Santa Cruz

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation, where we'll begin a journey filled with natural wonders. We head toward the enchanting Callejón de Huaylas Valley, enjoying a spectacular panoramic drive. As we continue, we'll enter the majestic Huascarán National Park, passing by the impressive turquoise lakes of Llanganuco, which reflect the sky like mirrors.

Our path takes us over the impressive Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass at an altitude of 4,785 meters above sea level, where every bend reveals new fascinating views. Upon reaching Vaquería, located at 3,700 meters above sea level, we begin our hike.

From Vaquería, we load our gear onto the donkeys and set off on a five-hour hike along a gradually ascending trail. Along the way, we are surrounded by the serenity and beauty of nature, with the opportunity to see local shepherds and farmers working the fields using traditional methods. At the end of the day, we arrive at our camp in the beautiful Paria Valley, at 3,890 meters above sea level, where we will spend the night under a starry sky.

Today is a truly amazing and challenging day. We begin with a gradual climb for about four hours, immersing ourselves in the serenity and beauty of the landscape. Then, we face a steeper, one-hour ascent to reach the majestic Punta Unión Pass at 4,750 meters above sea level.

From this privileged vantage point, spectacular views of the imposing mountains of the Cordillera Blanca unfold before us, such as Nevado Taulliraju, Pucajirca, Rinrijirca, Artesonraju, and many others. The grandeur of these mountains takes our breath away, and the impressive views of the Santa Cruz Valley fill us with awe and gratitude for nature.

After enjoying these wonderful panoramas, we descend to our camp in Taullipampa, located at 4,250 meters above sea level. The 7- to 8-hour hike allows us to deeply connect with the essence of the natural environment, and each step reveals new aspects of the beauty that surrounds us.

Today we will enjoy a hike to a viewpoint in the Arhuaycocha Gorge Valley, offering stunning views of the majestic Nevado Alpamayo, Quitaraju, and Artesonraju mountains. Afterward, we will begin a long and scenic descent along the Santa Cruz Valley, passing a beautiful lake until we reach our final campsite in Llamacorral, at 3,750 meters above sea level. This hike will take approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Our final day of adventure takes us through the stunning Santa Cruz Gorge Valley. As we hike, the beauty of nature surrounds us with its pristine landscapes, wildflowers, and the peaceful murmur of the river. For three hours, we descend gently through the valley, feeling connected to the natural environment and appreciating every moment.

Upon arriving at the picturesque town of Cashapampa, located at 2,900 meters above sea level, we stop to enjoy the serenity of the place and reflect on our incredible journey. From here, we begin the return journey to Huaraz, passing by breathtaking panoramic views and winding roads that allow us to continue admiring the majesty of the Cordillera Blanca. A three-hour journey that fills us with unforgettable memories and the desire to explore these magical lands again.