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Who is this for?

This trip is for those who want to challenge themselves on a beautiful and extremely scenic route in the wilderness of northern Peru. You will need to be fit enough to hike for around 5-7 hours daily at altitude. If you follow the training program that we will be providing you, then you’ll be fine.

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What are the extension options?

For this trip, we have 1 extension option. If you want a tougher challenge and would like to add a summit to your trip, we have a 1-day extension to climb Huarapasca peak standing at 5,418m. Please let us know if you are interested in either one of them and we will send you more details by email.

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With a staggering array of trails winding through Inca ruins, lost cities, impossibly perfect lakes, and imposing peaks, this huge variety of landscaped and unique places is enough for anyone to want to head to this wonderful country to see what it has to offer, also by taking this trip, you will be joining a community of adventurers who thrive on tackling the wilderness for an opportunity to grow and learn.

Welcome to Lima!  Hotel for the day is included at Hotel Antigua for a day's rest. Upon landing in the capital Lima, you are free to explore this beautiful city as you wish or have some rest at the hotel.

We will later head to the bus station (or get a direct transport from the airport to the bus station) where we will take the first-class night bus to Huaraz at 10 pm  (approximately an 8-hour journey) where we will spend a couple of days to acclimatize. 

Over Night on the Bus.

Make sure your flight arrives in Lima Before the Night Bus. ( 10 pm)

Arrive early morning to Huaraz. Transport to the hotel, have breakfast then move directly into rooms to get some rest. Orientation meeting in hotel 11-1 pm and then afternoon trip up to Wilcahuain ruins.


Over Night in Morales Guest House Hotel.


    Acclimatization hike to Lazy Dog Inn (Yurak Jancu café) for Morales Guesthouse lunch. Return to Huaraz.  On foot

    Over Night in Morales Guest House Hotel.

      Pick up from hotel at 8 am, transport to Pitek. Acclimatization hike to Laguna Churup or Llaca Valley (4500m). Return to Huaraz.

      Over Night in Morales Guest House Hotel.

        Pick-up from hotel and transport to Cashapampa at 6 am to begin the Santa Cruz Trek.  to arrive at the first camp in Llamacorral (3800m).

        Hiking hours: 6-7 hours

        Over Night in Tents

          Llamacorral to Taullipampa, to Alpamayo basecamp. Camp below the towering, impressive peaks of Artesonaraju and Taulliraju at 4200m.

          Hiking hours: 5-6 hours

          Over Night in Tents

          Move from Taullipampa up and over the Punta Union pass (4750m), dropping down onto the other side of the Cordillera Blanca to the camp in Paria (approx 4200m).

          Hiking hours: 7-8 hours.

          Over Night in Tents

          Continue your descent towards the town of Vaqueria, then cut southeast on the trail at Colcabamba. Enter the Keshu valley and camp in an area called ‘Molino Pampa’.

          Hiking hours: 5 hours.

          Over Night in Tents

          Hike up a steady climb to a beautiful campsite called Contrahierbas or ‘Avalancha’ at 4650m on the northeast side of the Yanayacu pass.

          Hiking hours: 6-7 hours.

          Over Night in Tents

          Cross over the Yanayaca pass (4850m) and descend down the southern side toward the Ulta Valley below, meet your transport and head back to Huaraz for showers and a celebration banquet.

          Over Night in Morales Guest House Hotel.

          Today we bid this beautiful trail farewell as we wake up, have breakfast, and have a free day in Huaraz to explore the city. We will later head to the bus station where we will take the first-class night bus back to Lima at 10 pm  (approximately an 8-hour journey)

          Over Night on the Bus.


          After you arrive in Lima with the night bus, you can be dropped off at the bus station near the airport or at the one in the city depending on the time of your flight.


          Make sure your flight departs Lima after 10 am.


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          Weather

          Between the months of May and September, Peru experiences their dry season. During these months, the climate stays surprisingly stable and predictable. In Huaraz, you can expect temperatures between 20-25 C during the day and between 2-5 C at night, with occasional rain. In the mountains and at higher altitude, it will be colder so make sure you gear up well and follow our gear list. October and November it starts to get colder especially during night time and you might experience more rain. December to February is the rainy season so if you are trekking during that time make sure your rain gear is excellent.

