(Over)loading the taxi at La Balsa border crossing
Going south to Jaen, passing by completely dry river basins
(there is a dry season (i.e. European winter) in Peru in August)
(there is a dry season (i.e. European winter) in Peru in August)
Young sellers waiting for long-distance buses in their village
Jaen, originally planned for a short stopover only, hosted the travelers in a very pleasant way and provided them with quite unexpected observations - such great level of resemblance to the core features of Indian way of life definitely went beyond the boundaries of negligible coincidence. Rickshaws everywhere, low prices, roof-less houses, numerous kid beggars, fresh lime soda stalls, river basin full of litter, extremely bustling street life, some unpaved roads, even the act of pouring out buckets of unidentified liquids straight onto the street... that all could not be overlooked in Jaen, but had been hardly possible to notice in other South American countries visited so far. All in all, it has been fairly enjoyable change in up-to-now routine of the trip.
Jaen, the city of rickshaws
(eventually applies for other Peruvians cities, too)
(eventually applies for other Peruvians cities, too)
In the evening of the other "transport day" (6 hours to Chiclayo, 3 more further on), the crew reached Trujillo. Not having any more Nuevo soles (Peruvian currency), they set off for the night city walk to withdraw the cash. Although they did not manage to get even half of the required sum (annoying withdrawal limits being in place in every country/bank so far), they ended up the day well, with decent portion of roasted chicken and Inca Kola, yellow, tutti-frutti-flavoured counterpart of Coca Cola.
Trying out a street snack (mashed corn with chicken, wrapped in corn leaves) at the bus station in Chicklayo
Delicious dinner - roasted chicken, chips, avocado salad and Inca Kola
Roasted guinea pig is a local specialty - thus they feed them really well:)
Visiting nearby archeological sites of the Chimún and Mocha culture - Huaca del Sol, Chan Chan and three others - as well as 3-hour trip to neighbouring fishermen's village and Peruvian surfing capital of Huanchaco, made the expeditioners busy for the entire day, before taking a night bus to Huaraz.
One of many rickshaw rides of the day, while exploring pre-Columbian culture sites around Trujillo
In Chan Chan, the biggest ancient sand complex in the world
Huaraz, located right between 6.000 m high peaks of Cordillera Blanca (Andes mountain range), became travelers' base camp for the upcoming 5 days. The first one was dedicated to the city itself, and a half-day aclimatization trip to Cañon del Pato and its surroundings, close to the mountain village of Caraz.
Outskirts of Huaraz
Local woman just bought two fresh chicken on Huaraz market
Following four days were spent on wonderful Santa Cruz treking circuit - a group of 3 Czechs, 2 Polish, 1 Swiss, 2 locals (guide, cook) and 3 donkeys all enjoyed breathtaking cloudless views of snowy Andean peaks, unbelievably cyan lagoons and rich animal life. The highest point (Punta Union pass, 4.750 m) was not easy to climb up, but everyone eventually managed and got rewarded by unmatched natural sceneries. Three chilly nights in tents, friendly company and delicious on-the-spot prepared dishes were other highlights of the trek.
On Santa Cruz trek
Sleeping in stylish tents, right under nearby 6km mountain peaks
Reached the top - the Punta Union pass (4.750 m)
Different natural views on the way down
El Fredovito chilling at the waterfalls
May the Maya be with you! :)
2 comments:
Thank you guys for the recommendation, we are about to start our Huaras adventure. May Maya be with all of us.
Glad to hear you eventually put Huaraz on the track, we're sure you won't regret!:) Have a perfect tour!
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