Santa Cruz trek, Cordillera Blanca

Ideal for the uninitiated, for those with only a limited time or even wishing to acclimatize before a mountain expedition. This short and easy tour offers a first glimpse of the Cordillera Blanca, with the crossing of three spectacular valleys: the quebradas Llanganuco, Huaripampa and Santa Cruz.

An alternative with an additional day of this trekking is possible.

Duration:
– Trekking: 4 days
– Total trip: 4 days / 3 nights

Best period:
May to October

SUMMARY OF THE PROGRAM
Day 1: Huaraz – Llanganuco – Vaqueria – Cachinapampa
Day 2: Cachinapampa – Taullipampa
Day 3: Taullipampa – Base Camp Alpamayo – Llamacorral
Day 4: Llamacorral – Cashapampa – Huaraz

DETAILED TREKKING PROGRAM

DAY 1 – Huaraz – Llanganuco – Vaqueria – Cachinapampa

Departure by private car to the hamlet of Vaqueria (about 4 hours driving). The road goes through a succession of impressive hairpin turns in the deep valley of Llanganuco, home to two superb lakes. On the road we cross the pass of Portachuelo (4767 meters), the grandiose panorama of Huascaran, Huandoy, Pisco, Chopicalqui and more other peaks … Meeting with our muleteer and departure for the trek. We will start with a short descent followed by a nice rise in the long valley Huaripampa. On the way, we can admire the impressive east face of Nevado Chacraraju (6001 meters). We cross successively villages and cultivated fields. Camp setup at Cachinapampa, facing the imposing Nevado Taulliraju (5830 meters).

DAY 2 – Cachinapampa – Taullipampa

Quiet departure through a beautiful forest of quenoals (Polylepis sp.). Then sustained climb through the small lakes of Morococha, to the Punta Unión pass (4760 meters), the highest point of our trek. A beautiful view of a few giants of the Cordillera will crown our efforts! Then down on the western slopes of the Cordillera. Camp setup at Taullipampa, where abound the wild lupines (tawlli means lupine in Quechua).

DAY 3 – Taullipampa – Base Camp Alpamayo – Llamacorral

Continuing our descent in the beautiful Santa Cruz valley, passing by Ichikcocha and Jatuncocha lakes (respectively “lake” and “large lake” in Quechua). Glacial peaks (all above 6000: Artesonraju, Quitaraju and Santa Cruz) are revealed gradually. Those of you who wish can make a small detour to the base camp of Alpamayo. We will install our camp at Llamacorral.

DAY 4 – Llamacorral – Cashapampa – Huaraz

We leave broad grazing areas to follow the course of a torrent in a very deep valley: well sheltered and enjoying a temperate micro-climate, the vegetation is dense and varied. Arriving at the village of Cashapampa late morning where our private vehicle will be waiting for us. Return to Huaraz in the mid-afternoon (about 3 hours driving).

Extra details

Options

– A satellite phone (15 € / day, excluding communication costs)
– A hyperbaric chamber (15 € / day)
– An inflatable mattress (2 € / day)

Not included

– Accommodation and meals in Huaraz
– A saddle horse for emergencies (10 Euros / day)
– Line Bus transportation Lima – Huaraz – Lima
– Tip for the accompanying staff

Included

– 1 mountain guide (IFMGA)
– 1 cooker
– 1 assistant cooker (groups of more than 4 people)
– Full kitchen equipment. Complete food.
– Mule and donkeys
– private transport
– 1 kitchen tent, 1 mess tent, two-people tents, sleeping mats
– Entry to Huascaran National Park
– Information and specific recommendations before the trekking
– Permanent assistance of the agency throughout the duration of your stay
– IGV (18%), general sales tax

Price

– 2 people: 530€/person
– 3 people: 400€/person
– 4 people: 345€/person
– 5 and more people: 305/person€