We awoke on Day 5 on a local farmer’s property on the edge of the town of Cuper Alto, the sheep in the pasture next to us we still sleeping. With frost on our tents and a warm cup of instant coffee with a healthy dose of powder coco, backcountry mocha, our guide Juan briefed us on today’s hike.
We will hike 6 miles up the Queñua Sundur Valley over a 14,400 ft pass, then drop into the Sacred Valley to camp at Huchuy Qosqo. My husband Fred and I decided on a multisport trip in Peru because you get the best of both worlds, the once in a lifetime chance to see remains Inca Empire and some outdoor adventure. We were going to experience both in the next 24 hours.
After a hearty breakfast, we headed out through town passing children on their way to school. They practiced their English and giggled, while we tried out Spanish and they giggled. Fred and I pushed ahead of the group, to enjoy the cold quiet of the morning. Around the bend we saw some dust clouds and a couple sheep, then a lamb, and another, then a whole herd of sheep poured out of their enclosure followed by a couple and their small son. Stuck in Queñua Sundur Valley’s morning rush hour, we exchanged pleasantries with the family; Juan gave the little boy a toy that lit his eyes up, followed by a bashful turn to hide in his mother’s skirt. When the trail widened, we passed safely on the left to continue on the trail to take up, up and over into the Sacred Valley.
A couple of miles later we find ourselves in a high elevation valley, similar to those hiked in our Montana home, except for one fascinating difference, terracing. There are crop terraces throughout the valley, although not as consistent as the lower and more lush valleys, it’s a patchwork on the mountain-side at breathtaking (literally) elevation and steep grade.
Slow and steady, I could see the trail hook up and over, disappearing over the pass. There is that gut tingle when just coming over a pass or summiting a peak when you just want to sprint so you can see what is on the other side, but your body and lungs hold you in the moment, to just wait for it. What satisfaction indeed, to be surrounded by the snowy Andes and plunging green valleys. All of the sweat, strain, huffing, and puffing is forgotten when you get that first view, it feels like no one has ever seen it before.
After countless photographs, water and a little chocolate re-charge it was time to head down the valley to Camp Huchuy Qosqo. We descended quickly into a narrow valley where bromeliads clung to the rock walls and the trail followed a creek through swaths of Lupine flowers. Fred kept seeing hummingbirds, and we spotted a hawk perched across the creek. From a cliff side vantage point we could see our home for the night, Huchuy Qosqo, similarly perched on the mountainside above the Sacred Valley.
We set up camp and rested staring out in awe over the ruins and the immense Sacred Valley below. We were the only people there apart from the handful of archeologists excavating this somewhat inaccessible Inca site. There are no roads, just the trail we came over the pass on and the one we go down the next day, so not many travelers venture to this little known Inca stronghold. It was ours for the evening.
~Laura Cahill, Adventure Life
Adventure Life provides authentic adventure travel to our world’s legendary locations. Combining award-winning operating standards with exceptional itineraries, our trips are carefully designed to experience the best of the region, while allowing flexibility for the unexpected and unpredictable that make each trip unique. For more info visit adventure-life.com and facebook.com/adventurelife.
Well I will say it has not been a fluid nor consistent journey, but 2 years later I have a different commitment and understanding of Yoga. My Yoga practice has now become a core element to my life. Those many years of running keeps my hand from the ground in triangle pose, but I know the difference to know that doesn’t matter.
Having the opportunity to have the space, I asked if we could use the room, they charged us a buck a piece and we had our longest session amongst the mosquitoes and sticky air. I enjoyed the process and even had fun with making light of where I am at with my practice “aim your hands for the floor and if you haven’t been running for 25 years, you’ll probably make it, or listen to what I am saying not what my body is doing.” I loved it.
Yet again the logistical hurdle rears its head. This time we need surfboards, proper fitting wetsuits and a trailer so we can take our Kids Camp Program all up and down the west coast. We don’t just want to ask for money though. We want all of our supporters to be a part of everything we do, and we want those participating in our camps to see everyone who is helping make this happen.
