordillera Blanca before getting a good night’s rest.

• Day 3 Details
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 4,750 m / 15,583 ft
• Minimum Altitude: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
• Campsite Altitude: 3,875 m / 12,713 ft
• Hiking Distance: Approximately 11 km / 6.8 miles
• Approximate Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Main Highlights: Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass, Vaquería, Huaripampa Valley, Chacraraju, Taulliraju, and Paria Valley

Wake up to the peaceful surroundings of the high Andes as our team brings hot coffee or tea to your tent. After a nourishing breakfast, we prepare for the most challenging and rewarding day of the Santa Cruz Trek.

Today’s goal is Punta Unión Pass, the highest point of the trek at approximately 4,750 m (15,583 ft). The ascent is gradual but demanding, taking us deeper into the spectacular alpine landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca.

As we climb higher, the scenery changes dramatically. The valley becomes more rugged, glaciers appear closer, and enormous snow-covered peaks rise above the trail. The striking Taulliraju gradually dominates the horizon, creating an incredible backdrop as we approach the pass.

After several hours of steady hiking, we reach Punta Unión Pass. Standing at the top, you’ll have a spectacular sense of achievement and some of the most impressive views of the entire trek. Looking across the mountains, you can see the dramatic Santa Cruz Valley, glacial landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and imposing peaks including Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and Taulliraju.

We take time at the pass to rest, enjoy the scenery, and capture photographs before beginning our descent. The trail leads down through rocky terrain and open alpine landscapes, gradually bringing us into the beautiful Santa Cruz Valley.

The descent continues toward Taullipampa, where we reach our campsite at approximately 4,180 m (13,713 ft). The campsite is surrounded by towering mountains and offers an impressive setting to relax after this demanding day.

Once you arrive, our team will have camp ready for you. Enjoy a warm drink, a freshly prepared dinner, and some well-deserved time to rest. On a clear evening, the remote location provides an excellent opportunity to look up at the stars and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Cordillera Blanca.

Tomorrow, we continue deeper into the Santa Cruz Valley, with more spectacular lakes and mountain scenery awaiting us.

• Day 4 Details
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 4,750 m / 15,583 ft
• Campsite Altitude: 4,180 m / 13,713 ft
• Hiking Distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Approximate Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Highest Point: Punta Unión Pass
• Main Highlights: Punta Unión Pass, Taulliraju, Santa Cruz Valley, glacial lakes, and panoramic Cordillera Blanca views

Start the morning with a warm cup of coffee or tea delivered to your tent, followed by breakfast before continuing our journey through the spectacular Santa Cruz Valley.

Today’s hike follows a more gradual section of the trail as we descend from Taullipampa. The path winds alongside the Santa Cruz River, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery that changes with every turn. Along the way, we pass the entrance to the Carhuacocha Valley, while the surrounding peaks reveal new perspectives as the changing light moves across their slopes.

As we continue, the character of the landscape gradually changes. The wide valley becomes narrower, the vegetation becomes greener and more marsh-like, and steep rocky mountains rise on both sides of the trail. The combination of rivers, meadows, cliffs, and snow-capped peaks creates a beautiful contrast throughout the day’s hike.

One of the main highlights comes around midday when we make a short ascent to the Alpamayo viewpoint. From here, we are rewarded with an impressive perspective of Alpamayo, renowned for its elegant pyramid-shaped profile and striking ice-covered slopes.

We take some time at the viewpoint to appreciate the scenery and capture photographs before continuing our descent. From here, the trail gradually enters a narrower section of the valley, with towering rock walls becoming increasingly prominent as we lose altitude.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Llamacorral, our campsite at approximately 3,783 m (12,411 ft). After a rewarding day on the trail, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while our team prepares a hearty dinner.

With the mountains still rising dramatically around the campsite, Llamacorral provides a beautiful setting to spend another night in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca.

• Day 5 Details
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 4,180 m / 13,713 ft
• Campsite Altitude: 3,783 m / 12,411 ft
• Hiking Distance: Approximately 15 km / 9.3 miles
• Approximate Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Main Highlights: Santa Cruz Valley, Carhuacocha Valley, Alpamayo Viewpoint, Andean landscapes, and Llamacorral

Wake up to your final morning in the mountains and enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea delivered to your tent before breakfast.

Today marks the final hiking day of your Santa Cruz Trek. The trail gradually descends through the lower Santa Cruz Valley, and with every step, the landscape begins to change. The vegetation becomes greener, the temperatures warmer, and the high-altitude environment slowly gives way to the lower valleys.

The trail is well defined and relatively gentle, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace. As you descend, take a moment to look back at the spectacular mountain peaks and valleys that have accompanied you throughout the trek.

After approximately four hours of hiking, we arrive at Cashapampa, situated at 2,944 m / 9,658 ft. This small Andean village marks the end of the Santa Cruz Trek.

Our private vehicle will be waiting for us here. We say goodbye to our trekking team, including our guides, chef, and horsemen, who have supported you throughout this unforgettable journey.

From Cashapampa, we begin a scenic drive back toward Fleur Lodge in Carhuaz, taking approximately three hours. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes as we leave the high mountains behind.

Upon arrival at the lodge, it is time to relax and enjoy some well-earned comfort. Take a hot shower, change into fresh clothes, and settle into a comfortable bed after several days in the mountains.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and celebrate the completion of your Santa Cruz Trek — a remarkable journey through the spectacular landscapes of the Cordillera Blanca.

• Day 6 Details
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Fleur Lodge
• Maximum Altitude: 3,783 m / 12,411 ft
• Minimum Altitude: 2,944 m / 9,658 ft
• Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Approx. Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Santa Cruz Valley, Cashapampa, final mountain views, scenic drive, and a well-deserved return to comfort

After breakfast at the lodge, your Santa Cruz Trek adventure officially comes to an end. At the scheduled time, our private transportation will transfer you to Anta Huaraz Airport or the Huaraz bus station, depending on your onward travel arrangements.

If you are flying, please keep in mind that flight schedules between Lima and Huaraz are limited, with only one or two flights generally operating per day. If you are traveling by bus, most overnight services depart Huaraz at approximately 9:00 p.m., with buses arriving from Lima around 6:00 a.m.

Before saying goodbye, take a final moment to appreciate the landscapes and experiences you have shared throughout your journey. From turquoise glacial lakes and remote Andean valleys to high mountain passes and spectacular snow-capped peaks, the Cordillera Blanca offers an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

We hope your time with us has been comfortable, rewarding, and truly memorable, and that the mountains of Peru will remain a special part of your travel memories.

Important Information

This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice when necessary due to weather conditions, road closures, strikes, local regulations, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Your safety, comfort, and overall experience are always our highest priorities.

• Day 7 Details
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Not included
• Transfer: Private transportation to Anta Huaraz Airport or Huaraz bus station
• Service: End of our services