Trekking the Santa Cruz Trail

This little gem nestled within the Cordillera Blanca in the Huascarán National Park is a definite mustie for any nature-loving peeps out there traveling to Perú.

The journey began in Cashapampa and covered 30+ miles of breathtaking scenery along the world’s highest tropical mountain range. Dramatic 18,000 - 23,000 feet glaciated peaks, turquoise lakes, and fairytale-like valleys with sheer walls of striated granite striped by flowing waterfalls are just a few of the many attractions we found along this spectacular 4 day hike in the Andes.

Joel and I started our journey in Huaraz where we geared up with food and clothes. That same day we caught a collectivo  for 6 soles to the town of Caraz, a charming little town with delicious peanut and banana ice cream! After acclimatizing overnight we left Caraz to Cashapampa and started our ascend along the Santa Cruz trail.

Day 1

It was a solid 5 hour trek up the Santa Cruz canyon to the first campsite Llamacorral (12,303 ft). We gained about 2,800 feet in elevation and spent most of the hike walking along small villages and some unusual landscapes. Luckily for us we found a wooded shelter where to crash and escape the really low temperatures at night.

Day 2

Its a fairly easy hike with FANTASTIC views!!! We caught sight of mountains like Santa Cruz, Quitaraju, Artesonraju, Alpamayo and walked along the Ichiccocha lake, which boasted some of the most spectacular views in Cordillera Blanca. After a good 5 - 6 hour hike we arrived to the second camp Taullipampa (13,940 ft) from where we contemplated the beautiful peaks of Taulliraju.

Day 3

Its the toughest yet most rewarding day. A 4 hour hike brought us to the Punta Union pass at 15,580 ft (highest point on the trail) where we had lunch and enjoyed the magnificent panoramic views of glaciated mountains, blue skies, and unique landscapes. We started our decent towards Vaqueria and camped some 30 minutes before the Paria campsite. A bonfire and some yummy spicy couscous kept us cozy and warm throughout the night.

Day 4

A solid 4 hour downhill walk to Vaqueria with more impressive views along the way. We passed through several villages with friendly Quechua people, experienced the explosion of some rocks, became besties with a 3 year old, and spend the night at a Peruvian family-run hostel in Vaqueria where we had the chance to meet some interesting political fellas that happened to stumbled at our door.

All in all, 4 days of pure beauty with my love. What more can a girl ask for? ;)