17-Day Trekking Tour in Santa Cruz and Huayhuash from Huaraz

17 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Admire the snow-covered mountains as you pass through the Santa Cruz and Pocpa valleys in Peru. Go trekking through the mountains of Santa Cruz, Huayhuash, and...

Duration: 17 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Hard · Accommodation: Included · Budget · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Huaraz, Huascarán National Park, Cordillera Huayhuash · Languages: English

Know before you go: Before starting the trek, we will provide you with the camping materials and menu. Passengers can check them and give suggestions. Any complaints after the beginning of the trek will not be entertained.

About Huascarán National Park

Peru

Huascarán National Park

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What's Included

Reception at the bus station in Huaraz
Guest house/B&B accommodation as per itinerary in a private room with breakfast
Transfers to and from the trailheads
Full-day acclimatizing tours to Churup, Lake 69, and Lake Wilcacocha
Camping equipment for the Santa Cruz Trek and Huayhuash
Peru trekking guide
Cook
Sleeping tents
Group tent
Meals: B/L/D
Boiled water during the trek
Donkeys for luggage
Additional services in the itinerary

Not Included

Huascaran National Park entrance fee
Huayhuash community entrance fee
Tips for staff
Personal medicines
Toiletries

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Huaraz to Churup Lake Hike

Go on a full-day hiking tour from Huaraz to Pitec. Go on a full-day hiking tour from Huaraz to Pitec. Enjoy the trail for a couple of hours, then take the same path back to Huaraz. Enjoy the trail for a couple of hours, then take the same path back to Huaraz.
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Day 02

Lake 69 Acclimatization Hike

Enjoy an early morning breakfast at your hotel in Huaraz. Enjoy an early morning breakfast at your hotel in Huaraz. Then get picked up around 5 am and drive to the hike's starting point at Cebollapampa. The journey takes approximately three hours. Then get picked up around 5 am and drive to the hike's starting point at Cebollapampa. The journey takes approximately three hours. Begin on a moderate slope for about 4 hours before reaching Lake 69. Once you arrive, you will have enough time to discover its beauty and take many unforgettable pictures. Begin on a moderate slope for about 4 hours before reaching Lake 69. Once you arrive, you will have enough time to discover its beauty and take many unforgettable pictures. Return on the same trail to Cebollapampa, where the bus will be waiting for you. Return on the same trail to Cebollapampa, where the bus will be waiting for you. Transfer to the Vaqueria trailhead for the next day's trek. Transfer to the Vaqueria trailhead for the next day's trek. Relax at a nice hotel at the mountain base, with dinner and an overnight stay.
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Day 03

Vaqueria to Paria on the Santa Cruz Trek

Start the Santa Cruz Trek after breakfast. Start the Santa Cruz Trek after breakfast. Follow your Peru trekking guide through the small village of Huaripampa, equipped with your day pack and box lunch. Follow your Peru trekking guide through the small village of Huaripampa, equipped with your day pack and box lunch. Register at the National Park control point. From here, you will have an incredible view of Pucaraju (5,025 m). At the tent, enjoy a hot cup of tea to warm up. Register at the National Park control point. From here, you will have an incredible view of Pucaraju (5,025 m). At the tent, enjoy a hot cup of tea to warm up. From Huaraz to Vaqueria is 121 km, approximately 5 hours of driving on a non-paved trail. Highest pass: Portachuelo Llangnauco. From Vaqueria to Paria campsite is 13 km - about 5 hours of walking.
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Day 04

