Santa Cruz Trekking - Ulta (6 Days)
This superior six-day expedition elevates the classic Santa Cruz experience by adding the dramatic crossing of the Yanayacu Pass, offering a more profound immersion into the Cordillera Blanca. The journey begins through the lush Santa Cruz Valley, reaching the iconic Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m) with front-row views of Taulliraju and Artesonraju. Unlike shorter versions, this route continues through the scenic Huaripampa Valley into the rugged Avalanche Camp, where the landscape shifts toward the massive ice walls of Contrahierbas. The trek reaches its grand finale at the 4,860-meter Yanayacu Pass, providing a rare and spectacular vantage point of the Huascarán massif and the deep Ulta Valley, making it the definitive choice for hikers seeking a more technical and comprehensive Andean circuit.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Huaraz – Cashapampa (2,900 m) – Llamacorral (3,750 m)
Llamacorral Camp.
Approx. 4–5 h.
Lunch – Dinner
- Departure from Huaraz (6:30 a.m.) in private transport to the village of Cashapampa
- Meet the mule drivers and pack animals
- Start the trek through the beautiful Santa Cruz Valley
Day 2: Llamacorral – Taullipampa (4,250 m)
Taullipampa Camp.
6–7 hours
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
- Breakfast at the campsite
- Hike past the lagoons Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha
- Panoramic views of the peaks Alpamayo, Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and Taulliraju
- Campsite at the base of Taulliraju
Day 3: Taullipampa – Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m) – Cachinapampa (3,700 m)
Cachinapampa Camp.
Approx. 7–8 h.
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
- Ascent to Punta Unión Passwith spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca
- Descent into the Huaripampa Valley
Day 4: Cachinapampa – Molino (3,800 m)
Molino
approx. 5–6 hours
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Trek through the scenic Huaripampa Valley, passing by highland communities like Colcabamba
- Gradual ascent to Molino
Day 5: Molino – Avalanche Camp (4,500 m)
Avalanche
approx. 5–6 hours
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Begin the ascent toward Yanayacu Pass(without crossing yet)
- Close-up views of Contrahierbasand Ulta peaks
- Camp at the Avalanche Zone, a strategic acclimatization point before the pass
Day 6: Avalanche Camp – Yanayacu Pass (4,860 m) – Ulta Valley – Huaraz
approx. 6–7 hours
Breakfast – Lunch
- Final ascent to Yanayacu Pass, one of the highest points of the trek
- Spectacular views of the Huascarán, Contrahierbas, and the Ulta Valley
- Descent through the valley until reaching the return transport
- Arrival in Huaraz around 4:30 p.m.
Our Services
Included
- Certified mountain or trekking guide (bilingual)
- Private transport: Huaraz – Cashapampa / Ulta – Huaraz
- Mule drivers and pack animals (max 8 kg per person)
- Cook and full kitchen equipment
- High-quality mountain tents (double or triple), dining and kitchen tents
- All meals during the trek
- Entrance fee to Huascarán National Park
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
Not Included
- Hotel night in Huaraz
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Recommendations
- Acclimatize at least 2 days prior to the trek (e.g., Laguna 69, Wilcacocha, or Churup)
- Bring thermal clothing, windbreaker, trekking poles, headlamp, sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, and water purification tablets
- It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that includes high-altitude trekking coverage
