Santa Cruz, Mountain summit in Ancash Department, Peru.
Santa Cruz is a mountain in the Cordillera Blanca rising to about 6,260 meters with steep flanks covered by snow and ice. The terrain is alpine, featuring extensive glacial zones that give way to rocky outcrops at lower elevations.
The mountain became a destination for climbers starting in the early 20th century, leading to the development of established routes across its glacial terrain. This climbing history shaped how the peak is visited and approached by mountaineers today.
Quechua communities living in the surrounding valleys maintain farming and herding practices rooted in generations of mountain life. Their presence and way of living shape how the land is used and cared for today.
The trek to Santa Cruz takes approximately four days and covers around 50 kilometers of mountain terrain. Visitors should allow time for acclimatization and bring winter clothing, as temperatures drop well below freezing at higher elevations.
The glacial lakes along the trek contain minerals that color the water in different shades of blue, ranging from turquoise to deep indigo. These colors shift depending on the time of day and light conditions, creating an ever-changing display.
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