Day 9- we got up at 2 to leave at 2:30 for the mountain. Our 3 1/2 hour bus ride in darkness where we tried for more sleep was attempted on perhaps most ridiculously bumpy road ever. After the first 3 hours, we stopped to get breakfast where it was even colder, and dogs we saw had frost on their backs.
Apu Winicunca, 5,200 meters at he highest point, more commonly known as the rainbow mountain, was only discovered about 25 years ago when because of global warming, the snow melted and the colors were seen for the first time. The colors are made from different minerals, such as quartz for white, iron for red, lime stone, and so forth. A small part of our group chose to walk to the mountain and back, and the rest of us took horses led by locals. For those of us walking, it was truly a fantastic feat, as the hike was very difficult and on the way up there were some falls, and many breaks were taken as the thin air required. Even for those who were on horses for most of the way up, it was a hard climb. The first peak was incredible, and we then made our way to the highest peak, which is perhaps one of the most spectacular views in the world, with the rainbow mountains and snowcaps on each side.
After a long walk back to our van, we were all extremely tired, combined from the long walk and our 2 AM start to the day. The ride back was a quiet and exhausted one, but we all knew just how worth it the experience was.
- Lucy Bowman
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