7 days hike from Llanganuco to Santa Cruz

Llanganuco to Santa Cruz hike

07 Days / 06 Nights

🌄 7-Day Llanganuco to Santa Cruz Trek – Cordillera Blanca, Peru

Embark on one of Peru’s most breathtaking multi-day hikes through the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, a dream destination for trekking lovers and nature enthusiasts.

This unforgettable 7-day Santa Cruz Trek begins at the stunning turquoise Llanganuco Lakes and takes you across high mountain passes, remote Andean valleys, and glacier-fed lagoons. Along the way, you’ll experience panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in Peru, including Huascarán, Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and Taulliraju.

Trek along ancient pre-Inca trails, sleep under star-filled skies, and immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems of Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Highlights include the Portachuelo Pass, the iconic Punta Unión viewpoint, and a visit to Alpamayo Base Camp, considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

Ideal for hikers seeking both challenge and beauty, this route combines natural wonders with cultural insights, offering a fully supported adventure with expert guides, porters, and delicious meals.

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a passionate explorer, the Llanganuco to Santa Cruz Trek promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the majestic Peruvian Andes.

📍 Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
🗺 Region: Cordillera Blanca, Ancash – Peru
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
✅ Best time to go: May to September

Book your adventure today and experience one of the top-rated treks in South America!

Itinerary

Depart from Lima in a comfortable vehicle, driving along the scenic Pacific coastline before crossing the desert valleys. Ascend through the Andes via the Conococha Pass (4,100 m), where you’ll witness your first breathtaking views of the Callejón de Huaylas, nestled between the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra. Arrive in Huaraz (3,090 m), the trekking capital of Peru.

Hotel transfer and overnight stay.

🗻 Highlight: Arrival in the Andes and panoramic views of the mountain ranges.

Travel north along the Santa River valley, passing traditional towns such as Carhuaz, Mancos, and Yungay. Admire iconic peaks like Huascarán (6,768 m), Huandoy, and Hualcán.
Enter Huascarán National Park to visit the stunning Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha & Orconcocha), famous for their turquoise waters and Andean flora.

Ascend to the dramatic Portachuelo Pass (4,767 m), with a 360° view of glacier-covered giants including Chopicalqui, Yanapaccha, Pisco, and Chacraraju. Begin your hike through high-altitude landscapes and polylepis forests until reaching Mache Pampa for your first night of camping (3,760 m).

🌄 Highlight: Turquoise Llanganuco Lakes and epic mountain vistas from Portachuelo.

Continue the trek through the scenic Huaripampa Valley, passing through remote villages like Collo, Yanachaca, and Huaripampa, with views of Yanama and Colcabamba in the distance.

Climb through the Ranincuray Valley, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Chacraraju. Hike past small alpine lakes and native quenual forests, with frequent glimpses of Taulliraju (5,850 m). Camp in the peaceful Paria Valley (3,800 m), with views of Mount Paria and the Garcilaso Pyramid.

🏞 Highlight: Remote Andean villages and panoramic views of Chacraraju and Taulliraju.

Ascend an ancient pre-Inca trail to reach the Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m) — one of the most iconic viewpoints on the Santa Cruz Trek.

Enjoy incredible views of towering peaks: Chacraraju, Taulliraju, Paria, Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and Pucahirca, all surrounding deep glacial valleys.

Descend to Taullipampa campsite (4,250 m) surrounded by snow-capped giants.

❄️ Highlight: Crossing the Punta Unión Pass, the high point of the trek with unmatched alpine views.

Trek to Arhuaycocha Lake (4,450 m) for an up-close view of Alpamayo (5,947 m) — known as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

Take in the sights of Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and the Garcilaso Pyramid. Continue downhill through the Santa Cruz Valley, passing by the scenic lakes of Hatun Cocha and Ichic Cocha, where you may spot native ducks and highland birds.

Camp at Llamacorral (3,780 m) surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.

🌊 Highlight: Visit to Alpamayo Base Camp and Arhuaycocha Lake — a photographer’s paradise.

Descend through the lush Santa Cruz Valley, observing the changing ecosystems from alpine terrain to warmer, subtropical zones.

Marvel at the biodiversity, including orchids, bromeliads, and cascading waterfalls along steep cliffs.
Reach the village of Cashapampa (2,900 m), where private transport will return you to Huaraz. Hotel transfer upon arrival.

🌿 Highlight: Biodiversity along the trail and gradual descent through ecological zones.

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Huaraz before departing for Lima by private transport or bus. Take with you the unforgettable memories of hiking through the Cordillera Blanca, one of the most stunning high-altitude mountain ranges in the world.

🧭 Highlight: Reflection and return after completing one of Peru’s top trekking experiences.

