Santa Cruz Trek
Santa Cruz Trek is a 50 km hiking route through Cordillera Blanca, suited to hikers who want Andean alpine trekking terrain and a clear multi-day objective.
Route overview
A multi-stage route through Cordillera Blanca, with highlights including Cordillera Blanca, Punta Unión, glacial lakes, high valleys.
Santa Cruz Trek gives hikers a structured way to experience Cordillera Blanca over several days. The route is best approached as a staged hike, with planning attention on permits, accommodation, weather, navigation and daily distance. For BuddieHikes, it is a strong candidate because the trail is long enough or remote enough to benefit from a hiking partner, while still being understandable as a clear route objective.
Trail facts
- Country
- Peru
- Region
- Cordillera Blanca
- Distance
- 50 km
- Typical duration
- 3–5 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not specified
- Best season
- May to September
- Trail type
- High mountain trek
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Check current permit, quota, park-entry or guided-access rules with the official source before planning this route.
- Bookings
- Book accommodation, huts, campsites or required permits ahead in peak season.
Safety context
Snowfields, altitude, rapidly changing weather, hut or campsite logistics and difficult passes require careful preparation.
Highlights
Cordillera Blanca Punta Unión glacial lakes high valleys
Why find a buddy
This route is well suited to finding a hiking buddy because the distance, logistics and multi-day structure are easier and safer to manage with someone who has a similar pace and planning style.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.