Santa Cruz Trek - Day 2 - Llamacorral Campsite to Taullipampa Campsite

We awoke at 6:30 to a cup of hot tea, a bowl of hot water to warm up and then a hot breakfast of pancakes and porridge. With only three of us in the group and all strong hikers, we didn’t rush out the tent. Instead, we hit the trail by 8:30 and strolled through the valley. We quickly reached Laguna Ichiccocha, the first lake, which was more of a giant, shallow picturesque pond than a substantial body of water. Reeds pierced the surface with baby trout swimming just beneath the surface.

We walked along the lake shore which was flat and soft underfoot. What a break from rocky uneven terrain from which most trails are cut . After the lake, we continued through a meadow until reaching the second, far more substantial lake, laguna Jatuncocha.

Luckily the wind was at our backs.  We stopped for lunch of a fresh avocado , potatoes and fresh salad. Normally we wouldn't eat raw peeled fruit and vegetables. However, our guide and cook seemed extremely careful with their food preparation. Since they were providing all of our drinking water, we figured if they weren't careful with the food they wouldn't be careful with our water and we would all get sick anyway. So the risk wasn't really much.

We then had a mere hundred meter climb before reaching the expansive Taullipampa campsite at the foot three towering massifs once we turned the corner. The beacons we followed all day were now at center stage. Clouds teased the peaks and we waited until they lifted to do our first wedding dress shot of the trip. Ben seemed to be feeling the effects of the altitude a little, but was persevering.  

After shooting pics, including some for our guide, we had a substantial snack of freshly cooked cheese wantons. It turned out to be too substantial as I overate and was feeling ill. Who knew having too good of a cook can be a disadvantage!

As we ate dinner, foxes patrolled the campsite in search of scraps. Too bad the sun had set and it was dark. All we saw were their glowing eyes. Even though we were in high season and this trek was advertised as a crowded one, we went to bed in the relatively quiet campground. That is, if you discount the Moooooooooooooooooo that would blast out just above our heads in the tent. How is it the cows didn’t accidently trample us in the tents anyway?

The story continues...