On tour with Estelle and Jean-Marc: Choquequirao Trek Day 4

Fourth stage: Maizal - Yanama
Length: 12 km
Duration: 8 hours
Difference in elevation: approx. 1776 m (ascent: 1150m // descent: 626m)

From Maizal we climbed up the mountain on a muddy Inca trail.

As we rose higher, the views were getting better and better.

José-Luis, our 'arriero' was actually no real 'arriero'. As we booked the tour quite spontaneously, Daime couldn't find a real 'arriero', therefore he asked José-Luis (who is in his everyday life a young taxi driver) to help out.

It was the first time José-Luis did this tour. He did it very well and even though he enjoyed the trip, he entrusted us that he would rather continue with his taxi rides than doing those difficult trekking tours.

The way pulled itself with some flat but also some steep passages to get across the Victoria Pass.

On top of the hill, 'Abra San Juan', we reached our highest altitude, 4150 meters above sea level.

After a spartanly lunch break with an overwhelming view on the valley...

...we started our descent to the village Yanama at 3524m.

The passages were very narrow...

...especially for the mules.

But also for us, the path was quite frightening.

On our left, the gorge fell a few hundred meters down and there were no handrails on the way. This trail isn't advised for people with fear of heights.

After a rather nice promenade, we reached the beginning of the village, where we spent our last night in the freezing tent under the smelly horse covers.

Pedro (69, on the left) our guide was very tired after this difficult journey and he told us that this is going to be his last tour to Yanama. His brother Daime came especially from Cachora to Yanama to spend the last night with his brother and us.

Our 'arriero' José-Luis had to take the mules back to Cachora during a 3 days trek. On his way back he could luckily ride the mules, because they had to carry no luggage anymore.