6-day Santa Cruz Trek to the Ulta Valley in the Cordillera Blanca, from Huaraz
Join a local certified mountain guide for a slight twist to the classic 6-day Santa Cruz trek with an extra night at the end of the trip in the Ulta Valley.
Private
Cordillera Blanca
6 Days
May - Nov
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cordillera Blanca.
- Camp in a different yet equally beautiful spot each night.
- Get the chance to see some of the native wildlife.
Description
Come to Peru’s Cordillera Blanca for one of South America’s most classic hikes, the Santa Cruz trek!
Over the course of 6 days, we will head through the wilderness of this stunningly scenic cordillera, getting the chance to meet local people, see local wildlife and, of course, get some excellent views.
Among the iconic sights we will see are Quitarahu, Artesonrahu, Parón, Aguja and Alpamayo, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain in the world.
In a bit of a twist on the classic Santa Cruz trek, we will finish with a descent through the incredibly beautiful Ulta Valley, where we will take in more excellent views of Huascarán Sur, Chopicalqui, Ulta, and Hualcán, before heading home.
Along with the plethora of natural beauty, we will also get to do some cultural exploration too. We will pass by the mountain towns of Carhuaz and Caraz, in which we can do some shopping, try local ice cream and meet the people!
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this amazing and unique twist on the Santa Cruz trek, heading out from Huaraz and finishing in the Ulta Valley of Peru’s Cordillera Blanca!
If you like the look of this trip then I think you will also enjoy my 10-day trek from Huaraz to Cajatambo in the stunningly scenic Cordillera Huayhuash!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transportation start and back
- Luggage transfer
Price details
- Please contact us for an exact price quote and trip dates.
Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz to Cashapampa and Llamacorral (3.800 m)
We will meet up in Huaraz and drive down through Carhuaz and Caraz before ascending to Cashapampa. Along the way, we will head over a mountain pass and through some rural villages before stopping here for the night.
Day 2: Llamacorral to Hatuncocha and Taullipampa (4.200 m)
We will start the day by hiking up to the glacial lakes at Ichiccocha and Hatuncocha, before continuing our ascent to Alpamayo Base Camp. From here we will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains before heading on to Taullipampa.
Day 3: Taullipampa to Punta Union Pass (4,750 m) and Cachinapampa
We will have a fairly demanding day of hiking as we start the day by heading up to Punta Union Pass where we will stop for lunch. We then descend down into the Conchucos Valley before making camp at Cachinapampa.
Day 4: Cachinapampa to Colcabamba and Molinopampa (3.600 m)
We begin our day by hiking to the rural village of Colcabamba. After lunch, we will continue to hike until we reach our campsite at Molinopampa , enjoying excellent views of Contrayerbas peak along the way.
Day 5: Molinopampa to Avalancha Lake and Avalancha (4.500 m)
We will hike to Avalancha Campsite passing by Avalancha Lake and keeping our eye out for local wildlife.
Day 6: Avalancha to Yanayaku Pass (4.850 m), Ulta Valley and Huaraz
We start our day with a brief hike to Yanayaku Pass, enjoying spectacular views out over the surroundings, before descending into the Ulta Valley and hiking through it until we reach Cruzepampa. From here, we will transfer back to Huaraz.
About the guide
Peru
4.6
(20)
Guide Agency
Peru Expeditions is a Guide Agency and Tour Operator based in Huaraz, Peru.
It's a family-owned travel agency, which was founded more than 35 years ago, and is now managed by IFMGA-guide Juventino and his son, Eric.
We organize trekkings and mountain expeditions in Cordillera Blanca, and all around Peru.
Languages
| English
Certificates
AGMP | IFMGA
What people are saying about Peru
He was very kind, patient and helped me to reach my goal the citadel of Machupicchu. One day I wanted to quit but he encouraged me to continue and waited for my step.
We did the MTB-Huarascan-Circuit (Crossing Punta Olimpica Pass and Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass) with Eric Albinos „Peru Expedition“. All, the transfers, the hotel stays, the acclimatization tours and the circuit itself, was well organized. Eric and his staff were flexible to our wishes and very helpful. Our Guide Joni is an excellent mountain bike-guide and good tailor too if something is torn. The cook prepared delicious meals during the circuit. The camping equipment was in very good condition. We (Karin, Franz. Wolfgang) can fully recommend „Eric´s Peru Expeditions“.
Alexey
Marcela
The agency gave me a guide Darwin, not Juventino. Climb was good, easy just walking. There is one dangerous section near the moraine area with very loose gravel. So make sure you don't slip there or you are dead. I stayed in refugio at the base camp which was much more comfy than camping. Darwin was good but give clients some breaks once in a while, not rush too much. It's a high altitude climbing after all.
5 star guide. Nothing but the best.
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