SANTA CRUZ TREKKING This
circuit starts in the village of Cashapampa, located east of the Huaylas
province, whose capital is Caraz. It's one of the most beautiful treks in
Cordillera Blanca, through three spectacular valleys: Quebradas Santa Cruz, Huaripampa
and Llanganuco. During 4 days, we'll be immersed in the Andean landscape
surrounded by views of beautiful summits such as Alpamayo, Taulliraju , Artesonraju,
Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Huandoy Chacraraju and Pisco. We'll also have the
opportunity to observe local flora in the National Park Huascarán, such as
quenuales, and beautiful landscape with lakes and waterfalls.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Lima
Day 2. Lima - Huaraz
After breakfast, transfer by bus to Huaraz. Eight hour journey heading first north along the Panamerican highway before turning east and heading towards the Andes. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Day 3. Huaraz (B)
Free day for acclimatisation in Huaraz.
Day 4. Huaraz - Chavin) (B)
Private trip to Chavin de Huantar, site of the oldest pan-andean civilisation dating back to 2000BC. Located on the outskirts of the village of the same name. It is the oldest known pre-Columbian culture discovered and is known as Chavin-Kotosh. Return to Huaraz where the journey takes you over the continental divide at the high Kawish pass.
Day 5. Huaraz - (Churup lake 4,450m.)
Trip to either Lake Churup . Churup is quite a tough 1 day trek which allows you to ascend to 4450m . Return to Huaraz and briefing on the santa cruz trek
Day 6. Huaraz - Llamacorral (BLD) 3,700m
Leaving early in the morning we drive down along the Santa River passing several villages until we reach present-day Yungay. The road winds slowly up into the gully between the Huascarán massif and the Huandoy three-pronged peak, driving until Cashapampa. Start of the trek. Hiking for about six hours until Llamacorral where we will camp at 4000 m.a.s.l.
Day 7. Llamacorral - Taullipampa (BLD)
Breakfast, hike for about six hours. We'll see Mt.Taulliraju looming above us and on the other side its glacial lake. The glacier will add colour and contrast to the amazing view down the Santa Cruz Valley. The peaks of Santa Cruz, Quitaraju, Artesonaju and Alpamayo, the most beautiful mountain in the world, will come into view as well as the two lakes of Ichicocha and Hatuncocha. The pathway is relatively easy going till the final pull up to camp at 4,400m.
Day 8. Taullipampa - Punta Unión Pass -Paria (BLD) - 4700m
Early breakfast. The trail ascends towards Punta Union, a pass at 4,700 m.a.s.l. (15,711 ft.) This old trail was heavily used in pre-Columbian and Colonial times as a route for transporting goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass, we enjoy fabulous panoramic views down the Santa Cruz Valley and Huaripampa Valley. Camp in the vicinity of Paria or Tuctu (3800 m.a.s.l), in the heart of Huascarán National Park. Hiking for about 7-8 hours.
Day 9. Paria-Vaquería-Llanganuco - Huaraz - Lima (B) - 4750m
Breakfast, hiking through the Huaripampa valley, Colcabamba, Vaquería and at Portachuelo of Llanganuco at 4,750 m.a.s.l. (15580 ft.) From this point, we will get a spectacular view of Mt.Huascarán, Huandoy, Pisco and Chacraraju. Pickup and private transportation back to Huaraz.Night bus back to Lima.
Day 10. Lima
Arrival in the early morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
For more details and informations visit
www.perudiscoveradventures.com
info@perudiscoveradventures.com
