The Santa Cruz hike is one of the most popular multi day hikes from the town of Huaraz, which sits at over 3000 m between the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra mountain ranges. There are over 35 mountains over 6000 m in the area so the scenery surrounding this grimy, busy town is incredible. Huaraz lies 400 km from Lima and we arrived here on a night bus from Lima for $12. Santa Cruz hike takes usually 4 days but can be done in 3 days. It has some of the best views in the Andeas, you will be rewarded with views of turquoise lakes, snowy peaks and incredible views from the highest point on the hike, Punta Union at 4750 m. Santa Cruz hike can be done independently and we met plenty of people who went on it unguided. It’s a very straight forward path with plenty of hikers on it and its clearly outlined on maps.me. We didn’t have our our tents and sleeping bags but you can rent them in town. For the ease of it and the health of my back (I struggle to walk 800 m with my 17 kg…