Santa Cruz Trek and Pisco Ascent 7 Days in Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Join a certified local mountain guide on an escapade in Santa Cruz, an enchanting destination nestled amidst the majestic Andes. Experience the sheer beauty of Peru's awe-inspiring landscapes as we embark on a leisurely-paced hike. Discover the captivating treasures hidden within the breathtaking mountain ranges, including the renowned Cordillera Blanca
Group
Andes, Cordillera Blanca
7 Days
Apr - Oct
Low
Beginner
Highlights
- 1. Experience a short and beautiful trek through Santa Cruz
- 2. Behold a breathtaking 360° view of the majestic mountains that surround the peak of Mount Pisco
- 3. Enjoy leisurely ascent as you make your way back to Huaraz
Description
Come along in this incredible getaway adventure in Santa Cruz, a mesmerizing destination nestled amidst the monumental Andes! Enjoy a leisurely paced hike across some of the most beautiful landscapes of Peru. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, you will explore the many hidden gems of its stunning mountain ranges, including the Cordillera Blanca.
Traverse enchanting Andean villages such as the charming towns of Vaquería. Cashapampa and Huaripampa, where time seems to stand still amidst their quaint adobe and thatch dwellings.
Behold a mesmerizing spectacle of nature's majesty as we feast our eyes on the snow-crowned summits of the surrounding peaks, such as the mighty Huascarán, proudly reigning as the highest tropical mountain on the planet and Alpamayo, considered as one the most spectacular mountains in the world.
Gear up for an exciting expedition as we ascend Nevado Pisco. The sights surrounding this 5,752 meters (18,871 feet) high mountain are enhanced by the sheer beauty of its neighboring peaks, including Huandoy, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, and Huascarán. Brace yourself for a 13-hour adventure of ascending and descending through this one-of-a-kind summit climb.
Contact me to seize the opportunity to embark on the incredible 7-day adventure of the Santa Cruz trek and Pisco climb in the breathtaking Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
Consider also joining me for a one-day trekking tour in the Cordillera Blanca to explore the magnificent Pastoruri Glacier.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Permit and entrance fees
- Luggage transfer
- Tents
- Rope
- Cooking utensils
Price details
- 1.Tents and kitchen tent are included.
- 2. Donkeys and donkey driver are included
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Huaraz
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer with our private transportation to the town of Cashapampa (approximately 3 hours). During the journey, we will pass through many Andean villages in the Callejón de Huaylas. We will observe many snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, such as the Huascarán, which is the highest tropical mountain in the world. In the town, our muleteer awaits us to start the hike through the Santa Cruz Canyon to our first campsite, Llamacorral (approximately 5 hours).
Day 2: Trek from Llamacorral to Taullipampa
Continuing our hike on this day, we will observe two beautiful lakes, namely Laguna Ichiccocha (Small Lake) and Laguna Jatuncocha (Big Lake). We will also see mountains like the Alpamayo, considered the most beautiful mountain in the world. The walking time is approximately 6 hours.
Day 3: Hiking in Paso Punta Unión
After a good breakfast, we will transfer to the highest point of the hike, which is the Punta Unión Pass (approximately 4 hours). From here, we will enjoy beautiful views of snow-capped peaks such as Taulliraju, Quitaraju, Rinrihirca, and Artresonraju. After taking photos, we will descend through the Huaripampa Canyon to our campsite (approximately 3 hours).
Day 4: Tour through Cordillera Blanca
We will pass through the Andean village of Huaripampa with its adobe and thatch constructions, and then we will arrive in the town of Vaquería where our transportation awaits us for the transfer to a place called Cebollapampa. During the journey, we will reach the Portachuelo Pass to take good photos of many snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, such as Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Huandoys, and of course, our mountain, Pisco.
Day 5: Arrival to Base Camp
After enjoying breakfast, we will transfer on foot to the Base Camp (approximately 3 hours). There is a refuge at this location where we can go to have a hot beverage or read some mountain magazines.
Day 6: Ascend Cumbre Pisco
We will depart very early through a rocky trail to the glacier, approximately 3 hours. Here, we will put on the necessary mountaineering equipment for the ascent to the summit, approximately 4 hours. Pisco is well-known for its incredible views and strategic points for photography. The proximity of neighboring peaks such as Huandoy, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, and Huascarán is stunning. The total time for ascending and descending is approximately 13 hours.
Day 7: End of Trip
Final transfer to Huaraz
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Equipment rent on site
FAQs
What fitness level do I need for this trip?
This journey calls for walking and climbing, so a good level of fitness is essential to fully enjoy and conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
Do I need to have prior mountain climbing experience?
Prior to ascending to the summit, we will provide you with comprehensive mountaineering instructions to ensure your safety and success. You will receive valuable guidance on essential techniques and best practices, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful climb. Our experienced instructors will be there to answer your questions, address any concerns, and prepare you for the thrilling adventure that awaits.
Will clients be able to rent equipment on site
Clients will have the convenience of renting equipment on-site, ensuring that they have all the necessary gear for their adventure.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
William
Mountain Guide
I was born at the foot of Huascaran, Peru’s highest peak. I spent my childhood preparing for a career as a mountain guide. I began working as a porter on big expeditions all around the Cordillera Blanca range to earn both money and the necessary experience to begin my accreditation process towards a prestigious UIAGM Certification.
As my training for this, I spent most of my years from my early 20’s in the mountains as an aspirant guide, apprenticing under others and developing my own strength, style, and techniques as a guide.
Having earned the title of UIAGM mountain guide, I have worked on just about every peak in the National Park with groups from around the globe and continues to do so with patience and professionalism in all aspects of the job.
Languages
English
Certificates
AGMP | UIAGM
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
4.8
Read all our verified reviews
You may also like
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.