𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐤 (𝟏𝟏 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬)
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day trek through the Cedros Valley, Alpamayo Circuit, and Santa Cruz Trek, one of the best trekking routes in Peru. Hike through the Cordillera Blanca, crossing high-altitude passes like Paso Osoruri (4860m) and Punta Unión (4750m) while enjoying breathtaking views of Alpamayo, Taulliraju, and Huascarán. Camp by pristine glacial lakes, explore remote Andean villages, and experience a challenging yet rewarding adventure in Huascarán National Park.
This bucket-list trek is perfect for experienced hikers looking for an epic Peru trekking experience.
𝐂𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 & 𝐀𝐥𝐩𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐤: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐆𝐨 (𝟏𝟏 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬)
- Best Santa Cruz Trek & Alpamayo Circuit in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca.
- Witness Alpamayo (5947m), the most beautiful mountain in the world.
- Cross high-altitude passes with views of Taulliraju, Artesonraju & more.
- Camp beside pristine glacial lakes: Cullicocha, Hucrococha, Jatuncocha.
- Trek through remote Andean villages & lush valleys with queñua forests.
- Challenging yet rewarding adventure at altitudes above 4000m.
𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐮 (𝟏𝟏 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬)
🚐 Transfer: ~3 hrs
🥾 Hiking: 5-6 hrs
🏕 Camp: Huishcash (4320m)
After an early morning private transfer from Huaraz to Hualcayan (3150m), passing through the towns of Carhuaz, Yungay, and Caraz, we meet our muleteers and begin our ascent. The steep zigzag trail offers panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca as we climb towards Huishcash (4320m), our first campsite, where we enjoy a stunning sunset over the Andean peaks.
🥾 Hiking: 6-7 hrs
🏔 Highest Point: Paso Osoruri (4860m)
🏕 Camp: Ruinapampa (4100m)
We begin our trek towards the glacial Laguna Cullicocha (4620m), which reflects the towering peaks of Santa Cruz and Milluacocha. A steady climb takes us to Paso Osoruri (4860m), the highest point so far, offering expansive views of snow-capped summits. After a descent and a second pass, Paso Vientunan (4770m), we reach the lush Ruinapampa Valley, where we camp beneath Alpamayo’s remote northern face.
🥾 Hiking: 5-6 hrs
🏕 Camp: Jancarurish (4250m)
We follow the Cedros Valley, passing alpine meadows and small Andean settlements. As we approach Jancarurish, the world-famous Alpamayo (5947m) dominates the skyline. This is one of the most spectacular moments of the trek, with our campsite offering a front-row view of Alpamayo’s pyramid-shaped peak.
🥾 Optional Hike: 3-4 hrs
🏕 Camp: Jancarurish (4250m)
A well-deserved rest and acclimatization day. An optional hike to the Alpamayo Viewpoint (4450m) reveals the best perspective of Alpamayo’s perfect triangular face, the image that won it the title of "Most Beautiful Mountain in the World." After lunch, another short trek leads to a scenic ridge with additional 360° views of the Cordillera Blanca.
🥾 Hiking: 8-9 hrs
🏕 Camp: Huillca (4000m)
A demanding but rewarding day. We ascend through rugged high-altitude terrain to Paso Gara Gara (4830m), where strong winds accompany breathtaking views of Alpamayo, Quitaraju, and Santa Cruz. A short descent leads to Paso Mesapata (4500m) before we descend into the remote Huillca Valley, where we camp near isolated Quechua farming communities.
🥾 Hiking: 6-7 hrs
🏕 Camp: Jancapampa (3600m)
We ascend gradually through the Yanaqueñua Valley, reaching the majestic Paso Pucajirca (4600m), with incredible views of Pucajirca Glacier and the surrounding Cordillera Blanca peaks. A long descent takes us past the emerald-green Laguna Sactaycocha, through a dense queñua forest, and into the breathtaking Jancapampa Valley, home to traditional Andean villages and roaming alpacas and llamas.
🥾 Hiking: 8-9 hrs
🏕 Camp: Hucrococha (3800m)
We leave behind the green meadows of Jancapampa and begin our ascent through Tingopampa Valley, passing remote Quechua villages and grazing alpacas. A steady climb takes us to Paso Tupa Tupa (4360m), where a stunning panorama of Taulliraju and Pucajirca awaits. Descending into the Tuctubamba Valley, we reach our campsite near the shimmering Laguna Hucrococha (3800m).
🥾 Hiking: 6-7 hrs
🏔 Highest Point: Paso Alto Pucajirca (4650m)
🏕 Camp: Tuctubamba (4150m)
Today’s climb is one of the most rewarding of the trek. A zigzag trail leads to Paso Alto Pucajirca (4650m), where we enjoy uninterrupted views of Taulliraju, Chacraraju, and the tropical Andes. The descent follows a rugged path down into the Tuctubamba Valley, where we camp surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.
