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Santa Cruz Trek

Santa Cruz Trek

Introductory 9 days Peru
Trek the beautiful Santa Cruz Valley in Peru! During the Santa Cruz trek, you’ll travel through the two main valleys of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, known to climbers and trekkers as one of the most stunning mountain ranges on the planet. IF THE DATES ARE GREYED OUT – the expedition is sold out and you’ll need to join our waitlist! Please email “info@alpenglowexpeditions.com” to join the wait list.
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A high alpine lake that climbers see during an acclimatization hike before climbing Alpamayo.
Trek the Santa Cruz Valley

Trekking through Peru’s Santa Cruz Valley offers a stunning introduction to the beauty of the Cordillera Blanca.

Known for its dramatic snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and vibrant high-altitude meadows, the trail provides a manageable yet rewarding adventure. Perfect for those seeking a shorter multi-day trek, the route climbs to Punta Unión Pass at 15,580 feet, where panoramic views of iconic peaks like Taulliraju, Artesonraju, Alpamayo, and Quitaraju steal the show. With accessible logistics and breathtaking scenery, the Santa Cruz trek is a must for anyone looking to explore one of the Andes’ most picturesque regions.

Preparation
Fitness
Trekkers must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. Trekking the Santa Cruz Valley is a large physical undertaking, and those who are joining our teams should have at least a general understanding of what it takes to train for an expedition like this. For a personalized training schedule, please reach out to our in-house trainer: lynette@alpenglowexpeditions.com.
Technical
No technical experience required.
Altitude
No altitude experience required.
Alpamayo Expedition
Itinerary and Map

Santa Cruz Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive

Arrive in Lima in the afternoon or evening. We’ll stay one night in Lima just in case of delayed flights etc.

Day 2
Head to Huaraz

Fly from Lima to Huaraz, where we base out of a small but beautiful hotel (10,000’/ 3,050m).

Day 3
Acclimatize in Huaraz

An acclimatization and organization day in Huaraz. Generally speaking, we can spend this day exploring the beautiful city of Huaraz. This not only gets our legs moving but really gets our acclimatization process jump started.

Day 4
Drive to Cashapampa and Begin Trek

Drive to our trailhead in the village of Cashapampa (9,000’/ 2,743m). This 3 hour drive takes us through beautiful farming communities as we head between the spines of the Cordillera Negra and the Cordillera Blanca. After organizing our burros, we hike with daypacks to Llama Corral (11,500’/ 3,505m), where we camp for the night. Our total trekking time for today will be 4-5hrs.

Day 5
Trek to Alpamayo Base Camp

Today we make our way further up the Santa Cruz Valley, admiring the views of Artesonraju (19,767’/ 6,025m) and Quitaraju (19,820’/ 6,041m) as we make our way to Alpamayo Base Camp (14,150’/4,312m). We’ll settle in for the evening under one of the most beautiful mountains in the world: Alpamayo. Today’s total trek will be 5-6 hours.

Day 6
Trek to Taullipampa

After watching the sun rise on Alpamayo, we make our way back down to the Santa Cruz Valley. We’ll have a short day, trekking one and a half hours to Taullipampa (13,600’/ 4,145m). We spend the rest of the day relaxing in the grass meadow beneath Artesonraju (19,767’/ 6,025m).

Day 7
Trek over Punta Union Pass to Paria

This will be a big day of trekking, but we’ll be rewarded with incredible views atop Punta Union, our high elevation for the trip at 15,500’/ 4,750m. We’ll descend the other side of the pass into the Huaripampa Valley, making our way to Paria Camp (12,500’, 3,810m). The trek today will take 6-7 hours.

Day 8
Trek to Vaqueria and return to Huaraz

Today is the last day of trekking, closing out the trip with 4 hours of hiking down valley until we arrive at the small village of Vaqueria (12,000’, 3,657m). From here we have a 3 hour ride back to Huaraz.

Day 9
Depart

Leave Huaraz in the morning for Lima, say our goodbyes and depart from Lima in the evening.

Alpenglow’s Peru Guides

Our Santa Cruz Trek guides

Get to know who you might be trekking the Santa Cruz Valley with.
Equipment

Santa Cruz Trek Equipment List

All the gear you need for your Santa Cruz expedition.
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  • Hat

    Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.

