4-Day Santa Cruz Trek from Huaraz: Cordillera Blanca circuit

Four days of high-altitude hiking through colorful lakes and mountain passes

The 4-day Santa Cruz Trek from Huaraz is a circuit trek through Peru's Cordillera Blanca, combining moderate hiking with high-altitude acclimatization on a route that loops past turquoise lakes, alpine meadows and views of peaks like Artesonraju and Huascaran. Hotel pickup in Huaraz, a local English-speaking guide, tent camping with sleeping gear, donkey support for luggage and transport back to town are included. You hike between 4 and 9 hours each day, sleeping at elevations between 3,760 and 4,200 meters.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Huaraz to Llamacorral camp

• Leave Huaraz at 7am
• Drive through Callejon de Huaylas
• Arrive at Cashapampa trailhead
• Meet donkey drivers and prepare
• Hike up narrow valley for 2 hours
• Have lunch in tree's shadow
• Hike to Llamacorral camp for 2 hours
• Overnight camping at Llamacorral

Day 2: Llamacorral to Taullipampa camp

• Breakfast at camp
• Hike along valley to Ichicocha and Jatuncocha lakes
• Lunch at Quisuar
• Visit Alpamayo south base camp for photos
• Hike to Taullipampa camp
• Overnight camping at Taullipampa

Day 3: Taullipampa to Cachinapampa camp

• Breakfast at camp
• Hike up zig-zag path to Punta Union pass
• Enjoy mountain and lake views
• Hike down to Morococha lakes
• Continue to Cachinapampa camp
• Overnight camping at Cachinapampa

Day 4: Huaripampa to Huaraz via Llanganuco

• Breakfast at camp
• Hike down valley to Huaripampa
• Climb to Vaqueria
• Meet minivan at Vaqueria
• Drive through Portachuelo Llanganuco Pass
• View Llanganuco Valley and mountains
• Return to Huaraz

The experience

Day one leaves Huaraz at 7am and drives north through the Callejon de Huaylas to the trailhead at Cashapampa (2,900m), where donkey drivers meet the group. The hike climbs a narrow, steep valley for about 2 hours before lunch in the shade, then continues another 2 hours to the first camp at Llamacorral (3,760m). Total walking time is roughly 4 hours, covering about 5km.

Days two and three take you deeper into the high country. The second day is a moderate 6-hour walk past two turquoise lakes (Ichicocha and Jatuncocha) with a lunch stop at Quisuar, then a detour to Alpamayo's south base camp before descending to Taullipampa (4,200m). The third day is the hardest: a 3-hour climb up a zig-zag path to Punta Union pass (4,750m), where the views open across the Cordillera Blanca to peaks like Taulliraju, Paria and Artesonraju. From there it's a 4-hour descent past Morococha lakes to Cachinapampa (3,850m), making the full day about 8 or 9 hours of walking.

The final day is a descent through the valley to Vaqueria, where a minivan picks you up and drives back to Huaraz via the Portachuelo Llanganuco Pass (4,750m). The drive crosses quinoa forests and meadows before opening onto the Llanganuco Valley, with views of Huascaran's north and south peaks, Huandoy and Chacraraju framing the landscape. You arrive back in Huaraz in the afternoon. The trek includes a local guide, tent camping with basic sleeping bags and mattresses, donkey drivers to carry heavy gear, and drinking water after the second day. You need moderate fitness and should be at least 15 years old.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Huaraz.
• local English-speaking guide for all four days.
• tent camping with basic sleeping tent, sleeping bag and mattress.
• donkey drivers to carry your gear.
• minivan transfer to and from the trailhead.
• drinking water after the second day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:30 and 06:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (15 to 75 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Peru Bergsport

Is this one for you?The trek averages 4 to 9 hours of walking each day at high altitude, with the steepest climbing on day three. This schedule is what lets you acclimatize gradually while reaching Punta Union pass and circling the full Cordillera Blanca in four days instead of six.

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Top questions

What's the highest point I'll reach on the Santa Cruz Trek?

Punta Union pass sits at 4,750 meters, reached on day three after a 3-hour climb from Taullipampa. From there you descend for 4 hours to the next camp.

How much hiking do I do each day on this trek?

Day one is about 4 hours of walking; day two is roughly 6 hours; day three is the longest at 8 or 9 hours; day four is a shorter descent to Vaqueria where the minivan meets you.

What lakes will I see on the Santa Cruz Trek?

You pass Ichicocha and Jatuncocha on day two, both turquoise alpine lakes in the valley. Day three crosses Morococha lakes on the descent from Punta Union pass, and the final drive takes you through the Llanganuco Valley.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

A local English-speaking guide leads the trek and is included in the price. Donkey drivers also accompany the group to carry luggage.

What do I need to bring, and what's provided?

The trek includes a basic sleeping tent, sleeping bag and mattress, so you don't need to rent or buy those. Drinking water is provided after the second day. You'll need to bring your own clothes, toiletries, medications and snacks. Lunch and dinner are your responsibility.

How do I get to the trailhead from Huaraz?

Hotel pickup is included in downtown Huaraz around 7am on day one. The minivan drives you north through the Callejon de Huaylas to Cashapampa (2,900m), where the trek begins.