The Queens of the Andes

After five days of rest and doctors, we are back to the summits! From Huaraz the main road is full of speed bumps, trucks, cars, pot-holes and construction - not too enthralling, except for the changing colors of the Santa river. It rains again in the evening but we find a good enough camping spot (3915m) next to a river and a few shepherd huts. Four tiny one room shelters with thatch roofs form the corners of the dry stone wall livestock enclosures.

It all really starts the next day with the sun! We see the first set of Queen of the Andes, 'Puya Raimondii '. This plant comprises trunk and leaves like a pineapple. A huge stem (10-30m) with several thousands of flowers develops after 30 to 100 years. The flowering and seed production happens only once, lasts a whole year and spreads several millions of seeds.... and then the plant dies. The seeding had better work as it is the unique means of reproduction! As we climb we find hillsides full of these elegant Queens.

We climb bravely on the gravel/dirt/rock road during this fascinating day where we also admire bubbling springs, wild birds and a huge stone with several wallpaintings. We cover only a short distance but it is a ride packed with beauty and interest .

This time our camping spot is by the river with snow capped peaks all around. As we pitch it starts to hail. By sleeping at this altitude (4600m) we improve our chances of achieving tomorrow's climbs to the high passes.Read more