Santa Cruz

Day 01: Vaquería (3375 m a.s.l.) – Paria (3870 m a.s.l.)

The hike begins in Vaquería and passes through small villages, with cultivated fields and livestock along the way. From the first steps, the landscape impresses with views of Chacraraju and Taulliraju dominating the horizon. The climb is gradual and pleasant, crossing wetlands and a beautiful queñual forest that provides shade and variety. Finally, the trail leads to the Paria campsite, surrounded by an impressive mountain setting.

Day 02: Paria (3816 m a.s.l.) – Taullipampa (4168 m a.s.l.)

This is one of the trek's most spectacular days. A steady climb leads to the impressive paso Punta Unión (4750 m), the route's highest point, offering unforgettable panoramic views of some of the range's most iconic peaks, such as Quitaraju, Artesonraju and Rinrijirca. After enjoying the pass, the trail descends towards the broad Taullipampa valley, surrounded by mountains, where camp is set up.

You can continue to Jatunquishuar (+2.5 km | -215 m | 45 min) to shorten the following day.

Day 03: Taullipampa (4168 m a.s.l.) – Llamacorral (3770 m a.s.l.)

The day follows one of the hike's most iconic stretches. You pass near Alpamayo base camp, considered by many the world's most beautiful mountain, and reach laguna Arhuaycocha, a spectacular place surrounded by great walls of ice and rock. From here, there are also outstanding views of Artesonraju, whose silhouette inspired the famous Paramount Pictures logo. The trail continues downhill through a broad, rocky valley, passing laguna Jatuncocha before reaching the Llamacorral campsite.