Trek between the Atlantic and the Pacific
The Punta Union mountain pass is the highest point (4750 meters) of the Santa Cruz trek in the Peruvian Huascarán National Park. The Santa Cruz trek is usually four days long, offering very nice views of the snow-capped peaks of the 6,000-meter peaks, glaciers and lakes. The starting point is Cashapampa, the destination of Vaquería. The crossing of the Punta Union saddle is the third day of the trek. It is not very demanding, the road is passable without snow fields. For many trekkers, the saddle may be the highest point they have climbed in their lifetime. Beware of acclimatization.
Taullipampa
The second day of the Santa Cruz trek takes us to a place called Taullipampa at an altitude of 4250 meters above sea level. We quickly set up a tent and enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountain giants, such as the monumental Taulliraju, 5830 meters high.
Artesonraju
In the morning it is quite cold in the camp. The rising sun illuminates the top of Artesonraj, 6025 m above sea level
Climb to the saddle
We set out to complete part of the journey in the shade. At first, the climb is not too steep, so we proceed relatively quickly.
Under the saddle
The second half of the ascent is more breathtaking, the road often winds on a steep slope. Below us appears the lake Lago Taullicocha.
Punta Union
We are in the saddle of Punta Union at an altitude of 4750 m. The view opens to the other side, to the east. We stand at the confluence of two oceans: in the western Pacific, in the eastern Atlantic.
Punta Union
The stop at the saddle is really beautiful. The views of the northern part of the Cordillera Blanca are worth the effort.
Lakes Morococha
The road from the saddle winds again in numerous serpentines. Rest can be found at the end of a steep descent by the Morococha lakes.
Huaripampa Valley
The next descent is not so steep. There is still something to look at. The road gradually turns south into the Huaripampa Valley.
Huaripampa Valley
We have 9 km behind us and 3 km to the finish line. The decline is only very slight. At the end of this stage of the Santa Cruz trek, the valley opens up and reveals the beauty of the mountain giants in the late afternoon sunshine.
Mountain peaks
Fatigue soon appears. We lie down in the sleeping bag asylum and before our eyes we have beautiful peaks that accompanied us on today's journey through the mountain saddle Punta Union.
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