Huaraz: Santa Cruz Trek 4-Day Guided Tour

The Huaraz: Santa Cruz Trek 4-Day Guided Tour offers adventurers a chance to explore the stunning landscapes of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. Trekkers will marvel at snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and cascading waterfalls as they cover a 48 km trail. With professional guidance, essential meals, and a focus on safety, this trek promises an enriching experience in the heart of the Andes. But what makes this particular tour stand out? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Points

• 4-day guided trek through Cordillera Blanca in Peru’s Huascaran National Park, covering 48 km with highlights including snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and waterfalls.
• Trek includes all necessary meals, transportation, camping equipment, and professional guide support to ensure a safe and comfortable adventure.
• Restrictions in place for certain health conditions and age groups to maintain safety standards and enhance the trekking experience.
• Recommended gear includes comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing, and essential items like snacks and water bottles, with prohibited items such as oversized luggage and alcohol.
• Booking options include a reserve now & pay later option and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Santa Cruz Trek is a 4-day guided tour that takes adventurers through the stunning Cordillera Blanca mountain range in Peru’s Huascaran National Park.

The 48 km (31 mi) trail showcases snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and gushing waterfalls. Trekkers will ascend to the high point of Punta Union pass at 4,750 m (15,580 ft).

The 48 km trail showcases snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and gushing waterfalls, with an ascent to the 4,750 m Punta Union pass.

The route can be hiked in either direction, but the Vaqueria to Cashapampa direction is preferred for easier transportation back to Huaraz.

Highlights include breathtaking Andean landscapes and the opportunity to experience the region’s unique culture and wildlife.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Santa Cruz Trek tour includes all necessary meals, transport, and equipment for a comfortable and seamless trekking experience.

The tour provides:

• 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners

• Included transport to and from the trek

• Tents for overnight camping

• Professional trekking guide to lead the group

• Mountain logistics and trekking staff support

Travelers only need to bring their personal medicines and ensure they’ve a copy of their passport for the park entry fee.

The tour makes it easy to focus on the incredible mountain scenery and challenging high-altitude trek.

Health and Safety Restrictions

While the Santa Cruz Trek provides an incredible hiking experience, it’s not suitable for everyone.

The trek is restricted for children under 12, pregnant women, and those with back problems, mobility issues, heart conditions, respiratory issues, altitude sickness, high blood pressure, or low fitness levels.

Individuals over 95 and 70 years of age are also not recommended to join. Participants must be in good physical condition to handle the high elevations and strenuous terrain.

Individuals over 95 and 70 years of age are also not recommended to join. Participants must be in good physical condition to handle the high elevations and strenuous terrain.

Babies under 1 year aren’t allowed on the trek. Adhering to these health and safety guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable adventure for all.

What to Bring and Prohibited Items

To make the most of the Santa Cruz Trek, hikers are recommended to bring a variety of essential gear. This includes:

• Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes

• Warm clothing, such as layers and a hat

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the stunning views

• Snacks and a water bottle to stay hydrated

• Rain gear in case of unexpected showers.

Prohibited items include oversized luggage, baby strollers, smoking materials, large bags, alcohol and drugs, plastic bottles, and litter.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

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Booking and Cancellation Information

The Santa Cruz Trek tour is priced from €551.70 per person. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

| Booking | Cancellation |

| — | — |

| Reserve now & pay later option | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance |

| Meeting point: Plaza de Armas in Huaraz | Full refund upon cancellation |

Be sure to confirm a WhatsApp contact upon reservation to stay in touch until the trek begins. The tour operates from Huaraz, so travelers will meet at the main porch of the cathedral.

Exploring the Santa Cruz Valley

Embarking on the Santa Cruz Trek, adventurers traverse a captivating valley nestled within the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.

Adventurers traverse a captivating valley nestled within the Cordillera Blanca mountain range on the Santa Cruz Trek.

This 4-day guided tour showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty, including:

• Towering snow-capped peaks reaching over 15,000 feet

• Turquoise glacial lakes reflecting the surrounding landscapes

• Cascading waterfalls tumbling down rugged cliffs

• Diverse alpine flora and fauna, from colorful wildflowers to grazing llamas

• Panoramic vistas of the Punta Union pass, the trek’s high point

Immersed in this pristine mountain environment, trekkers experience the thrill of adventure and the serenity of Peru’s untamed wilderness.

Trekking to Punta Union Pass

After traversing the scenic Santa Cruz Valley, trekkers reach the Punta Union pass – the tour’s high point at an impressive 4,750 meters (15,580 feet) above sea level.

The ascent to this majestic pass offers breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes. Navigating the steep, rocky terrain requires caution and stamina, but the panoramic views from the top amply reward the effort.

Descending the pass, trekkers continue their journey through the Cordillera Blanca range, part of the Huascaran National Park.

The challenging yet rewarding trek to Punta Union is a highlight of the Santa Cruz adventure.

Descending to Cashapampa

Descending from the Punta Union pass, trekkers begin their gradual descent towards the village of Cashapampa.

Trekkers begin their gradual descent towards Cashapampa, the charming village that marks the end of this magnificent 4-day adventure.

The journey down offers stunning views and several highlights:

• Winding paths through lush green meadows and pristine alpine landscapes

• Crossing crystal-clear streams and passing by serene turquoise lakes

• Spotting native wildlife like the Andean condor soaring overhead

• Encountering local communities and experiencing their traditional way of life

• Arriving at the charming village of Cashapampa, the endpoint of the trek

The descent provides a serene and satisfying conclusion to this magnificent 4-day adventure in the Cordillera Blanca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Safety Precautions Taken During the Trek?

The trek is not suitable for those with health conditions or mobility issues. Participants must bring their own personal medications. Guides and staff ensure safety protocols are followed throughout the trek to mitigate risks.

Can I Rent Equipment From the Tour Provider?

The tour provider offers trekking equipment rentals, including hiking shoes, backpacks, and rain gear. Clients can rent gear from the agency to ensure they have the proper equipment for the Santa Cruz trek.

How Are Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Trek?

The tour provider accommodates various dietary restrictions. They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals upon request. Guests should inform the provider of any dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure their requirements are met.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks and Supplies During the Trek?

Trekkers can purchase additional snacks and supplies during the trek when reaching villages and campsites. The guide can recommend where to find local stores or markets along the route to supplement the provided meals and gear.

What Is the Contingency Plan in Case of Emergencies or Unexpected Weather?

The tour provider has an emergency plan in place. Guides carry first-aid kits and can contact rescue teams if needed. They’ll adjust the itinerary if weather conditions become unsafe, with accommodation and transport provided as an alternative.

The Sum Up

The Huaraz: Santa Cruz Trek 4-Day Guided Tour is an exceptional opportunity to take in the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. With professional guidance, essential meals, and a focus on safety, trekkers can embark on an unforgettable adventure, marveling at snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and stunning waterfalls, culminating in the challenging ascent to the Punta Union pass at 4,750 m (15,580 ft).

You can check availability for your dates here: