QUECHUANDES - Trekking & Climbing Peru

The incredible trek from the Queshque Valley to Lake Pamparaju gives the hiker the chance to discover two of the Cordillera Blanca’s most stunning, unique and secluded valleys, where turquoise glacial lakes, unusual flora and fascinating birdlife abound. Starting from the valley, the even trail leads around the shores of Lake Queshquecocha, past extraordinary giant bromeliad plants known as Puya Raimondi. The snow-capped peaks of Mount Pongos (5680m) and Mururaju (5688m) can be seen towering high above the picturesque trail that ends at the beautiful Lake Jarapococha bordered by the biggest forest of Puya Raimondi. These astonishing ancient plants can reach up to 12 metres in height and can produce as many as 10,000 flowers, the highest number of any plant in the world. The campsite where we spend the night is located beside the forest of puyas at the gate of the Tranca Ruri valley, which offers tremendous views of the glaciated Mount Mururaju. Beyond the camp, the trail ascends in a series of terraces - past roaring waterfalls, intriguing flora and grazing horses - until it reaches the upper reaches of the valley. Here the scattered rocks of the moraine of Mount Pamparaju - home to the rabbit-like viscacha - are the final challenge before we arrive at our destination, the breath-taking Lake Pamparaju with its crystalline azure waters bordered by pure ice and rosy boulders.
Those who are in good shape, and if time allows it, can continue up to the glacier of Mount Pongos.