Santa Cruz-Llanganuco Trek

Hiking, Trekking, Climbing

V!VA User‘s Description

The four-to-five-day, 45-kilometer Santa Cruz trek is a very popular hike near Huaraz. Weaving its way past massive Huascarán and the azure lakes at Llanganuco, the trail encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll encounter in the Huaraz region, with views of all the principle snow-clad peaks. Although the route can be trekked in either direction—starting from Vaquerí and finishing at Cashapampa, or vice versa—most independent travelers choose to begin at Vaquerí. From Huaraz there is a daily bus to Vaquerí, which enables trekkers to make it to the camp site on the first day and then head up the first high pass the following day. The high point of the pass is Punta Unión (4,760 m); from here trekkers follow the Quebrada Santa Cruz downhill, all the while enjoying great views of peaks like Artesonraju, Quitaraju, Alpamayo and Taulliraju. For a longer hike (about two days longer) start at Lagunas Llanganuco and make your way over the Portachuelo Llanganuco pass (4,767 m).