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Imagine yourself trekking in Peru’s stunning Cordillera Blanca. This trekking tour takes you through the Santa Cruz Valley north of Huaraz, and is perfect for travellers who want a shorter tour that still has spectacular scenery. If you want to see some of the best trekking in Peru, you’ll love the Santa Cruz Trek Tour in Parque Nacional Huascarán.
On this guided Santa Cruz trek in Cordillera Blanca, you will immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the Santa Cruz and Ulta valleys in the Peruvian Andes on this eight-day guided trek. Challenge yourself to climb to new heights which will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Follow the trail through native plants, trees, and grasslands. You will even have the opportunity to visit traditional Quechua villages to experience a taste of daily life for these native people. Spend each night camped under the stars and wake up to inspiring mountain views. This guided trek in Peru is truly an unforgettable experience.
Since most of the Santa Cruz Trek Tour in Peru is above 3,000m in elevation, it is important to spend a few days prior to the Santa Cruz Ulta trek getting acclimated to the altitude. A 3-4 day acclimatization hike in the vicinity of Huaraz is strongly recommended.
Cordillera Blanca
The Cordillera Blanca - “white range” in English - is a rugged mountain range in Peru that forms a part of the much larger Andes Mountain range. Extending over 200km, the Cordillera Blanca contains a number of peaks that eclipse 6,000m in height, including the tallest mountain in Peru, Huascarán (6,768m). Anyone setting out on the Santa Cruz Trek will be thrust into the impressive landscape of the Cordillera Blanca, witnessing dramatic mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and countless glaciers.
Santa Cruz Trek Tour
Imagine yourself trekking in Peru’s stunning Cordillera Blanca. This trekking tour takes you through the Santa Cruz Valley north of Huaraz, and is perfect for travellers who want a shorter tour that still has spectacular scenery. If you want to see some of the best trekking in Peru, you’ll love the Santa Cruz Trek Tour in Parque Nacional Huascarán.
On this guided Santa Cruz trek in Cordillera Blanca, you will immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the Santa Cruz and Ulta valleys in the Peruvian Andes on this eight-day guided trek. Challenge yourself to climb to new heights which will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Follow the trail through native plants, trees, and grasslands. You will even have the opportunity to visit traditional Quechua villages to experience a taste of daily life for these native people. Spend each night camped under the stars and wake up to inspiring mountain views. This guided trek in Peru is truly an unforgettable experience.
Since most of the Santa Cruz Trek Tour in Peru is above 3,000m in elevation, it is important to spend a few days prior to the Santa Cruz Ulta trek getting acclimated to the altitude. A 3-4 day acclimatization hike in the vicinity of Huaraz is strongly recommended.
Cordillera Blanca
The Cordillera Blanca - “white range” in English - is a rugged mountain range in Peru that forms a part of the much larger Andes Mountain range. Extending over 200km, the Cordillera Blanca contains a number of peaks that eclipse 6,000m in height, including the tallest mountain in Peru, Huascarán (6,768m). Anyone setting out on the Santa Cruz Trek will be thrust into the impressive landscape of the Cordillera Blanca, witnessing dramatic mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and countless glaciers.
Trek in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca on this stunning trekking tour.
Climb to stunning overlook points for view of spectacular snow-capped peaks.
Visit traditional Quechua villages and experience aspects of daily life there.
Hike along trails through native Andean plants, both wild and cultivated.
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Why book with 10 Adventures?
We know adventure
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Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.
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With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.
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Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.
We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.
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Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.
Hassle free bookings
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.
Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.
This trekking tour in Peru is always run as a private tour for you and your group and the price depends on the group size.
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The prices below are per person.
- Guided groups of 2: $1,480USD per person
- Guided groups of 3: $1,410USD per person
- Guided groups of 4+: $1,295USD per person
Meals
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations along the trekking route are included. You can book additional nights in Huaraz before or after the trek during the booking process.
Transportation during the tour
This tour includes transportation at the beginning and end of the trek to and from Huaraz. You can also arrange transport from Lima to Huaraz (8 hour bus trip) during the booking process.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip
- Hotel taxes and service charges in Huaraz
- Camp cook
- Horseman, pack animals, and emergency horse
- Camping equipment for collective use (sleeping tents, kitchen tent, dinning tent, bathroom tent, mattress, table and chairs)
- Kitchen Service (all the crockery)
- Celebration Meal
- Park fee entrances
- First Aid Kit
- Luggage porterage using donkeys and/or horses
- All logistics
Not included
- Anything not listed as included
- Flights to Peru
- Transit to Huarez.
