peru Santa Cruz trek: May 6-12, 2026

Into the Wild is a chance to take a moment for you. To dive deep into your wild woman self. To rediscover the wonder and beauty of both earth’s nature and YOUR nature.

Want a trek that will challenge and inspire you? Have you already done a trek to Machu Picchu and are looking for something more remote and challenging, and even more beautiful?

Come on a once in a lifetime experience on the Santa Cruz trek from Huaraz, Peru. This trek is moderate/challenging (with altitude, it’s a little heavy on the challenging, but YOU can do it!)

Do you have an interest in hiking in the Andes Mountains on a remote trail that passes giant mountains and passes? While, along the way, learning the history of Peru, being treated to daily three course meals of traditional Peruvian cuisine, spending your days walking through small villages that will touch your heart, covering 35 miles of gorgeous scenery? Need some Self-empowerment? Do you want to bring out your inner wild woman?

This retreat is for you, and women like you. Come as you are and leave as your best self. Led by Wendy, a Peru trek lover- you’re really in for a treat with this trek.

Below is the information on what you come away with from this trip. Join us and rediscover your inner wild woman!

Cost for the Peru Santa Cruz trek is $2850 per person for 6 nights. All lodging, food, and transportation during the retreat is included, and ALL rooms/tents are shared occupancy. You just need to get yourself to Huaraz, Peru and home again, and the rest is covered through your ticket (minus alcohol and souvenirs).

Who:

Women. From anywhere. Women with a passion for adventure, hiking, or cultures of the world- or all of the above. Women who want to learn and discover and to connect directly with another culture. Women who want to uncover or rediscover themselves.

Why:

When is the last time you enjoyed 6 nights abroad for yourself? To develop the inner you, your skills and to have adventures you deserve?

NOTE: THIS PARTICULAR INTO THE WILD IS ALL ABOUT THE HIKING, ADVENTURE AND THE INCREDIBLE SIGHTS AND EXPERIENCES. UNBEATABLE FOOD WILL BE PREPARED ALONG THE TRAIL!

When:

May 6-12, 2026. You DO NOT want to miss this. You will fly into the Anta Huaraz airport on Wednesday the 6th of May, and fly out of Anta Huaraz airport on Tuesday morning the 12th of May, 2026.

What:

A women’s trek built to help you rediscover you, your passions, and this beautiful earth you live on. An experience that will make you feel youthful and adventurous. A bonding experience not to be missed.

We will hike and explore together. Eat wonderful food together. Be directly within a whole other culture rich with experiences together. Creating unforgettable memories, together, of course.

Itinerary for the Santa Cruz trek:

May 6: Arrival in Carhuaz in Huaraz. ITW will provide you with a ride when you arrive from the  Anta Huaraz airport or the Huaraz City, Peru, bus station (however you are choosing to arrive). The drive from the airport to the lodge lasts 15 minutes, and you’ll arrive to your lodging for the next 2 nights at the charming Fleur Lodge near the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. The rooms at Fleur Lodge are double, triple, and quadruple occupancy. 

Once you arrive, you may explore the lodge or simply relax until our mandatory evening orientation meeting. At this meeting, we’ll introduce our group, review the itinerary and trekking gear, and field any questions you might have (months ahead of the trek we will also have a WhatsApp Chat to cover all of the important details as well.) Following the meeting, we’ll enjoy a meal at the lodge restaurant.

Situated in Carhuas and elevated over 9,000 feet, the lodge’s location makes hydration a key step in adapting to the altitude. Prioritizing your well-being starts as soon as you arrive.

May 7:  Today is all about acclimatization  we’ll also take a Day Hike to Lake 69! After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the lodge, we’ll depart at 6:00 a.m. We’ll pass through picturesque Andean villages and briefly stop at the stunning Chinancocha lagoon, also known as Llanganuco Lake, at an elevation of 3,800m. We will arrive at the trailhead and begin our journey upwards. When we finally reach the summit, we’ll  be greeted by the breathtaking view of Lake 69, surrounded by the imposing granite walls of Chacraraju and the peaks of Nevado Pisco, Nevado Huascarán, and Nevado Yanapaccha.

