Day 5: Trek to Pachacute and Cancha Cancha

TREK OVERVIEW

Trekkers have another early wake up call! They’re woken up at 5:00 AM with hope drinks. They have views on the lake and valley of Kiswarani. The local people will already be taking their llamas to graze. Trekkers will start their four hour climb to the top of Pachacute or Condor Pass. They’ll zigzag their way up the hill. The views are beautiful! They’ll see lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and llamas. Once they arrive at the top of the pass, trekkers will be above the clouds with a 360 views of the Andes Mountains including Mount Pitusiray, After a hot drink, trekkers will start their one hour descent to lunch at El Mirador or Vista Point. After lunch, they’ll continue downhill for another three hours to camp in the Cancha Cancha village. Villagers still practice incan traditions. 85% of the houses are still composed of stone with thatched roofs. Unlike other villages in the Lares Valley, Cancha Cancha doesn’t have electricity. Trekkers will tour the village – visiting local family’s houses where they’ll see how they raise their guinea pigs and hand weave textiles.

TREK STATS

Starting elevation 12,795 feet

Highest elevation 14,250

Ending elevation 12,305 feet

Elevation lost 490 feet

Distance hiked 8.7 miles

Average hiking time 7.5 hours

We named this day “Ya’ll, we’re hiking the Andes!”  After 3 days of acclimating to the altitude we were ready to hike. We packed up, ate breakfast and took a van to the starting point - a very remote, indistinct trail off the side of the road. The hike was a nice trail through the mountain villages to a community center for a fabulous lunch, including huge sliced avocados and trout. We purchased souvenirs from local artisans including colorful warm gloves, hats and scarves. Highlight of the trek was beautiful waterfalls and gorgeous views and our first glacier sighting. We camped next to a lagoon and rushing water. It was very chilly and we appreciated our warm wool blankets and “baby alpaca” hot water bottle for sleeping. Dinner and highlights of the day were shared around the table under the big green tent. 

- Julie Scott