Caminata Lares - Moray

Three days of contact with nature, three days of delightful lonely walks accross green pastures and mighthy hights, three days of embracing the elements and gazing the stars, I´ve just finished it and long for it already...


It all started with a sweet gift (swiss chocolate, thanks Rebbeca) and a cargo truck ride to my starting point: Lares and its hot springs. A one walk brings me to the hardest, and most beautifull, part of the trek: crossing the Andes at the Ucchupata Pass, somewhere in the 5000's mts high. Going up the pass you can find several lakes, hidden by the clouds in mid afternoon but shinning white in the morning as the sun rays caress them. Yes, I camped here. The morning dew was more a morning frost but the sun quickly came to help and enjoy breakfast by my side. We talked for a bit and before He left, He pointed to the wooden croos atop the pass. That would be my mark to reach that day. Not an easy task as with each step the 20kg pack became heavier and heavier but the soaring heights brought a gift with them, an amazing view of the rainforest which laid just past the mountains and could now be seen from an angle. Incredible view!

And from the heights, one can only go down, so a fairly easy six hour walk took me to the salt mines, pretty but exercion takes it toll and makes it hard to enjoy. Good company brings me over Maras where I can rest for the night and begin the rest of the walk the next day: to the agriculture centre of Moray, almost alien looking circles beautify this huge hole in the ground. Maybe there were aliens here, who could tell?