Santa Cruz Trek

A fantastic experience and I would definitely recommend. However book directly with the trek company NOT via viator as that charge substantially more. You can book through hostels while you are staying in huaraz and shop around the get the best deal.

We had been approx 75% of the hiking time soaked because of rain and most of the views were covered in clouds. DON'T go in rainy season... Even though it is suppose to be the end of it now, this year is apparently late as it started in September instead of December. But even over the rain it's pretty good trail and I'm not letting bad weather cloud my judgement. There is COW SHIT everywhere!!! Especially campgrounds are full of it. You'll have hard time to find a spot for your tent and I can't imagine how they do it in busy season.. Why they don't build some fence around campground? I don't know.. But you pay at the entrance for something and it doesn't really look maintained very well. If you spent couple days in Cusco and than go to Huaraz, you should have good acclimatization. I had no problem, my partner had a headache after Punta Union, but overall no problems. Except Punta Union it's definitely moderate hike, not hard. Experienced acclimatized hiker will find Punta Union as a medium challenge.

When you travel, it is important to feel comfortable and safe in the place and meet other people. In the this hostel you have everything. You can meet not only other travelers but real Peruvian and just talk with them about country, city or other things. You feel safe having key to your room in your pocket. Staff is very helpful and friendly. They will help you not only in booking trips, buying tickets or book another hostel but also when you have medical problems or just need an advise. Hostel is in the center so it is easy to go to the city whenever you want. Hostel and rooms are very clean with big and comfortable beds. There are two bathrooms and kitchen, when you can prepare your favorite food. There is always hot water at the shower what is important after long trekking. Breakfast, tea and coffee are always waiting for you. B&B Santa Cruz Trek Hostel is perfect place to feel real Peruvian soul. I had wonderful time there.

Edgar is very welcoming and kind, fully supportive giving info about different treks and hikes in the area, as well as organising different tours. The BnB is essential but ok, there is a common kitchen guests can use in case of need. everything was really fine for us, including mate de coca welcome tea. Few things to be noticed: Edgar is not very talkative and full of details via email (maybe using WhatsApp it would have been better?); He is not a tour agency himself but just a reseller, we did Santa Cruz 4days trek with Ganesa booking via PeruBergSport, everything went fine but the tour would have been cheaper if reserved directly with Ganesa. Positive aspect, he allowed us to have a shower and use a room to change our clothes after the trek, even if we were not staying there for the night. All in all, thank you Edgar!

Great location; easy to walk to restaurants, stores, bank, main square. The owner and his family were very friendly and helpful. The first night we arrived we were shown some close by restaurants and grocery stores. He also helped us arrange a Huayhuash trek. In the morning a complimentary breakfast and tea was served. We would stay here again.

The owner is a great guy. He can give you all the info you need to hike the Santa Cruz Trek as well as other worthy hikes in the area. Especially helpful is the info on which buses to take. When I stayed there he was still setting up in the current location. Wifi and a light breakfast were provided.

I did not stay at the hostel, but I booked the Santa Cruz trek through the hostel website. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend anyone to stay at the hostel or to use their services. Edgar was kind but disorganized. Because I did not receive any confirmation that the trip was set, I took the initiative to go to the hostel to search for Edgar and ask for information. He seemed to arrange the guide and donkeys on the spot. However, on the day of the trek, there were still loose ends, for example, who would carry our supplies, given that one of the girls on the trek had a severe allergy to horses/donkeys (which she had let Edgar know weeks in advance)? In the end, the trek was amazing and I was thankful for the experience, but I would have done things differently. It would have been substantially cheaper and likely more organized to book my trek at one of the good travel agencies once I arrived in Huaraz. I sent my feedback to Edgar afterwards, and hopefully, he continues to improve his business, but for now, I would find alternatives or approach with caution. FYI, the hostel is far from the Huaraz city center, unmarked, and at the time of my visit, there was no one staying there. It is not a backpacker's hub, but if you like a quiet setting in a more rural part of Huaraz, it could work for you.

It was a verry pleasant stay, we stayed 2 nights at front of our santa cruz trek to do some day trips and get used to the height before trekking in the mountains. We had a lot of useful tips and help with busses,... (in English) during our stay. When walking the santa cruz trek we could leave some baggage here and take it off after the trek.