4-day Santa Cruz Trek Cordillera Blanca from Huaraz

You climb to high altitude and descend through multiple valleys in a single trek.

A 4-day trek through Cordillera Blanca starting and ending in Huaraz, following the Santa Cruz route from Cashapampa up to Punta Union Pass and down through Llanganuco. A professional guide and cook travel with you. All camping equipment, meals and donkeys to carry your gear are included. Minimum two people per booking. At least moderate fitness required.

The experience

The route climbs from Cashapampa at 2,970 meters to Taullipampa Camp, then to Punta Union Pass at 4,750 meters on day three, before descending through Cachinapampa and Yanachaca to finish at Portachuelo Llanganuco. You sleep in camping tents each night, with a separate dining tent and toilet tent set up at each camp. Donkeys carry up to 12 kilos of your personal gear per person, so you walk without a heavy pack.

A qualified trekking guide leads the group and a professional mountain cook prepares all meals at camp: three breakfasts, four lunches, three tea times and three dinners over the four days, with vegetarian options available if you request them when booking. A radio communicator and cellular phone travel with the group for safety. If your group has more than eight people, an assistant guide joins as well. Groups of six or more also get an emergency horse on standby.

Private transport picks you up in Huaraz on day one and returns you there after day four. A trek information meeting happens before departure so you know what to expect. Basic first aid and portable oxygen travel with the guide. The trek suits anyone with moderate fitness who can handle sustained climbing over four days at high altitude. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Professional trekking guide and mountain cook.
• camping tent, sleeping bag and personal mattress.
• all meals during the trek including three breakfasts, four lunches, three tea times and three dinners with vegetarian options.
• kitchen and dining equipment.
• donkeys to carry up to 12 kilos of gear per person.
• private transport from Huaraz to the trailhead and back.
• radio communicator and cellular phone.
• basic first aid kit and portable oxygen.
• trek information meeting before departure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (30 to 65 years) · Youth (18 to 29 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 34

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Scheler Artizon Trek

Is this one for you?The guide leads in English or Spanish depending on the group, so confirm the language when you book if you need a specific one. The trek suits anyone with moderate fitness who can handle four days of sustained climbing at high altitude. It is not for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 29 years). Children under 18 can't be included in the booking.

What is Punta Union Pass and why does the trek go there?

Punta Union Pass sits at 4,750 meters and is the highest point of the Santa Cruz trek. Crossing it on day three connects the Llanganuco valley on one side to the Cashapampa valley on the other, making it the natural spine of the route.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and tent?

No. A sleeping bag rated to minus 5 degrees Celsius, a personal mattress and a camping tent are all provided. You bring personal clothing and toiletries. The outfitter supplies everything else for sleeping and eating.

How much gear do the donkeys carry for me?

Donkeys carry up to 12 kilos per person of your baggage and personal clothing, so you trek with a light daypack. The cook's equipment, food and the group's tents travel separately on the donkeys.

What happens if I need a vegetarian diet?

Vegetarian meals are available. Tell the outfitter at the time of booking so the cook can plan the menus in advance.

Is there a minimum group size to book this trek?

Yes, a minimum of two people per booking is required. Private transport from Huaraz and the guide's services run regardless of group size.

What fitness level do I need for this trek?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The trek climbs over 1,700 meters on day two and day three combined, with sustained elevation gain at high altitude where the air is thinner.