Camping Multy-day trek Santa Cruz Trek

Trek Details

Classic Santa cruz trek 4days / 3 nights

• Distance: 52 km
• maximum altitude: 4750 m.a.s.l
• Elevation Gain /Loss: +1150 m /-1850 m
• Trek level: moderate
• Temperature: -6°C / +22°C
• Transportation: Four-day trek supported by donkeys.

Driving Route To / From  Santa Cruz Trek

to get to the Santa Cruz trek trail head the first section Along the Huaylas valley is a paved road, which is used to Go and Back from the destination. the second part is a dirt road, as a result, it might be very bumpy in addition to winding sections in the ascent/descent to and from the Portochuelo Pass.

Santa Cruz Trek trail

the trail is a   typical trek trail terrain of the Peruvian Andes. it involves walking & crossing some old wooden bridges, it can be muddy in some parts, rugged and rocky at the higher part where can be covered with snow some times.

Acclimatization before the trek

The Santa Cruz Trek is a challenging trek recommended for trekkers who have previous trekking experience, and need to be fit and in good physical condition. Also, acclimatization before the trek is a must!  The highest pass you will cross is the Punta union at 4,750m. If you are coming from up from sea level or anything less than 2,500 meters, you should spend at least 2-3 days in Huaraz and do some Day hikes to get used to the altitude.

Recommendations for Best Seasons

All-year-round. The best time is from mid-April to late September or early October. April, May, and June are the best months for lovers of flowers and green landscapes. July through August are the best months for blue sky & also an excellent period for photographers (warm colors and clear blue skies are great!). You get a mixed sunny and pretty cloudy landscape from September to April.

Weather in Santa Cruz trek

At Santa Cruz trek / The entire Cordillera Blanca has a semi-dry and semi-cold climate, with an average maximum temperature of +22°C and a minimum of -6°C. The climate is very unpredictable, even in the dry season it can rain. It can vary from hot to very frigid temperatures during the days, including rain and strong winds or snow over 4800 meters above sea level. It usually starts getting cloudy more often in early September. October and November are the months when, after 2-3 pm, you can count on afternoon showers.