Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
turning sights along the way include emerald lakes, sensational views of many of the Cor-
dillera's peaks, beds of brightly colored alpine wildflowers and stands of red qeñua trees.
Another less thrilling sight here, as in many trekking areas, is the constant sight of cow
patties dimpling the valleys and meadows. Watch your step!
The Santa Cruz is one of the most popular routes in Peru for international trekkers and
it is clearly signposted for much of its length. Each day requires about 13km of hiking
(between five and eight hours of hiking) and ascents ranging from 500m to 700m; the
third day requires a knee-busting 900m descent.
The first and second days are the toughest, but probably the most rewarding, as they
take you past many small waterfalls and a series of lakes and interconnecting marshy
areas. The first, smaller lake is Laguna Ichiccocha (also referred to as Laguna Chica),
closely followed by the much larger Laguna Jatuncocha (or Laguna Grande). Between
here and the camp at Taullipampa (4250m), a 2012 avalanche on the northeast flank of
Nevado Artisonraju blew out the ice-and-mud dam holding the small Laguna Arteson
Bajo together south of the trail, and the lake contents emptied into the valley and washed
away a significant portion of the trail. First-time trekkers on this route won't notice a dif-
ference, but seasoned Santa Cruzers will note the trail has been altered here and was un-
dergoing repair at time of research. Taullipampa sits in a gorgeous meadow at the foot of
the majestic Nevado Taulliraju (5830m). The glacial icefall on the flanks of Taulliraju is
very active and large chunks regularly break off, especially in the afternoon sun. To the
south, Nevado Artesonraju (6025m) and Nevado Parón (5600m) dominate the skyline.
ARTESONRAJU'S 15 MINUTES OF FAME
If you think the dramatic peak of Artesonraju (5999m) looks familiar, that's because the mountaintop spent a
chunk of the '80s and '90s as the peak featured in Paramount Pictures' live-action logo. The famous view is of its
northeast face as seen from Quebrada Arhuaycocha (also known as Mirador Alpamayo).
On the third day, trekkers gain major bragging rights as they push over the Punta Un-
ión Pass (4760m), which appears from below at an angular notch in a seemingly un-
broken rocky wall above. The panoramas from both sides of the pass are captivating. To
the west lies Quebrada Santa Cruz and its lakes, while to the southeast, Quebrada
Huarípampa plunges steeply down past a scattering of lakes. The descent after the notch
at the pass spirals tightly down a rocky buttress toward Lagunas Morococha, past thick
qeñua stands, and on to a camp at Paria (3850m).
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