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| Santa Cruz Trail |
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| trek length: | 4 days |
| max altitude: | 4760m |
| walking distance: | 50km |
| prime time: | May to September |
| price range: | 550US$ |
| physical level: |  |
| technical level: |  |
| culture shock: | |
The Santa Cruz Trail is a short introduction to the Cordillera Blanca in Peru. Unlike the Inca or Amazon Trail in the south it is a typical mountain hike. Trekking isn't exactly easy in this part of the Andes but the Santa Cruz Trail is doable for most making it one of more popular options here. The highlights of the trail are the mountains of Santa Cruz and the Alpamayo, a pyramid-like mountain which is among the most beautiful there is. The first two days of trek are truly excellent whereas the finally two days follow a pass road - this is why we've settled only on a "two foot" rating here. Maybe you can find an operator offering to do the first part only so you've spare time for other areas of the country. The trail has no technical difficulties but you have to cross two passes beyond 4700m and you spend much time way above 3000m. A good level of fitness is a must here. Most hikers prefer to do a guided tour starting from Huaraz. The tour operators care about tents, your main baggage and food so all you need to carry is a day pack. Regarding the very high altitudes you should take some really warm and weather-proof clothing (we had pretty dismal weather for most of the hike). It can snow at any time beyond 4000m regardless of the season.
This could be a typical trek itinerary for the Santa Cruz trail. It may vary dependent on the tour operator.
Day 1:
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| Santa Cruz Trail |
Most tour operator will start from Huaraz and go by bus to the small village of Cashapampa, the start of the trek. The first portion of the trek is at the bottom of a narrow, deep valley which soon opens up offering views of a mountain lake. After 6 hours you will reach Taullipampa, the camp site at 4400m, which is surrounded by a fantastic mountain scenery where you can see the peaks of Santa Cruz, Quitaraju, Artesonaju and Alpamayo.
Day 2:
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| Santa Cruz Trail |
The trail ascends towards Punta Union, a pass at 4700m - not really fun for the mules here because the trail is rocky and sometimes slippery. From the pass you can enjoy panoramic views down the Santa Cruz Valley to the west and to the Huaripampa Valley to the east. From here it is a long and steady way down to about 3800m, the location of the camp.
Day 3:
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| Santa Cruz Trail |
After descending a little further it is time to head skywards again. From here on the trek isn't all that great anymore because it follows the pass road. Most groups will camp just prior of the pass with good vistas of the surrounding mountain.
Day 4:
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| Santa Cruz Trail |
Time for the next pass crossing today at 4750m. From the pass you have you have excellent views of the numerous road serpentines and Mt. Huascarán (6768m), Huandoy, Pisco and Chacraraju. You descent to the surreal blue mountain lakes ("Lake 69") into the valley below which is where you are picked up for your transportation back to Huaraz.
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