Santa Cruz to Ulta SUMMARY: This version will take you to a remote and isolated area, going through a very high and spectacular pass to leave the mountains far south rewarded by impressive views of mounts Huascaran and the towering snowcapped peaks of Ulta, Contrahierbas and Chopicalqui.
AVAILABILITY: All year round BEST TIME: May to October DURATION: 6 days DIFFICULTY: Difficult MAX: ALTITUDE: 4850 m ELEVATION: 2900 to 4850 meters WALKING DISTANCE: 62 km o/w INCLUDES: Ground transportation to/from trail heads, Guide, Cook, Mule driver and pack animals, your tent, group tent, toilet tent, full-board meals while hiking, table, chairs, sleeping pads. NOT INCLUDED: Park entry fee S/65.00
ITINERARY (suggested): D1. Leave Caraz riding 28 km in about 1:10 hours and climbing +650 m by car to Cashapampa. Hike to camp at Llamacorral 3750 m (10 km, 4-5 hours, +900 m climb). D2. Visit the two lakes, climb to the Alpamayo Mirador and camp at Taullipampa 4250 m, (14 km, 5-6 hours, +500 m climb). D3. Climb Punta Union Pass at 4750 m (Continental water divide), descend to camp at Cachinapampa 3750 m, (+500 m, 3 km, 2-3 hours / -1000 m, 7 km, 4-5 hours) D4. Hike along the villages of Huaripampa, Colcabamba and Molinopampa 3550 m (5 km, 1 hour, -350 m, / 9 km, 4 hours, +150 m), and then follow to Quebrada Keshu up to the camp at the end of the valley 4150 m (4 km, 3 hours, +600 m). D5. Climb to Punta Yanayacu Pass 4850 m (3 km, 3 hours, +700 m), then descend to the camp at Cashpapampa 4200 m (3 km, 2 hours, -650 m). The views of mounts Huascaran, Chopicalqui and Ulta, are among the best in the region. D6. Final descent to Quebrada Ulta 3940 m (4 km, 2 hours, -260 m), where our transport will take us all along this impressive valley to Carhuaz (2 hours) and then Caraz (1 hour)