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Santa Cruz
Cordillera Blanca

This trek explores three of the most spectacular gorges of the Huascaran National Park, the Santa Cruz Valley, and Llanganuco Huaripampa. During the four day trek in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, we will encounter the best Andean scenery. As we walk through ancient Inca roads surrounded by forests and exotic vegetation such as quenuales and quiswar, we will see crystal clear rivers, beautiful lakes and stunning scenery. From the Punta Union Pass we will have stunning views of the main peaks of the Cordillera Blanca: Alpamayo, Artesonraju, Taulliraju, Pisco, Chacraraju, Chopicalqui, Huandoy, Huascaran, etc. Our main departure location is from Vaqueria, but we also depart from Cashapampa less frequently (which would reverse the following itinerary).

Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz - Vaqueria - Paria (3870m)
We'll leave Huaraz by bus, drive through Yungay and stop by the picturesque Llanganuco Lake for breakfast. We will then start our trek from Vaqueria at an elevation of 3700m. After 4 hours of hiking, we'll reach our first campsite at Paria (3870m).


Day 2: Paria - Punta Union - Taullipampa (4250m)
We'll start the day by climbing switchbacks to reach the highest point on the trek, Punta Union Pass (4750m). From there we can enjoy awe-inspiring views of lakes Taullicocha, Jatuncocha, and Union. Then we'll descend to Taullipampa (4250m) where we'll camp for the night.

Day 3: Taullipampa - Mirador Alpamayo - Llamacorral
We begin Day 3 by hiking up to the Mirador Alpamayo, where your reward will be a spectacular vista of Alpamayo, considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the world. We will then head to the night's camp at Llamacorral (3760).

Day 4: Llamacorral - Cashapampa (2900m)
The final day, we will walk along a river in the Santa Cruz river by some nice lakes, alongside different types of cacti. We'll reach Cashapampa around noon and drive back to Huaraz where you'll arrive at your hostel by 4 PM.

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