"This is an easy one!" Just to quote the Peruvian mountain guide before heading towards the 4750m pass (this is why it's easy: it is below 5000m). After one really bad experience with peaks above 4000m in Switzerland a couple of years ago and having skipped the Inka trail just some days ago (because of Perivian cuisine), I finally was on the Santa Cruz Trek. The tour is quite rewarding, offering magnificent views, amazing colors and almost empty in november. We were quite lucky with the weather, usually november is the beginning of the rain season, but not this year! Technically it is quite easy, so just enjoy.... if you decide to do it without a guide, register before the trip in Huaraz' Casa de Guias (just in case).

Although the walk is relatively easy, acclimatisation is quite important. You sleep +2 nights above 4000m. Just spend some days in Huaraz before doing some day trips. The Llaganuco lagunas are quite nice, although starting the Santa Cruz trek from there seems questionable. You just add a day or two walking on the dirt road, also used by buses and trucks (and they won't slow down just to keep you out of their clowd of dust).

• Equipment: apart from the usual stuff, inlcuding warm and/or rainproof clothing, take a sleeping bag for temperatures around zero (at that time). Insect repellent is useful for the Cashapampa region. Walking poles are good since you walk a lot up and down. Purify the water (filter or pills). The DAV map is quite useful, but navigation is quite easy. There is nothing to expect from shopping in Vaqueria (since there are none).
• Organisation: you have to pay an entrance fee (either way) If you travel to the lagunas the day before, buy a multi-day ticket for both trips. Walking the dircetion Vaqueria-Cashapampa is to prefer since the collectivos run more smoothly. And don't rush too much the last day, the collectivo will wait for the last one anyway. I felt that three days are enough to cover the trek, but it might be worth to have an extra day for a side-trip.
• Renting equipment: rental mats are thin (what I saw and experienced) - if you don't like 8mm bring your own or take two. Check the tent carefully before you rent it (I saw some awful ones...). Since it is quite chilly up there, a gas stove can hardly be the best choice.

Some pictures are available. Click on a thumbnail to view the fullsize impression.

Emerald laguna...	...and snowy peak in the background.	Passing the first/last village on the way.	Tomorrows goal.	Morning sun!
Just a bit more...	View forth &	view back.	Walking down...	...to Taullipampa.
Lagunas in the valley.	Sun sets & temperature drops.	Last view back.

Return to the Peru main page.