Hello friends and family!
Today our team climbed up and over Salcantay Pass which rests at 15,200 ft. (4,638m)! We started at 7 am and hiked up the Rio Blanca river. At first the mountain was obscured by fog but the powerful sun burned off the clouds giving us incredible views of Salcantay Peak. It was a sustained, steep hike up to the pass. We stepped aside for the horse trains as they passed by carrying provisions from town to town over the pass. We had great weather and everyone did most excellent getting up and over the pass.
We celebrated at the pass and took in the mountain soaring above us over 20,000 ft. We then began our descent down the pass to the Wayra Lodge. Welcomed with hot towels and tea, we relaxed for the rest of the evening in our own ways. Options include: Massage, jacuzzi, napping, editing photos & wine and conversation 🙂 Followed by another amazing meal of potato and leak soup, steak and veggies with a delicious pastry desert. From now on we have a cook that travels with us to the rest of the lodges. To my delight, our cook is none other than Rosa Cobos, daughter of well known Peruvian, Juvinelle Cobos, who guided many of the famous South American explorers into the Andes looking for lost cities of the Inca. It is a great honor to have her on our trip!
After dinner we had a lovely surprise of some Peruvian Independence Day celebrations and dancing! Felix viente ocho!
Tomorrow we we will hike to the Colpa Lodge, stay tuned for more adventures from team Muchos Piscos!
-Anna Zajicek
