Breakfast at Hotel around 5am and depart around 6am to trailhead, afterwards the minibus climbs up the mountain and we crossthe Portachuelo Pass at 4,767m. On days with good weather conditions, you can see Peru’s highest mountain, Huascaran, and the four peaks of Huandoy, Pisco, Chacraraju and Chopicalqui. After crossing the pass we arrive in the village Vaqueria from where we start our Santa Cruz Trek, Peru. Just equipped with our day pack and a box lunch we follow First Class Huaraz trekking guide through the small village of Huaripampa. We will be registered in the control of the National Park. Here we were already impressed by the first high mountains we had around us. we realize that we have much better view of the mountains from this place. We have an absolute great view of Pucaraju (5,025 m). In our “restaurant tent” we also have a hot coca tea to warm up.

Infos:
from Huaraz to Vaqueria 121km aprox 5 hours Driving at non-paved trail, Highest Pass 4850masl Portachuelo Llangnauco

From Vaqueria to Paria camp site 13km – about 5 hours walking

Around 6:15am for breakfast. What a start! Then put our things together and had breakfast. Meanwhile the tents are taken down by the donkey driver. With a filled stomach we start our hike into the direction of the highest point of our Santa Cruz Trek, Peru: The pass of Punta Union at 4,750m. The beginning of the trek is easy but then the hardest part of the Santa Cruz Trek, Peru, starts: the steep way up to the pass. Very slowly and with little steps we make our way up over huge rocks. it is a hard challenge as it is the first time that you do such a long steep walk in the high mountains. almost 7 hours after leaving the campsite we reach the pass. We all are so proud and enjoy the amazing views of the Santa Cruz Valley to the west, and the views of the Huaripampa Valley to the east. Looking to the Santa Cruz Valley we can admire the peak of Taulliraju (5,830m) with its glacial lake on the right hand side. On the left hand side we see the mountains Paria (5,720m) and Artesonraju (6,025m).  Far away in the distance we already see the blue water of Lake Jatuncocha in the Santa Cruz Canyon. With good weather conditions you can already see all of Santa Cruz Canyon with the mountains Alpamayo (5,947m), Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Rinrihircas, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui and Pucahircas. After enjoying the views we go down to our next camp, Taullipampa (4,250m). Everything will be already prepared. At the dinner table you all talke about the amazing moment when all of you reached the Punta Union pass on our Santa Cruz Trek, Peru.

Walking distance about 16 km

About 8 or 9 hours walking

After the leave the camp Taullipampa and have a nice and much easier way up to a view point from where you have a great view of Paria and Artesonraju. Walk to explore the Base Camp Alpamayo and the turquoise lake of Arhueycocha, we continue further to Laguna Jatuncocha. The blue water is so fascinating and we enjoy the snack break with the view of the valley, From here we make our way down into the Santa Cruz Canon and passed the beautiful Lake Jatuncocha. Pass the camp site Llamacorral (3,760m).

On the slow way down to the final destination Cashapampa we hike through different vegetation and suddenly we can see the first cactuses and higher plants along the way. We follow the Santa Cruz River and love the peaceful atmosphere in the valley. The sun is shining and it is a perfect day. Around 2:30pm aprox we arrive in the village of Cashapampa

-          Walking distance about 14km easy walk