    Recommended: Black Diamond 5-Panel Synthetic Cap

  • Beanie

    A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie 

  • Neck Gaiter (Buff)

    A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.

    Recommended: Alpenglow Buff

  • Balaclava

    We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava

  • Sunglasses

    Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).

    Recommended: Vuarnet Glacier 01

  • Lightweight Gloves

    All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Gloves

  • Midweight Gloves

    These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.

    Recommend: Black Diamond Tour Gloves

    or Black Diamond Terminator Gloves

  • Liner Socks

    A super-thin wicking sock that repels moisture. Liner socks help to reduce the likelihood of blisters. The socks should be thin wool, nylon, or Capilene®. NO COTTON

    Recommended: Ice Breaker Merino Liner

  • Hiking Socks

    Your everyday sock, good for day hikes, trekking, and in-town. It’s good to bring several pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.

    Recommended: Darn Tough Hiking Sock

     

  • Warm Socks

    A wool synthetic blend. Pure rag wool socks are not nearly as effective in wicking moisture or retaining their shape and reducing blisters. Bring a few pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.

    Recommended: Darn Tough Mountaineering Sock

  • Hiking Shoes

    These light to mid-weight shoes are for everyday use. The ideal shoe is comfortable to wear for multiple days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined shoe stays drier when hiking in rain or snow.

    Recommended: La Sportiva Bushido

  • Lightweight Top

    Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve

  • Sun Hoodie

    Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody

  • Lightweight Baselayer Top

    A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Solution 150 Merino Crew

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Crew

     

     

     

  • Mid-Weight Warm Layer Top

    This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover

  • Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket

    A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody

  • Soft Shell Jacket

    More breathable than Gore-tex, these soft shell jackets block wind and light precipitation and are great as an outer layer and warm layer under your parka.

    Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody

    Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody

  • Hard Shell Jacket

    A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Shell

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon LT Stretch Shell

     

  • Down Parka

    A puffy jacket with a hood that will keep you warm during the coldest of conditions. The higher the quality down, the better (800-fill is best). Although this jacket should be lightweight, it should be closer to the 2 lb. range than your typical mid-weight jacket.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Mission Down Parka

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Mission Parka

  • Black Diamond shorts
    Quick Dry Shorts

    Throw these on under other layers for when the sun begins to beat, or you want to stretch / relax in Basecamp. Lightweight, durable and comfortable. NO COTTON.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts

  • Black Diamond base layers
    Lightweight Baselayer Bottoms

    Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. This can be 3/4 length bottoms if preferred.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer

  • Hiking Pant

    Lightweight, durable, quick-drying hiking pant that will be your day-to-day pant during the expedition

    Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants

    Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Women’s Alpine Light Pants

     

     

  • Soft-Shell Alpine Pant

    You will spend most of your days in these pants. They should be breathable + water-resistant.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Alpine Pants

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Alpine Pants

  • Hard Shell Climbing Pant

    Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.

    Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Fineline Stretch Full Zip Pants

    Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full Zip Pants

  • Black Diamond pants
    Insulated Pant

    Full-length side zippers are recommended, for throwing on top of all of your layers.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Belay Pants

     

  • Duffel Bags

    2 Duffel Bags – At least one bag should be extremely durable, waterproof, and big – between 90L and 120L. You should feel comfortable leaving it in a puddle for several hours. Remember dry clothes are hot commodities in the mountains! Large enough to fit everything you own, plus what you anticipate buying. Two duffel bags are necessary to fit all your equipment for travel (we don’t recommend checking your backpack, best is to put all gear and backpack into your duffel). Once in country, you can consolidate your gear into one duffel and your backpack. It’s common to leave the second duffel with city clothes and other non-necessary items behind in a locked and secure location that your guide will arrange for you.

    Note: For ski expeditions such as the Ecuador Ring of Fire, you can replace one of these duffel bags with a ski/splitboard bag.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Stonehauler 120L

     

  • Day Pack

    Mid-size pack for city days and trekking. Streamlined, neat and lightweight (10-20 liters).

