4 DAYS: SANTA CRUZ VALLEY - VAQUERIA
The White Range (Cordillera Blanca) is located in the Peruvian Andes, with its capital Huaraz in Callejón de Huaylas (Huaylas valley), northeast from Lima city and as its name says, it boasts beautiful white peaks, many of them more than 6000 masl, like the highest tropical mountain in the world: The Huascarán (6768 masl). The White Range is the second highest mountain chain of the World, after the Himalayas, but the same in beauty, being one the best destinations in Peru. An unforgettable journey to one of the most beautiful valleys of the White Range (Cordillera Blanca): Santa Cruz. During the trek there are views of spectacular Andean snow peaks such as Santa Cruz, Alpamayo, Taulliraju, Chacraraju, lagoons of intense turquoise like Jatuncocha (Big lagoon) and Ichicocha (Small Lagoon) and a quenoal forest, tree that grows only in the highlands.
Difficulty: Easy Distance: 63 Km.
Maximal elevation: 4750 masl
Maximal Temperature: 25°C
Minimal Temperature: -2°C
Departure time: 07:00
Duration: 5 – 7 hours per day
Arrival in Huaraz: 17:00 – 18:00
Day 01 HUARAZ – CASHAPAMPA – LLAMACORRAL
Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Huaraz for a two hours drive to Cashapampa Village, the entrance of Santa Cruz Valley, start point of the trekking. Five or six hours of walking up through a very steep path you will arrive to the first camp, a plain called Llamacorral. Cold lunch is served on the way. From this campsite, you can have your first glimpse of the Taulliraju Peak, which turns into orange colors during the sunset. (Lunch – Dinner).
Day 02 LLAMACORRAL – TAULLIPAMPA
Early in the morning, after a succulent breakfast, start walking through plains full of purple and yellow flowers, until arriving to Ichicoha Lagoon. The walk continues to Jatuncocha, a lagoon of great beauty. After lunch it is possible to climb up for 40 minutes to an excellent view point where you can see the Aguja Peak, Caraz, Artesonraju, Alpamayo and Quitaraju. On the way, which last from 4 to 6 hours, you can also appreciate Taulliraju, Piramide Garcilaso and Paria Peaks. Finally you reach Taullipampa, a plain at the feet of the impressive and steep Taulliraju Peak, a scenery of colossal world climbing feats. Overnight and dinner at the campsite.(Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner).
Day 03 TAULLIPAMPA – CACHINAPAMPA
Very early in the morning, breakfast and start of the greatest challenge of the route, walk up to Punta Union pass at 4,760 meters from sea level. Reaching this point is an inestimable reward: a view of the Santa Cruz Valley surrounded by peaks of 6,000 meters, turquoise lagoons, and the ideal place to take pictures. Then you initiate the descent towards Cachinapampa, a trail where you will pass through a small Quenoal forest and green fields. Cold lunch served on the way. Arrival at the campsite after 6 or 7 seven hours. Dinner and overnight. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner).
Day 04 CACHINAPAMPA – VAQUERÍA – HUARAZ
Breakfast and start of the last 2 or 3 hours of trekking. This day you can have a glimpse of the east face of the spectacular Chacraraju peak. The way ascends until arriving to Vaquería, a small hamlet where the bus is waiting to take you back to Huaraz city. On the way back, you can stop at the Portachuelo Pass with an excellent view of Chopicalqui, Huascaran, Pisco, Huandoy, Chacraraju Yanapaccha and Llanganuco Lakes. Arrival in Huaraz and transfer to your hotel. (Breakfast – Lunch). End of service
