Santa Cruz Trek
Cordillera Blanca, Perú
The most impressive trek in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca — lush valleys, traditional Andean villages and two high mountain passes above 4,700m, with views of Huascarán, Alpamayo and Artesonraju along the way.
Cashapampa to Yuraq Corral — two passes, one unforgettable circuit
A classic high-altitude circuit through the Santa Cruz valley, crossing two passes above 4,700m with views of Huascarán, Alpamayo and Artesonraju. Want every detail first? See the full day-by-day itinerary & gallery →
The full itinerary
Grouped by phase — tap any stage to open it. Want every detail first? See the full day-by-day itinerary & gallery →
DAYS 1–2
Lima & Huaraz
Arrival in Lima and transfer to the hotel.
Transfer to Huaraz and free time to acclimatize.
DAYS 3–4
Into the Santa Cruz valley
2,950 – 4,350 m
Departure to Cashapampa (2,950m, 3h by road). From there, with local guides and mules, a roughly 4-hour hike through a warm, gently sloping valley to 3,800m, already enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains.
Across plains and a lagoon covered years ago by a landslide, on to the beautiful Jatuncocha Lagoon, with views of the south face of Quitaraju (6,036m). We continue up the Santa Cruz valley to 4,500m at the Alpamayo base camp and the impressive Arhuaycocha Lagoon, before reaching Taullipampa camp (4,350m) — considered the best on the circuit, with an unforgettable sunset. 5–6 hours.
DAY 5
First pass — Punta Unión
4,350 → 4,750 → 3,650 m
We ascend to the Punta Unión pass at 4,750m, with views of the entire Santa Cruz valley and one of the best panoramas in the Peruvian Andes — Artesonraju, Alpamayo, Rinrijirca and, almost within reach, Taulliraju. We then descend to camp at Cachinapampa (3,650m).
DAY 6
Toward the second pass
3,350 – 4,250 m
We descend to the village of Huaripampa (3,400m), cross a river at 3,350m, then ascend roughly 250m to the village of Vaquería. After a rest we continue along a drivable road and mountain trails to Pacchapampa camp, with views of the eastern face of Chopicalqui (6,354m). 6–7 hours.
DAY 7
Second pass — Portachuelo de Llanganuco
4,250 → 4,750 → 3,850 m
Day of the second pass! We set out early to make the most of the views, ascending gentle slopes to the pass at 4,750m. Crossing its characteristic V-shaped gap reveals one of the most spectacular trekking panoramas — Huascarán Sur (Peru’s highest peak), Huandoy’s four summits above 6,000m, the majestic Chacraraju, and the Llanganuco valley with its two famous lakes, Orconcocha and Chinancocha. We then descend to camp at Laguna Orconcocha. 5–6 hours.
DAYS 8–10
Rest, return & Lima
A rest day at the Yuraq Corral camp, with the option to visit Laguna 69.
Return by car to Huaraz (3 hours) and overnight at the hotel.
Return to Lima and end of the trip. Optional extension available to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley — ask Isa for details.
What’s included
INCLUDED
- Transfers Lima – Huaraz – Lima
- Private transport Huaraz – Cashapampa, and Yuraq Corral – Huaraz
- 2 nights in Lima & 3 nights in Huaraz, double room with breakfast
- Certified local mountain guide, full logistics team & 2 international team leaders
- Entrance fees to Huascarán National Park
- Full board during the trek
- Muleteers and pack animals (burros) for transporting equipment
- Emergency horse available throughout the trek
- Dining tent, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment, fuel & dining supplies
- Double mountain tents and sleeping pads
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals in Lima and Huaraz outside what’s listed above
- Personal trekking gear — sleeping bag, warm clothing, boots, etc. (rental available)
- Medical & emergency rescue evacuation costs if required (rescue, helicopter, tests, hospitalization)
- Tips for the guide & trek team (suggested amount shared on request)
- Extra transportation or hotel accommodation outside the stated dates, for any reason
What our travelers say
An outstanding experience with Thin Air Trips! Isa and the team brought so much care, enthusiasm and professionalism to the whole adventure. Their thoughtful planning, clear communication and attention to detail made everything feel smooth and well organised, allowing me to relax and enjoy the experience.
What stood out most was the personal approach. Isa was approachable, helpful and always happy to answer questions. You could really feel her passion for the mountains and her commitment to making the trip special.
A fantastic team that I would happily recommend to anyone looking for a memorable trekking or mountain adventure. Thank you, Isa and Thin Air Trips—I would love to join you again!
I’ve now travelled with Thin Air Trips twice — to Torres del Paine and Kyrgyzstan — and both trips were absolutely incredible. Two very different destinations, but equally unforgettable adventures!
One of the best things about travelling with them is that they take care of everything. From planning the itinerary to organising accommodation, transport and all the logistics along the way, they make the whole experience feel easy. There’s so much that goes into organising trips like these, and having it all managed means you can relax, enjoy the adventure and focus on the places you’ve come to explore.
Torres del Paine was spectacular, and Kyrgyzstan was another amazing experience, with breathtaking mountains and landscapes that will stay with me for a long time. Both trips gave me so many special moments and memories that I’ll always treasure.
For me, the real value of Thin Air Trips is being able to experience these extraordinary destinations without the stress of coordinating everything myself. You get all the excitement of an adventure, with the reassurance that the details are taken care of.
The fact that I booked a second trip after my first probably says it all! I would happily travel with them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a well-organised, memorable adventure. An easy five stars!
Fuimos con ellos al Ararat y todo perfecto, organización de 10, muy buena comunicación antes y durante el viaje, y muy buenos guías. Repetiremos!
I had a fantastic experience travelling to Russia to summit Mt Elbrus. Isa has been really communicative and helpful. I had a lot of hestitations about travelling to the region, but all went smooth and the entire trip was amazing. The team on ground were also just as professional and helpful, really helping to take off the logitical pressure and allowing me to focus on the summit.
Espectacular!!la ruta , la organización , la gente…repetiré sin duda!
Viaje top y equipo mejor aún!
Santa Cruz Trek — reserve your spot for July 2027
10 days from Lima via Huaraz, Cashapampa and two passes above 4,700m to Yuraq Corral — certified local guide, full logistics team and views of Huascarán, Alpamayo and Artesonraju. See the full official itinerary & booking page.
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Frequently asked questions
How fit do I need to be for the Santa Cruz Trek?
No technical climbing or mountaineering skills are required, but the trek crosses two passes above 4,700m (Punta Unión and Portachuelo de Llanganuco) on separate high-altitude days. We recommend solid hiking fitness and some endurance training beforehand; the itinerary includes acclimatization time in Huaraz before the trek begins.
Why trek Santa Cruz in July 2027?
July falls within Peru’s dry season (May–September) in the Cordillera Blanca, with the clearest skies and most stable weather for crossing both high passes and viewing Huascarán, Alpamayo and Artesonraju.
Do I need climbing gear or mountaineering experience?
No. This is a trekking route, not a technical climb — no ropes, crampons or climbing gear are needed. The route does cross two passes above 4,700m, so fitness and altitude acclimatization matter more than technical skill.
What’s included in the Santa Cruz Trek?
Transfers between Lima and Huaraz, private transport to and from the trailhead, hotel nights in Lima and Huaraz with breakfast, a certified local mountain guide with a full logistics team, all meals during the trek, mountain tents, and muleteers with pack animals to carry equipment. International flights, personal trekking gear, rescue evacuation costs and tips aren’t included.
Can I extend the trip to Machu Picchu?
Yes — Santa Cruz pairs well with an optional extension to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley after the trek. Ask Isa for details when you reserve your spot.
How many days is the Santa Cruz Trek?
10 days in total: transfers and acclimatization in Lima and Huaraz, 6 days of trekking from Cashapampa to Yuraq Corral crossing both high passes, a rest day, and the return to Lima via Huaraz.