Hiking the Iconic Santa Cruz Trek

Things to know

• Covid measures in Peru

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures on Santa Cruz Trek in Peru, please refer to the official Peru Travel website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • A local bilingual trekking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Four days of trekking 
    • Four breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners 
    • All camping equipment
    • Muleteer and mules
    • Certificated high-mountain cook
    • Private transport — collection and drop-off

  If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know prior to booking to make arrangements. 

  What’s not included:

  • • International airfare
    • Hotel accommodations before and after the trip
    • Domestic flights 
    • Entrance fee to the Huascaran National Park (around $40 per person)
    • Emergency mule — optional
    • Medical evacuation insurance — optional, but highly recommended

  If you need assistance organizing your pre-and post-trip accommodations or domestic flights, contact us and we’ll help make the arrangements.

• How fit do I need to be?

  The Santa Cruz Trek tour is moderately difficult, but it all depends on your hiking experience and fitness level. You need to be able to hike for full days, carrying a daypack and walking through different terrains. You’re going to be hiking five to six hours per day. While the terrain is manageable, the big build-up to crossing the Punta Union pass can get strenuous. This is why you should spend time acclimatizing before your trek.
  If you want to make sure you’re ready to trek the Santa Cruz, practice hiking on long distances while carrying a full daypack. That said, if you are looking for adventure and up to the task of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely!

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
    • Hiking boots
    • Sandals
    • Comfortable shoes for camp
    • Trekking socks (synthetic fibers)
    • Microfiber shirts and thermal
    • Fleece jacket
    • Trekking pants
    • Waterproof jacket and pant (Gore-Tex or other)
    • Sunglasses
    • Gloves
    • Sun hat
    • Hat for cold weather (fleece)
    • Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulbs)
    • Washbag and towel
    • Trekking poles (can be rented from the guides)
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Sleeping bag (can be rented from the guide)
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Earplugs
    • Battery charger (there is no place to plug in while trekking)
    • Camera—optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. All prices are per person.
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for the group tour to operate. 
    • The maximum number of guests for this tour is 15.

  If your hiking party is larger than 15 people, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements. 

  Min. age requirements:

  • • Anyone over the age of 18 can join these Peru trekking tours.
    • Minors under the age of 18 may be allowed to join a hike on a case-by-case basis.

  If you plan to hike with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the Santa Cruz Trek, Peru, most people fly into the Lima International Airport, 6.5 hours away from Huaraz—the starting point of the adventure. Once in Lima, you can take a bus ride or board a flight to get to Huaraz. You will meet with your guide upon your arrival in Huaraz.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 50 % deposit to secure your place is due once the trip plan has been agreed upon in full by both parties.The remaining amount is paid 5 weeks prior to departure. For bookings within five weeks of the departure, full payment is required. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

  • • If Client cancels the Booking seventy (70) or more days prior to the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is obliged to pay the trip cancellation fee of $50.
    • If Client cancels the Booking sixty-nine (69) days to fifty (50) prior to the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a 70% refund of the full ticket price.
    • For cancellations forty-nine (49) to thirty-one (31) days in advance, Client is entitled to a 50% refund of the full ticket price.
    • For cancellations thirty (30) to eight (8) days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of forty percent (40%) of the full ticket price. 
    • After that deadline ( seven days or less prior to departure), Client is not entitled to any refund.