PERU

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PERU, and the RED VALLEY Blew Me Away! Our driver and guide, Ivan, were at my Hostel in an oversized van promptly at 3AM. We were heading to pick up the others and I pointed out my concerns regarding 17,030’ altitude, particularly because their guidelines say, “Not recommended for those over 60.” He asked me how long I was in CUSCO, and I told him I finished HUCHUY QOSQO two days ago. He smiled and said in his thick accent, “You will have no problem.” Turned out I Killed it. We picked up Kiki and Sara, in their early 40’s, they were a husband-and-wife oral surgeons team of from Barcelona. They shared the middle seat while I sprawled out in back.

No one had much to say during the dark part of our 3 1/2-hour drive, but we were in awe of how scarily the rugged road teetered on narrow ridges as we clung to the steep Andes topography while sunlight revealed what was in store. Farmers tending to hundreds of Alpacas and Llama also enhanced the scene. All of their Spanish was a struggle for me, but Ivan lent a hand, and it’s amazing how communication comes easy when things continued to unfold as you begin to share what turned out to be among the most spectacular mornings of your life. We were among the very few willing and able to maximize this opportunity.

Finally entering the parking area, my dream had come true. Three other vehicles! The clouds were breaking and that was a huge bonus as well. Clouds were thick all day yesterday and that could have blown it! Ivan said there would be 1,000+ tourists there by days end he turned out to be right. Another point worth knowing, RAINBOW MOUNTAIN was not discovered until 2007 because it was covered in ice previously and was not “A Thing” because there was no way to get there until 2015. I will let pics and vids take over for words now, including what the following 1,000+ tourists endured as they lined up on foot, horses, and even motorcycles, Yes, Motorcycles! I expect many never made the summit, and we did not see ANY of them hike right to the RED VALLEY, but at least they caught a glimpse of what is now known to be the brightest and most colorful mountain in the world. Thank You PERU! SALKANTAY to MACHIU PICCHU Tomorrow!