13-day Trek from Santa Cruz to Ulta in the Andes, Peru

Join IFMGA-certified mountain guide Cesar Vargas for an unforgettable 13 days trekking in the wild beauty of the Peruvian Andes

Private

13 Days

Apr - Nov

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Traverse vast wild landscapes of the Andes at altitudes reaching 4860m
Visit glacial mountain lakes, hot springs, lush valleys and more
Leave modernity behind explore untamed lands through Cesar's intimate knowledge

Description

This trek from Santa Cruz to Ulta is based in and around Huascaran National Park in the spectacular Andes of Peru. The trek begins in Huaripampa valley and terminates in the Ulta Valley within the national park. On route you will pass Punta Union located at 4700m and also Punta Yanayacu at 4860m. Our final camp is close to an old avalanche site and along the trek will we visit glacial lakes, hot springs and enjoy some of the most breathtaking mountain vistas on the planet.

Cordillera Blanca is the mountain range that comprises the Huascaran National Park, well known for its high altitude hiking. The national park contains Peru’s highest peak, Herado Huascaran Sur (6768m), which we will dominate the horizon during our trek. Our hike will encompass many flat valleys perfect of hiking that allow one to take in the surroundings.

I can’t wait to share this stunning landscape with you, I have an intimate knowledge of the region and it is my privilege to guide you through its wild and majestic lands. Our trekking route goes through almost pristine terrain with hardly any settlements or other people along the way so we can leave modernity behind!

At this altitude one needs to be quite fit and with an adequate level of endurance. You will spend some time acclimitising to the conditions, however it’s not recommended that you join this trip as a beginner. To get here you will take a 50 minute flight from Lima and arrive in Huaraz.

Sign up now and I’ll be waiting to guide you on this unforgettable journey across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

If you have less time available, join me instead on a dramatic 7 day trek in the nearby Cordillera Huayhuash . Or if you are looking to summit the highest peak in Peru then consider this adventure of a 7 day ascent on mount Huascaran.

Price includes

Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 1: Lima - Huaraz

This day will involve your transfer flight from Lima to Huaraz

Day 2: Acclimitisation Day

This day will be spent in Huaraz (3050m) to acclimitise to the altitude before trekking begins

Day 3: Huaraz - Caraz - Hualcayan

Our first day of trekking sees us depart Huaraz, pass through Caraz and reach Hualcayan at 3250m

Day 4: Hualcayan - Huishcash

From Hualcayan we will climb higher to Huishcash at 4400

Day 5: Huishcash - Cullicocha

On day 5 we will move from Huishcash to Cullicocha lake, then onto the Pass at 4780m, finally we’ll descend a few hundred meters to Osoruri at 4430m.

Day 6: Osoruri - Oso ruri Pass - Jankarurish

From Osoruri we head to Osoruri pass at 4670m and then down to Jankarurish at 4200m.

Day 7: Jankarurish - Alpamayo - Jankarurish

This day we will move up the our highest altitude of 4850m at Moraine camp of Alpamayo. We can then head back to Jankarurish or hav the day off to relax.

Day 8: Jankarurish - Kara Kara pass - Huillca

After Jankarurish we will visit Kara Kara Pass at 4830m and then descend to Huillca at 4200m.

Day 9: Huillca - Yanajanka Pass - Jankapampa

Day 9 will see us head from Huillca to Yanajanka at 4560m and then onto Yankapampa at 4250m

Day 10: Jankapampa - Huecrococha

From Jankapampa we will head to Tupa Tupa pass at 4400m and thenn on to Huecrococha at 4200m.

Day 11: Huecrococha - Paria

Next up we will leave Huecrococha for Puka Raju pass at 4650m and then descend to Paria at 3950m.

Day 12: Paria - Huaraz

Our last day of hiking will have us descend from Paria down to Huaraz stopping at Vaqueria on route.

Day 13: Huaraz - Lima

Your final day of the trip will see you take your transfer flight from Huaraz back to Lima.

About the guide

Cesar

Mountain Guide

IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide from Perú

I started working on the mountains when I was still a college student, working in climbing and trekking tours.

This early passion quickly developed into a profession, for climbing and trekking in the Andes. I learned with experienced German, Canadian and Swiss guides, among others.

I like to share my experience and expertise acquired in expeditions around the world, and show visitors the beauty of the Peruvian Andes in the Cordillera Blanca, and all along my country.

I am a certified IFMGA-UIAGM mountain guide and member of the Association of Mountain Guides of Peru (AGMP).

I speak Spanish, English and Quechua.

Languages

| English

Certificates

AGMP

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