The Call of the Andes

As a biologist and environmental activist, my heart beats in rhythm with the pulse of nature. The allure of the Andes, with its sacred mountains and hidden lagoons, was a siren call I could not resist. The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate promised an adventure that would take me deep into the heart of Peru’s natural beauty, a journey that would test my endurance and reward my senses.

The day began in the early hours, the city of Cusco still wrapped in the quiet embrace of dawn. Our small group, a mix of eager adventurers and seasoned travelers, gathered with anticipation. The journey to the community of Pacchanta was a blur of winding roads and sleepy conversations, the landscape gradually shifting from urban sprawl to the rugged beauty of the Andes.

Upon arrival, the crisp mountain air was invigorating, a stark contrast to the warmth of the van. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on foot, the path ahead promising both challenge and wonder. The terrain was as varied as it was beautiful, each step a testament to the raw power of nature. The altitude was a constant companion, a reminder of the heights we were reaching, both physically and metaphorically.

The Dance of the Lagoons

The first lagoon, Azulcocha, appeared like a sapphire nestled among the peaks, its waters reflecting the sky in a perfect mirror. Each subsequent lagoon offered its own unique beauty, a palette of colors that seemed almost unreal. Otorongo, Oq’ecocha, Pucacocha, Pachaspata, Alqacocha, and Q’omercocha—each name rolled off the tongue like a song, each sight a verse in the epic of the Andes.

The journey between the lagoons was a dance with the landscape, a rhythm of ascent and descent that challenged both body and spirit. The path was not easy, the stones underfoot a reminder of the earth’s ancient history. Yet, with each step, I felt a deeper connection to the land, a kinship with the mountains that transcended the physical exertion.

The flora and fauna of the region were a biologist’s dream, a living tapestry of life adapted to the harsh conditions of high altitude. Vicuñas grazed in the distance, their elegant forms a testament to nature’s adaptability. The air was filled with the calls of Andean birds, their songs a soundtrack to our journey.

The Return to Pacchanta

As the sun began its descent, we made our way back to Pacchanta, the promise of hot springs a beacon of comfort after a day of exertion. The thermal waters were a balm for tired muscles, the warmth seeping into bones chilled by the mountain air. It was a moment of reflection, a chance to absorb the day’s experiences and the lessons learned from the land.

The return journey to Cusco was a quiet one, the van filled with the soft sounds of slumber and the occasional murmur of conversation. The road back was long, the congestion a reminder of the challenges of travel in remote areas. Yet, despite the discomfort, there was a sense of camaraderie among us, a shared understanding of the beauty and hardship we had experienced together.

The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate is not a journey for the faint of heart, but for those willing to embrace the challenge, it offers a glimpse into the soul of the Andes. It is a reminder of the power and beauty of nature, a call to protect and preserve these hidden gems for future generations. For me, it was a journey of discovery, a chance to reconnect with the wild places that fuel my passion for conservation and adventure.