[Sakura R] has always held the belief that no path is ever truly dull; feeling “bored” simply means one’s understanding of biology, geology, and human history is lacking, and they fail to see the world through the eyes of a naturalist (which is why I’ve been continuously enriching my knowledge in these areas over the years).
⚓️ After completing the Santa Cruz trek solo, I realized that meeting more people and engaging with the locals could add a new layer of depth to the experience. The snow-capped mountains and vast blue lakes, while breathtaking, might not seem as monotonous if they were intertwined with the rich tapestry of human culture—this is the captivating allure of humanism, a perspective I find hard to resist.
(Encounters along the way were few, but the most memorable was when the shepherd, Pedro, recognized me and asked if I had just hiked the winding trail. He even remembered my companions [doge]).
[Fire R] So far, the most unforgettable experience in Peru has been riding in a “minivan”: a flexible mode of transport where you can hop on and off at any time, without a fixed schedule or designated stops. Just stand by the roadside, and you’ll be picked up. The passengers are a fascinating mix of farmers, students, and transport workers… This small van is the true “heart” of Peru [sly smile R], making me feel like I’ve been “reborn” and reconnected with the world. This sensation has been incredibly strong during my 20+ days in Peru, inspiring me with new plans…
[Beer R] The next leg of my journey will take me from a natural paradise to a cultural haven, and I’ll have companions [party R].
⛰️ About the Santa Cruz trek:
– It is perhaps the most renowned beginner-level multi-day hike in Peru, typically lasting 3-4 days.
– The total distance ranges from 43km to 56km, depending on the additional routes chosen.
– My route: check the Strava app (Heidi Zhang).
– There is only one 4800-meter pass, Punta Unión.
– The western starting point is Cashapampa, and the eastern starting point is Vaquería. Since the eastern route is less traveled and harder to reach, it’s recommended to go from east to west, otherwise, finding transportation after the trek might be challenging.
– I strongly recommend the side trip to the large blue lake valley of Almapayo base camp (otherwise, this route can feel a bit “mundane”).
– To get to the starting point Vaquería: If you prefer convenience, you can book a taxi through a travel agency. For a more adventurous approach: take the collectivo to Yungay from the north riverbank of Huaraz at 5 am, and upon arrival, there will be many vehicles available to take you to Vaquería. Personally, I met a local heading the same way at the Pisco mountain lodge and got a ride.
#OutdoorsIsMySpiritualSanctuary #DepartureIsArrival #Hiking #MyHikingDiary #MeasuringTheWorldByHiking #Peru #PeruHiking #Huascaran #HikingRouteRecommendation #SouthAmerica
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