Part II: Beyond Machu Picchu
The Descent from the High Andes to Lima
By Nancy Dorrans
If you read my article last month, you know I attended the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) Adventure Elevate Latin America event in Peru. The first few days were spent on a pre-adventure of high-altitude trekking, turquoise glacial lakes, archaeology, and Andean culture in the Peruvian Andes. I was learning there was much more to discover of Peru beyond Machu Picchu.
Here is Part II of my adventure beyond Machu Picchu.
On the fourth night, we slept in a high-altitude mobile camp and awoke to a soft chilling rain. After being served strong black coffee in our tents, an ample breakfast, and camaraderie with the team from Explorandes, we drove up the switchback road with hairpin turns to start our hike.
We ascended up the Llanganuco Valley to reach Cebollapampa at 3,760 meters (12,336 feet). This was the starting point of the most challenging day of our adventure yet; the 8.6 mile hike up to 4,604 meters (15,105 feet) above sea level to Lake 69. The total elevation gain was 844 meters (2,769 feet).
This day went differently for me than I had planned. I started up with the group, but I soon realized the altitude had caught up with me. Sure, I wanted to keep going but my body said no. I knew it would be best for all if I turned around. So, I listened to my own body and that was the right decision.
I got a ride back down to the camp and crawled back into my tent. When I awoke two hours later, I watched, offered, and tried to help break down our camp. What an efficient team and amazing feat to set up this elaborate high mountain camp, take it down and pack it all into the vans for just one night. The team members from Explorandes were so strong, fit, friendly, well-acclimated, and the most experienced and courteous hosts!
Six hours later, my fellow hikers came off the trail and crawled into the van. The hike had been challenging for all. What was listed as a “3-hour activity” took them well over six hours. We headed back down to Huaraz, appreciative of the opportunity but oh so weary.
Lima – Day of Adventure
At Hotel el Patio de Monterrey in Huaraz, our group recapped our adventure over cocktails and a delicious local dinner. A restful overnight and late morning flight brought us back to Lima to switch gears and begin the three-day ATTA Elevate conference. The next day was our “DOA” or “Day of Adventure”!
We had many choices for our Day of Adventure. I was catching up after coming down out of the Peruvian high peaks and signed up for a sea level, not too strenuous, boat trip called “Beyond the City” of Lima. The description read: “Just beyond Lima’s coastline lies a remarkable marine ecosystem where wildlife, history, and conservation come together.”
Our DOA ship navigated out and around the scenic islands of Callao. A pod of dolphins joined our adventure and surrounded the boat. We smelled and heard the sea lions before we saw them. We spotted pelicans, penguins, and soaring seabirds all around. What a welcome and unique landscape that exists off the coast, along the natural protected islands. And it is all just minutes from Lima, Peru’s capital.
After our DOA, I joined Henry Sisa from Adventure Journeys-Ecuador and Rene Valencia from Valencia Travel-Cusco and watched France play Senegal in the World Cup at Malajuntas Bar in Lima’s colorful neighborhood Miraflores! Ole!
Peru Beyond Machu Picchu
The next two days were busy. I was invited and attended a Women Travel Leader dinner event at Museo Larco. This stunning museum, housed in an 18th-century viceregal mansion, exhibits 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history.
Oh, and then there were the reunions with ATTA friends from around the world. A Chilean BBQ at Nick’s Hacienda, networking events, and PromPerú Oficial opening ceremony. Not to mention connections with so many new participants, local people, and businesses…
This opportunity gave me the chance to experience Peru beyond Machu Picchu — the attraction most US market clients associate with the country. Looking ahead, this experience will help with my mission to share “off the beaten path” adventures.
In turn, this will help our industry and planet (due to the effects of over-tourism) as we explore and experience new trails, cultural connections, local specialists, and some insider hospitality.
Muchas Gracias Peru!
