Anyone trekked the Santa Cruz trail or similar in Peru?
Any recommendations for guides etc?
Peter
BrentMac
We did the Santa Cruz trek starting in Cashapampa. We hired a man and his mules at the roadhead. It only took a matter of minutes. The route is very straightforward, so you hardly need a guide. There are agencies in Huaraz that will book you whatever level of provision you want. At the roadhead, you simply get the next man on the rota. The drive out was amazing and we were glad we did the route the way we did. The account below did the trek in the opposite direction:
Originally the trek was longer but since they built the road, most people don't walk the sections alongside the road. On our way out we passed Pisco which now has a hut and can be skied.
A lot depends on how much gear you take you with you. We had all our own kit including a tent for the mule man, so doing it ourselves was easy. On the other hand if you book on to the right group, you just need your personal gear.
We sorted out a guide and a muleteer / cook in Huaraz; they provided tents and cooking gear, we took sleeping-bags and clothing only. It's a very standard deal and lots of agencies offer it - we used the agents recommended by our hotel in Huaraz. Like Brent we started in Cashapampa (on a market day) and greatly enjoyed it. Take it cool as you reach 4750m quite quickly - an extra night or two in Huaraz would be a good idea unless you acclimatise really easily.
BrentMac
We did the Santa Cruz trek starting in Cashapampa. We hired a man and his mules at the roadhead. It only took a matter of minutes. The route is very straightforward, so you hardly need a guide. There are agencies in Huaraz that will book you whatever level of provision you want. At the roadhead, you simply get the next man on the rota. The drive out was amazing and we were glad we did the route the way we did. The account below did the trek in the opposite direction:
https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/santa-cruz-trek-peru/
Originally the trek was longer but since they built the road, most people don't walk the sections alongside the road. On our way out we passed Pisco which now has a hut and can be skied.
A lot depends on how much gear you take you with you. We had all our own kit including a tent for the mule man, so doing it ourselves was easy. On the other hand if you book on to the right group, you just need your personal gear.
I hope this helps.
MikeHendry
We sorted out a guide and a muleteer / cook in Huaraz; they provided tents and cooking gear, we took sleeping-bags and clothing only. It's a very standard deal and lots of agencies offer it - we used the agents recommended by our hotel in Huaraz. Like Brent we started in Cashapampa (on a market day) and greatly enjoyed it. Take it cool as you reach 4750m quite quickly - an extra night or two in Huaraz would be a good idea unless you acclimatise really easily.