Santa Cruz Trek
The Santa Cruz trek - the Cordillera Blanca’s classic, past Alpamayo and turquoise lakes over Punta Unión
The route
The line through Cordillera Blanca, Peru - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1CashapampaTrailhead
Start
- 2LlamacorralCamp
Camp
- 3TaullipampaCamp
Below the pass
- 4Punta UniónPass
High pass
- 5VaqueríaTrailhead
Finish
Season & conditions
May-Sep (dry season)
Cold nights, strong sun, afternoon weather at altitude
Best May-Sep (dry); snow on the pass and cold nights. Confirm.
On the trail
Quechua valleys, turquoise lakes and the Punta Unión pass
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Hike either direction (Vaquería↔Cashapampa); Alpamayo base-camp extension
Getting there & staying
Cashapampa or Vaquería, from Huaraz
Point-to-point may need transport between ends - confirm
Camping only (no huts); mule-supported common
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Huaraz; limited or none on the trail
Not required; guides/arrieros commonly used
Permits & safety
Huascarán NP entry fee; arrieros (muleteers) commonly hired. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Altitude illness is the key risk at these elevations - acclimatize, ascend gradually, know the descent rule (Punta Unión 4,750 m), cold, sun
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.