Huaraz · Cordillera Blanca · Peru
Santa Cruz Trek, Peru
Four days through the Cordillera Blanca, over Punta Unión at about 4,750 m and down the Santa Cruz valley under Alpamayo and Taulliraju. The classic first trek in Peru's highest range, best done after a few days of acclimatisation hikes from Huaraz.
From US$790 per person
Photo: Lidsay Brito, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Is the Santa Cruz trek for you?
The Santa Cruz trek in Peru crosses the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world, inside Huascarán National Park. From Vaquería (about 3,700 m) the route climbs through Quechua farmland to Paria, crosses Punta Unión at about 4,750 m with Taulliraju (5,830 m) above the pass, and descends the long Santa Cruz valley past turquoise lakes to Cashapampa at about 2,900 m. A side trip to the Arhuaycocha lake brings you under the pyramid of Alpamayo (5,947 m).
It is about 45–50 km over four days, with one big climb and no technical ground, which makes it the best introduction to Cordillera Blanca trekking. Our 10-day program adds the acclimatisation that most short tours skip: day hikes from Huaraz to Laguna Churup and Laguna 69 before the trek. For a longer, wilder route, the Alpamayo circuit (about 118 km, 9–13 days) is available on request, and the Huayhuash trek lies just to the south. Compare all of them in our Peru trekking guide.
Acclimatise before Punta Unión
Huaraz sits at about 3,050 m and Punta Unión at about 4,750 m. Tours that drive you to Vaquería the morning after you arrive from Lima at sea level put you over the pass on day two with no time to adjust. Our 10-day plan climbs in steps: Laguna Churup (about 4,450 m), then Laguna 69 (about 4,600 m), then the trek. Since February 2026 Laguna 69 can only be visited with a registered agency, which our partner is.
Your itinerary
The classic 4-day Santa Cruz trek
Drive past the Llanganuco lakes and over the Portachuelo pass to Vaquería (about 3,700 m), then walk up to camp at Paria (about 3,900 m). About 11 km.
The big day: up to Punta Unión at about 4,750 m, under the ice of Taulliraju, and down to Taullipampa (about 4,250 m). About 13 km.
Optional side trip to Arhuaycocha under Alpamayo, then down the valley to Llamacorral (about 3,750 m). About 13 km.
Down the gorge to Cashapampa (about 2,900 m), about 10 km, and the drive back to Huaraz.
Recommended: the 10-day Cordillera Blanca program
Arrive in Huaraz (about 3,050 m) and hike to Laguna Churup (about 4,450 m) on day two.
An easy day: Huaraz market and town, or a walk around the Llanganuco lakes.
A full-day hike to Laguna 69 (about 4,600 m) under Chacraraju, with a licensed agency as the park requires.
Recovery and gear check before the trek.
The four days above, with the Arhuaycocha side trip to the foot of Alpamayo.
Morning in Huaraz and the road to Lima, about 8 hours.
Santa Cruz trek altitude profile
The 10-day program builds altitude in steps before the single big climb of the trek:
- Huaraz: 3,050 m
- Laguna Churup: 4,450 m
- Laguna 69: 4,600 m
- Paria: 3,900 m
- Punta Unión: 4,750 m
- Cashapampa: 2,900 m
Prices
- 4 days: Santa Cruz trekFrom US$790
- 10 days: Cordillera Blanca programFrom US$1,990
Per person in US dollars, based on 2 travellers sharing. Groups of 4 or more pay less per person; solo travellers pay a supplement. We confirm the exact price for your dates and group. Peru prices are based on current market rates for this trek; we confirm the final price with our local partner operator for your dates.
What's included
Included
- Licensed Peruvian trekking guide (through our local partner operator)
- Arrieros and donkeys, camping equipment and a cook
- All meals on the trek
- Huascarán National Park ticket
- Private transport Huaraz–Vaquería and Cashapampa–Huaraz
Not included
- International flights and the Lima–Huaraz transfer
- Hotels in Huaraz
- Travel insurance (required)
- Sleeping bag rental and tips for the trek team
Gear
Typically provided
- Tents, mess tent and sleeping mats
- Cook and all trek meals
- Donkeys for duffel bags
- First-aid kit
You bring
- Sleeping bag rated below 0 °C
- Broken-in hiking boots
- Warm layers and a rain jacket
- Sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Cash in soles for small purchases
Safety on the mountain
- Licensed Peruvian guides through a vetted, park-registered operator
- Acclimatisation hikes before the trek on our 10-day plan
- Turn-back plan on the Punta Unión day
- Small groups
Santa Cruz trek FAQ
How hard is the Santa Cruz trek?
Moderate. It is about 45–50 km over four days with one big climb to Punta Unión (about 4,750 m) and no technical ground. The altitude is the main challenge, which is why we add acclimatisation hikes from Huaraz first.
Do you need a guide for the Santa Cruz trek?
The rules are not clear: Laguna 69 has been agency-only since February 2026, and park guidance says licensed guides are required, while some trekkers still walk Santa Cruz independently. Our trips always run with a licensed guide and arrieros through a registered operator.
How much is the Huascarán National Park ticket?
In 2026 foreign visitors pay S/30 for one day, S/60 for two to three days and S/150 for four to thirty days. The Santa Cruz trek needs the 4–30 day ticket, which is included on our trips.
When is the best time for the Santa Cruz trek?
From May to mid-September, the dry season in the Cordillera Blanca. Outside those months expect rain, snow on Punta Unión and cloud on the peaks.
How do you get to the Santa Cruz trek?
From Lima, Huaraz is about 8 hours by road. The trek starts at Vaquería, a few hours from Huaraz over the Llanganuco lakes, and ends at Cashapampa, about two hours back.
How much does the Santa Cruz trek cost?
From US$790 per person for the 4-day trek and US$1,990 for the 10-day Cordillera Blanca program, for two travellers sharing. We confirm the final price with our partner in Huaraz for your dates.
Plan your Santa Cruz trek
Tell us your dates and whether you want the 4-day trek or the 10-day Cordillera Blanca program with acclimatisation hikes.