    Recommended: Black Diamond Bullet 16 Pack

  • Climbing Pack: 50-60L

    Internal frame pack that is between 50 and 60 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Mission 55L Pack

  • Sleeping Bag (0°F)

    Rated to 0º F. Make certain that the sleeping bag is the right length. DON’T FORGET A COMPRESSION SACK FOR THE SLEEPING BAG. Many climbers also like a silk liner. For the Ecuador Climbing School: If you’re on our 9-Day (non-extension) trip, a 20º F rated bag is ok.

    Recommended: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0°F

    or Sea To Summit Spark Down 0°F

  • Inflatable Sleeping Pad

    72-inch long inflatable pad required. Make sure you also purchase and bring a repair kit + bag for the sleeping pad.

    Recommended: NeoAir® XLite™ NXT Sleeping Pad

  • Foam Sleeping Pad

    Foldable foam sleeping pad for sleeping and using as a sit-pad.

    Recommended: Thermarest Z-Lite Sleeping pad

  • Hydration Systems

    You need to able to carry 2-3 liters of fluid at any time and the system could vary depending on weather and altitudes. Water containers can be: Camelback (only suitable for low elevations and high temperature days trekking or life at the camps), Thermos (one is recommended for summit day), a mix of 1 Liter Nalgene bottles (with insulator sleeve), and HydraPak style silicone bottles that are lightweight and simple, 0.5L recommended.

    Recommended System:

    MSR Dromlite2L w/ hydration tube

    Thermos Stainless King Drink Bottle 24oz.

    Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

    Hyperlite Insulator

    HydraPak Mountain Stow 500ml

     

  • Two 1L Nalgene Bottles

    Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.

    Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth

  • Compressible 1-1.5L Bottle

    Wide mouth compressible 1-1.5 liter bottle. Optional but strongly recommended. Often used as a designated pee bottle.

    Recommended: Nalgene Flexible Cantene

  • Plastic Bowl, Mug, and Spoon

    A lightweight and compact cookware setup. You’ll want a plastic bowl, mug and spoon.

    Recommended Kit: MSR 2-Person Mess Kit

  • Thermos

    A fully insulated thermos is optional but recommended for warm drinks that help with comfort, hydration, and safety on cold days in the mountains.

    Recommended: Thermos STAINLESS KING™ DRINK BOTTLE 24OZ

  • Headlamps

    Please bring two L.E.D. Headlamps. One will be intended as a lightweight backup. L.E.D. headlamps are required. Make sure they have 3+ bulbs. Bring extra batteries. We highly recommend a tilting lamp.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Storm 450

    Backup Headlamp Recommended: Black Diamond Deploy 325 

  • Trekking Poles

    Make sure that they are durable, lightweight + easily adjustable. These are optional, but highly recommended.

    Recommended: Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles

  • Miscellaneous Items
    • Passport (with visa, if necessary)
    • 2 luggage locks (TSA compliant)
    • Non-cotton underwear
    • Wag bags, 1 per night camping as to leave no trace
    • Day Pack (optional) – Mid-size for city days/trekking
    • Stuffsacks: assorted sizes, for organizing your clothes and gear
    • Sunscreen: SPF 30 (or higher)
    • Lip balm with SPF 15 (or higher)
    • Personal first-aid kit (Band-aids, Ibuprofen, Cough Drops, Moleskin, Pepto-bismol, Imodium, Personal Medications, Saline nasal spray)
    • Toiletries
    • 3-4lbs of Snack food (a variety of snack food, some whole food, some bars, some gels)
    • Hand Warmers
    • Flip flops or sandals/crocs – for showers, lounging, etc
    • Small Pack Towel
    • Face Mask
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Knife
    • Mountain Face Mask (optional)
    • Headphones
    • Powerbank (6-10K mAh good for 2-3 phone charges, weighing under 8oz)
  • Coffee

    While Alpenglow provides hot drink options every morning, it can be nice to have your own on hand any time you need a boost. With hot water always readily available, having instant coffee packets can give you the energy you need after a long day in the mountains!

    Recommended: Alpine Start Original Blend Instant Coffee

FAQs

Santa Cruz Trek Questions

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about trekking the Santa Cruz Valley
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