Paria to Punta Union Pass and Taullipampa

Have breakfast around 6:15 am. Meanwhile, the tents are taken down. Have breakfast around 6:15 am. Meanwhile, the tents are taken down. Head toward the highest point of the Santa Cruz Trek, Punta Union Pass at 4,750 m. The beginning of the trek is easy, but then the hardest part starts as you climb the steep pass. Slowly and with small steps, make your way up over huge rocks on this strenuous and challenging hike. Head toward the highest point of the Santa Cruz Trek, Punta Union Pass at 4,750 m. The beginning of the trek is easy, but then the hardest part starts as you climb the steep pass. Slowly and with small steps, make your way up over huge rocks on this strenuous and challenging hike. Reach the pass almost 7 hours after leaving the campsite. Reach the pass almost 7 hours after leaving the campsite. Enjoy the fantastic views of the Santa Cruz Valley to the west and the Huaripampa Valley to the east. Looking toward the Santa Cruz Valley, admire the peak of Taulliraju (5,830 m) with its glacial lake on the right-hand side. Enjoy the fantastic views of the Santa Cruz Valley to the west and the Huaripampa Valley to the east. Looking toward the Santa Cruz Valley, admire the peak of Taulliraju (5,830 m) with its glacial lake on the right-hand side. See the mountains Paria (5,720 m) and Artesonraju (6,025 m) on the left-hand side. Far away in the distance, you can see the blue water of Lake Jatuncocha in the Santa Cruz Canyon. In good weather conditions, you can already see all of Santa Cruz Canyon with the mountains Alpamayo (5,947 m), Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Rinrihircas, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, and Pucahircas. See the mountains Paria (5,720 m) and Artesonraju (6,025 m) on the left-hand side. Far away in the distance, you can see the blue water of Lake Jatuncocha in the Santa Cruz Canyon. In good weather conditions, you can already see all of Santa Cruz Canyon with the mountains Alpamayo (5,947 m), Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Rinrihircas, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, and Pucahircas. Descend to the next camp, Taullipampa (4,250 m). Descend to the next camp, Taullipampa (4,250 m). Enjoy dinner with the crew. Enjoy dinner with the crew. Walking distance: about 16 km. About 8 or 9 hours of walking.
5

Day 05

Taullipampa to Llamacorral

After breakfast, leave Camp Taullipampa and enjoy a pleasant and much easier route up to a viewpoint where you can have a great view of Paria and Artesonraju. After breakfast, leave Camp Taullipampa and enjoy a pleasant and much easier route up to a viewpoint where you can have a great view of Paria and Artesonraju. Continue to Laguna Jatuncocha. Its blue water is fascinating, and you can enjoy a snack break with views of the valley. Continue to Laguna Jatuncocha. Its blue water is fascinating, and you can enjoy a snack break with views of the valley. Make your way down into the Santa Cruz Canyon and pass the beautiful Lake Jatuncocha. Make your way down into the Santa Cruz Canyon and pass the beautiful Lake Jatuncocha. Cross the Llamacorral campsite (3,760 m). Cross the Llamacorral campsite (3,760 m).
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Day 06

Llamacorral to Cashapampa and Huaraz

Make your way through different vegetation on a gradual descent to the final destination, Cashapampa. Along the way, come across cactuses. Make your way through different vegetation on a gradual descent to the final destination, Cashapampa. Along the way, come across cactuses. Walk along the Santa Cruz River and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the valley. Walk along the Santa Cruz River and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the valley. At around 12:00 pm, arrive in the village of Cashapampa. At around 12:00 pm, arrive in the village of Cashapampa. Walking distance: about 5 km, an easy walk. About 2 or 3 hours with rests.
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Day 07

Wilcacocha Half-Day Trek and Rest in Huaraz

Huillcacocha lies at 3,600 m and has plenty of wild ducks and hummingbirds. The stunning view of the amazing Cordillera Blanca is extremely impressive for its wide display of snowcapped peaks and magnificent landscapes. Complete the hiking circuit at the lake and get picked up by your mountain tour guide to go to the public minivans station (private groups - private car). Huillcacocha lies at 3,600 m and has plenty of wild ducks and hummingbirds. The stunning view of the amazing Cordillera Blanca is extremely impressive for its wide display of snowcapped peaks and magnificent landscapes. Complete the hiking circuit at the lake and get picked up by your mountain tour guide to go to the public minivans station (private groups - private car). Drive to Chiwipampa along 10 km of paved highway on the south side of Huaraz. Drive to Chiwipampa along 10 km of paved highway on the south side of Huaraz. Cross the Santa River by a small bridge in the direction of Santa Cruz Village, where you will start hiking up to Huillcacocha Lake. The short trek is a moderate ascent on a local trail for about an hour. During your hike, you will meet local people still wearing their traditional colourful Andean clothes. Cross the Santa River by a small bridge in the direction of Santa Cruz Village, where you will start hiking up to Huillcacocha Lake. The short trek is a moderate ascent on a local trail for about an hour. During your hike, you will meet local people still wearing their traditional colourful Andean clothes. Pass by typical adobe houses while taking the opportunity to appreciate the farming fields and observe products such as wheat, barley, oats, corn, and potatoes. Pass by typical adobe houses while taking the opportunity to appreciate the farming fields and observe products such as wheat, barley, oats, corn, and potatoes. Arrive at the lake and be surprised by the wonderful views of the Cordillera Blanca and the notoriously impressive Huascaran massif, the highest peak in the Cordillera Blanca at 6,768 masl. There is an alternative trail to cross to the north side toward the Cordillera Negra and reach Huascar village. From here, a car will take you back to Huaraz. You can thus avoid taking the same trail on your way back to Huaraz, or you can return the same way if you prefer. Arrive at the lake and be surprised by the wonderful views of the Cordillera Blanca and the notoriously impressive Huascaran massif, the highest peak in the Cordillera Blanca at 6,768 masl. There is an alternative trail to cross to the north side toward the Cordillera Negra and reach Huascar village. From here, a car will take you back to Huaraz. You can thus avoid taking the same trail on your way back to Huaraz, or you can return the same way if you prefer.
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Day 08

