Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsMorales Guest House
This pleasant hotel is located is a popular base pre and post-trekking. Located a 5-10 minute walk to the central plaza, this hotel has wonderful views of the Cordillera Blanca.
Happiness Promise
There are hundreds of thousands of guides and tour operators around the world. Figuring out who to trust is stressful and hard.
That’s why we started 10Adventures Tours, we’re here to make it easy to find a great guide or tour operator. We handpick the best local guides and tour operators for 10Adventures, working to ensure you have great guides and a great trip.
We know it sucks to show up in a different country and find out the tents are junk, the guide incompetent or the route different from what we thought we were getting.
We want to give our users peace of mind that you’ll have a great trip and offer a guarantee that we will work with you to make it right.
How does this work?
Well, if you feel that something about your trip didn’t’ meet your expectations, let us know. We will then work to gather the details and figure out where things went wrong. If something indeed wasn’t as described, or went wrong with your trip, and the problem was within the control of either oursleves, the guide or the tour company, we will then work out a refund with you that’s proportional to the scale of the problem.
Obviously the best way to make a great trip is to tell your local guide or tour operator and give them the chance to fix the solution while you are on your trip. Most things can be solved by telling your guide when the issue develops. If that doesn’t solve it, then email us right away. Please don’t wait to voice your concerns until the trip is over, as it’s much harder to solve issues after the fact.
We work hard to make sure you have a great trip. If something isn’t right, please email hello@10adventures.co and we will get to work right away.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Experience the power of Peru's Cordillera Blanca on this 8-day guided trekking adventure
Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.
About this tour:
Imagine yourself trekking in Peru’s stunning Cordillera Blanca. This trekking tour takes you through the Santa Cruz Valley north of Huaraz, and is perfect for travellers who want a shorter tour that still has spectacular scenery. If you want to see some of the best trekking in Peru, you’ll love the Santa Cruz Trek Tour in Parque Nacional Huascarán.
On this guided Santa Cruz trek in Cordillera Blanca, you will immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the Santa Cruz and Ulta valleys in the Peruvian Andes on this eight-day guided trek. Challenge yourself to climb to new heights which will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Follow the trail through native plants, trees, and grasslands. You will even have the opportunity to visit traditional Quechua villages to experience a taste of daily life for these native people. Spend each night camped under the stars and wake up to inspiring mountain views. This guided trek in Peru is truly an unforgettable experience.
Since most of the Santa Cruz Trek Tour in Peru is above 3,000m in elevation, it is important to spend a few days prior to the Santa Cruz Ulta trek getting acclimated to the altitude. A 3-4 day acclimatization hike in the vicinity of Huaraz is strongly recommended.
The Cordillera Blanca - “white range” in English - is a rugged mountain range in Peru that forms a part of the much larger Andes Mountain range. Extending over 200km, the Cordillera Blanca contains a number of peaks that eclipse 6,000m in height, including the tallest mountain in Peru, Huascarán (6,768m). Anyone setting out on the Santa Cruz Trek will be thrust into the impressive landscape of the Cordillera Blanca, witnessing dramatic mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and countless glaciers.
Arrive in Huarez and check into your guesthouse. Enjoy exploring Huarez on foot as you get used to the altitude.
If you are coming from a lower elevation, it is strongly recommended to spend 2-3 days acclimatizing to the altitude, and you can book a 3-day acclimatization tour during the booking process, or you can plan your acclimatization before the trip on your own. The optional acclimatization tour you can book takes you out to some of the most beautiful hikes around Huarez.
You can also arrange bus travel from Lima to Huarez in the booking process.
Meet your transfer vehicle at your hotel for a 3.5 hour transfer to Cashapampa (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), a town just outside Huascarán National Park. The village of Cashapampa is the starting point for your Cordillera Blanca trek. A horseman and pack animals will meet you there, and after you have transferred your luggage, you will start the hike. Enjoy the trail as it wanders through native trees of the Andes in the Santa Cruz Valley. After about 4 hours of hiking, you will reach the Llamacorral campsite (3,760 m / 12,335 ft) which is your home for the night.
After breakfast, continue your trek along the trail through the Santa Cruz Valley. Along the way, you will see beautiful lakes including Ichiq Cocha (“small lake”) and Hatun Cocha (“big lake”). You will also enjoy a spectacular view of snow-capped peaks as you hike through the Cordillera Blanca, surrounded by native Andean flora. Continue hiking for about 5 hours until you reach tonight’s campsite at Taullipampa (4,200 m / 13,780 ft).
Climb to new heights today! After breakfast, hike for about 3 hours up to the Punta Union Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), which is one of the highest points on this tour. From this overlook, you can see a fantastic Cordillera Blanca vista, including the Taulliraju, Rinrihirka, and Paria peaks. Rest, take pictures and enjoy the view before continuing the trek for about 3 hours down to the campsite in the Huaripampa Valley (3,850 m / 12,631 ft).
Today is a wonderful day as you get to experience Andean village life. Begin today with a 2.5 hour hike down to Colcabamba (3,300 m / 10,826 ft) and visit the village of Huaripampa along the way. Continue walking through the Keshu Valley where you will visit the Quechua village of Chalhua. In Chalhua, you have the opportunity to meet with local residents, see their farms, and watch them perform daily activities. Keep your camera ready for this unique experience! Then, continue hiking for about 3 hours until you reach Molinopampa (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) where you will set camp for the night.
Today’s hike is about 5 hours of climbing from Molinopampa up to Avalancha (4,500 m / 14,763 ft). The trail leads you through grasslands and fields of crops grown by the local people of the Keshu Valley. Throughout the hike, you will have inspiring vistas of the Contrahierbas mountains before you. When you reach Avalancha, at the base of the Contrahierbas mountains, you will stop to camp for the night.
Get an early start on this last day of your Cordillera Blanca trekking tour. First, you have a 3.5 hour trek that takes you up to Yanayacu Pass (4,830 m / 15,846 ft) which is the highest point of your tour. From this overlook, take in the breathtaking sight of snow-capped peaks, including Huascaran, Chopicalqui, Contrahierbas, and Ulta. Pause to rest and take pictures of this viewpoint before continuing with a 3-hour hike down into the Ulta Valley (4,300 m / 14,107 ft). Here, a car will be waiting to take you back to Huaraz, with a stop in the traditional village of Shilla along the way.
Today you’ll depart Huarez. Many guests take a bus back to Lima, though some stay on to complete another trek in the Huayhuash.
Trek in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca on this stunning trekking tour.
Climb to stunning overlook points for view of spectacular snow-capped peaks.
Visit traditional Quechua villages and experience aspects of daily life there.
Hike along trails through native Andean plants, both wild and cultivated.
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Accommodations along the trekking tour are included, as are accommodations in Huaraz before and after the trekking tour.
This tour includes transportation at the beginning and end of the trek to and from Huaraz. You can also arrange transport from Lima to Huaraz (8 hour bus trip) during the booking process.
This trekking tour in Peru is always run as a custom tour for you and your group and the price depends on the group size. Please contact us with your preferred starting date and group size so we can help you make incredible memories on this private group tour. This guided Santa Cruz trekking tour is typically run from April through September.
The prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
Please note that the pricing might change depending on the size of your group
Important: Please note that this tour is subject to non-standard cancellation terms:
You will be staying in a guesthouse / Inn in Huarez at the start and end of this tour. In between, you will be pitching camp at various scenic spots along the Santa Cruz trek. These camp sites allow you to enjoy spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca and sleep under the stars. Camping allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings around you, as well as enjoy staying on the trail itself along the way.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have private rooms in hotels. Solo travelers not wishing to pay extra will be matched with another solo traveler or added as a third person in another room.
This pleasant hotel is located is a popular base pre and post-trekking. Located a 5-10 minute walk to the central plaza, this hotel has wonderful views of the Cordillera Blanca.
You will be pitching camp at scenic spots along the Alpamayo Trek. Your campsites are owned by the rural communities in the Cordillera Blanca, and your staying there provides valuable revenue.
This pleasant hotel is located is a popular base pre and post-trekking. Located a 5-10 minute walk to the central plaza, this hotel has wonderful views of the Cordillera Blanca.
There are no written reviews yet.
56 total ratings, 0 with reviewsYou must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you for submitting your review!
If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.
Google ReviewStep 1
Submit Booking
Step 2
Confirm Availability
Step 3
Pay Deposit
Step 4
Trip Confirmed!
How hard is this tour?
This tour is rated as a 5 out of 5 for difficulty, largely due to the altitude of this circuit. Acclimatization to the altitude prior to the start of the tour is recommended.
Do I need a Visa?
Every country is different. It’s important to check with your country to see if they require a visa. You could also try this website, though it’s important that you verify with your government.
Are meals included?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
Do I need insurance?
In order to participate in this tour, it is mandatory that you have Health and Medical travel insurance. You can get travel insurance here.
How do I get to Huaraz to start this tour?
Most guests fly into Lima and then take a bus to Huaraz. You can add on the bus trip to Huaraz from Lima during the booking process.
Where does the tour end?
The trek ends in the Ulta Valley, where you’ll get a transfer back to Huaraz. You can book a bus back to Lima during the booking process.
Are the tours in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
Can I rent any gear?
Yes, you can rent any gear you may need.
Do I need vaccines?
Check with your family doctor or a Travel Medical Clinic to confirm required immunizations or vaccines.
How will I be affected by the altitude?
The altitude on this trek ranges between 2900-4900 m. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue. Consult a doctor before the trip regarding the risk of altitude sickness. Prescription medication is available to help minimize the symptoms. The best way to deal with altitude is to spend time beforehand at elevation. We recommend at minimum a 3-day, 2-night hiking trip based out of Huarez.
What kind of tents do you use?
The tents used are 3 season, 3-person tents, however tents are only shared for 2-participants. The specific tent used is typically the Doite Cara Kailas.
Can I bring my own tent?
Yes you can bring your own tent, however you won’t save any money.
Should I tip a guide?
Yes, tips are optional and based on good service.
What should I bring with me?
Please try to travel as light as possible. Although you do not need to carry your luggage while walking, you will still need to carry it over short distances. Also, remember you unpack and repack on most nights.
When is the best time to travel to this region of Peru for trekking?
The recommended months to travel to Huaraz are from May to September. This period is cold but dry. You should avoid travelling to this region for trekking during the rainy season as the snow makes some of the high passes impassable.
Very Hard
This Santa Cruz Trek Tour is rated as a 5 out of 5 for difficulty, largely due to the altitude of this circuit. Acclimatization to the altitude prior to the start of the tour is recommended.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
This tour was made for you!
Start filling out your booking details. Once you submit your request, we'll review availability for this tour and contact you within 24 hours to further customize your perfect adventure.
The Salkantay Trek Guided Tour to Machu Picchu is an incredible adventure that will take you through the heart of the Pedruvian Andes to experience the ancient wonders of the Inca people and the beautifully scenic landscape that they called home.
Make lifelong memories with the people you care about most. We specialize in custom & private active travel experiences.
Spend your time making memories, not planning them. Enjoy a stress-free vacation and leave the trip logistics to us.
No bots here. A real human is always a click or a call away to ensure you get the adventure of your dreams.
Immerse yourself in the destination with highly-vetted, local tour operators who love to showcase where they live.
— Richard Campbell, CEO
Join our weekly travel newsletter