• AliceAlainPeruTraveler
    1Village kids "helping" Alain with the water filter
    2Morning light on Laguna de Patón1Leaving our lakeside camping spot2Morning reflections and a rare blue skyGetting higher, colder and muddierMine and processing plant beneath our pass1Read that sign (too tired to climb up to it). 4737mComplete change of scenery - back to open rolling plateau1The plateau is around 4000mA solid chunk of mountainFinally we find an area where Alpacas are raised and can be seen in large groups.Showers threaten for much of the dayNo shortage of AlpacaBetween showers we can see the snowy chain of Santa Rosa (5706m)1It's hailing/snowing and the landscape is turning white1Bumping on down. This journey is largely unpaved1Arrived at Uchumarca (3943m). The village kids welcome us and help with the tent!1Water chore, so entertaining!2Off go the kids with Alain - to do a little shopping.1Our tent, sheltered for the night of rain. Water filter in action

    The kids of Uchumarca

    October 12, 2025 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    The day begins with beautiful light over laguna de Patón but quickly becomes gray and windy as we make our way through a complicated multi-choice multi-hairpin unpaved/cobbled wet and slippery road in company of huge mining trucks. When we emerge, at 4737m, we are physically tired and nervously exhausted. A large and peaceful plain is next, where a large population of Alpaca and Llama grazes happily, interspaced with the classics, sheep and cows.

    After a few more hours we arrive in Uchumarca, welcomed by a bunch of children all curious to know who we are! They guide us to a shelter near the (adventist) church, where we can praise our tent for the night. Both the kids and us seem thrilled with each other's company!    Read more