We continue on our trip, bordering mountainsides which, at the appropriate time, show us the entrance to a peaceful valley. Its quiet slopes lead us to the highest point called Punta Carhuac at 4,650 m .(15,250 ft.). The view shows us a Cordillera reluctant to fascinate us with all its splendor. For a moment, we have to be satisfied with it. We continue on our adventure on a flat valley that descends gently towards what seems to be a large windowpane. This makes us think that we will find a great slope at the end, but to our surprise we are met with enormous Lake Carhuacocha . Our senses and emotions are overwhelmed, but if we turn to look to the lake's surroundings, we will be truly amazed before the natural scene. We find ourselves at the defiant walls of Yerupaja Grande, Yerupaja Chico, Siula, Carnicero, Jirishanca Grande, Jirishanca Chico, mountains whose bases are decorated with beautiful bodies of water named Lake Quesillacocha , Lake Siula and Lake Cangrajanca . They pour into enormous Lake Carhuachocha 's blue-turquoise waters. The view is generous to us, since we can enjoy the mountains up close while the flowing water sings to us. We think such a view would not be possible had the Creator's hand not taken part in such a mesmerizing scene.
We continue on our way at the head of the lake towards a mountainside which we have to ascend among occasional slopes until we arrive to the top of a slightly challenging valley. We leave behind the beauty we were enjoying a few hours before. After a somewhat prolonged walk, we arrive to Punta Carnicero at 4,600 m .(15,090 ft.) where we are delighted by new natural surroundings. We go down a valley and head towards some lakes we have to border. Snowcapped Carnicero, Jurau and Trapecio are our faithful companions. We head to a village named Huayhuash, inhabited by indigenous farmers and ranchers who live in unique stone or adobe buildings with straw roofs. These friendly locals have preserved rich, ancestral customs and lead a peaceful lifestyle. This little town gives an excellent view of the majestic snowcapped Trapecio and Puscanturpa, true protectors of these peoples and elongated valleys. Our next step can be seen from here, as we walk along a trail that allows us to see a long traverse to the pass. Little by little, we begin to gain some altitude without much effort. We hike along occasionally rocky terrain which serves as dens to playful vizcachas , cute little animals resembling rabbits but with long, squirrel-like tails. Once in Punta Portachuelo at 4,750 m .(15,580 ft.) , seeing how close Puscanturpa and the majestic Trapecio southeast face are, is true motivation for our effort. If we look to the other side of the pass, the beauty does not end, since Cordillera Raura and its glacial peaks are located there. In spite of neither being too high nor challenging, this mountain range's summits offer a lovely landscape that we will remember with gratitude. We continue on our route following an encouraging downhill slope with gentle rolling hills and a natural area that constantly gives us pleasurable moments. We go around Lake Viconga 's emerald-green waters, which serves as a dam.
A few kilometers further down, we find a great source of thermal waters that extends several meters along the valley, inviting us to take a dip in its numerous water pits rudimentarily built by the inhabitants. It is truly relaxing for our bodies to be surrounded by the stillness of nature and its magical beauty, inviting us to enjoy it. What else could one ask for? As we take a pleasant, warm bath, we recall these experiences, which possibly, we may never relive. After this soothing yet occasional bath, we continue along green pastures and a winding crystalline river which leads our ascent to Punta San Cristobal at 4,150 m .(13,610 ft.) with a noticeable descent near a small village named Cajatambo. From up high, it looks calm and picturesque. Cajatambo is a typical Andean town with Republican-style constructions. It invites to walk along its narrow streets and enjoy the warmth of its people. They still preserve their rich customs and traditions as their only lifestyle. It is a peaceful place where people devote themselves to agriculture. It bids us farewell, since here we will start our return trip to Huaraz.
First Day: Huaraz – Chiquian – Llamac.
Second Day: Llamac – Pampa Llamac – Lake Jahuacocha.
Third Day: Lake Jahuacocha – Punta Sambunya – Rondoy Valley.
Fourth Day: Rondoy Valley– Punta Cacanan – Lake Mitucocha.
Fifth Day: Lake Mitucocha - Punta Carhuac - Lake Carhuacocha.
Sixth Day: Lake Carhuacocha – Punta Carnicero – Huayhuash.
Seventh Day: Hayhuash – Punta Portachuelo – Viconga.
Eight Day: Viconga –Pumarinri Valley– Cajatambo.
Ninth Day: Cajatambo – Huaraz.
Tenth Day: A rest day, which can be included within the program at some point which would allow us to do a short approximation trek with a pleasant view. (Arrangements can be made with those interested in keeping or omitting this day. However, in this case, it is recommended.)
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