Route : Cashapampa - Huaripampa - Vaquería
Level of difficulty : Little difficulty
Suggested Trekking Season : The best time to do this trek is from the first week of April to the second week in November.
Duration : 5-day expedition
Description :
The Santa Cruz circuit is one of the most popular in the Cordillera Blanca. It leads us through three natural regions: Quechua, Suni or Janca and Puna, ranging between 2,400 m .(7,872 ft.) and 4,800 m .(15,744 ft.) of altitude in the northern area of the Cordillera Blanca. In order to arrive here, we will head to a city named Caraz, where we will find a detour which will take us to Cashapampa. This trip will last approximately three hours. Once in Cashapampa, the muleteers and their donkeys will transport all the loads throughout the circuit. During our first day of approach, we will follow a dusty path along the south bank of the Santa Cruz River . This little road maintains a moderate slope until reaching the flat area of the Santa Cruz Valley . The lower part of the valley is filled with trees, streams, waterfalls and granite towers. We continue walking until we reach a wide, open field with a couple of huts, near which we will set up camp.
This valley hides some mountains among its hills, which we are able to better appreciate as we ascend. After a short stretch, we arrive at Lake Cuchillacocha, covered by brushwood, habitat for various bird species. Further up, we find emerald green Lake Jatuncocha, at the end of which Quitaraju's south wall emerges in all its splendor. On the other side of the lake, the path loses itself on a sandy plain. Our walk now continues along the northern part of the valley until we reach a lush forest. Behind the treetops, we are able to make out a path that zigzags up to enter the Arweicocha Valley . The trail reaches almost to the end of the valley where we find a spectacular forest filled with trees called quenuales . Here, at 4,300 m .(14,105 ft.) , Alpamayo and Quitaraju dazzle us with their beauty. We also gaze at the Artesonraju and the Pucajircas glacial peaks in addition to others that appear before our joyful eyes. We take the same path to go down all of the Arweicocha Valley and then head to a slope we will cross diagonally until reaching the vast Taullipampa area. Snowcapped Taulliraju's verticality and greatness dominates the entire valley. As twilight approaches, snowy peaks are bathed in hues alternating between yellows, oranges and reds, creating a breathtaking scene of contrast and shades for our eyes' enjoyment; a true gift of nature. Nighttime in this camp sketches an infinite amount of stars as well as wonderful outlines gleaming in the moonlight and shadows that fill us with the sensation that we are being watched by enormous ice warriors.
We make out a lonely road etched on gentle slopes near snowcapped Taulliraju. Heading towards it, we continue walking until we find some stone steps that create a special atmosphere in this natural setting and help ease the effort of walking at a high altitude. This is exciting and gratifying, since we feel every step brings us closer to majestic glacial peaks watching us on our journey. The steps near the pass have been laid on granite hills and we can see our objective better from here, Punta Union at 4,750 m .(15,580 ft.) , which can be described as a small alley in the middle of a great rocky ridge. We feel small in the midst of such greatness and beauty. This mysterious location leads us to believe that such a view would not be possible had our indigenous ancestors and Creator not joined efforts to achieve such a wonderful, amazing landscape which allows us to be in close proximity to extraordinary snow and ice giants such as Taulliraju, the Pucajircas, Quitaraju, Santa Cruz Grande, Artesonraju, Huascaran, Chacraraju as well as many others that adorn valleys, lakes and rivers with their magic and splendor.
Our descent over chiseled stone steps makes the journey more pleasant and peaceful. The serenity one breathes on this side of the pass is accompanied by tranquil waters of various small lakes in which the flight of colorful birds momentarily disturb the perfect canvas formed by Taulliraju's reflection. Feeling nostalgic as these unforgettable scenes are left behind, we rush to the Huaripampa Valley , where we are welcomed by imposing granite rocks pillars and abundant vegetation. Endless rivers and crystalline waterfalls cut across grasslands and forests keeping us company on our way to Quenualpampa, a vast field and quenual forest which will shelter us from the wind on this last night of our expedition.
The level grasslands direct us on our trek. At the end while we descend, we see various farmland areas, bringing color to slopes and valleys. The locals live in simple dwellings made from adobe and quincha and keep alive rich traditions and customs which have been passed on from their ancestors. Their lifestyle is peaceful and devoted to work in the fields. Nourishment is derived exclusively from their harvest products, which they also barter. These small villages are friendly to tourists. After passing through some of these Andean communities, we will walk up until reaching our objective. This is where our trek comes to an end and our transportation service arranged by MOUNTCLIMB TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz. However, first we will stop at the Portachuelo Pass , at 4,800 m .(15,744 ft.). A fascinating view of the Llanganuco Valley , neighboring glacial peaks and impressive rock pillars will amaze with the beauty of its surroundings.The Lakes Llanganuco resemble two large mirrors in the valley which reflect the beauty of the several peaks including Huandoy, Huascaran , Chacraraju and Chopicalqui.
First Day : Huaraz - Cashapampa - Cuchillacocha Lake
Second Day : Lake Cuchillacocha - Arweicocha - Taullipampa
Third Day : Rest day. (Arrangements can be made for those interested in keeping or omitting this day. Interesting alternatives are available.)
Fourth Day : Taullipampa - Punta Union - Huaripampa
Fifth Day : Huaripampa - Colcabamba - Huaraz
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