Noel Wigdor is a 21-year-old Canadian doing South America right.
On his travel blog he posted a trip report of a rainy, problematic adventure on the Santa Cruz Trek out of Huaraz, Peru:
Trekking the Andes – Santa Cruz
This is by far the most popular serious hike in the region and is indeed, as Noel tells, one of the best hikes in the world.
Noel at the top of the pass — Punta Union 4760m (15,617ft).
If you are packing for a trip to the Andes check out besthike.com Santa Cruz for details. It’s 50km (31+ miles) plus sidetrips, 4 days recommended. Best months are May to September. Altitude is a factor.
besthike.com 
Santa Cruz Trek Hostel is a special point of meeting for solo travelers and Backpackers where they can join a group for Trekkings, Climbings or just to trek Santa Cruz or Huayhuash, Offers comfortable dorms in wide rooms, easy access to downtown for ATMs Banks Markets Shops and more, daily departures of our guests for the Santa Cruz Trek, minivans and buses available for Santa Cruz trail head, connection tours around Peru.