Choquequirao Trek Day 3

Third stage: Choquequirao Archaeological Site - Maizal
Length: 15 km
Duration: 9 hours
Difference in elevation: approx. 2770 m (ascent: 1410m // descent: 1360m)

The third day we started our ascent to the peak of the Choquequirao mountain at 3272 masl

After a last glance at the magnificent village of the Incas...

...and a breath taking view on the valley with the sacred platform, we continued our descent.

We took a final look back at the mountain range to increase our motivation before continuing our journey.

On our way, we passed another archaeological site at 2419m.

Yet some more agricultural gardens of the Incas.

We were amazed by how the Incas built so elaborated gardens in such a remote area.

From this point, we could already see the steep ascent that was lying ahead of us.

But before ascending, we had to get down to the river across some magic old trees.

It seemed that there was a jinx on us, because the river appeared to be so near but we didn't get closer. The sun was burning and our water bottle was empty.

After a lot of cursing, we finally approached the river and could quench our thirst with fresh crystal clear water.

The descent started at 3272 meters above sea level and ended at 1912 m (Rio Blanco).

On this picture you can see the backside of the mountain that we descended in approx. 5 hours.

At the river we joined our two 'arrieros' and granted ourselves a little break before starting to climb the next mountain.

 

From the river bank, the path took us at 3000m to the camp site 'Maizal'.

After arriving at the peak, we were dirty and tired but also proud that we made it this far.

 

At the camp side we 'cooked dinner' in the dark and prepared our night's lodging.

We woke up half frozen but with an amazing view. In the night it was so cold, that we had to take the HORSE BLANKET to cover us up. If you've ever gotten in contact with the smell of a horse cover, you know how cold we were during the night.