The very popular Santa Cruz trail, in the Huascarin National Park (Northern Peru), runs from the small town of Cashapampa (2900 metres), in the west, to the bus stop outpost of Vaqueria (3700 metres), in the east, climbing over the spectacular Punta Union pass at 4700 metres. Most trekkers sign up with one of the many tour companies, and do the trail from west to east, with all their comforts provided for, depending on their budget, by a guide, cook and train of sturdy mules carrying all their provisions – leaving them with only a lunchbox to carry. In the spirit of independence and adventure (and a little bit of stubborness) Vicki and I are amongst the small group who elect to carry our own tent and supplies over the 4700 metre pass. Besides the mules are smelly and poop everywhere – also, we don´t fancy being stuck in a group of english lasses who complain about their tennis shoes not performing on the scree slopes. Guides are not really required as the trail is well signposted.
Santa Cruz Valley
The trek can be done in 4 days, but we have decided on an extra day for the climb to Alpamayo base camp. The Cordillera Blanca mountain range (part of the Andes) that the trail traverses is a spectacular collection of snow capped peaks (more than 50 of them over 5700 metres). At these altitudes the days are hot, with intense solar radiation, and the nights cold with temperatures plunging to below freezing.
As we repack our bags, the night before the hike, I hope our kit is up to the job.
