Santa Cruz Trek

The Santa Cruz Trek is the classic multi-day walk in the Cordillera Blanca — a four-day, 50-kilometre circuit through glaciated valleys with views of some of the most beautiful peaks in the Andes. The route crosses the Punta Unión pass at 4,750 metres and passes beneath the ice faces of Artesonraju (the mountain that inspired the Paramount Pictures logo), Alpamayo, and Santa Cruz peak. Campsites are at altitude throughout; altitude sickness is a real concern.

The trek starts from Cashapampa or Llamacorral and ends (or begins) at Vaquería, with transport connections back to Yungay and Huaraz. Fully independent trekking is possible with basic equipment; guided and mule-supported treks can be arranged through agencies in Huaraz. The best months are May to September, when the weather is most stable. Carry warm clothing for nights at high altitude regardless of the season.

things to do sight
A story
The Santa Cruz Trek was largely unknown outside Peru until the 1970s, when it began attracting the first serious wave of trekkers. One of those early visitors was Reinhold Messner, who described the Alpamayo peak visible from the route as "the most beautiful mountain in the world." The Alpamayo's near-perfect snow pyramid has since become one of the most photographed mountain images in South American trekking literature.