Preparing Your Journey...
Local Cusco Desk (UTC-5)DIRCETUR Lic. Oficial 20601588219
Official Machu Picchu Permits Guaranteed · Small Groups · Oxygen Equipped
Preparing Your Journey...
We use privacy-friendly cookies to measure site performance and personalize travel offers. You can accept all or decline non-essential cookies. Read our privacy policy.
Traverse Punta Unión Pass at 4,750m beneath Alpamayo and Artesonraju with licensed alpine guides.
For accommodations in Cusco's historic center with vehicle access, our tourist transport arrives as close as legally permitted. Due to Cusco's colonial pedestrian alleys, if your hotel is on a narrow stone walkway, we wait at the nearest corner (usually 1/2 to 1 block away). We coordinate with you via WhatsApp/phone in advance, and our assistant welcomes you at the vehicle.
Lodging outside the center? If your hotel or Airbnb is outside the historic center perimeter, meeting is coordinated at a central landmark (such as Plaza Regocijo).
Need dedicated walking escort right to your door or pickup outside the historic center? Select Boutique Private in the booking card above.
Widely regarded as one of South America's premier alpine trails, the Santa Cruz trek threads between colossal 6,000-meter peaks in the Cordillera Blanca. You hike up the lush Santa Cruz canyon, ascend past ancient quenual forests and sapphire lakes (Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha), and surmount the granite gap of Punta Unión. From the pass, views sweep across Taulliraju, Chacraraju, and Artesonraju (the iconic Paramount Pictures mountain). Daspe Travel operates this trek with licensed UIAGM/AGMP mountain guides, professional camp chefs, and pack mules to ensure an ethical, unhurried expedition.
Effective O₂ at 4,750m
Prior rest recommended
+2,953 ft total ascent
All entry fees covered
Select any day or milestone on the interactive graph to view its atmospheric altitude, effective oxygen pressure, and terrain biome.
Peak Altitude
3,760 m
Effective O₂ Level
~62% vs sea-level
Crisp alpine air. Requires deliberate pacing and active hydration. (Callejón de Huaylas drive)
Private transfer from Huaraz north through the Callejón de Huaylas to Caraz and the rural mountain village of Cashapampa (2,900m). Meet our arrieros (mule drivers) and pack horses. Begin ascending gently alongside the roaring Santa Cruz river through a dramatic granite gorge, passing waterfalls and native Andean flora to reach our first scenic wilderness camp at Llamacorral (3,760m).
A spectacular day hiking along the wide, flat glacial valley floor. Pass the sapphire waters of Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha lakes, framed by colossal granite walls. Take the detour up the Quebrada Arhuaycocha to the viewpoint of Alpamayo (5,947m)—voted the world's most beautiful mountain—and Artesonraju. Arrive at Taullipampa campsite (4,250m) located directly beneath the dramatic pyramid spire of Mount Taulliraju.
Summit day. Ascend a well-graded switchback trail across moraines and alpine granite shelves, passing Taullicocha lake. Surmount the historic granite gap of Punta Unión Pass at 4,750m (15,584 ft). Enjoy panoramic 360-degree vistas across both sides of the Cordillera Blanca. After soaking in the views, descend into the lush Huaripampa valley, surrounded by ancient quenual (polylepis) trees, to our camp at Paria (3,870m).
Hike gently down the Huaripampa valley through quaint Quechua farming hamlets to the road at Vaquería (3,700m). Farewell lunch with our arrieros and boarding our private vehicle. Drive over the world-famous Portachuelo de Llanganuco pass (4,767m), offering South America's most staggering road viewpoint of Huascarán (6,768m), Chopicalqui, and Huandoy. Descend past the twin turquoise Llanganuco Lakes (Orconcocha and Chinancocha) before arriving back in Huaraz.
Pre-paid services verified & delivered by Daspe Travel
Personal expenses & out-of-pocket costs
Nature lovers, hikers, and landscape photographers prepared for high-altitude mountain air, panoramic glacial peaks, and vibrant mineral formations.
1.5 to 2 hours of sustained uphill hiking on dirt trails between 4,200m and 5,036m. Slow rhythmic breathing is essential.
Mandatory checkpoint fees, community tickets & coin-operated restrooms
Community trail fee collected for upkeep.
Hired directly from horsemen on ascent.
Mountain toilets; carry coins and tissue.
Luggage & Transit Rule: Early morning departure (around 04:30 AM). Wear warm layers in the van (fleece, windproof jacket, beanie). You can leave daypack extras safely on your assigned minivan seat during the hike.
Prevent acute mountain sickness before your trip. Select your target Andean destination and how many nights you will spend in the highlands before ascending.
Nights spent above 2,500m (Cusco, Sacred Valley or Arequipa) prior to this day.
Sacred Valley (2,870m) allows 60% deeper sleep and gentler acclimatization than Cusco.
Rushing to 5,036 m (16,522 ft) with less than 2 nights in the highlands is the #1 cause of medical evacuation in Cusco.
Dietary accommodations, hotel upgrades or a slower photography pace? Speak directly with our native Cusco specialists.
The Trekking Capital of the Americas & Turquoise Glacial Tarns
Our Cusco operations desk assists with altitude pacing, dietary needs, and custom flight timings.
The gold standard Andean journey: Explore Incan citadels, sleep in Aguas Calientes, and awaken early at the citadel.
Curated 7-day private journey following optimal altitude acclimation from coastal Lima to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
4-day official stone road pilgrimage over Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m) with personal porter and Vistadome train.