Ulta - Santa Cruz Trek - 6 Days

An unforgettable crossing between the two most beautiful valleys of the Cordillera Blanca.

The Ulta–Santa Cruz Trek – 6 Days is a spectacular high-altitude adventure that links two of the Cordillera Blanca’s most beautiful valleys: Quebrada Ulta and Santa Cruz.
This demanding yet rewarding route crosses the Yanayacu Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft) and the legendary Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) — with breathtaking views of Huascarán, Chacraraju, Alpamayo, and Taulliraju.

A perfect choice for experienced hikers seeking an authentic expedition through waterfalls, glaciers, and turquoise lakes — designed and operated by Inkaland Treks.

The Ulta–Santa Cruz Trek is one of the most complete and scenic treks in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca.
Starting in the Quebrada Ulta, a deep valley filled with waterfalls and high glaciers, you’ll gradually climb to cross the Yanayacu Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft) before joining the classic Santa Cruz Trail, continuing westward through lush valleys and crystalline lakes until Cashapampa.

This route offers an amazing diversity of landscapes: Andean farming villages, glacial valleys, and towering snow peaks — a true immersion in the wild heart of the Andes.

Quick Facts Ulta – Santa Cruz Trek

Location: Cordillera Blanca, Huascarán National Park
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Distance: ~80 km / 50 mi total
Highest Point: 4,850 m / 15,912 ft (Yanayacu Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Recommended Season: May – October (dry season)
Start / End: Quebrada Ulta → Cashapampa → Huaraz
Group Size: Small groups (max 8) or private treks

👉 Ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenging and diverse route across the Cordillera Blanca.

📩 Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

✨ Ulta–Santa Cruz Trek – 6 Days

A challenging and unforgettable expedition across the Cordillera Blanca, combining wild beauty, Andean culture, and the legendary passes of Yanayacu and Punta Unión — exclusively operated by Inkaland Treks.

Highlights Ulta – Santa Cruz Trek

Cross two major Andean passes: Yanayacu (4,850 m) and Punta Unión (4,750 m)
Explore two iconic valleys: Ulta & Santa Cruz
Breathtaking views of Huascarán, Alpamayo, Chacraraju, and Taulliraju
See waterfalls, glaciers, and Andean wildlife — from wild ducks to native forests of quenuales
Camp under starry skies in remote, pristine Andean valleys
Guided by professional English-speaking mountain experts from Inkaland Treks

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Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Route	Distance	Max Elevation	Hiking Time	Highlights
1	Huaraz → Quebrada Ulta → Hualcapampa	10 km / 6.2 mi	4,000 m / 13,123 ft	5 h	Waterfalls & first camp
2	Hualcapampa → Yanayacu Pass → Molinopampa	13 km / 8.1 mi	4,850 m / 15,912 ft	7 h	Cross Yanayacu Pass
3	Molinopampa → Colcabamba → Paria	14 km / 8.7 mi	3,870 m / 12,697 ft	7 h	Villages & views of Chacraraju
4	Paria → Punta Unión Pass → Taullipampa	13 km / 8 mi	4,750 m / 15,584 ft	8 h	Cross legendary Punta Unión
5	Taullipampa → Alpamayo Base Camp → Arhuaycocha → Llamacorral	14 km / 8.7 mi	4,420 m / 14,501 ft	9 h	Visit Arhuaycocha & Alpamayo
6	Llamacorral → Cashapampa → Huaraz	12 km / 7.4 mi + 95 km drive	2,900 m / 9,514 ft	4 h + 3 h drive	Final descent & return

Distances & times are approximate and may vary with weather and group pace.

Day 1 – Huaraz → Quebrada Ulta → Hualcapampa

Max Altitude: 4,000 m / 13,123 ft | Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi | Hiking Time: 5 hours

Early morning departure from Huaraz (3,050 m / 10,006 ft). Drive east through the Callejón de Huaylas to Quebrada Ulta, known for its waterfalls and glacier views.
We begin our hike gently ascending along the valley, surrounded by native flora and snow peaks.
Overnight at Hualcapampa Camp (4,000 m / 13,123 ft).

Day 2 – Hualcapampa → Yanayacu Pass → Molinopampa

Max Altitude: 4,850 m / 15,912 ft | Distance: 13 km / 8.1 mi | Hiking Time: 7 hours

After breakfast, we climb in zigzag towards the Yanayacu Pass, the highest point of the Ulta Valley, offering spectacular views of Huascarán, Chopicalqui, and Contrahierbas.
We then descend gradually to Molinopampa (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) through an open, glacial valley.
Overnight at Molinopampa Camp.

Day 3 – Molinopampa → Colcabamba → Paria

Max Altitude: 3,870 m / 12,697 ft | Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi | Hiking Time: 7 hours

A gentler trekking day following the valley trail through the Andean villages of Chalhua, Colcabamba, and Huaripampa, where you’ll meet friendly locals and enjoy views of Chacraraju and Taulliraju.
Overnight at Paria Camp (3,870 m / 12,697 ft).

Day 4 – Paria → Punta Unión Pass → Taullipampa

Max Altitude: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft | Distance: 13 km / 8 mi | Hiking Time: 8 hours

We begin our ascent toward Punta Unión Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), one of the most breathtaking viewpoints of the Cordillera Blanca.
Enjoy panoramic views of Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and Huascarán before descending to the picturesque valley of Taullipampa (4,250 m / 13,944 ft).
Overnight at Taullipampa Camp.

Day 5 – Taullipampa → Alpamayo Base Camp → Arhuaycocha → Llamacorral

Max Altitude: 4,420 m / 14,501 ft | Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi | Hiking Time: 9 hours

Morning hike to the Base Camp of Alpamayo (5,947 m) — known as “the most beautiful mountain in the world.”
Continue to Arhuaycocha Lake (4,420 m / 14,501 ft), surrounded by glaciers and turquoise waters.
Descend through the Santa Cruz Valley toward Llamacorral Camp (3,760 m / 12,335 ft).
Overnight at Llamacorral Camp.

Day 6 – Llamacorral → Cashapampa → Huaraz

Max Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft | Distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi + 95 km drive | Hiking Time: 4 hours + 3-hour drive

Final descent through the narrow Santa Cruz Canyon, passing waterfalls and lush vegetation.
Arrive at Cashapampa (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where our private transport awaits to return you to Huaraz.
Arrival by mid-afternoon.

Departure

Join a Group – 2026 Departures

Month	Dates	Status
June	Start 14 – 19 June	✅ Open
July	Start 20 – 25 July	✅ Open
August – September	Custom departures available	🏕 On request

📩 Contact us to join a confirmed group or open a new departure on your preferred date

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