My Santa Cruz Valley Trek in Peru was outstanding! I'll be back with Lotus Expeditions year after year!
-Leslie Padilla, Colorado
2008 Dates:
Apr 04- Apr 13
Apr 11- Apr 20
Apr 18- Apr- 27
Apr 25- May 04
May 02- May 11
May 09- May 18
May 16- May 25
May 23- Jun 01
May 30- Jun 08
Jun 06- Jun 15
Jun13- Jun 22
Jun 20- Jun 29
Jun 27- Jul 06
Jul 04- Jul 13
Jul 11- Jul 20
Jul 18- Jul 27
Jul 25- Aug 03
Aug 01- Aug 10
Aug 08- Aug 17
Aug 15- Aug 24
Aug 22- Aug 31
Aug 29- Sep 07
Sep 05- Sep 14
Sep 12- Sep 21
Sep 19- Sep 28
Sep 26- Oct 05
Oct 03- Oct 12
Oct 10- Oct 19
Oct 17- Oct 26
Oct 24- Nov 02
2008 Prices:
Coming Soon.....
The Cordillera Blanca:
Santa Cruz Valley Trek
10 Days- Weekly departures in April-October, 2008
Custom departures and prices available
Trip Difficulty: Moderate with high elevation gain
The Cordillera Blanca in the central Andes of Peru is truly one of the world's hidden gems. The highest tropical mountain range in the world, it holds the third highest peak in the Americas, the stunning and massive Huascaran (22,334 feet/6,768 meters). The Cordillera Blanca is also home to more than fifty peaks reaching 18,000 feet/5,500 meters or higher. The Santa Cruz Valley or Quebrada is situated in Huascaran National Park at the northern end of the range.
In addition to its mountain beauty, the region is dotted with turquoise lakes, dramatic glacier-carved valleys, waterfalls, hot springs, huge ice-fluted peaks, unique flora and fauna, and for those lucky enough to see one, the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds on earth.
Majestic natural wonders aside, the town of Huaraz and the surrounding region are populated by friendly Quechua-speaking Indians, many of whom practice subsistence agriculture. There are also numerous archaeological sites dating to Inca and pre-Inca times. The nearby ruins of Wilcahuain are in an excellent state of preservation, and just east of the Cordillera Blanca, the 3,000-year-old Chavin de Huantar archaeological site was home to one of the most important pre-Inca cultures in the Americas.
The Santa Cruz circuit takes you through one of the must-see places on this planet. Although it is a challenging trek in terms of difficulty, it requires no previous expedition experience. A good fitness level is essential, however, as you will be hiking with a day pack for 4-7 hours each day at altitudes from 10,000-14,000 feet/3,000-4,300 meters and crossing two passes at up to 16,005 feet/4,850 meters.
Trip Summary:
- High-mountain circuit, glaciated peaks, turquoise lakes, and alpine valleys
- Five days of challenging hiking with day packs at elevations up to 16,005 feet/4,850meters
- Three nights camping, five nights hotels
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1- Travel from Home Country to Lima, Peru
Day 2- Travel to Huaraz
Day 3- Sightseeing Huaraz, Inca Ruins
Day 4- Dayhike to Laguna Churup
Day 5- Begin Trek to Llamacorral
Day 6- Trek to Punta Union Camp
Day 7- Cross Punta Union Pass (15,708 feet/4,760 meters)
Day 8- Trek Vaqueria, Return to Huaraz
Day 9- Return to Lima, depart for home country
Day 10- Arrive home
Extend your trip! Join our Inca Trail and Machu Picchu trip. Click here for more information on hiking the Inca Trail
Additional Information:
Download Detailed Santa Cruz Itinerary
Download Reservation Packet
View Peru Slideshow