Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Day four is rewarded by a quick descent in the hamlet of
Huarípampa
and its tradi-
tional thatched-roof Quechua houses. Guinea pigs (destined for the dinner table) can often
be seen running around in shallow wooden platforms underneath the roofs. End in
Vaqueria (3700m), from where you can flag down a
colectivo, camión
(truck) or minibus
to Yungay and onto Huaraz.
The completion of a major local transit route to the Lagunas Llanganuco and beyond
means that the trek is now shorter and can be completed in three days by acclimatized
parties; however, four days allows more scope for viewing alpine flora and exploring side
valleys. The 14km side-trip to
Laguna Quitacocha
(day two) and a spectacular
valley
be-
low Nevado Quitaraju (6036m) takes five to six hours and ascends/descends 800m. The
12km steep hike (seven to eight hours, 700m ascent/descent) to
Alpamayo Base Camp
(South Side), also possible on day two, takes you to the climbers' camp underneath the
magnificent
Nevado Alpamayo
(5947m). A 10km side trip at the
Quebrada Paria
(Quebrada Vaqueria) on day three climbs steadily for three hours and 600m in the shadow
of
Nevado Chacraraju
(6108m), below its very active glacier and icefall. And an 11km,
four- to five-hour side trek to
Quebrada Ranincuray
(day four) that ascends/descends
800m rewards hikers with awesome views, great camping and access to the Lagunas
Tintacocha.
The trek can also be extended beyond Vaqueria, following the road out and picking up
the walking trail over the Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass to
Quebrada Llanganuco
and
its jade-green lakes.
Water for cooking and drinking is available from rivers along the way (except on day
three, when you'll need to carry water on the approach to the Punta Unión Pass), but be
sure to treat or boil it before drinking. You must carry a copy of your passport with you
and present it at a checkpoint in Huarípampa.
FAST FACTS: SANTA CRUZ
Duration: Four days
Distance: 50km
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Start: Cashapampa (2900m)
Finish: Vaqueria (3700m)
