We left Cusco at 8 a.m. by van, another large breakfast stored as fuel. We descended in elevation until we were in high jungle, with flowers, potato fields, and lots of other agriculture. We did see a tractor or two, but we saw as many oxen drawn plows.
These hybrid "motorcycle" type vehicles were typical. I managed to catch totally by accident, in the camera lens, the bicycle freight machine to the left of the motorcycle-type vehicle.
Next was a Tarawasi, a very interesting ruin that seemed like it was in "the middle of nowhere," but I suspect that everyone in Peru knew where it is. The Incas had set up places to stay a day's walk for travelers from one distant place to another. The conquering Spaniards thought they were great places to build on top of. The Incan stonework is used as a foundation for typical Spanish architecture of courtyards and balconies.
We followed a valley down and down, and then turned right up the mountain. And then, up and up on a gravel road to the town of Mollepata, which was celebrating the anniversary of their town. What fun!
Groups of people were creating groundscapes around the square.
Games, just like the "country fairs" in the good old USA, were a part of the celebration. I caught some young kids trying their hand at brightly painted foosball tables. They didn't have the "official" foosball, so they were using caps from water bottles.
This couple was hanging out, watching the action. I have no idea what was in the bag - ML guesses potatoes.
As Dalmiro stated, any excuse for a celebration is an excuse to drink some beer. The biggest crowd of people were centered in the square surrounded by quart bottles of beer.
The next circle outside the square contained food - mostly cooked on an open fire. Chicken is in the pot with the diners in the background.
A few miles past Mollepata, the van dropped us off to begin the hiking. The good part - we finally began what we came for. The bad part, it was at 12000 feet in elevation.
Humantay Mountain was ever in the background. It's highest spot is a bit below 20,000 feet. Today, we are hiking along the valley on the left.
After a vicious lungbursting climb, we leveled out for a picnic lunch by an Incan aquaduct carrying water from the base of Saltankay to Mollepata to water the fields. It was still carrying water.
The food was good, the sound of the water chuckling along was pleasant, and the mountain in the background was impressive.
After what seemed like more than 4 miles, we arrived at our first "remote" lodge stay. Behind the lodge is Saltankay Mountain, just over 20,000 feet high.
We were met with hot cloths to wipe our face and cool drinks to sooth our bodies. "Tea" was served when we were ready.
It was just great to be in the Andes and be taken care of.
This was the view of Saltankay Mountain from our bedroom window.
Not bad, huh? If we just didn't have to be nervous about walking up that valley and up the pass at 15,200 feet, the mountain wouldn't feel as intimidating.
It seemed like a long time since we left Cusco, but what a great day. I thought we were really lucky to see and experience some of the Mollepata celebration. I also was glad we were starting the walk.
I recently visited red rocks in colorado
ReplyDelete6700 ft could barely hike a quarter mile
You guys are awesome!
Stan (sea level man)