Fifth stage of the Huayhuash trek, sunny again but colder than any other day.
Santa Rosa
The fifth stage takes us from the Cuyocpampa camp at 4,550 metres to the Huayllapa camp at 3,650 metres via the Santa Rosa pass at 5,080 metres. Distance: 20 km, 700 metres of elevation gain and 1,600 metres of elevation loss.
At 5 a.m., Ricardo wakes us up with our coca tea. Today's stage is longer, so we get up a little earlier. We pack up quickly and have breakfast.
Huayhuash
Today's snack is pears and biscuits.
From the camp, we cross the valley towards Paso Santa Rosa. The first stretch is quite steep, climbing 300 metres in a couple of kilometres, until we reach a small valley that gives us a break.
Huayhuash
From the valley, we can see the hill where the Santa Rosa pass is located. We walk slowly, little by little, until we reach the top of the 200-metre climb that separates us from the summit.
Huayhuash
The Santa Rosa Pass, at 5,080 metres, offers spectacular views of the Jurau, Sarapocha and Santa Rosa lagoons and the impressive snow-capped mountains.
Santa Rosa pass
We waited for the rest of the group and began our descent.
We arrived at the Jurau Lagoon viewpoint and rested for a few minutes. The turquoise blue colour is amazing.
Huayhuash
We leave the snow-capped Jurau and Carnicero behind us and begin our descent into the valley along a path parallel to the Huayllapa River. Once in the valley, we stop for lunch. Giovanni has prepared stuffed beetroot and tomatoes, which are delicious.
Huayhuash
We still have two hours of brisk walking ahead of us before we reach the Huayllapa camp. The valley disappears and we descend through a beautiful ravine.
Upon arriving at the camp, we bid farewell to the group. Our 5-day trek through Huayshuash has come to an end. A taxi awaits us to take us to Cajatambo, where we will spend the night and from where the bus to Lima will depart tomorrow.
Comida
Cajatambo is small and our hostel is next to the bus station, which is actually a grocery store (selling a bit of everything). We bought tickets for tomorrow at 4 am for 50 soles per person. It closes at 7 pm.
We are staying at Hotel Huayhuash, a double room with bathroom and breakfast included for $21. The pity is that we are leaving before 4 am and cannot enjoy it.
Huayhuash
We had dinner at the same place, two chicken milanesas with rice and chips and two coca teas for 60 soles, a bit expensive for the area, but that's what happens when you don't ask how much the dish costs beforehand. Still, it was very tasty.
Soon it was time for a shower and bed, as we had to get up early the next day.
Huayhuash
Our thanks to the entire Franpisco Adventure team for their excellent work. Also to the whole group that made this journey possible: Ximena, Vanessa, Holli, Max, Oliver, Jessica, Sofia, Jona, and Angus. In the mountains and in life, it is important to support each other in order to fully enjoy the adventure. We had a wonderful time and will take with us the group's affection and precious memories.
Is the Huayhuash trek one of the most beautiful in the world? We can say yes, and we invite you to live the experience.
Huayhuash
Huayhuash Trekking with Franpisco Adventure €446/person (500$) for 5 days, not including the entrance fee to the indigenous community (220 soles/person)
Taxi from Huayllapa to Cajatambo included in the trek
Accommodation at Hotel Huayhuash, double room with bathroom and breakfast included for $21
Dinner at Hotel Huayhuash, two chicken milanesas with rice and chips and two coca teas for 60 soles
Bus from Cajatambo to Lima 50 soles/person
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