Santa Cruz Trek – Lake 69
The ultimate adventure through the Cordillera Blanca
The Santa Cruz Trek & Lake 69 is a spectacular 10-day adventure that combines the famous Santa Cruz Trek with visits to the most beautiful lakes and natural attractions of the Cordillera Blanca. This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Huascarán National Park, including turquoise glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, remote valleys, and iconic mountain passes. Along the journey, you will experience the best of the Peruvian Andes, culminating with the unforgettable hike to the world-renowned Lake 69.
Duration:
5 Days / 4 Nights
Difficulty:
Moderate
Maximum Altitude:
4,750 m / 15,584 ft
Best Season:
May – September
Itinerary Santa Cruz Trek – Lake 69 | 5 Days / 4 Nights
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Approx. 9 km | 2,970 m | 3,760 m |
Your adventure begins with an early morning drive from Huaraz through the picturesque Callejón de Huaylas Valley. Passing traditional Andean towns, you’ll reach the village of Cashapampa, the official starting point of the Santa Cruz Trek.
After meeting the trekking crew and organizing your equipment, the trail follows the Santa Cruz Valley alongside the Santa Cruz River. The route gradually climbs through lush vegetation, waterfalls, and impressive granite cliffs, offering the first views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Llamacorral Camp, a peaceful campsite set in an open meadow with spectacular views of Mount Taulliraju, one of the most iconic mountains in the Cordillera Blanca.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 7–8 hours | Approx. 14 km | 3,760 m | 4,250 m |
After breakfast, continue deeper into the Santa Cruz Valley, passing the beautiful glacial lakes Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha, whose turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks.
The trail gradually ascends toward the spectacular Arhuaycocha Lake, located beneath the towering north face of Alpamayo, widely recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful mountains. From the nearby viewpoint, enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and the Pucajirca massif.
After spending time exploring this remarkable viewpoint, return to the main trail and continue to Taullipampa Camp, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery and impressive glaciers.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 7 hours | Approx. 12 km | 4,250 m | 3,870 m |
Today’s stage crosses the highest point of the Santa Cruz Trek: Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m). The steady ascent rewards hikers with one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in Huascarán National Park.
From the summit, admire an extraordinary landscape dominated by Taulliraju, Artesonraju, the Pucajirca peaks, and numerous glacial lakes spread across both valleys.
The trail then descends into the peaceful Huaripampa Valley, passing waterfalls, alpine streams, and native Polylepis forests before reaching Paria Camp for the night.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Campsite Altitude |
| 4 hours hiking + 2 hours driving | Approx. 8 km | 3,870 m | 3,900 m |
This morning begins with an easy hike through the scenic Huaripampa Valley toward the traditional village of Vaquería. Along the way, you’ll pass cultivated fields, native forests, and small farming communities that preserve their ancestral Andean traditions.
From Vaquería, private transportation takes you over the spectacular Portachuelo de Llanganuco Pass (4,750 m), one of the most scenic mountain roads in Peru. During the journey, enjoy unforgettable views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Huandoy, Pisco, and the turquoise lakes of Llanganuco.
Descending into the eastern side of the national park, you’ll arrive at Yurak Corral Camp, the perfect base for the next day’s hike to the famous Lake 69.
| Trekking Time | Distance | Start Altitude | Finish Altitude |
| 6–7 hours | Approx. 14 km | 3,900 m | 4,580 m (Lake 69) |
Your final day starts before sunrise, allowing your group to reach Lake 69 ahead of the crowds that typically arrive later from Huaraz. The peaceful morning atmosphere makes this experience especially rewarding.
The trail climbs steadily through high Andean meadows, crossing streams and passing beneath impressive waterfalls while surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains.
After approximately three and a half hours, you’ll arrive at the stunning turquoise waters of Lake 69 (4,580 m), considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru. Here you’ll have time to relax, take photographs, and admire the spectacular glacial scenery before descending to Yurak Corral.
Following lunch at camp, private transportation returns you to Huaraz, marking the end of an unforgettable five-day adventure through the Cordillera Blanca that perfectly combines the classic Santa Cruz Trek with the iconic Lake 69 Hike.