Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve
The Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve protects a mix of magnificent snowy mountains, bright blue-green lakes, canyons, and rivers.
It's not a hidden gem, but since getting there is not easy if you don't have your own wheel, you don't see many tourists.
Day 1
Day 2
Days 3 and 4
Visiting the villages of Vilca, Huancaya and Vitis... Check the next post.
Day 5
In the last hour before reaching a mountain pass at close to 5000 metres, I was hearing thunder behind me, and I could see some thick dark clouds on the horizon. I stopped at the highest point on this journey, thinking I can take a 15 minutes break for some photos. Ouch! The rains catch on in just a few minutes.
At this altitude, it's actually snow falling from the sky. The ground quickly turns to mud and driving the motorbike become more perilous. I can choose to backtrack knowing that I have at least a 3-hour drive before reaching a place to shelter. I can also choose to continue on my way not really knowing what's coming, but also how many hours will be needed before I reach civilization.
I chose to go on. From that moment on, I spent the next hour in the snow and mud with a very bad visibility. Since my helmet's visor is constantly fogged up, I have to leave it open, but that way, the snow hits my face and it's really hard to keep my eyes open. So much fun!
After this arduous hour, the snow change to rain since I go down in altitude. Finally, I can see in front of me. However, I will enjoy two more hours of rains. Even with my rain gears, I ended up being wet and shaking from the cold.
When I finally arrive in a small village, I am lucky enough to find that it has a hotel. My host welcomes me somewhat surprised since I travel with a motorbike, and especially because I am stuttering so much from my shaking and the fact I am numb.
I am starving and the one restaurant in the village is closed. I ask my host to help me and he takes my hand and brings me to a private house where he asks the family to make me a meal. I eat an excellent llama steak with vegetables.
All is well that ends well.
