The Santa Cruz Trek
One of the most popular treks of the Cordillera Blanca, this 3 to 4 day hike covers about 45 km and altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 4,800m. The trek goes through dynamic terrain, including flower-filled meadows and glacier-fed turquoise lakes. The trail is also very well maintained, with campsites and toilets along the way.
The best time to go is between April and October and the trek can be reached easily in a few hours by bus from Huarez. Beginning near Colcabamba and ending at Caraz, the difficulty level is moderate. The maximum altitude reached is 4750m at the Punta Union Pass and the minimum 2250m at Caraz.
Day 1
The trek begins at Cashapampa (2800m) where hikers will begin a 5-hour trek up the Santa Cruz canyon to Llamacorral (3750m), covering approximately 16km. The trek begins in Yungay a few miles from the Lagunas de Llanganuco near the Portachuelo pass of Llanganuco and continues on a descent towards the village of Colcabamba (3241m) where trekkers will camp for the night. The stunning Chopicalqui can also been seen on the horizon, which towers 6340m over a few thatched-roofed houses.
Day 2
From here the trail ascends up through the Nuaripamap Quebrada, or Narrow Valley to the snow-capped peaks of Chacraraju (6096m) and Piramide (5800m). This is a nice place to enjoy the view and rest before the ascent to the high pass of Punta Union. Then trekkers will set up camp in the silver and pink glow of sunset at Paria (3850m). This is the most challenging day of the trip, with 7 hours of hiking.
Day 3
The next day the trail continues over Punta Union, the highest point in the trek at 4750m. The peak of Taulliraju, (5791m) and glacier lakes can be seen in the distance as well as the first glimpse of the magnitude of the Cordillera Blanca. Then the trail descends to the village of Cashapampa (2950m), which is a lovely place with fields of flowers, llamas and goats grazing in pastures, and a wooded stream. This is also the area of the campsite.
Day 4
The last leg of the trip is to Caraz (2250m), the endpoint town, where you can take a bus back to Huarez or stay for the night at one of the hotels near the Plaza de Armas. There is also the beautiful turquoise Lago Paron, which can be an all-day hike or a quick trip in a taxi.
Map of Santa Cruz Trek
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