🥾 Hiking: 5-6 hrs
🏔 Highest Point: Punta Unión (4750m)
🏕 Camp: Taullipampa (4250m)
A short but challenging ascent takes us to Punta Unión Pass (4750m), a breathtaking viewpoint that connects us to the classic Santa Cruz Trek. From here, we marvel at Laguna Taullicocha, Jatuncocha, and the iconic peak of Artesonraju. A gradual descent brings us to our picturesque campsite at Taullipampa, framed by Alpamayo, Quitaraju, and Santa Cruz.
🥾 Hiking: 7-8 hrs
🏕 Camp: Llamacorral (3760m)
An early start takes us through Arhuaycocha Valley to the Alpamayo Base Camp (4330m), a must-see highlight offering unparalleled views of the world’s most beautiful mountain. After soaking in the scenery, we descend into the Santa Cruz Valley, passing the stunning Jatuncocha and Ichiccocha Lakes, before reaching our final camp at Llamacorral (3760m).
🥾 Hiking: 4-5 hrs
🚐 Transfer: ~3 hrs
Our final descent follows the Santa Cruz Valley, where towering granite walls and cascading waterfalls mark the landscape. Upon arrival in Cashapampa (2900m), our private transport awaits to take us back to Huaraz, where we celebrate the completion of this incredible 11-day adventure through the Cedros Valley, Alpamayo Circuit, and Santa Cruz Trek.
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 / 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝
- Private airport transfers (Lima – hotel – Lima)
- Hotel accommodation in Lima and Huaraz (as per itinerary)
- Round-trip transportation from Lima to Huaraz
- Reception at the Huaraz bus terminal and transfer to hotel/hostel
- Professional mountain guide (AGMP – IFMGA – UIAGM, bilingual)
- Assistant guide (for groups of 3+ people)
- Certified porters & cooks (AASAM)
- Personal tent (4-season), dining tent, kitchen tent, and toilet tent
- Entrance fee to Huascarán National Park
- Pack animals (mules) for gear transportation
- Private transport to/from the trek starting point
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner)
- Basic first-aid kit
- General trekking & base camp equipment (tables, chairs, mats, radios)
- Satellite phone (upon request)
- Climbing/trekking equipment rental available
𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal trekking & climbing gear
- Meals & beverages in Huaraz
- Additional hotel nights (before or after trek)
- Personal expenses
𝐂𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐩𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐨 & 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐤 𝐅𝐀𝐐𝐬: 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲, 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞, 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 & 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞
The Cedros Valley & Alpamayo Circuit is a challenging high-altitude trek, requiring excellent physical fitness and prior trekking experience. Expect steep ascents, long hiking days (5–8 hours per day), and high-altitude passes over 4,500m.
The highest point is Paso Osoruri (4,860m / 15,944 ft), but multiple high-altitude crossings exceed 4,500m. The trek also includes Alpamayo Base Camp (5,450m / 17,880 ft) for those who do an optional side trip.
The ideal season is May to September, offering dry weather, clear skies, and the best mountain views. Outside this period, rain and snow can make the trek significantly more difficult.
Essential items include:
- Warm clothing (layers, fleece, down jacket).
- Trekking boots (waterproof, with ankle support).
- -10°C sleeping bag (or warmer for extra comfort).
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for steep descents).
- Daypack (20-30L) to carry daily essentials.
- Headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, and a hat.
Yes! Spending at least 2–3 days in Huaraz (3,050m) before the trek is highly recommended to prevent altitude sickness. Acclimatization hikes like Laguna 69, Laguna Churup, or Wilcacocha help prepare your body.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can occur above 2,500m, and this trek reaches over 4,500m multiple times. To prevent symptoms:
- Acclimate properly before the trek.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.
- Hike slowly and listen to your body.
- Consider altitude medication (Diamox) if prone to sickness.
Yes! Huaraz has many rental shops offering sleeping bags, trekking poles, down jackets, and more at affordable prices. It’s a great option if you don’t want to carry everything from home.
A professional cook prepares nutritious, high-energy meals using fresh local ingredients. Typical meals include soups, rice, quinoa, pasta, vegetables, meat, and tea. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated if arranged in advance.
Yes, but water from streams must be boiled, filtered, or purified before drinking. Most tour operators provide daily boiled or filtered water for trekkers. Bringing water purification tablets or a personal filter (e.g., LifeStraw) is recommended.
Group sizes typically range from 2 to 10 people for a personalized and manageable experience. Smaller groups allow for better support from guides and a more immersive trekking experience. Private treks are also available.