Huaraz to Llamac and Cuartelhuain

Pack your bags to leave Huaraz and head toward Llamac (3,350 m). Pack your bags to leave Huaraz and head toward Llamac (3,350 m). Cross the wild paramo (puna) by Conococha Pass at 4,500 m, passing the southernmost peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. The Huayhuash range contains, in a single cluster, seven of the highest and most dramatic summits in Peru. Behold these peaks on your descent to the small town of Llamac. Cross the wild paramo (puna) by Conococha Pass at 4,500 m, passing the southernmost peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. The Huayhuash range contains, in a single cluster, seven of the highest and most dramatic summits in Peru. Behold these peaks on your descent to the small town of Llamac. Continue uphill through the Pocpa Valley. On the way, there is a typical peasant town called Pocpa. It is the last town in this valley where you can buy soda and other drinks. Continue uphill through the Pocpa Valley. On the way, there is a typical peasant town called Pocpa. It is the last town in this valley where you can buy soda and other drinks. Arrive at Pallca for lunch. Half an hour from here is your campsite, Matacancha (4,100 masl). From here, appreciate Ninashanca Mountain (5,607 masl) and Rondoy (5,870 masl). Arrive at Pallca for lunch. Half an hour from here is your campsite, Matacancha (4,100 masl). From here, appreciate Ninashanca Mountain (5,607 masl) and Rondoy (5,870 masl). Overnight camping at Cuartelhuain (4,200 masl).
9

Day 09

Cuartelhuain to Mitucocha

Start the trek after breakfast at 8 am. This section is a bit difficult because the climb to the pass will take about 2 or 3 hours. Start the trek after breakfast at 8 am. This section is a bit difficult because the climb to the pass will take about 2 or 3 hours. From the pass, first descend and then ascend again for approximately 30 minutes. Have lunch after the short climb. From the pass, first descend and then ascend again for approximately 30 minutes. Have lunch after the short climb. Take the alternative trail to reach the campsite early. On this route, you will get to appreciate the Andean rabbits called vizcachas. Take the alternative trail to reach the campsite early. On this route, you will get to appreciate the Andean rabbits called vizcachas. Arrive at the campsite and go fishing at the lake while the cook prepares dinner. You will camp at 4,170 masl. Arrive at the campsite and go fishing at the lake while the cook prepares dinner. You will camp at 4,170 masl.
10

Day 10

Mitucocha to Carhuacocha

Start the trek at 8 am. Start the trek at 8 am. After 3 hours of walking, reach the pass where you will have lunch. Enjoy the sights of Yerupaja, Jirishanca, and Siula peaks during the hike. After 3 hours of walking, reach the pass where you will have lunch. Enjoy the sights of Yerupaja, Jirishanca, and Siula peaks during the hike. Reach the campsite around 3-4 pm. Set up camp at a special site facing a lake. Reach the campsite around 3-4 pm. Set up camp at a special site facing a lake.
11

Day 11

Carhuacocha to Huayhuash

Start the trek at 8 am. Start the trek at 8 am. Follow an easy trail to Carnicero Pass after around an hour. Follow an easy trail to Carnicero Pass after around an hour. After the pass, choose a scenic place to have lunch next to the Carnicero lakes. From here, after a few kilometres downhill, you will arrive at the campsite (4,350 masl). After the pass, choose a scenic place to have lunch next to the Carnicero lakes. From here, after a few kilometres downhill, you will arrive at the campsite (4,350 masl).
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Day 12

Huayhuash to Viconga

Take the easy hike up to Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass. Take the easy hike up to Portachuelo de Huayhuash Pass. From here, descend to the campsite in Viconga for lunch. From here, descend to the campsite in Viconga for lunch. Walk 20 minutes down from the campsite to the hot springs. Those who do not want to go to the hot springs will have a free afternoon at the campsite (4,390 masl). Walk 20 minutes down from the campsite to the hot springs. Those who do not want to go to the hot springs will have a free afternoon at the campsite (4,390 masl).
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Day 13