What’s included:

Hotel in Huaraz.
Transfer Lima – Huaraz – Lima by regular bus (direct buses with air conditioning, chemical toilet, TV, lunch on board, hostesses).
Private vehicle transfers in Huaraz: bus station – hotel – bus station.
Private car transfers to all starting points and return to/from hiking destinations.
Bilingual trekking guide.
First class trekking services: Cook and full meals on the mountain, according to the program.
Donkeys, muleteers and a horse.
Tents (for 2 or 3 people each), kitchen, dining room and bathroom.
Air mattress.
All kitchen and dining room equipment.
First aid kit for the group.
National Park tickets.
Upon return from Huaraz, transfer from the bus station to the hotel or airport.

Not included:

Hotels in Lima.
Dinners in the city.
Personal expenses: camping equipment, specific medical equipment, telephone calls, extra meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses.

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Important

What to bring for this hike?

Backpack with rain protection.
Sleeping bag.
Clothing for warm and cold weather, such as a rain jacket.
Rain pants and light pants.
Trekking shoes.
Slippers or sandals (for showers).
Wool or synthetic socks and a sweater.
Long and short sleeve polos/T-shirts.
Rain poncho and hat.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol and disinfectant gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag).
Flashlight and batteries.
Some snacks like chocolate bars and nuts.
Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
As the weather can be very cold and wet, clothes, once wet, will not dry overnight. Therefore, bring a change of clothes.

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Tour Related:

4 Days/ 3 Nights

Climb Pisco Mountain in 4 Days – An adventure in the Cordillera

Climb Pisco Mountain – 4-Day Guided Expedition in the Cordillera Blanca

Take your adventure to new heights with our 4-day guided climb to Pisco Mountain (5,750 m), one of the most iconic and accessible peaks in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca. This climb is the perfect introduction to high-altitude mountaineering, offering a rewarding challenge with breathtaking alpine scenery, expert support, and unforgettable Andean landscapes.

Begin your journey in Huaraz, the adventure capital of Peru, and travel through the stunning Llanganuco Valley, home to the famous turquoise lakes Chinancocha and Orconcocha. From there, your trek ascends gradually, giving you time to acclimatize as you make your way to Pisco Base Camp and then on to Moraine Camp, located just below the glacier.

The summit day is an early start, but the reward is unparalleled. As the sun rises, you’ll stand at 5,750 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-covered giants like Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Artesonraju, and Alpamayo. This 360° view from the top of Pisco is a highlight that will stay with you forever.

Perfect for both beginner and intermediate climbers, this tour includes professional bilingual guides, camping equipment, meals, and mule support—you focus on the climb, we take care of the rest.

Highlights:

🚐 Scenic drive through the majestic Llanganuco Valley with glacier lakes and towering peaks.
🏕️ Camp under the stars at high-altitude sites with panoramic mountain views.
🧗 Cross glacial moraines and rocky terrain en route to Moraine Camp (4,765 m).
🌄 Summit at sunrise with awe-inspiring views of the Cordillera Blanca.
💪 Great acclimatization peak before attempting higher climbs in the Andes.
🧭 Fully supported expedition with expert guides, gear, and mules included.

3 Days/ 2 Nights

Lake Llanganuco & Chavín de Huántar tour

🌄 3-Day Tour to Lake Llanganuco & Chavín de Huántar – From Huaraz

Looking for a short but unforgettable escape in the Peruvian Andes? This 3-day tour from Huaraz is the perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and culture.

Explore the breathtaking Lake Llanganuco, located in the heart of Huascarán National Park, where turquoise glacial waters reflect the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Blanca. Visit charming towns in the Callejón de Huaylas, discover local crafts in Tarica, and connect with the cultural heritage of the region.

Continue your adventure with a guided visit to the mysterious Chavín de Huántar, one of Peru’s most important pre-Inca archaeological sites, recognized by UNESCO for its historical significance. Walk through ancient stone temples, ceremonial plazas, and underground labyrinths that date back over 3,000 years.

Whether you’re acclimatizing for a longer trek or looking for a meaningful short trip in the Andes, this tour is a perfect way to experience the highlights of Ancash in just a few days.

📍 Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
🚐 Starts and ends in: Huaraz
🌿 Destinations: Lake Llanganuco, Chavín de Huántar, Callejón de Huaylas
✅ Ideal for: Cultural travelers, acclimatization, short trips

Book now and uncover the magic of Peru’s highlands with expert local guides and unforgettable views.

2 Days /1 Night

Colca Valley & Collaguas Experience

Discover the Heart of the Colca Valley with an Authentic Cultural Experience!
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of the Colca Valley on this 2-day adventure. Witness the majestic flight of the condors, explore ancient Inca terraces and ruins, and relax in the healing waters of Yanque’s hot springs. Stay with a welcoming local family, savor homemade traditional meals, and experience the warmth of Collagua hospitality. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure awaits you! 🌄✨

Why Choose This Tour?

Authentic Experience – Connect with the local culture by staying with a local family and sharing traditional meals.
Stunning Nature – Witness the majestic flight of the condors and the breathtaking views of the Colca Canyon.
Cultural Immersion – Learn about the history, customs, and daily life of the Collagua communities.
Adventure and Relaxation – Combine exploration with relaxation in the hot springs of Yanque.