Peru: Trekking Santa Cruz and challenge circuit Punta Union (4750 m)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Huaraz - Trekking hike to Laguna Churup (4450 m)
Day 2: Huaraz - Transfer to the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) - Trekking to Llamacorral (3800 m)
Day 3: Llamacorral - Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)
Day 4: Taullipampa - Trekking up to Punta Union Pass (4750 m) - Trekking to Paria - Refugio Huaripampa (3600 m)
Day 5: Huaripampa - Trekking to the village of Vaquería. Transfer by van over Portachuelo Pass (4650 m) - Transfer to Huaraz (3100 m)

Detailed Program

Day 1: Huaraz - Day Hike to Laguna Churup (4450 m)
The trail to Laguna Churup is one of the classic hikes of the Cordillera Blanca, challenging but a great acclimatization route. We drive to the village of Llupa, and from there begin our hike on an ancient Inca trail to Laguna (Lake) Churup. The trail gets narrow and steep, including a small section with fixed ropes. It‘s one of the most beautiful places in this varied mountain region. Churup Peak rises above the lake, a wild rocky mountain with glaciers and cliffs 5,400 meters above sea level. Here we can continue climbing and do a loop to the Churup summit trail before returning to the trailhead and back to Huaraz for the night. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)

Day 2: Huaraz - Transfer to the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) - Trekking to Llamacorral (3800 m)
Today we head for the departure point for our trek. We set off via private transport to the valley of the Santa River, as far down as Caraz and then along a narrow route toward the Santa Cruz Valley. The farmers cultivate the green fields, but agriculture is very difficult here. We arrive at the village of Cashapampa (2900 m) where our trek begins and our local team is waiting: burro drivers whose pack animals will carry our baggage from now on. Starting in the lush vegetation of the valley, we continue deeper into this unique mountain landscape. After approximately 4½ hours of trekking, we arrive at our campsite in Llamacorral. Overnight Camp (-/L/D)

Day 3: Llamacorral - Trekking to Taullipampa (4250 m)
We climb via Santa Cruz Gorge and pass alongside the lakes of Ichiccocha y Jatuncocha. At the edge of the trees, the lupines enchant us with all colors of blue. This is a paradise for the local ducks! Next we go to Lake Arhueycocha (4450m), which is also the departure point for climbing Alpamayo. We enjoy a fantastic view of the peaks of Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Artesonraju (the logo for Paramount Pictures!) Many people believe that the white pyramid of Alpamayo is the most beautiful mountain in the world! Camp at Taullipampa. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 4: Taullipampa - Punta Union Pass (4750 m) - Trekking to Paria - Refugio Huaripampa (3600 m)
At first it‘s an easy climb through meadows, but the trail soon becomes dry, rocky and steep. This trail was used from pre-Inca times to get to Punta Unión, an imposing mountain; it will take about 2 hours. The majestic mountains of the Cordillera Blanca you can see today include Taulliraju and Huandoy, Huascarán, the Pucajircas, Artesonraju and many others. The descent is also steep and passes through the beautiful high mountain landscape of the lakes of Morococha. We finally get to the valley of Huaripampa where we camp for the night. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 5: Huaripampa - Trekking to the village of Vaquería. Transfer by van over Portachuelo Pass (4650 m) - Transfer to Huaraz (3100 m)
After descending through the forests and whitewater rivers of the Huaripampa Valley, we pass through a typical village of the high Andes, Vaquería. The farmers here raise small animals and some crops. At this elevation there are still flowers, and their colors brighten the landscape. From the village we climb to Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass, 4650 meters, where you will have fantastic views of several mountains covered in snow. And with a bit of luck, we‘ll be able to see vicuñas! These timid relatives of llamas graze at elevations of 5500 m; it’s not surprising that these animals produce the finest wool in the animal kingdom, tired and happy, we arrive at the hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)

Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner

What's included

• Acclimatization tour to Laguna Churup
• Peruvian trekking guide
• Cooks and helpers from 6 people
• All meals during the tour
• Donkey driver and donkeys
• Camping tents (2 persons)
• Kitchen equipment
• Transportation as tour schedule / Huaraz

• International flights to Lima / Peru round trip
• Transfer from the airport for bookings of individual flights with different times of arrival / departure
• Exit tax at the airport in Lima
• Travel accident and health insurance
• Luggage insurance and trip cancellation
• Meals in restaurants in Lima and Huaraz
• Pick up at the airport in Lima to the Hotel
• Transfer from the Hotel to the airport and bus station
• Transport public bus or Domestic flight Airline LC-Peru
• Hotel Casa Andina 2 nights in Lima or other hotel
• Hotel San Sebastián 4 nights in Huaraz or other hotel
• Entrance fees to the Huascaran National Park
• Personal expenses
• Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc.)
• Tips

Tour Information:

Season: April to December
Difficulty: Moderate

Dates & Prices: