Active Peru: The Santa Cruz Trek
10 days from £3,150
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel in the cliff-side Pacific residential and commercial district of Miraflores. The half-hour drive to the hotel through Lima’s outskirts encapsulates the invigorating buzz of a modern-day Latin American capital.
The modern and welcoming small El Tambo Hotel is in the attractive district of Miraflores; the oceanfront residential and commercial centre of Lima. It has the advantage of being in a quiet central location yet close to the city’s seaside promenade, the Malecón, and within easy walking distance of many of the city’s best restaurants and bars.
There is nothing especially Peruvian about the contemporary décor but the guestrooms are spacious, bright and decorated with local handicrafts and pictures. The hotel has some pleasant outdoor areas including an attractive front garden with a lawn. There’s a restaurant and bar, and a good range of services and facilities.
Transfer back to the airport and fly north to Anta, near Huaraz, before continuing by land to Caraz, high in the Andes mountains. Travel along a paved road which climbs through increasingly fertile valleys speckled with rural settlements: then the snow-capped peaks loom ahead.
The Cordillera Blanca is known for its plunging valleys, dotted with glaciers and gemstone blue and minty green glacial lakes. Human activity is represented by tiny pockets of agriculture and isolated indian villages, dwarfed by the grandeur and scale of the scenery. This is a wild, uncompromising landscape, its harshness mitigated by the friendliness of its people.
Caraz (2,285m), famous for its bees and honey production, is a pretty little town of low whitewashed houses which has a colonial plaza peppered with palm trees and flowers. It is one of the main bases for trekking in the area.
The Santa Cruz Lodge, located in the foothills of the Huascaran National Park, is a comfortable Eco-Lodge that acts as the ideal base from which to prepare for the scenic challenge of the popular Santa Cruz trek. Based 2,900 metres above sea level, it is perfectly positioned for those wanting to acclimatise for the hike, and its cosy campfire, restaurant serving ingredients mostly produced on site and snug bedrooms, mean it is also a good place to relax and recover afterwards. The lodge is actively involved in projects to improve the local community, with education and technology cornerstones of its attempts at having a positive social impact.
This is the first of two days to acclimatise to altitude and stretch your legs in preparation for the trekking to come. Today you have a three-hour hike passing through the vibrant Tzactza community, where you can experience the local culture and learn about ancestral traditions. Continue your journey to visit the stunning Pamacocha Lagoon (3,350 m), surrounded by majestic mountains. Once at the lagoon, you will have the chance to partake in activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply enjoy bird and wildlife watching.
The Santa Cruz Lodge, located in the foothills of the Huascaran National Park, is a comfortable Eco-Lodge that acts as the ideal base from which to prepare for the scenic challenge of the popular Santa Cruz trek. Based 2,900 metres above sea level, it is perfectly positioned for those wanting to acclimatise for the hike, and its cosy campfire, restaurant serving ingredients mostly produced on site and snug bedrooms, mean it is also a good place to relax and recover afterwards. The lodge is actively involved in projects to improve the local community, with education and technology cornerstones of its attempts at having a positive social impact.
Today you have a day at leisure acclimatising to the altitude in this delightful region. There’s a range of walks and other activities which can be arranged for you locally.
The Santa Cruz Lodge, located in the foothills of the Huascaran National Park, is a comfortable Eco-Lodge that acts as the ideal base from which to prepare for the scenic challenge of the popular Santa Cruz trek. Based 2,900 metres above sea level, it is perfectly positioned for those wanting to acclimatise for the hike, and its cosy campfire, restaurant serving ingredients mostly produced on site and snug bedrooms, mean it is also a good place to relax and recover afterwards. The lodge is actively involved in projects to improve the local community, with education and technology cornerstones of its attempts at having a positive social impact.
The Santa Cruz Trek is a full-service trek in the Cordillera Blanca. The four-day guided trek along the Santa Cruz Valley covers 40km of striking, ever-changing terrain. Be prepared to walk between 5km and 12km per day (5-7 hours walking): there’s a lot of ascending and descending over this relatively short distance. Lunches will be packed and evening meals will be cooked for you, while your luggage will be transported from camp to camp. In the evenings you camp in large tents. Bear in mind that you’ll overnight at up to an altitude of 4,200m. This is a private service: just you and your guides and porters.
Depart Caraz in the morning and drive for an hour to reach Cashapampa where the trail begins. Meet up with the mule drivers and their animals to begin the ascent. Hike up the Santa Cruz gorge. After a steady climb, the track opens out into an area of meadow with views of the snow-capped peaks of Aguja and Caraz. It’s a steady hot and dusty climb to reach the Paccharuri waterfall, then from here gently up to the campsite at Llamacorral (3,850m). Approximate trekking time 4-5 hours.
Today is a full day of hiking and wonderful vistas. The day breaks with the day’s destination silhouetted in the distance, Mount Taulliraju. Climb steadily upwards as glaciated peaks tower above on both sides and the track passes two glittering emerald lakes: Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha. Camp at Taullipampa (4,200m) at the foot of the impressive Mount Taulliraju.
The trail ascends towards Punta Union pass (about 2-3 hours’ walk) the highest point on the trek at 4,750m. This old trail was heavily used in both pre-conquest and colonial times as a route for transporting goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As you approach the pass you get amazing panoramic views down the Santa Cruz Valley to the west, and views of the Huaripampa Valley to the east. Descend for lunch, and continue along the green Huaripampa Valley. Camp in the vicinity of Paria or Tuctu, 3,750m, in the heart of Huascarán National Park.
Descend to Colcabamba before the final ascent to the camp in the small village of Vaqueira (3,700m). Walk uphill towards Portachuelo Pass (4,767m), which enjoys splendid mountain views. There are also splendid vistas of the beautiful Llanganuco lakes. Road transport later picks you up and drives you to Huaraz.
Enjoy a full day tour that takes you to Chavín de Huántar, a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site situated approximately 110 km from Huaraz. The Chavín culture is considered the oldest major Peruvian culture and one of the most artistically advanced. Its influence began to be felt from approximately 800 B.C. when this complex was founded. The site comprises of a complex of terraces, squares, walls and columns adorned with the ornate sculptures of symbolic figures for which the Chavín are famous.
The main temple includes the 13m high Castillo built above a large sunken square with a remarkable system of drainage channels. Within the temple is a complex of underground tunnels constructed on several levels and thanks to a notable feat of 3000-year-old engineering, surprisingly well ventilated. At their heart the astonishing Lanzón de Chavín – a four-metre high, dagger-like rock stuck in the ground at the intersection of four narrow passageways. After visiting the site, continue to the museum to aid your understanding of the history and importance of the region, before heading back to Huaraz.
Transfer back to the airport and either fly back to Lima for an onward flight home, or continue your adventures elsewhere.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Peru - Lima
Peru’s capital doesn’t get the credit it deserves. In Lima, colonial grandeur, world-class gastronomy and Pacific Ocean views combine to make it one of South America’s most exciting cities. Known as the City of Kings, Lima blends rich colonial heritage with contemporary culture, outstanding museums and some of the best food on the continent.
Peru - Northern Peru
Discover one of Peru’s best-kept secrets, where ancient civilisations, dramatic mountain scenery and beautifully preserved colonial towns reveal a different side of the country. Home to remarkable Northern Peru archaeology, remote cloud forests and cultures that pre-date the Inca Empire, Northern Peru holidays are among our top recommendations.
This is an awe-inspiring holiday designed for experienced mountain or hill walkers who want to experience the beauty and solitude of the landscapes covered by one of Peru’s many and various Andean treks. You travel inland from the desert coast north of Lima to a dazzling white, snow-crested range of jagged mountains: the Cordillera Blanca.
You start with a couple of days to acclimatise among ice-blue lakes in the deeply glaciated scenery around the attractive little town of Caraz before setting off on the Santa Cruz Trek, which takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru’s premier trekking region.
The region is defined by its plunging valleys, dotted with glaciers and gemstone blue and minty green glacial lakes. Human activity is represented by tiny pockets of agriculture and isolated indian villages, dwarfed by the grandeur and scale of the scenery. This is a wild, uncompromising landscape, its harshness mitigated by the friendliness of its people.
Hannah Waterhouse
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
1 flight (1hr 10 mins), 2 road journeys (1hr, 45mins and 2hrs 30mins)
- Accommodation
On this tour we use good value budget hotels, they are small, friendly establishments, colonial or modern in style with well-equipped rooms, private bathroom and heating. Key camping equipment for the trek – tents and cooking equipment, toilet tent (enclosing a hole in the ground), mess tent and air mattresses are provided; a sleeping bag is also provided.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, full board days 2-7.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
10 days, 9 nights: Lima 1; Caraz 3; Santa Cruz Trek 3; Huaraz 2
- Currency
The unit of currency in Peru is the sol.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns including Lima and Caraz so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You are not advised to take sterling: the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available.
When you are on the treks you will not be spending money but you might carry a reasonable amount of cash for tips, ad hoc or local purchases.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$35 per day should cover the cost of the few meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax and taxes on internal flights are usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for all able-bodied, fit visitors with hiking or hill-walking experience. The trek is at high altitude (parts at over 4,000m) which will affect breathing and pace. You should be able to walk over undulating rocky terrain for several hours.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Climate
The rainy season in the Andes runs between November and April. The dry season is in June, July and August when the sun is strong during the day, but at night the temperature drops dramatically. May, September and October are less predictable, with both rainy and sunny spells.
Lima is covered in a dull grey mist for much of the year. It almost never rains in Lima, and temperatures are moderate.
- Altitude
Your treks are at high altitude (some sections over 4,000m). You have two days for preparation near Caraz (2,240m) but on the first day of walking you gain 950m of height. The walk then undulates between 3,850m and 4,767m. Most people are only mildly affected and if you drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink alcohol for the first couple of days at altitude), you’ll probably be OK. Symptoms vary: most common are mild headaches, slight nausea and breathlessness. If you don’t recover in a day or two speak to our representatives; in very rare instances it is necessary to descend to lower altitudes.
Upon booking you will receive a detailed trek information sheet.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
For day-to-day wear in town or on day trips you should go prepared to encounter all seasons. Both warm clothing and a sun hat are essential at altitude; a light fleece jacket and a waterproof/breathable outer shell makes a good combination. Trousers, shorts or even a skirt made from light, quick-drying synthetic materials work well.
For the trekking you should have a small back pack to carry the personal effects you will need while walking. Bring comfortable and adequate clothing to protect you from cold (and possibly wet) weather. We recommend you layer with synthetic fabric clothing as theses are the most effective barriers against the cold. We discourage the use of cotton garments in cold or wet mountain conditions. The innermost layer should be long underwear. The middle layer can be a synthetic turtleneck or woollen shirt, and shorts or trousers. The outermost layer should be a synthetic or down jacket, and/or a good quality Gore-Tex wind/rain parka and over-trousers. You will also need a bag in which to store the gear you aren’t taking on the trek. Strong, comfortable hiking boots are essential as is a hat to protect you from the strong sun, and sun glasses.
For the camping on the Santa Cruz Trail you will need a minimum 3-season sleeping bag and a Thermarest-type mat. You can bring your own or hire one locally.
Trekking poles are an excellent aid, again you can hire them locally but they may not be very high tech.
You should ensure that you have sufficient sun block and insect repellant.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Holders of a full British passport don’t need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel. If you’re travelling via the US, you’ll also need an ESTA. For the latest entry requirements, check the FCDO travel pages or contact us.
- How do I get to Peru from the UK?
There are no direct flights from the UK to Peru. Most routes connect through a European or US hub – common connections include Madrid, Amsterdam and Miami. Flights land at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, around 45 minutes from the city centre.
Flight time is typically 12 to 15 hours depending on routing. We’re happy to quote international flights separately based on your dates and preferences.
- How do I get around Peru?
Distances are large, so domestic flights are the most practical way to move between regions. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
From Cusco, we arrange private transfers to the Sacred Valley and train connections to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu. Cusco to Puno, for Lake Titicaca, is around six to seven hours by road across the high Altiplano, or you can take the scenic PeruRail Titicaca train.
Reaching the Amazon means a short flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado or from Lima to Iquitos.
- What currency is used in Peru?
Peru uses the Peruvian sol (PEN). ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, but you’ll get a better deal paying in sol. Carry cash for markets, smaller restaurants and remote areas. Peru is five hours behind GMT.
- How long should I spend in Peru?
Two weeks is ideal for a full tour covering Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and either Colca Canyon or the Amazon. Ten days comfortably cover the main highlights.
With three weeks, you can add the Amazon, the Nazca Lines, or a crossing into Bolivia. Peru also combines well with Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, or with Argentina and Patagonia as part of a wider trip.
- What’s the best time of year to visit Peru?
The dry season from May to October is best for the Andes, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca – warm days, cold nights and clear skies. The Inca Trail closes in February.
Lima’s coast is warmest from December to April, and the Amazon can be visited year-round, with different advantages in each season. We can advise on the best timing for your itinerary.
- What countries combine well with Peru?
Peru pairs naturally with Bolivia – many of our holidays cross from Lake Titicaca into La Paz and the Uyuni salt flats. Ecuador is a short flight from Lima, and a Peru–Ecuador–Galápagos Islands itinerary is one of our most popular.
For a broader South America trip, you can add Argentina and Buenos Aires, Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, Chile or Colombia. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country tour around you.
- What vaccinations do I need for Peru?
Please check current health recommendations for Peru before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you’re visiting the Amazon, and you may need a certificate if travelling on to certain other countries.
Altitude sickness is a consideration in Cusco (3,400m) and at Lake Titicaca (3,812m) – we build acclimatisation time into all our itineraries. For up-to-date advice, check the FCDO travel pages or contact us.
- Is Peru safe to visit?
The main tourist areas – Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon lodges – are well visited and generally safe.
As anywhere, take sensible precautions, particularly in Lima and Cusco. We plan every itinerary carefully using trusted local partners and established routes. Check the FCDO travel pages for current government advice, and our Travel Experts will flag anything relevant to your trip.
- What is the food like in Peru?
The food is one of the highlights of any trip. Lima ranks among South America’s best places to eat – ceviche made with fresh fish cured in lime juice, lomo saltado (a stir-fried beef dish with Chinese-Peruvian roots), and ají de gallina (shredded chicken in a creamy, mildly spiced sauce).
Try a pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail, in a rooftop bar overlooking the Pacific. In the Andes, the traditional dishes include hearty soups, roasted guinea pig (cuy), and quinoa; in the Amazon, freshwater fish and tropical fruit. Wherever you go, our local restaurants of choice are ones we’ll happily point you to.
- When is the best time to visit Northern Peru?
Northern Peru can be visited at any time of year but unpaved roads inland can get very muddy in the rainy season Jan-Mar.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in Northern Peru?
The main language spoken in Northern Peru is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Northern Peru?
The Peruvian Nuevo Sol is the main currency used in Northern Peru. Notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from ATMs in the larger towns using a UK credit or debit card. Numerous money exchange offices exchange US dollars cash (few accept euros or sterling and the rate may be poor).
- What is the time difference between Northern Peru and the UK?
The time difference between Northern Peru and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What does a visit to Northern Peru combine well with?
A beach wind down in Máncora, trendy but low-key sea and surf resort on the northwest coast; pre-Columbian ruins of a ceremonial centre at Pachacamac in the desert just 31 km from Lima; the Inca sites around Cusco, including Machu Picchu (1 hour flight from Lima); a trek in the Cordillera Blanca from Huaraz, mountaineering town halfway between Trujillo and Lima.
- How do I get to Northern Peru?
Frequent flights from Lima to Trujillo take 1 hour 12 mins and 1 hour 30 mins to Chiclayo or Cajamarca.
- What key events are there in Northern Peru?
National Marinera Contest; Trujillo, 2 weeks from the end of Jan. Dancing couples compete in 6 categories.
Festival de la Primavera: Trujillo, last week of Sept. Pageants, floats and parades, and a competition of riders of the famous Peruvian Caballos de Paso horses famed for their extra tripping gait.
Fiesta de la Purísima Concepción: Chiclayo, 8 days prior to Carnival and also in Sep. Celebrates the town’s patron saint, with dancing, fireworks, cock fights and sporting events.
Carnival Cajamarca in a full-on affair with processions, dances and paint-throwing.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
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Explore some of Peru’s most dramatic scenery on a 5-day trek in the Cordillera Blanca.
Accommodation
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A comfortable Eco-Lodge that acts as the ideal base from which to prepare for the scenic challenge of the Santa Cruz trek.
Welcoming modern hotel in a quiet yet central location, offering a good range of services and facilities.
Papagaio
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