Enjoying our boxed lunch by the vibrant, crystal-clear waters of Lake 69, we’ll take in the majestic scenery before returning to the trailhead, where our transport awaits to return us to the lodge. You’ll have dinner at the lodge and rest/have fun :)

• Maximum altitude: 4,600 m/ 15,100 ft. 

• Minimum altitude: 2,688 m/8,819 ft.

• Distance to walk: 13.8 km/5.8 miles

• Approximate walking time: 2 – 3 hours

• Difficulty: Challenging

May 8:  After our hearty breakfast at the lodge, we will leave early  to the Llanganuco viewpoint (2 hours). Here, we will have the privilege of seeing an incredible sunrise over the great panorama of the Northern Cordillera Blanca, including Huascarán (22,204 ft), Huandoy (20,981 ft), Pisco (18,871 ft), and Chopicalqui (20,846 ft). Incredible!

The trek today will take us through the towering, snow-capped peaks of Chacraraju (20,052 ft) and Taulliraju (19,127 ft)  which dominate the skyline, rendering us momentarily insignificant. We will make camp in tents (2 per tent) in a valley at 12,713 ft, surrounded by the grandeur of the high Andes. 

• Maximum altitude: 4,750 m/15,583 ft.

• Minimum altitude: 3,875 m/12,713 ft.

• Distance to walk: 11 km/6.8 miles

• Approximate walking time: 4 to 6 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

May 9: On our second official day of our Santa Cruz trek, we’ll wake up to coffee or tea at our tents and then enjoy breakfast prepared by our chef before we start our ascent to Punta Union Pass at 15,583 ft. This ancient trail saw heavy traffic in pre-Columbian and colonial times as a route to transport goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the central valleys. As we approach the pass, the Taulliraju mountain will loom above us, and on the other side, a crystal-clear glacial lagoon and a bright white glacier will enhance the stunning views of the Santa Cruz Valley.

Additionally, we will enjoy views of the peaks of Quitaraju, Artesonraju, and Renrijra, as well as the lagoons of Ichcha and Jatuncocha. We’ll then descend to 13,713 ft, where we will spend the night in tents again.

• Maximum altitude: 4,750 m/15,583 ft.

• Minimum altitude: 3,875 m/12,713 ft.

• Distance to walk: 12 km/7.4 miles

• Approximate walking time: 7 to 8 hours

• Difficulty: Challenging

May 10: Today we start our third trek day with coffee or tea in our tents before breakfast. Then, we’ll proceed through the Santa Cruz Valley, passing a stunning side valley with excellent views of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Alpamayo Mountain.

The landscape transforms as stony slopes appear on either side of the marshy meadow, with fallen rocks from the eroded walls above us. We’ll make our way up to a stunning viewpoint to observe the majestic Alpamayo Mountain in all its splendor. Finally, towards the end of the day, our path takes us through the increasingly narrow canyon towards Llama Corral, where we will camp  in tents at 12,411 ft.

• Maximum altitude: 4,180 m/13,713 ft.

• Minimum altitude: 3,783 m/12,411 ft.

• Distance to walk: 15 km/9.3 miles

• Approximate walking time: 7 to 8 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

May 11: Our fourth trek day!  We’ll be woken up by our camping team serving coffee or tea in our tents before we enjoy our breakfast. Then, we will make a steep descent to Cashapampa (9658 ft) early in the morning. Our private vehicle will be waiting at the end of the trek to take us back to our cozy lodge.

We will say goodbye to our trekking team and relax as the road slowly descends into the central valley, reaching the same lodge where we started the trip after a drive of almost 3 hours. We will rest after an unforgettable journey amidst some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

• Maximum altitude: 3,783 m/12,411 ft.

• Minimum altitude: 2,944 m/9,658 ft.

• Distance to walk: 10 km/6.2 miles

• Approximate walking time: 4 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

May 12: Sadly, our adventure ends today. We will leave with full hearts and souls and many new friends! Into the Wild is in charge of your transfer to the airport for your onward flight or to the bus station. 

