Santa Cruz Trek
Photo: sergejf, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Santa Cruz Trek is a three- to four-day high-altitude hike in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru, crossing part of Huascarán National Park between the trailheads of Vaquería and Cashapampa. The route is normally walked as a camping trek, with access and return transport arranged through Huaraz, Yungay and Caraz. It follows glacial valleys, lakes and streams beneath some of Peru's most famous peaks, including Taulliraju, Alpamayo, Artesonraju and Huascarán.
The classic route is about 50 km long and crosses 4750 m Punta Unión pass. Most hikers complete it in four days and three nights, although acclimatized and fit hikers sometimes do it in three days. The trek can be walked independently or with a guide, cook and pack animals arranged through agencies in Huaraz.
UnderstandThe Santa Cruz Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Cordillera Blanca because it combines relatively straightforward trail walking with close views of high Andean scenery.
PrepareYou must pay the Huascarán National Park entry fee. Keep the ticket with you, as there are park checkpoints and rangers may ask to see it.
Get inMost hikers arrange transport in Huaraz, the main trekking hub for the Cordillera Blanca. Agencies offer guided group departures, private transport and sometimes spare seats in vehicles already going to a trailhead.
WalkThe following description gives the common four-day route from Vaquería to Cashapampa. Distances and times are approximate and vary with campsites, weather, acclimatization and side trips.
Stay safeAltitude is the main hazard. Do not start the trek immediately after arriving from sea level. Symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite or unusual fatigue may indicate altitude sickness.
Go nextFrom Cashapampa, take a colectivo or taxi to Caraz, then onward transport to Huaraz.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Santa Cruz Trek" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: sergejf, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons