The Trek from Llanganuco to Santa Cruz is undoubtedly the most renowned of all the routes in the Cordillera Blanca. It will take you over mountain passes offering breathtaking views of twelve majestic peaks – including Alpamayo, Huascaran, Chopicalqui, and Taulliraju. It doesn’t get any better than this! The route reaches 4,700 meters in altitude, from where you can appreciate the wonder of the snow-capped mountains and the local flora and fauna. It’s a not-to-be-missed Peruvian experience offering lakes, waterfalls, rivers, hiking trails, and plenty of campsites.
The hike begins in Huaraz (3,052 meters above sea level) and passes first through Caraz and then the small village of Cashapampa (at 2,900 meters). Here you'll meet the muleteer, and your luggage will be loaded onto the mules before you begin climbing up the Santa Cruz Valley along the river. The day's hike ends at Llamacorral (3,750 m).
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours.
After breakfast, the hike continues along the valley. You'll admire the imposing view of Mount Santa Cruz (at 6,259 m) before reaching the Alpamayo Base camp (at 5,947 meters). Alpamayo is considered one of the most spectacular mountains in the world, and you'll understand why. The route also passes near three lakes: Ichiccocha, Jatuncocha, and Arhuaycocha. From base camp you can also see other peaks: Taulliraju, Paria, Artesonraju, and Rinrijirca.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours.
The wonderful scenery will stay with you forever. After a good breakfast, you'll hike up to Punta Union Pass (at 4,750 m), where you'll stop for as many photos as you like. Then, a descent down the other side of the Cordillera Blanca, passing near two small lakes (Collcacocha and Tzakicocha) before ending in Paria, where the cook will be waiting with a good cup of hot chocolate.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours.
After a good night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, you'll start walking toward the Huaripampa Valley and the town of Vaqueria, where you can experience a more traditional Peruvian way of life. After a short break, you'll gather your belongings and continue on to Portachuelo, the second mountain pass. You can stop to take more photos of the incredible scenery. It's a wonderful way to end the four-day tour before being transported back to Huaraz.
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours.
Minimum number: 4 people
Maximum number: 10 people