Transportation Details: Please note that there is only one daily flight between Lima and Huaraz, and currently you must go through Lima to get to Cusco if you want to see Machu Picchu (contact Wendy if you want to add that on). 

Have you ever been to a place so different from your own home country in sights, smells, sounds, textures… you could hardly wrap your mind around it?

We know you’ll love this trek - it will absolutely change your life!

Q&A:

What is the Santa Cruz Trek?

The Santa Cruz Trek is one of Peru’s most unforgettable hikes. It takes hikers through the Cordillera Blanca and covers just over 50 kilometers of constantly changing scenery. You’ll see extraordinary snow-covered peaks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, wide open valleys, and rocky mountain passes. It’s a true favorite for hikers who want a mix of challenge and beauty.

How difficult is the Santa Cruz Trek?

The Santa Cruz Trek is considered moderate to challenging. It includes high altitudes, passes exceeding 4,750 meters (15,583 feet), and significant daily hiking distances. For a comfortable experience, it’s recommended that hikers have a good fitness level and proper acclimatization.

Can you tell me more about the lodge where we will be staying?

Fleur Lodge is where your Santa Cruz adventure begins. It’s a peaceful place tucked into the mountains, with just the right mix of comfort and rustic charm. What makes it truly special is its Bio Chakra, a sustainable garden where guests will find rows of fresh vegetables growing for meals at the lodge. Guests are welcome to walk through the garden, ask questions, and see firsthand how things grow here.

What should I bring for the Santa Cruz Trek?

We recommend that hikers bring essential items such as waterproof hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, a sun hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a daypack. Please remember that layers are crucial, as temperatures vary significantly between day and night. We’ll get far more into this once you book.

How does altitude affect the trek, and what can I do to prepare?

Hiking at high altitudes can make you feel tired or dizzy or give you a headache, especially if your body hasn’t had time to adjust. One of the best ways to prevent altitude sickness is to spend some time at elevation before starting the trek. That’s one reason we begin the trip at Fleur Lodge. It gives your body time to acclimate naturally. Drinking plenty of water, eating well, and taking it slow in the first few days also make a big difference.

What are the meal arrangements during this trip, and especially for the trek?

True to Into the Wild form, all meals during this trip are included starting once you arrive. You’ll enjoy six breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners during the actual trek, and before and after the trek, meals are enjoyed at Fleur Lodge, where many ingredients come straight from the lodge’s Bio Chakra garden. During the trek, our camp chefs prepare hearty, nourishing dishes to energize you on the trail. You’ll be absolutely amazed at what the chefs can cook on trail- beautiful and delicious!   If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, just let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure your meals are tailored to your needs.

IMPORTANT NOTE: tHIS RETREAT WILL INVOLVE WILD ADVENTURES and a LOT of Hiking. The santa cruz trek is 35 miles over 5 days, with a lot of incline and decline. The altitude is significant, and varies between 8,000 and 15,300 feet. We ask that you be in excellent hiking shape and arrive with already broken-in shoes. WE ALSO ASK THAT YOU BE OPEN TO NEW PEOPLE AND NEW EXPERIENCES. iF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL ABOUT WHAT THIS MEANS, JUST ASK! wendy@itwadventure.com

A reminder: your expenses are all included, except your flights to and from Huaraz, Peru from your home. We cover lodging, activities, food, transport, etc!

Into The Wild is now requiring its trip attendees to provide proof of travel insurance purchase for this trip. Generally this costs an extra $100usd, and can save your bacon when traveling and things go wrong. Please email wendy@itwadventure.com if you have any questions about getting travel insurance.

There are no refunds to this retreat period- due to the nature of retreat planning. However, you are more than welcome to sell your ticket to another woman, since this is bound to sell out. Re-selling tickets is highly successful when I help you to do so.

Note: During this trip, we will spend 4 nights camping along the Santa Cruz Trail. The Milky Way will be stunningly present at night!