4-day Santa Cruz Trek from Huaraz: Alpamayo & alpine lakes

Four days crossing alpine passes with views of Alpamayo and glacial lakes

A 4-day trek around the Santa Cruz route in Huaraz's Cordillera Blanca, one of the world's most popular high-altitude treks, with a Spanish-speaking guide, tent camping, all meals, and donkey support. The route climbs from 2,900 meters to Punta Union Pass at 4,750 meters, passing through lakes and glaciers before descending to Vaqueria. Pickup from Huaraz is included. You'll need moderate fitness and should bring or rent personal trekking gear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Transfer and trek to Llamacorral

• Transfer from Huaraz to Cashapampa
• Trek to Llamacorral (3800 m)

Day 2: Trek from Llamacorral to Taullipampa

• Trek from Llamacorral to Taullipampa (4250 m)

Day 3: Cross Punta Union Pass and trek to Huaripampa

• Trek from Taullipampa to Punta Union Pass (4750 m)
• Trek to Paria and Refugio Huaripampa (3600 m)

Day 4: Trek to Vaqueria and transfer to Huaraz

• Trek from Huaripampa to Vaqueria
• Transfer by van over Portachuelo Pass to Huaraz

The experience

The Santa Cruz Trek circles one of Peru's most walked high-altitude routes, and the reason is immediate: the camps sit among some of the world's most dramatic mountain scenery. You start with a transfer from Huaraz to Cashapampa at 2,900 meters, then trek upward through three days of camps (Llamacorral, Taullipampa, and Huaripampa) each one higher and more exposed than the last. The route's centerpiece is Punta Union Pass at 4,750 meters, the highest point, where the view opens across the Cordillera Blanca's glaciers and peaks, including the iconic Alpamayo. On the final day you trek down to Vaqueria and return to Huaraz by van over Portachuelo Pass.

The trek runs with a professional guide who speaks Spanish, and the operator handles the logistics that make high-altitude camping possible: a cook and helpers prepare all meals at camp, donkeys carry the heavy loads, and tents sleep two people each. You carry only a day pack. The guide manages the pace and watches for altitude effects. The operator's base in Huaraz supports the expedition from the start. Transportation to and from the trailhead is included, and you'll camp every night rather than stay in refugios or lodges.

Personal trekking equipment (boots, sleeping bag, mat, and weatherproof jacket) is not provided and must be brought or rented separately. The trek demands moderate fitness. The altitude and daily climbing mean early starts and steady effort, but the route is a walk rather than a technical climb. National park entrance fees (90 soles) are paid separately at the gate.

What’s included

• Professional Spanish-speaking guide.
• all meals during the trek.
• tent camping with two-person tents.
• donkey support to carry loads.
• cook and helpers from groups of six or more.
• private transportation to and from the trailhead.
• kitchen equipment at camp.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 17.15

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Peru Expeditions Tours

Is this one for you?Four days means you trek without rushing but don't spend a week in the mountains: the schedule fits a longer Peru trip with time for Huaraz town or other regions before or after. You'll need moderate fitness and acclimatization time. The altitude and daily climbing demand steady effort, so this suits trekkers who've hiked at elevation or are willing to take the pace slowly on the first days.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the highest point on the Santa Cruz Trek?

Punta Union Pass reaches 4,750 meters on day three, the trek's highest point and the place where the route crosses from one valley system to the next. The pass sits above the tree line with views across the Cordillera Blanca's glaciers and peaks.

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

Yes, personal trekking equipment including boots, sleeping bag, mat, and weatherproof jacket must be brought or rented before the trek starts. The operator provides the tent, meals, and guide support, but not individual gear.

How much climbing happens each day?

Day one climbs from 2,900 to 3,800 meters; day two goes from 3,800 to 4,250 meters; day three is the hardest, climbing to 4,750 meters at Punta Union Pass then descending to 3,600 meters; day four descends from 3,600 to the village of Vaqueria and returns to Huaraz by van. The altitude gain is spread across the four days, but day three is the most demanding.

What meals are included during the trek?

All meals are prepared by the cook at camp each day: breakfast before the trek, lunch at midday, and dinner after arrival. The operator provides the food and kitchen equipment. You eat at camp and carry snacks for the trail.

Is the guide Spanish-speaking only?

The guide speaks Spanish. If you need interpretation into another language, arrange that separately before booking.

When does the trek start and end each day?

The first day begins with pickup from Huaraz in the morning for the transfer to Cashapampa, then trekking to Llamacorral. Subsequent days start early from camp to make the most of daylight. The final day ends with return to Huaraz by van in the afternoon.