Day 1 Capuliyoc to Chiquisca (5/8/23, 1:59:43PM)

Started the day at the Cordero’s in Uribamba; Loaded up at 0700 and had to take a longer route to the trail head due to an unusual snow/rain storm that hit overnite; Snow at ~10,500’ with many fallen trees, sloppy roads and damaged crops. Not good for the locals. Drove to Cachora to pick up one of our “horsemen” Emerson and have lunch in a local home (see pics) before our departure. Then drove to the trailhead at Capuliyoc to begin our trip… in the cold pouring rain! Full rain gear and gloves and a very sloppy trip downhill hill to Chiquisca. Highlight of the trip down was spotting 2 Andean Condor’s, only 1 small slip and fall in the slop, and the rain stopping just as we arrived to our destination. Thankfully our intrepid guide Guillermo, had convinced us to stay in local Hostels/Refugio’s, which turned out to be a god send. Beyond basic but at least a roof overhead and not sleeping on the ground! 😊 Rain stopped upon our arrival, Frye’s out our gear and enjoyed a couple of large beers (S15 each) and a hot shower (S6 each)… best $6 usd I’ve ever spent! Later that evening, our cooker, Marco started us with tea and snacks (popcorn, crackers and butter) a half hour before dinner, which is customary, and rolled into the main meal which always started with some type of local vegetable/rice or noodle soup, and tonight a the main meal consisting of chicken drumstick, steamed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots with rice as a side. So good….especially considering Marco only had one burner and cooked off the ground. What could possibly be better? Finally a cup of tea and then bed. Wake up call set for 0600.