Where can I buy / rent gear?It is easy to rent gear in Huaraz & even Caraz. Check around in the many outdoor shops & tour operators near the main plazas. Price varies with quality, but expect to pay US$3-6 / item / day. (i.e. tent, sleeping bag, etc.) A stove goes for $1 / day. You can purchase basic gear too. Quality, selection & price are, of course, not what you might hope for. Many items cost about double what we pay in Canada. Best is to bring everything with you to Peru. Do I need a Permit to hike?Yes. Santa Cruz hikers must buy a buy a trekking permit (Turismo Aventura) for Huascaran National Park = about US$20 / person for overnight stays. You may be able to buy it in Cashapampa before starting the hike. We were charged after we finished the hike when we stopped at the Llanganuco Parks Office. You can also get it in Huaraz at the park office, (Sal y Rosas 555). No reservation is needed. Santa Cruz is no hassle. Hike when you want. Camp where you want. Especially if you carry your own gear & not hire pack animals. Where else can I get information?
Be sure to check with Casa de Guias in Huaraz when you get there, especially if you want to hire pack animals. There are dozens of companies in Huaraz offering free advice to independent Santa Cruz trekkers. The most helpful for us was Pony’s Expeditions in Caraz. Close to the trailhead, English & French spoken. We were pleasantly surprised at the advice we got in Huaraz from the iPeru tourist information office. They spoke good English & were very helpful even on trekking questions. Our favourite guidebook is Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes though no guidebook is essential for Santa Cruz. Who should attempt this hike?It is recommended for all hikers, regardless of experience. For some travellers this is the first major multi-day hike. Also the personal altitude record for many — 4760m. Our recommended route allows you to acclimatize as you move towards Punta Union pass. If you have symptoms of altitude sickness it is relatively easy to turn back to Cashapampa. Who should NOT hike Santa Cruz?NOT those with chronic knee, ankle or back injuries. Footing is good for the most part. But this is not an adventure for the nervous. There are plenty of excellent day hikes in these mountains easily organized out of Huaraz you could do instead. What's the most difficult section?Defintely Punta Union pass. You may get bad weather, wind & cold. It is steep. Many hikers are surprised how cold the campsites can get in the evening. A down jacket or vest is recommended. The start of the trek out of Cashapampa with full pack is surprisingly tiring. Be psyched!
|
|
|
Questions or suggestions? E-mail the website editor. copyright www.i-NEEDtoKnow.com This page last modified |
|
next page