UJ #9 - Adventure in Peru

pending on the year and season, the snow could be
“sugar” type, which is too soft and hinders climbing
to the point that sometimes you can’t reach the summit”.
The third day takes you to Palomichayoc pass at
5,200 m.a.s.l., with some spectacular panoramic
views, followed by a descent alongside the glacier
to Ausangate Cocha. The day ends at Anantapata
Tambo, in the upper reaches of Alcatauri Canyon and
the third lodge, which is the only one built using the
community’s own funds; further proof that tourism
can be sustainable.
Next day includes another mountain pass followed
by a trek to Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by mountains
and with a spectacular view of the valley. Here the mineral
composition of the hills turns them into a classical
multi-coloured postcard view of the trek. On the
trek to Huampococha Tambo you will see hundreds
of geese, who nest in the slopes of Antay, the craggy
rock formations of the apu Labrayani. The final day
takes you across the Anta pass followed by a descent
to the point where you are taken back to Cusco.
In the words of Eduardo Pedraza, mountaineer and
former commercial manager of Lima Tours, the Ausangate
trail is “for those seeking a serious mountain
trek”. “What makes it special”, adds Pedraza, “is that
you walk with the llamas that carry the equipment,
which is how the ancient Andean people travelled.
You walk for more than six hours a day and at one
point climb to over 5,000 metres above sea level.
Few people have been up to such an altitude. But
although you suffer somewhat, the spectacular scenery
is more than worth it. It’s an epic trek, world
class, for people who love mountains and are fit”.
“The Andean Lodges project and this route changed
my view of life”, adds Nishiyama. “I came to
understand that the apu is our father and as such
we should love, respect and protect him when necessary.
The spirituality you feel walking through the
glacial valleys, conquering the mountain passes and
Andean Lodges
Above: Mount Ausangate
(6,371 m.a.s.l.) is one of
the highest in southern
Peru and a favourite of
experienced climbers.
Below: Mount Yauricunca
(4,985 m.a.s.l.) offers some
of the best scenery on the
route. The coloured soil
is the result of its mineral
composition.
Andean Lodges
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