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          Altitude

          Huaraz is located at 3100m above sea level. Most people who arrive from lower elevations experience some shortness of breath, dizziness, insomnia, and a loss of appetite as their bodies adjust during the first few days. This trip is designed to allow for proper acclimatization prior to ascending to high altitudes so you don't need to worry about that. Just make sure you follow the guide's instructions, walk in a steady pace and drink lots and lots of water!

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          Accommodation

          In this trip you will have different types of accommodation along the way. On the first night, you will spend it in a 1st class night bus from Lima to Huaraz. In Huaraz, you will be provided clean, friendly, accommodations in small hotels or guest houses depending on the availability. During the trek, you will be sleeping in high quality expedition tents with a spacious mess tent and chairs for meals.

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          Hiking

          This trek is not an easy one but it is undoubtfully beautiful and rewarding. You will be hiking an average of 5-7 hours per day so you need to be fit enough to be able to hike for this long for 8 consecutive days. . The better physical condition you are in, the more you will be able to enjoy your experience so make sure you follow the training program we provide.

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          Food

          Peruvian cuisine is one of the top cuisines in the world and they are well known for their exquisite flavors and unique dishes. On this trip you will enjoy local home made food throughout the entire trip whether in the guesthouses or during the trek. In the cities breakfast will be provided in the guesthouse/small hotel and during the trek 3 meals will be provided as well as snacks while hiking. If you have any food allergies please make sure you let us know in advance to be able to customize any dietary requirements before the trip.

          PRICE

          $2,950

          best time to travel:

          Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

          PRICE INCLUDES

            Accommodation:

            • Lima: Day 1 – Hotel Antigua (day use until the bus to Huaraz) Shared Rooms

            • 5 nights accommodation in Huaraz, Morales Guesthouse Hotel on a double occupancy basis, Breakfast included.
            • 5 nights accommodation in tents/camping sites throughout the trail


            Food & Beverage:

            • 3 meals per day with snacks throughout the trail
            • Only Breakfast in cities


            Transportation:

            • Airport pickup and drop off
            • All on-ground transportation throughout the trip as per the itinerary
            • First-class bus ticket for the night bus between Lima and Huaraz on Day 1 and Day 11


            Staff & guides:

            • Local Peruvian team including an English-speaking guide, for all acclimatization activities and the trek
            • Omar Samra, chief Guanabana to facilitate the journey and make sure you have a fantastic time!


            Pre-trip preparations:

            • Consultation on every aspect of the preparation including mental and physical
            • Infopack with all the needed training, gear and tips & tricks related to the trip
            • Info session with the trip leader through video conferencing to go through the itinerary and answer any questions


            Trek logistics:

            • 3 Acclimatization Activities (transport, guide, lunch, park fees)
            • Donkeys to carry the load throughout the trek
            • Tents and sleeping mats
            • Professional Expedition Cook for the duration of the trek
            • Eating and cooking utensils
            • Mess tent with comfortable chairs and dining table
            • Satellite communicator
            • Emergency Horse to accompany expedition for evacuations, illness, etc
            • First aid kit stocked for a mountain expedition
            • All community & camping fees and animal grazing fees


            Other:

            • Trip based on a minimum of 8 pax
            • All permits and entrance fees to all the sites and activities mentioned in the itinerary

          PRICE EXCLUDES

            Accommodation:

            • Any extra nights pre and post-trip in Lima
            • Single supplement


            Food & Beverage:

            • Lunch and Dinner in the cities
            • Any other snacks or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary


            Transportation:

            • International flights to and from Lima, Peru

            • There is one bus to shuttle the group to the airport from the bus terminal in Lima on the final night, any variations from this will be paid individually


            Staff & guides:

            • Tips and Gratuity


            Pre-trip preparations:

            • Personal gear and equipment (detailed list in the infopack)
            • Medical and travel insurance


            Other:

            • Visa fees and processing

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