This time, our hiking adventure took us to the charming Andean town of Huaraz in northern Peru! Before diving into the legendary Huayhuash Trek mentioned in the notes, we decided to tackle the shorter yet stunning Santa Cruz Trek as a warm-up.
The Santa Cruz Trek is nestled within the breathtaking Cordillera Blanca mountain range, part of the majestic Andes. Spanning a total of 50 kilometers, we added an extra 7-kilometer detour to a dazzling glacier lake (p4), stretching the journey over four days. While the second day demanded significant physical effort—climbing over 1,000 meters to reach the highest point at 4,700 meters—it was relatively easy otherwise.
If you’ve acclimatized to the altitude, this trail offers a perfect blend of simplicity and beauty, making it an ideal introduction to high-altitude hiking in Peru.
Throughout our four-day trek, the weather kept us on our toes with its unpredictability. On the second day, we ascended the pass through a snowy wonderland. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel the chill while climbing in my short-sleeved shirt, but the moment I paused at the summit to soak in the breathtaking views, I quickly bundled up against the biting wind.
Though the sky lacked the usual blue hues and fluffy clouds, the dramatic interplay of dark storm clouds, snow-capped peaks, and the serene glacier lake created an otherworldly allure.
One of the most unforgettable highlights of the journey was spotting the iconic mountain featured in the Paramount Pictures logo! (p3)
Given its manageable difficulty level, this trek is accessible to those with some hiking experience and no issues with altitude sickness. Carrying your own supplies, you can easily complete the entire route. Alternatively, hiring a guide is incredibly convenient, as almost every local hostel offers guided tours for this trail at an average cost of around $140.
I embarked on this adventure in July, which marks winter and the dry season in Peru. As such, the likelihood of encountering rainy days during the hike is significantly lower. June, July, August, and September are all prime months for exploring Peru’s stunning trails!
