Tag: 27mm

Pitec (Peru)

Hi !

After the busy streets of Huaraz and an excursion to Laguna Wilcacocha, it was about time to hit the road to a more remote location. Pitec was the perfect choice.

It took 20km of an epic unsealed road, passing through rural areas, to reach the plateau at some 3700m (we started at 3000m). Here’s the view from our accommodation, the last hostel before the National Park entrance (some 4km away).

A very cold night was expected, the hostel was minimal as about every other houses up there, but it was guaranteed to have the same view the next morning while I enjoy a breakfast..

The plan for the next day was to do the Laguna Churup trail (a short yet challenging trail, which involves some scary climbing using pre-installed ropes).

Enjoy (or not) and stay tuned !

Peruvian woman looking at the Cordillera Blanca (Peru)

Hi !

Today was the first acclimation hike to reach Laguna Wilcacocha at 3700 meters. It is a 600m ascend over 5km (or 7.5km if like us you miss the shortcuts). The overall idea is to test yourself at hiking above 3000 meters. And I won’t lie, it was actually different from my traditional hiking experience: very quickly I felt out of breath, and couldn’t just walk it without a break. No headache and no extreme tireness though, so I think I avoided the high altitude sickness, but a few more challenging hikes should confirm that before we start trekking (Santa Cruz Trek).

All of that wouldn’t be fun if there wasn’t a reward up there: a view of Huaraz with the white peaks of the Cordillera Blanca in background. Also a pleasant surprise, as this place was sort of the picnic area for the locals to enjoy their sunday afternoon. There was in particular this Peruvian woman, contemplating the view like the rest of us.

I guess a more postal card picture would have been the reflection of the white peaks on the lake itself, but a very welcomed chilling wind made sure the lake was all but mirror still waters.

Enjoy (or not) and stay tuned !

Streets of Huaraz (Peru)

Hi !

So we made it to our first stop of our six months trip: Huaraz, Peru, the trekker heaven. Which means we sort of don’t really fit into the local scene of experienced trekkers and hikers, all looking so cool.

The journey from Lima to Huaraz was a 8 hours bus ride, changing from the foggy grey winter weather of Lima to beautiful crystal clear blue sky of the mountains. We drove up to 4000 meters to then finish at Huaraz, sitting at 3050 meters. And the first thing noticeable when arriving there is the breathtaking (or it may be the altitude) mountains for the Cordillera Blanca. Unfortunately we arrived too late for the shot at the golden hour, but we should have a few other opportunities over the next days.

The next morning, while walking the streets searching for the breakfast place, I couldn’t resist to shot the street of Huaraz with the stunning background.

We are now acclimating and getting used to high altitude. The first couple of days are all about sorting a few details (like the first hike and treks) before going into the wild.

Enjoy (or not) and stay tuned !

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