Santa Cruz Trek

Overview

Regarded as one of the most breathtaking trails within the White Mountain Range due to its unparalleled beauty and ease of access. Journey through mesmerizing landscapes, including the towering Nevado Huascarán – the highest peak in Peru. Marvel at the sights of Huandoy, Yanapaccha, Pisco, Chacraraju, and Chopicalqui. Gaze upon the Alpamayo, hailed as one of the world’s most picturesque mountains, and the iconic Artesonraju, known as the “Paramount Mountain”, along with Rinrihirca, Taulliraju, and stunning lagoons.

From 900 € 4 Days / 3 Nights Walking Grade: Difficult

Day 1: Huaraz-Yungay-Llanganuco Lagoons-Portachuelo (4,768 M.), Vaquería-Paria (3,810 M.)
Day 2: Paria-Punta Unión-Taullipampa (4,750 M.– 4,250 M.)
Day 3: Taullipampa – Alpamayo Viewpoint – Arhuaycocha - Jatuncocha, Llamacorral (4,250 M.– 3760M.)
Day 4: Llamacorral-Cashapampa-Huaraz (3,760 M. – 2,970 M.)

Trip Details

Country

Peru

Group Size

8 Travelers Max

Schedule

Relax

Tour Highlights

Panoramic views of Cordillera Blanca
Discover Peruvian wildlife
Trekking through unique landscapes

Tour Type

Shared

Thematics

Nature & Wildlife
Photography
Trekking

Itinerary

DAY 1

Huaraz-Yungay-Llanganuco Lagoons-Portachuelo (4,768 M.), Vaquería-Paria (3,810 M.)

We embark on a private transport from Huaraz at 6 am, journeying through charming villages such as Tarica, Anta, Carhuaz, and Yungay. Entering the Huascarán National Park, we’ll be enchanted by the Llanganuco Valley, pau...

L, D 6h Camping (or similar)

DAY 2

Paria-Punta Unión-Taullipampa (4,750 M.– 4,250 M.)

Awakening to a camp breakfast, we begin our ascent to the highest point of our hike, Punta Unión at 4,750m, over approximately 5 hours. Along the way, we’ll be treated to wild flora, high-altitude animals, and birds. Thi...

B, L, D 7h Camping (or similar)

DAY 3

Taullipampa – Alpamayo Viewpoint – Arhuaycocha - Jatuncocha, Llamacorral (4,250 M.– 3760M.)

Post-breakfast, we venture to the Alpamayo viewpoint before moving towards Alpamayo’s base camp. After capturing memories with photographs, we’ll visit the Arhuaycocha lagoon at 4,420 m, offering some of the Cordillera B...

B, L, D 9h Camping (or similar)

DAY 4

Llamacorral-Cashapampa-Huaraz (3,760 M. – 2,970 M.)

On our final day within the Huascarán National Park, we trek towards the village of Cashapampa, a 3-hour journey flanked by the river and lush greenery. Upon arrival, our private transport awaits to whisk us back to Huar...

B 8h

Interested in a Private Tour?

This tour is available for private booking. I can help you customize the itinerary to suit your preferences!

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Price Details

Minimum Deposit

50% (The last payment must be completed 45 days prior to the start of the trip.)

Payment Options

Bank Transfer: No fees within Europe. 1.5% fee for transfers from the U.S
Credit & Debit Cards (MasterCard, Visa, Maestro): Subject to a 5% fee, processed securely via Stripe.
PayPal: 5% fee applies.

Testimonials

A Compassionate Journey with Tristan

As the wife of a photographer, I’ve gone a half dozen photo tours. I try to make them my own and usually am successful in doing so. If I had to pinpoint anything that made the trip successful, it would be Tristan’s humanity shown so many times in the way he treated participants and native
Colombians. Visiting native tribes (not painted-face imposters) was a treat for me and my iPhone camera. Tristan planned well, explained things in detail and also found local experts who taught a great deal.

Andrea Sholl

United States

Beautiful discovery of southern Colombia

Wonderful discovery of southern Colombia. Excellent organization, and Tristan is an outstanding guide who shares his love for the country.

Claude Conos

France

A Photographer’s Dream Tour with Tristan

From the very first communication Tristan was responsive and helpful, receptive to tailor making a travel and photographic experience that was exactly what I was looking for. As a passionate photographer himself, I knew I was speaking with a like-minded soul who understands the specific needs and wants of a fellow photographer.
The tour itself was brilliant. As well as being a capable and professional tour organizer, Tristan is great company and an interesting travel companion.
The special relationship he has built up over the years with the Kogui people and local guides enabled a very special opportunity to visit and photograph them, both culturally and photographically interesting, and a rare, much appreciated opportunity.
Combine this with Tristan’s ability to speak several languages fluently including the local one, and you’re onto a winner!

Clare Rowntree

United Kingdom

A Multifaceted Adventure with Tristan

My wife and I were fortunate to have Tristan as our leader on our recent trip to Colombia. Tristan brings so much of his skills as a photographer, organizer, logistical expert, and more to enhance the participants’ experiences.

He relates to the locals in a warm, welcoming, and personal manner. He is multilingual and effortlessly switches between English, Spanish, French, and some of the indigenous languages. When locals meet him, the affection they feel for him is palpable. He can and does literally work magic with children.

It’s a joy to see their expressions when he magically extracts a coin from their ear. It makes for wonderful photos. He’s constantly in search of photo opportunities. He creates them spontaneously and we walked away with great photos so many times.

As the oldest one on the trip, Tristan was always ready to assist me with an inordinately heavy suitcase. Whether dealing with a technical camera issue or the best way to compose a shot, Tristan was there with great advice. He also provided very helpful photo editing sessions.

I would highly recommend him as a leader, no matter the destination.

Stephen Sholl

United States

Unveiling Beauty Through the Lens with Tristan

The Luminous Journeys “VIVA Colombia” trip was fantastic for photographic opportunities in a country that is still largely unexplored by travel photographers. Tristan was an enthusiastic leader offering insights into his creative approach to photographing Colombia, including its indigenous peoples. His patient and sensitive approach dealing with locals allowed participants learn and appreciate Colombia’s many diverse customs. There was a good balance between street & culture photography, nature/tropical birds, and landscapes.

In addition, Tristan’s willingness to help participants with the technical and artistic aspects of photography was greatly appreciated. Plus he’s just great fun! The trip was well organized and the hotels and food were superb. Overall, Viva Colombia! provided diverse photographic opportunities that would have broad appeal to photography enthusiasts looking for untrammeled travel adventure in a fascinating South American country.Highly recommended!