Viconga to Guanacpatay

Go on a moderate hike up to the highest pass of the whole trip, which takes approximately 3 hours. At this pass, you will get very close to Cuyoc Mountain. Go on a moderate hike up to the highest pass of the whole trip, which takes approximately 3 hours. At this pass, you will get very close to Cuyoc Mountain. Descend to Guanacpatay Valley via a dusty and rocky path for lunch. Descend to Guanacpatay Valley via a dusty and rocky path for lunch. Reach a beautiful grassy field to walk through, where you will have lunch. Reach a beautiful grassy field to walk through, where you will have lunch. After a few hours of walking, reach the campsite in the peaceful Guanacpatay Valley at 4,150 masl. After a few hours of walking, reach the campsite in the peaceful Guanacpatay Valley at 4,150 masl.
14

Day 14

Guanacpatay to Huayllapa or Huatiac

Climb for roughly two hours to San Antonio Pass. Climb for roughly two hours to San Antonio Pass. From this point, enjoy a great view of the southwest Cordillera Huayhuash, looking at the mountains Sarapo, Siula Grande, Yerupaja, Carnicero, Los Juraos, and Trapecio. From this point, enjoy a great view of the southwest Cordillera Huayhuash, looking at the mountains Sarapo, Siula Grande, Yerupaja, Carnicero, Los Juraos, and Trapecio. Descend to Juraro Lake for lunch with your mountain tour guide. Descend to Juraro Lake for lunch with your mountain tour guide. Continue to Huayllapa, a small isolated peasant village at 3,700 masl. Here, in small Andean shops, you can buy soda, beer, and other necessities. Continue to Huayllapa, a small isolated peasant village at 3,700 masl. Here, in small Andean shops, you can buy soda, beer, and other necessities. Overnight in Huayllapa at 3,490 m, or continue hiking up for about 3 hours to reach the next campsite at Huatiac, where you will camp at 4,250 masl. Overnight in Huayllapa at 3,490 m, or continue hiking up for about 3 hours to reach the next campsite at Huatiac, where you will camp at 4,250 masl.
15

Day 15

Huatiac to Cashpapampa

You will have about 3 hours to go up to Tapush Pass at 4,800 masl. You will have about 3 hours to go up to Tapush Pass at 4,800 masl. Then take the easy trail down and arrive at the campsite in the early afternoon. Then take the easy trail down and arrive at the campsite in the early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the campsite.
16

Day 16

Cashpapampa to Jahuacocha

Hike up to Yaucha Pass (4,800 masl). Stay here for two hours. Hike up to Yaucha Pass (4,800 masl). Stay here for two hours. Continue descending along the Huacrish ravine for approximately three or four hours, and be surprised by a beautiful panoramic landscape. Lake Jahuacocha lies at the base of the mountains Jirishanca, Yerupaja, and Rondoy. Continue descending along the Huacrish ravine for approximately three or four hours, and be surprised by a beautiful panoramic landscape. Lake Jahuacocha lies at the base of the mountains Jirishanca, Yerupaja, and Rondoy. At the camp, you will find a typical mountain hut for sheep herders, and the owner will receive you with a gentle smile and offer you cool beer and soda water. At the camp, you will find a typical mountain hut for sheep herders, and the owner will receive you with a gentle smile and offer you cool beer and soda water. Sleep in the sheep shed for the night.
17

Day 17

Jahuacocha to Llamac and Return to Huaraz

Go up on an easy walk to Pampallamac, where you will leave the Huayhuash Mountains. A few meters down, you will have lunch. Go up on an easy walk to Pampallamac, where you will leave the Huayhuash Mountains. A few meters down, you will have lunch. Proceed to Llamac town and arrive around 1-2 pm. Proceed to Llamac town and arrive around 1-2 pm. Leave Llamac town, driving down along the Llamac River until Timpoc, where the Llamac and Pacllon rivers join. Leave Llamac town, driving down along the Llamac River until Timpoc, where the Llamac and Pacllon rivers join. Start going up to Chiquian along the Ainin River. Start going up to Chiquian along the Ainin River. Arrive at Chiquian and take a walk around the village. Arrive at Chiquian and take a walk around the village. Continue to Huaraz on a 3-hour drive and reach the hotel in Huaraz. Continue to Huaraz on a 3-hour drive and reach the hotel in Huaraz.