- Personal trekking gear
- Any food or beverages not listed
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Incidental personal expenditures, including any travel insurance, emergency evacuations and medical expenditures
- Travel, personal, and medical insurance
Optional Extras
- Bus Transfer from Lima
- Additional nights in Huaraz
- 3 day, 2 Night Pre-trip Acclimatization hikes in Huaraz
Accommodation for Santa Cruz Trek Tour
You will be pitching a tent at various scenic spots along your trekking route. These campsites are owned by the rural communities in the region and provide revenue for these local communities. Camping allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings around you, as well as enjoy staying on the trail itself along the way. We also strongly suggest you do book an additional few nights in Huaraz before your trek for acclimatization.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard tents are double and single ones are on request.
How hard is this tour?
This tour is rated as a 5 out of 5 for difficulty, largely due to the altitude of this circuit. Acclimatization to the altitude prior to the start of the tour is recommended.
Do I need a Visa?
Every country is different. It’s important to check with your country to see if they require a visa. You could also try this website, though it’s important that you verify with your government.
Are meals included?
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
In order to participate in this tour, it is mandatory that you have Health and Medical travel insurance. You can get travel insurance here.
How do I get to Huaraz to start this tour?
Most guests fly into Lima and then take a bus to Huaraz. You can add on the bus trip to Huaraz from Lima during the booking process.
Where does the tour end?
The trek ends in the Ulta Valley, where you’ll get a transfer back to Huaraz. You can book a bus back to Lima during the booking process.
Are the tours in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
Can I rent any gear?
Yes, you can rent any gear you may need.
Do I need vaccines?
Check with your family doctor or a Travel Medical Clinic to confirm required immunizations or vaccines.
How will I be affected by the altitude?
The altitude on this trek ranges between 2900-4900 m. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue. Consult a doctor before the trip regarding the risk of altitude sickness. Prescription medication is available to help minimize the symptoms. The best way to deal with altitude is to spend time beforehand at elevation. We recommend at minimum a 3-day, 2-night hiking trip based out of Huarez.
What kind of tents do you use?
The tents used are 3 season, 3-person tents, however tents are only shared for 2-participants. The specific tent used is typically the Doite Cara Kailas.
Can I bring my own tent?
Yes you can bring your own tent, however you won’t save any money.
Should I tip a guide?
Yes, tips are optional and based on good service.
What should I bring with me?
Please try to travel as light as possible. Although you do not need to carry your luggage while walking, you will still need to carry it over short distances. Also, remember you unpack and repack on most nights.
- 1 backpack with a capacity of 60 to 70 L (or a similarly sized duffel bag or travel bag)
- 1 daypack
- Sleeping bag (should be lightweight, rated to 0 degrees F., down or synthetic, and compressible)
- 1 warm jacket or parka
- 3 pairs of outdoor pants (jeans are not recommended as they are slow to dry)
- Warm sweaters
- Hiking socks (with optional liner socks) for walking
- T-shirts, shirts, hats or caps
- 1 set of long underwear
- Quality hiking boots that are broken in.
- Spare shoes for the evenings (optional)
- 1 set of light rain gear such as a pant and jacket combination or a good poncho
- Your own personal water bottle (at least 1 liter, preferably two bottles).
- 1 pocketknife or hunting knife
- 1 pair of sunglasses (VERY IMPORTANT!)
- A supply of sun blocker or sunscreen lotion and lip protection (VERY IMPORTANT!)
- Personal medications
- Underwear, personal items, and toiletries
- 1 pair of fleece lipants
- 1 wool or fleece hat
- Headlamp and Batteries (bring at least 2 spare sets)
- 1 pair of gloves (wool or shell gore-tex)
When is the best time to travel to this region of Peru for trekking?
The recommended months to travel to Huaraz are from May to September. This period is cold but dry. You should avoid travelling to this region for trekking during the rainy season as the snow makes some of the high passes impassable.